CBS News is reporting:
Former New York City mayor and presidential candidate Rudy Giuliani will be the keynote speaker at the Republican National Convention, which begins Monday, September 1st. His Tuesday night address will follow primetime speeches from Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee and Alaska Governor Sarah Palin.
Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney and Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty, who are seen as two of the most likely candidates to become John McCain’s running mate, were not granted primetime speaking slots. Romney is currently slated to speak on Wednesday, Sept 3rd, while Pawlenty is scheduled to join Charlie Crist, Sam Brownback and Mel Martinez to address the convention on Thursday, Sept. 4th, before McCain’s convention-closing address. (The schedule could change.)
Whomever McCain selects as his running mate will give an address in primetime on Wednesday, along with Cindy McCain and Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindel.
Former Democrat Joe Lieberman and Vice President Dick Cheney will speak on the convention’s first day. They will be followed in primetime by California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and President Bush and First Lady Laura Bush.
Full convention schedule can be viewed below the jump…
Monday 9/1:
Sen. Joe Lieberman, I-Conn.
Vice President Dick Cheney
Monday primetime (10-11pm Eastern Time)
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, R-Calif.
President Bush and First Lady Laura Bush
Tuesday 9/2:
Fmr. Gov. Tom Ridge, R-Pa.
Former CA Secretary of State Rosario Marin
Fmr. Sen. Fred Thompson, R-Tenn.
Gov. Linda Lingle, R-Hawaii
Fmr. Lt. Gov. Michael Steele, R-Md.
Tuesday primetime (10-11pm Eastern Time)
Gov. Sarah Palin, R-Alaska
Fmr. Gov. Mike Huckabee, R-Ark.
Fmr. Mayor Rudy Giuliani, R-New York City ***KEYNOTER***
Wednesday 9/3:
Sen. Norm Coleman, R-Minn.
Meg Whitman, Ebay CEO
Carly Fiorina, former HP CEO
Fmr. Gov. Mitt Romney, R-Mass.
Wednesday primetime (10-11pm Eastern Time)
Cindy McCain
Vice Presidential nominee
Gov. Bobby Jindal, R-La., will speak after the VP nominee
Thursday 9/4:
Gov. Tim Pawlenty, R-Minn.
Gov. Charlie Crist, R-Fla.
Sen. Sam Brownback, R-Kansas
Sen. Mel Martinez, R-Fla
Thursday primetime (10-11pm Eastern Time)
Sen. John McCain (video before his speech)
August 20th, 2008 at 11:46 am
Rudy at keynote strikes me as profoundly strange. Even the Rudy of 2004 was only a passionate, not skilled speaker. The Rudy of 2008 isn’t even that.
August 20th, 2008 at 11:48 am
I like that Mitt won’t even have to change his travel plans when they move him up to the VP spot
August 20th, 2008 at 11:54 am
I dunno… I agree with Matthew. This feels very “retro.” Better to go with a new face that represents the party’s future.
August 20th, 2008 at 11:56 am
How did Arnold snag a primetime slot? For that matter Martinez right before McCain? What?
I love the Rudy pick though. His 2004 speech was amazing. He’ll do a great job taking jabs at Obama, pimping McCain, and focusing on national security.
All the veeps seem accounted for except Thune and Cantor.
August 20th, 2008 at 11:57 am
David, who then?? All of the possible VP picks have a slot
August 20th, 2008 at 11:57 am
I know schedules can change, but this list has every VP hopeful.
I am surprised no Sanford? Is he our VP?
August 20th, 2008 at 11:57 am
So every possible VP choice is scheduled to speak on a different day. Either McCain has a surprise up his sleeve or this schedule hasn’t been set in Quikrete yet.
August 20th, 2008 at 11:58 am
Wait. . . John Engler isn’t on that schedule!
August 20th, 2008 at 11:58 am
and, no Portman.
August 20th, 2008 at 12:00 pm
Awesome, Rudy is a great choice to fire up the convention and rally support behind McCain. His address at the 2004 convention was the best of the whole week, I have no doubt he’ll do a great job this year. This sadly takes him out of the VP stakes I’d imagine but with the “no pro choicers” message I guess he was out anyway.
I’ll begrudgingly admit Romney seems most easily scheduled to be moved up to the VP slot, although it would strike me profoundly strange that Pawlenty, the favorite son of the convention didn’t have a primetime slot.
August 20th, 2008 at 12:02 pm
Also interesting to note that Gov. Jindal is scheduled to speak *after* the VP pick….hmmmmm…what’s up with that?
August 20th, 2008 at 12:02 pm
That Jindal thing is weird.
August 20th, 2008 at 12:05 pm
Ah-nuld is still considered a Republican?? That is what strikes me as wierd.
August 20th, 2008 at 12:05 pm
No, Fred Smith?
August 20th, 2008 at 12:05 pm
No, usually there is a speaker after the VP. 4 years ago was Zell Miller.
August 20th, 2008 at 12:07 pm
Rudy at keynote strikes me as profoundly strange. Even the Rudy of 2004 was only a passionate, not skilled speaker. The Rudy of 2008 isn’t even that.
It comes as no surprise to see you continue your whining and bitching.
Matthew, is that a threat or a promise?
This is what you wrote nearly three months ago. Do you still stand by this?
August 20th, 2008 at 12:07 pm
Smith is a national co-chairman of McCain’s campaign, along with Tpaw, but doesn’t have a speaking slot? Odd.
August 20th, 2008 at 12:08 pm
I can’t say I have ever heard Cindy McCain speak before.
August 20th, 2008 at 12:08 pm
If Pawlenty isn’t VP he should be given the honor of opening the convention or introducing McCain. That Thursday schedule makes less sense the more I look at it. Brownback and Martinez? Why? Both are dull and pretty lousy figureheads.
August 20th, 2008 at 12:09 pm
Am I missing something? You guys keep talking like it will be annonuced that week. Didn’t mccain tell us that he would announce on the 29th?
August 20th, 2008 at 12:09 pm
No Fred Smith either.
Interesting choice to have Whitman and Fiorina speak at the same time. And between Coleman and Romney? Plus Romney seems out of place on that night’s schedule, speaking last after two business execs. I’d agree that Romney seems like the easiest choice to switch out for a Wednesday night speech.
August 20th, 2008 at 12:09 pm
For Mitt to not be a prime time speaker at all is even more weird. I don’t buy it!
The man who came in second in the race, has raised big money for McCain, has been his chief surrogate, and deserved comments from McCain such as “No one speaks better for me today than Mitt Romney”, would deserve more than an afternoon schedule speaking spot. If that is the case, what a huge slap in the face, but right now I would believe its just putting his name there when he is really speaking during the VP speech timeframe.
August 20th, 2008 at 12:10 pm
22. I think you are absolutley correct
August 20th, 2008 at 12:10 pm
#18, Idahoguy.
Remeber when Michelle Obama made that comment about being proud of her country for the first time. Here is Cindy.
http://video.google.ca/videosearch?sourceid=navclient&ie=UTF-8&rlz=1T4GGIH_enCA276CA276&q=cindy%20mccain%20proud%20of%20her%20country&um=1&sa=N&tab=wv#
August 20th, 2008 at 12:11 pm
15:
I forgot about that, but Miller was the keynote, so it made sense to elevate him there.
Plus, Jindal’s not a very impressive speaker.
August 20th, 2008 at 12:12 pm
Aron,
It’s neither. I’ve said repeatedly I’ll vote for any ticket other then McCain/Blomberg, with equanamity. My point wasn’t that any of those men were unnacceptable to me (they weren’t), but rather that if that were Mac’s shortlist, it would convince me he had absolutely no regard for the socially conservative wing of the party. In which case, I would have no reason to believe he’d have pro-life policies. Since, we’re unlikely to ever know the precise shortlist, my comment was an obvious throwaway.
August 20th, 2008 at 12:15 pm
I agree with Illinoisguy…
How does Huck get a primetime slot after staying in the primaries so long and barely passing Mitt after a dozen or so more primaries?
August 20th, 2008 at 12:15 pm
Okay guys,
Let’s talk best case scenario. Let’s say Obama’s VP pick is underwhelming. Let’s say McCain has a great VP pick that makes everyone reasonably happy. Obama’s DNC doesn’t go great. He gives a lofty and decent speech, but the DNC convention doesn’t go great. The media is not impressed. McCain and the other speakers overperform, and the RNC convention goes well.
Where does that put the race? What are the odds at that point? What will be the big hurdles / dates on the calendar? I know there are a lot of hypotheticals here, but its never too early, right?
August 20th, 2008 at 12:16 pm
I don’t think we can take much away from this – Portman is the only widely-mentioned VP candidate not on the list, and he has confirmed he isn’t being vetted.
I do wonder, though, if Whitman (who, I believe, worked under Romney, couldn’t be an introduction speech if it Mitt as the Veep).
My question is of Rudy as the keynote. Why give it to Giuliani? Shouldn’t it be given to either Romney or Huckabee, or else some young, rising star?
August 20th, 2008 at 12:17 pm
The only VP contender to speak wednesday is Mitt Romney, under any circunstance Romney would be place in the afternoom. Pawlenty is thursday and Palin tuesday. I read this as a confirmation that Mitt Romney is indeed the VP nominee.
August 20th, 2008 at 12:17 pm
Aron,
And yes, I still stand by that comment. I think McCain would like to pick Lieberman, but has already decided against him for what seem to be obvious reasons. I think Ridge probably got a brief look. I think Bloomberg was never considered. And I think Rudy is out of it, if he’s really the keynoter; that’s the one speech that seems impossible to rearrange.
August 20th, 2008 at 12:20 pm
This is a good point. If Mitt is not the VP, why does he get bounced to a daytime slot? Hasn’t he earned a primetime position?
August 20th, 2008 at 12:22 pm
[...] H/T: Race42008.com [...]
August 20th, 2008 at 12:22 pm
BTW,
Is anyone else shocked that neither Mark Halperin at The Page or Marc Ambinder at The Atlantic have said word one about the 2 polls showing McCain with a nat’l lead today.
Nothing.
Every poll for Obama they shout to the rafters and give it prime coverage. Now…crickets.
This is after Halperin trumpeted Obama leading a CO poll by 3, but whne you clicked on the poll, it atcually showed McCain by 3
Those two are complete jokes.
They probably havent posted because they’re too busy crying.
August 20th, 2008 at 12:23 pm
29:
I’m a big Romney backer and I’ve no problem with giving the job to Giuliani. He’s a man thst retains a connection with the American people and projects very well on the big stage.
I prefer using the slot as an election tool, not as an elevator for a young guy. I think we’ll all agree Bush got more out of Miller than Kerry got out of Obama.
August 20th, 2008 at 12:24 pm
Wednesday is setting up to drive the economy message wall to wall. Whitman/Fiorina/Romney should have the evening to fully develop multiple facets of the issue. Will that theme carry into the VP selection?
August 20th, 2008 at 12:28 pm
I just read that Romney will be speaking in Denver during the DNC convention as counter-opposition. He will be fighting against any smear attacks that the dems try to create against McCain.
http://elections.foxnews.com/2008/08/20/romney-to-attend-democratic-convention-as-loyal-opposition/
So, if McCain trusts Romney enought to be McCain’s voice in Denver, why would McCain not give Romney a primetime spot at the RNC convention? Romney must be the nominee.
August 20th, 2008 at 12:31 pm
Brett,
That can be explained by the general practice of spreading out the accolodaes. Romney gets the prize of defending Mac during the DNC convention, while someone else gets a big speech. This is common.
August 20th, 2008 at 12:32 pm
Jindal should’ve been the keynote. The keynote is the future of the party; just like snobama was in 04. You can’t give it to Huck or Romney b/c both camps would go crazy. Then again, I think this is probably Rudy’s sending off speech. McCain wants Rudy to leave the national scene on good terms. BTW, Rudy will not be the next NY gov even if he runs. The NY media is already making Paterson look quite good; the guy even proposed budget cuts; in NY!
August 20th, 2008 at 12:33 pm
i’m surprised there are no generals or other military commanders, i was thinking perhaps gen. jones would speak on mccain’s behalf.
August 20th, 2008 at 12:34 pm
Matthew Miller…
There were reports last week that Rudy would be in Denver as well. So that should not be an indicator of spreading accolades!
August 20th, 2008 at 12:35 pm
Jindal should’ve been the keynote. The keynote is the future of the party; just like snobama was in 04. You can’t give it to Huck or Romney b/c both camps would go crazy. Then again, I think this is probably Rudy’s sending off speech. McCain wants Rudy to leave the national scene on good terms. BTW, Rudy will not be the next NY gov even if he runs. The NY media is already making Paterson look quite good; the guy even proposed budget cuts; in NY!
They’re gonna switch Rudy and Jindal and Rudy will be the VP. Problem solved. Floating Lieberman as a possible pro-choicer was to make Rudy seem better by comparison.
Ta-da.
August 20th, 2008 at 12:36 pm
“Romney gets the prize of defending Mac during the DNC convention, while someone else gets a big speech. ”
So Romney gets sent to be opposition to the DNC, and probably won’t get much press coverage – while other candidates, notably Huckabee and Palin, get to give these big, prime-time, well-covered, broadly-watched speeches that they can use to – in addition to helping the party – launch their own candidacies for future elections.
August 20th, 2008 at 12:38 pm
ilfigo,
“There were reports last week that Rudy would be in Denver as well. So that should not be an indicator of spreading accolades!”
Okay, then does that mean that Rudy and Romney are BOTH the nominee?
August 20th, 2008 at 12:40 pm
Having Rudy as Keynote makes perfect sense. THe guy got tons of delegate votes and really fired up the base….:)
August 20th, 2008 at 12:42 pm
Some Romney supporters here let their devotion to him cloud their judgement of what (should be) objective analysis, not boosterism.
If McCain sent Romney to Khazakstan during the Republican convention, some people here would declare that THIS was irrefutable proof that Romney is the nominee. (After all, who ELSE would he trust to go to Khazakstan during the convention, but his VP pick?)
August 20th, 2008 at 12:43 pm
No…just saying that going to Denver is not some consolation for not having a prime time slot as stated by Matthew!
August 20th, 2008 at 12:44 pm
Romney on Hannity and Colmes last night.
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,406943,00.html
Quote from Hannity
HANNITY: Governor, I have a sneaky suspicion, a pseudo sixth sense, that we’re going to be hearing a lot more from you, and when you — if you become VP, don’t forget us.
Nothing too important here, just interesting.
August 20th, 2008 at 12:45 pm
Jason,
“Having Rudy as Keynote makes perfect sense. THe guy got tons of delegate votes and really fired up the base…”
Although Rudy performed miserably during the primary campaign, and he is the one guy I would never have voted for in the fall (among the Republicans), I think he does make a valuable contribution to the convention. People like him and trust him (even if like me, they would never vote for him because of his social liberalism), and he gives a little bit of celebrity power to the convention.
I agree that there is a place for up-and-comers at the convention, but you can’t fill the docket with a bunch of no-names (as far as the average voter is concerned).
August 20th, 2008 at 12:46 pm
ilfigo,
“No…just saying that going to Denver is not some consolation for not having a prime time slot as stated by Matthew!”
It’s also not evidence of being picked for VP either, as you proposed, as McCain will obviously not have two Vice Presidents.
August 20th, 2008 at 12:48 pm
How quickly you guys forget – It’s been known since Saturday that Rudy chosen by McCain to be the shadow convention star…
http://race42008.com/2008/08/16/mccain-selects-rudy-for-starring-role/
August 20th, 2008 at 12:49 pm
Almost seems like each not has a theme….interesting placement.
August 20th, 2008 at 12:49 pm
BTW, wonder how the Ron Paul camp feels.
August 20th, 2008 at 12:49 pm
The networks give three hours to each party, at least that’s what they did in 2004. President Bush is speaking monday so it will be primetime coverage, the VP going wednesday so there go the press and thursday is Mcday. I don’t mind if Huck-a-nuts and Rudy are in tuesday primetime.
August 20th, 2008 at 12:50 pm
Brett,
McCain chose Rudy last week to be his main voice representing him at the Democratic convention.
McCain Selects Rudy for Starring Role
August 20th, 2008 at 12:51 pm
MWs,
I like Rudy a lot. He’s not perfect, but on my key social issue, gay marriage he made great concessions. I really think though he is not the most gifted speaker and I really don’t see why he is the Keynote, other than he is McCain’s friend. His 9-11 story unfortunately was turned into an overused line, so I hope they aren’t going t5o talk about that more.
I think it also just looks like we are just reduxing the GW Bush act.
I don’t know who it should be though, maybe John Bolton.
BTW, where is Fred THompson in the line up?
August 20th, 2008 at 12:52 pm
54:
I think they’ll show more this year.
August 20th, 2008 at 12:54 pm
53 – Ron Paul’s holding an “alternative” convention and has refused to endorse McCain.
August 20th, 2008 at 12:55 pm
56:
Thompson’s buried on Tuesday. Between Lingle and someone I’ve never heard of.
August 20th, 2008 at 12:55 pm
56 – Thompson’s on Tuesday; read it again.
August 20th, 2008 at 12:55 pm
i think there should be a reach out to the ron paul crew. the media is going to run with that small vocal minority if they cause a lot of trouble. mccain should reach out to them.
August 20th, 2008 at 12:56 pm
MWS…#50…I never made such a propositioN!!
August 20th, 2008 at 12:56 pm
55. Aron,
Why are we trying to one up on this? Sometimes this VP specualation is a little silly.
August 20th, 2008 at 1:00 pm
61:
Those Paul types are hardcore. There’s nothing to gain in acknowledging them.
August 20th, 2008 at 1:07 pm
Jason,
It’s not about one-upping. I was simply informing Brett, who was of the impression that McCain had chosen Romney to be McCain’s voice in Denver, that Rudy was already selected for that role.
To say that the VP speculation has sometimes been a little silly is a profound understatement.
August 20th, 2008 at 1:09 pm
i think there should be a reach out to the ron paul crew. the media is going to run with that small vocal minority if they cause a lot of trouble. mccain should reach out to them.
LOL. Have you ever talked to any Ron Paul cult members? These people cannot be appeased. Treat them in the same way you treat bin Laden: don’t try to rationalize with madmen!
Ron Paul supporter bingo includes the words “Zionist” “Imperialist” “Abolish the Fed”…
August 20th, 2008 at 1:09 pm
To say that the VP speculation has sometimes been a little silly is a profound understatement.
Any personal favorite moments?
August 20th, 2008 at 1:11 pm
An interesting quote just reported by the New York Times:
“John McCain is pro-life, always has been pro-life, and his administration will be pro-life, and anyone who he picks as vice president will respect those views. What’s important is what John McCain will do as president, what he’s done since he was first elected to Congress 25 years ago, he said, such as standing up for human rights, including those of the “unborn,” said McCain spokesman Brian Rogers.
August 20th, 2008 at 1:14 pm
Rudy will have them on their feet! Great choice.
August 20th, 2008 at 1:17 pm
“anyone who he picks as vice president will respect those views” – not share, but respect? Interesting choice of words.
August 20th, 2008 at 1:18 pm
#68 — Aron, sounds like McCain is still considering naming a pro-choicer for VP, and my guess is that the one iwth the inside track in that regard is Rudy. I’d love to see McCain do his “Maverick” thing and do what he thinks is best for his campaign and the nation, pick Rudy, and then tell any who would have a hissy fit over the pick where they can sitck it.
The irony of all this hyperventilating over the VP nod is that 48 hours after the pick, the VP candidate will be relegated to page 12 of the newspapers for the rest of the campaign.
August 20th, 2008 at 1:19 pm
Lieberman, Ridge, or Rudy…
August 20th, 2008 at 1:22 pm
I’m surprised that Rudy was selected to keynote. He’s not a good speaker and his star doesn’t shine nearly as bright as it did a few years ago after running a lackluster campaign and having his personal life dug into even more. Romney is too good to be wasted in an afternoon spot so I’m hoping that’s just a placeholder before he gets moved over to VP.
I can’t stand Huckabee but he’s a good speaker that appeals to a lot of people so I have no problem with him getting a starring role. Very happy to see the future of our party, Jindal and Palin getting primetime slots. Lieberman is a great call as he will boost McCain with independents and some democrats. Just keep him far far away from the VP slot.
People can trash President Bush all they want but he’ll give a great speech that will boost McCain. Arnold I could do without but he’s a “star” so I can see why they put him where he is. All in all I would make some changes here and there but it looks like a good lineup especially compared to what the Dems are throwing out there.
August 20th, 2008 at 1:24 pm
Anyone know if Palin got a speaking slot?
August 20th, 2008 at 1:28 pm
I also noticed this on the Rudy-Keynote story at Congressional Quarterly’s site:
While most of those rumored to have been in contention for the slot are on the list of speakers released Wednesday, the lineup could be rearranged if one of them became McCain’s running mate. At least one candidate often mentioned for the ticket, former White House Budget Director Rob Portman of Ohio, is not on the list. Portman plans to attend a Dayton, Ohio, event with McCain the day after the Democratic convention ends — and Politico reported that McCain is expected to unveil the vice presidential nominee that day.
But sources close to Portman caution not to read anything into his attendance at the event.
“Whenever McCain’s in Ohio, Rob wants to do whatever he can to help,” said Rob Lehman, who was a top aide to Portman at the Office of Management and Budget, when Portman served as U.S. trade representative and when he was a congressman from Cincinnati.
August 20th, 2008 at 1:28 pm
Lindsey Graham isn’t on the schedule. Odd.
If people are trying to identify pro-choicers who are not on the schedule, based on all of the rumors going around, keep your eyes on Condi Rice and Jodi Rell.
August 20th, 2008 at 1:29 pm
We need to read this closely to get a glimpse of who is alive for VP, and who is not. a couple of key ones are “his administration would have “pro-life policies’’ and that his running mate would share “my principles, my values and my priorities.’ SHARING, not supporting
“we have a lot more work to do to energize our base’’
WOW, energize the base sure as heck excludes a lot of people. Here is the article.
LAS CRUCES, N.M.—Senator John McCain was dogged by questions this morning about whether he would select a running mate who favors abortion rights, but he showed only a little dark-suited leg on the issue.
In response to Laura Ingraham, the conservative radio talk show host, and two participants at a town hall-style meeting at New Mexico State University, Mr. McCain, who opposes abortion, said that his administration would have “pro-life policies’’ and that his running mate would share “my principles, my values and my priorities.’’
Mr. McCain also told Ms. Ingraham that he had not yet made up his mind about what he called one of the most difficult decisions of his life.
“There’s already been things out there in the media, ‘he’s already made up his mind, he’s going to announce on such and such a day,’’’ Mr. McCain said. “I have not made the decision and we’re in the process, and if I say anything more than that I guarantee you there’s going to be another one of these firestorms. Obviously we’re going to be announcing soon because we have no choice, but I’ve got to tell you it’s one of the toughest things I’ve ever done.’’
Ms. Ingraham pressed. “Can you at least say whether there are certain positions that are non-negotiable for your vice presidential pick?’’
Mr. McCain demurred, then referred to his interview last weekend at Saddleback church by the Rev. Rick Warren, which was well received by conservatives. “I can’t talk about it because if I do, I would get down a slippery slope,’’ he said. “I think I made it very clear Saturday night that I have a pro-life record, that I have pro-life policies and my administration will have pro-life policies.’’
At that point Ms. Ingraham issued a plea. “I’m just going to tell you from the conservative perspective we are literally imploring you to not turn your back on your great pro-life record over decades now,’’ she said.
At the town hall meeting, Mr. McCain told the first person who asked about his running mate that he believed that “life applies to those who are not born as well as those are born.’’
The second questioner asked if Mr. McCain would pick a running mate who conservatives “can rally around in the future’’ or whether it would be someone “who makes us stay home.’’
Again, Mr. McCain sidestepped, saying only that “we have a lot more work to do to energize our base’’ and that he would select a person who shares his values.
August 20th, 2008 at 1:31 pm
Lindsey Graham is pro-life.
August 20th, 2008 at 1:32 pm
Yes, Palin got a slot. CTRL+F will help everyone in asking such questions, by the way.
August 20th, 2008 at 1:34 pm
I know. I wasn’t including him with the other two. I’m just surprised that McMiniMe is nowhere to be found.
August 20th, 2008 at 1:40 pm
I don’t know Rob Portman. I hope it might be Romney or Palin for the VP. If McCain does pick Rudy or Lieberman I will not vote in November.
August 20th, 2008 at 1:42 pm
ilfigo,
“MWS…#50…I never made such a propositioN!!”
Oops. You are right. I confused you with Brett when you rebutted someone’s response to his post.
My bad. Sorry.
August 20th, 2008 at 1:44 pm
Some sad news to pass along…
Tubbs Jones dead at 58
August 20th, 2008 at 1:44 pm
Wednesday is economics (and efficiency in government) night. also women and religious minorities night when you think about it. romney will jump below Cindy on that listing, give the v.p. acceptance speech about the economy and bring efficiency and achievements (health care) to government. The Mormon question will be left haning….and Jindal will answer it. He’s the clean up man on that one!
August 20th, 2008 at 1:45 pm
No prob!
August 20th, 2008 at 1:46 pm
Dems: Selfish Lieberman the “Barry Bonds” of D.C.
August 20th, 2008 at 1:46 pm
“Don’t worry, guys, we’ve already performed the exorcism.”
August 20th, 2008 at 1:46 pm
Aron, you do realize the title of the article you linked to, right?
August 20th, 2008 at 1:47 pm
Different take on the speaking schedule.
http://marcambinder.theatlantic.com/archives/2008/08/annotating_mccains_convention.php
August 20th, 2008 at 1:49 pm
GO RUDY!
August 20th, 2008 at 1:51 pm
I have the suspision that september 1 is the day President Bush is going to declare victory in Iraq and give thanks to John McCain for his vision.
August 20th, 2008 at 1:54 pm
Good one B.S.!! Exactly right. Jindal will preform the exorcism! I’ll bet that was the joke
after they put Wednesday’s list together! “It’s funny because it’s true”!!
August 20th, 2008 at 1:55 pm
I thought Rudy was going to be the “voice of the Republican Party” in Denver during the DNC convention, not Romney. When did that change?
August 20th, 2008 at 1:56 pm
There’s also no Kasich on this list. I was surprised John has been so little talked about of late. With McCain making that high-profile stop in Ohio, could we be looking at a surprise Kasich announcement?
August 20th, 2008 at 1:56 pm
Obama Adviser Offers Some Advice to Damascus
Daniel Kurtzer Says Israel-Syria Negotiations Should Be Moved Along
U.S. Senator John McCain’s presidential campaign just held a press conference call with former New York City Mayor, Rudy Giuliani and Randy Scheunemann, McCain 2008 Senior Foreign Policy Adviser to discuss reports that an Obama campaign Middle East adviser was recently in Damascus for meetings with Syrian officials.
Referring to this story about an Obama advisor who met with Syria’s dictatorship, Giuliani said that Americans are “entitled to a president who understands how to conduct foreign policy.”
Noting that the Obama campaign has over 300 foreign-policy advisers, Giuliani said, “I think the American people are entitled to know what the other 300 advisers are doing.”
August 20th, 2008 at 1:59 pm
I for one would be shocked if it were romney. I think mccain wanst to pick leibermann, but thats just me.
I also think the reason Romney was sent to Denver is becuase he is very popular in Colorado. He will be teh most effective person they could send to counter.
27 are you kidding. huckabee single handedly stopped romney on mccain’s behalf. with out him romney beats mccain in florida…. huckabee earned his primetimes slot by being mccain’s tool. you remmeber what mccain said to him after sc? don’t you drop out on me now, i need you. That is hwy he gets a primetime slot.
August 20th, 2008 at 2:00 pm
its not portman. portman really doesn’t want it and that is a stupid choice. great logic behind that one eh.
August 20th, 2008 at 2:01 pm
I think Rudy’s story is for than sufficient to allow him the keynote address. He is still beloved by most of America and his presence there will remind America about the seriousness of the threat of radical jihadism and why McCain has the experience necessary to lead this country and Obama, quite simply, does not.
I would support Rudy as VP. By the way – I never got a reply on how old Rudy is.
I’m not going to speculate about McCain changing the whole schedule around to accomodate a VP move from afternoon to primetime Wednesday.
What does Kasich bring to the table as VP?
August 20th, 2008 at 2:01 pm
I thought Rudy was going to be the “voice of the Republican Party” in Denver during the DNC convention, not Romney. When did that change?
ogrepete,
Nothing has changed. “Romney will be among several prominent Republicans heading to Denver next week to give the GOP view of the Democratic National Convention.”
August 20th, 2008 at 2:02 pm
#94 M.E.M., that is what I have been thinking and have posted about. Everyone keeps looking at Portman, but Kasich is the guy who lives near Dayton and grew up in Pitt (second stop).
August 20th, 2008 at 2:02 pm
Okay, let me rephrase my #93.
If Rudy is going to be McCain’s “main voice” in Denver, during the DNC, why send Romney there as well?
August 20th, 2008 at 2:03 pm
Thanks, Aron.
August 20th, 2008 at 2:04 pm
Ray,
Rudy turned 64 in May.
August 20th, 2008 at 2:04 pm
NOTE TO ALL FELLOW ROMNEY PRIMARY SUPPORTERS:
Can you all please stop with the primary conspiracy theories, please? Out of respect for Romney and his begging and pleading of us all to get behind McCain (I’m sure you all get the emails, postcards, and letters just like me) just turn down the rhetoric. We can start fighting this war again in 2 (if McCain commits to 1 term or doesn’t win) or 6 years. For now, let’s just prevent an Obama presidency.
August 20th, 2008 at 2:05 pm
Ray,
Kasich if blue-collar (his father was a letter-carrier), from Ohio and Penn. Was Newt’s right hand man in Congress during the C.W.A., and is basically thought of as a very successful Congressman and speaker. He is also, “clean”.
Kasich, McCain and Kemp were the finalists for Dole’s Vp position.
August 20th, 2008 at 2:05 pm
Thanks Aron – do you think he would run for President as 68 or 72?
August 20th, 2008 at 2:06 pm
And there’s the additional Wednesday “gag” of putting Matinee Mitt the Mormon amoungst
all those beautiful blondes!! The McCain adult sense of humor and ability to take a
light-hearted approach to all this stuff is a very endearing quality (those
crazy ads, for example), and I think has a lot to do with why the pols turned around this
month. The democrats inability to laugh, and Obamas portentios seriousness all the time, drives
the average Joe and Jane nuts. Keep it light guys. Keep it irreverent and adult and respect the
intelligence of the adult voter…..and the compliment will be re-payed in November.
August 20th, 2008 at 2:09 pm
GO RUDY!!!
August 20th, 2008 at 2:09 pm
Whitman is being seen everywhere with McCain.
MAC……http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5iE2JCSH5p9r2GBkQWS9TWAMzmuvQD92M6H5G0
August 20th, 2008 at 2:10 pm
ogrepete,
I expect many networks across the country, national and local, will be seeking a Republican response in Denver; often at the same time. There is no reason for Rudy to be the exclusive voice representing McCain, and Mitt is a more than capable surrogate.
August 20th, 2008 at 2:11 pm
Well thats just great, McCain stocks the convention full with people who bowed over to him during the primary season.
Romney gets bannished to Denver to run the counter to the Democrats convention (which might be important, but will get virtually no coverage), and gets stuck with a middle-of-the-day speech that no one is going to get to hear.
Huckabee, on the other hand, who refused to step aside to allow the Republicans to get a head start on the DNC in the general, gets what will be a widely-watched primetime slot that he can use to launch his 2012 campaign….just great.
August 20th, 2008 at 2:11 pm
btw, read this quote in the article i lined.
“”He’s (Obama) making these decisions not because he doesn’t love America, but because he doesn’t think it matters whether America wins or loses,” McCain said.” – YES!
August 20th, 2008 at 2:13 pm
“I expect many networks across the country, national and local, will be seeking a Republican response in Denver; often at the same time.”
…because we know how the MSM is going to be dying to see liberal positions beat up, and how all sorts of little local stations from whatever small town in Michigan or West Virginia are going to be sending reporters to the DNC to listen to REPUBLICANS.
August 20th, 2008 at 2:15 pm
#111
Maybe Romney should go nuts like Zell Miller did in 2004 – I’m sure he’d get plenty of attention, even with a daytime speaking slot, and his message would reach millions and millions of Americans. Besides, it would be hilarious.
August 20th, 2008 at 2:16 pm
Ray,
If McCain were to pick Rudy as his running mate, and then step down after one term in office, yes, I would see Rudy as the likely president in 2012; much like Bush Sr. was Reagan’s ‘third term.’ However, if McCain were to serve two terms, I doubt Rudy would run in 2016 at the age of 72, though McCain and Reagan have proven that it’s not impossible.
August 20th, 2008 at 2:17 pm
act-blog,
Conflict = Ratings. Get a clue.
August 20th, 2008 at 2:18 pm
Romney’s giving a speech at this counter convention one night,
and Rudy another.
August 20th, 2008 at 2:18 pm
You think Miller’s speech wouldn’t gotten as many views if he had been stuck in a 2 PM slot? No. Not even close.
Any coverage that ANY speech gets afterwards will come in the form of 30 second sound bites on the news.
August 20th, 2008 at 2:18 pm
Kristofer,
It’s also worth noting that Ridge isn’t the only guy who entered Congress with McCain in 82′. Kasich entered the House in 82′ as well. He was long considered a Maverick and a budget hawk as well. So unless he and McCain have some unreported bad relationship, I find the utter silence on the Kasich front these last few months curious.
August 20th, 2008 at 2:19 pm
104 – if you notice, its nearly always in response to someone making negative comments…its usually in defense, so talk to those who initiate it…that would help.
I, personally try not to bring up primary situations, but when someone says untrue things about the process in those days, someone has to stand up and defend it, otherwise its would look as if there was no defense…talk to them!! They are the culprits on this issue, most of the time anyway.
August 20th, 2008 at 2:27 pm
They weren’t available yesterday at the time the survey was released, but everyone should check out the internals from the LA Times/Bloomberg poll.
August 20th, 2008 at 2:28 pm
Act, why you stressing?
Romney and Rudy both in Denver is a good thing. Both are very capable of cogent counter points and we need them here for sure. Heck we have a who’s who of liberal lefties coming here. I think I might wear one of those dr masks around all week just to make sure i dont catch anything like a “liberal thinking sickness” or something.
I still think the speaking schedule is open to change. I for one thing that mccain sees the benefit that rudy, pawlenty, romney, fred have all been for him since the primary and he sees the not so helpful ways of Huckabee. It will come out in the wash.
lastly dont take “perceived” slights against Romney so personal its just not necessary
August 20th, 2008 at 2:28 pm
Matthew E. Miller, you are correct.
As I mentioned before, Cindy McCain is friends with Kasich, and I presume McCain as well.
A Kasich pick would get the Gingrich reform wing motivated.
Although I am still pushing for Palin, Kasich makes sense, because he walks, talks and campaigns as a Conservative, blue-collar American.
August 20th, 2008 at 2:30 pm
Holy Crap Aron.
right experience to be president?
Obama;
Yes 44%
No 48%
McCain;
Yes 80%
No 14%
August 20th, 2008 at 2:31 pm
The nuttiness certainly boosted the profile of Miller’s speech. Romney could do the same, especially if he challenges Chris Matthews to a duel.
August 20th, 2008 at 2:35 pm
#54 – sorry to disappoint you, but the networks are giving four hours each this time — that’s why Tuesday, 10:00 to 11:00 is designated “prime” time.
August 20th, 2008 at 2:35 pm
“Act, why you stressing?”
Because, as of right now, I view Romney as being stuck in an undesirable situation that will recieve little coverage, while others, including Huckabee and Palin, are given valuable speaking spots that they could – and will – use to aide a future campaign.
I don’t make any secret out of the fact that I want Romney to be our nominee in 2012.
August 20th, 2008 at 2:39 pm
#127, Sarah Palin has a speaking role because she is young, energetic, telegenic, a female, and successful.
Why do you have to make everything about Romney in 2012??????
act-blog, come back in 4 years, when you understand something about duty, loyalty and strategy. Kavon already has the domain rights secured.
August 20th, 2008 at 2:41 pm
act, Romney will be in primetime, if not he should endorse Barr….just kidding.
August 20th, 2008 at 2:43 pm
You don’t think that Huckabee is going to use his primetime speech to position himself for 2012? You don’t think political pundits are going to comb through everything Palin says and talk about her speech being a potential run up to a future run?
Some of the biggest political candidacies have been launched by big speeches at the conventions – RFK w/ a tribute to his brother in 1964, Ronald Reagan’s speech in 1976, and yes, the Obama speech four years ago.
Everything doesn’t have to be about Romney in 2012 – but you have to consider the future impact of things. Virtually everything in the political world has consequences.
August 20th, 2008 at 2:43 pm
ILGuy – with all due respect I think the defense vs. frontal attack in regards to Romney goes at least 50/50. Believe me, I appreciate most of what you have to say and you definitely articulate your points well but I don’t think it really benefits Romney at all any longer on here. Just let it go – we have what we believed happened during the primaries and they have what they believe – no one is going to be able to convince the other otherwise. Let’s just let it go for now. We can bring it back up 2 years from now when VP Romney starts his 2012 campaign.
August 20th, 2008 at 2:48 pm
Byron York is reporting the following quote by Rudy from a conference call this afternoon:
August 20th, 2008 at 2:49 pm
ACT, I don’t think McCain will do that to Mitt. Something else will happen, just stay cool, ok?
August 20th, 2008 at 2:50 pm
I can understand those of you who say “lets just forget about the future now, focus on 2008, and come back in two years.”
…and untimately, we will come back in two, but the idea that we can forget the future, and think that nothing that happens now will have a major impact on the future is absurd.
August 20th, 2008 at 2:51 pm
Act – The convention is not about the next election 4 years from now. It is about winning the election 8 weeks from the convention.
The country already knows Romney. The country doesn’t know the reformer Palin, they don’t know the reformer Jindal. This country and party needs reformation and America needs to see that the GOP stands for a lot more than just Old White Guys at the country club. This convention will showcase why the GOP (and McCain specifically) is best suited to reform and lead this country. Perhaps 4 years from now Palin decides she doesn’t want to be President, Jindal becomes president of LSU and likes that job a lot more than President of the USA and Huckabee finally admits he’s a Democrat and then all those “Primetime” speeches won’t mean anything anyways.
Just relax – Mitt will be a centerpiece come 2012 and will be a major force in the next GOP primary.
August 20th, 2008 at 2:54 pm
#132, I am so confused. Some are saying pro-choice, some are saying pro-life. Two messages. what to believe?
August 20th, 2008 at 2:55 pm
Doesn’t anyone think what McCain said today in Los Cruces is significant? See post 77. As Laura Ingraham pushed the issue, he finally indicated relative to his VP pick that ‘we have a lot of work to do to shore up the base’. I’d like some comments on 77.. Thanks
RayinNH, I’m not disagreeing with anything you said other than the ‘who start it’ most of the time part.
August 20th, 2008 at 3:02 pm
I’m jumping into the conversation on this thread a little late, but here’s my first impression of the lineup:
I understand that the GOP brand is low right now, but this lineup really bothers me. Arnold and Rudy as keynote speakers again? We’re going to rehash the same stuff from the 2004 convention? Seriously? We can’t find any new, fresh faces to represent the party? The DNC goes with Obama in 2004 and Warner in 2008, and meanwhile, we’re just going with the same primetime lineup. Great idea.
And why do we keep putting up marginal Republicans in big speaking roles? If Arnold and Rudy represent the future of the GOP, let me know so I can adjust my voter registration accordingly. Lieberman? Lingle? Ridge? Huckabee? Martinez? Really? This is the best we can come up with as a party?
Sad day for conservatives.
Even Marc Ambinder notes, “Does [Schwarzenegger] agree more with Obama than with McCain on most issues?”
August 20th, 2008 at 3:04 pm
#138, this type of line-up worked for Bush. Why change it.
Do we not want to appeal to undecided voters?
August 20th, 2008 at 3:07 pm
Matthew E. Miller, as an ardent Rudy supporter and follower, WHY DONT YOU LEAVE THE PARTY??? You and Doug Forrestser should start a magazine together.
August 20th, 2008 at 3:10 pm
So, is Cindy McCain introducing the VP? That is what it looks like. The McCain introduction is done by video, but nothing about the VP introduction.
If Cindy makes the introduction, does that mean it will be a friend or a woman?
August 20th, 2008 at 3:11 pm
139 you are right we do want to appeal to the undecided or moderate voters with the convention. which means that if you are going to marginalize teh conservative voice within the party at the convention then you better be picking a conservative pro life VP.
The pro life VP shores up the base that ILguy was pointing out that McCain himself said needs to happen and a speaking slate that features middle of the road, across the ideological aisle from the perception of the GOP means you reach out to those middle of the road people AND to the disgruntled HRC supporters who just got beat on for 5 days in Denver.
Good plan but it hinges on the VP base motivating conservative choice. Go any other way and you get what limbaugh said, an unmotivated group of conservatives who just might sit it out.
August 20th, 2008 at 3:12 pm
Illinoisguy,
McCain didn’t make any news today with his comments:
August 20th, 2008 at 3:23 pm
Joe M,
Because I’m willing to leave the party if McCain has a shortlist entirely of pro-choicers? That makes me some sort of unreasonable radical? I’m nothing if not practical. If I though Lieberman advanced McCain’s chances, I’d be touting McCain/Lieberman. I don’t, so I haven’t. Ditto to McCain/Lieberman or McCain/Ridge. But, it’s one thing to cynically pick a pro-choice running mate, under the assumption that they’ll never be nominated; it’s another thing entirely to have a shortlist without a single pro-lifer, without any evidence that the pro-choicers improve your chances. I would have to assume that a person who followed the latter route was actively hostile to the pro-life movement. No other conclusion is possible; not when various polls have shown a McCain/Lieberman ticket tanking; not when Tom Ridge is a much derided Bush administration official; not when Rudy’s support among independents had been bled dry by John by December of 2007. There’s simply no excuse for that kind of short-list.
But, again, this discussion is just pretty pointless. I’ve said I’ll vote for McCain/Lieberman, McCain/Rudy, or McCain/Ridge and I meant it. And given that John’s unlikely to say “well, it was down to Rudy, Ridge, or Lieb, but ultimately I went with….because of….”, I’ll have no way of knowing how much he agonized over picking a pro-choice running mate.
August 20th, 2008 at 3:31 pm
Newsweek suggests, Mitt.
http://blog.newsweek.com/blogs/stumper/archive/2008/08/20/maybe-it-s-mitt.aspx
August 20th, 2008 at 3:38 pm
Aron, I read what you put down days ago. I see what he said today as quite little different. Before, he was basically saying that whomever I pick will support my policies….Now, he is saying that the VP shares “my principles, my values and my priorities.’
I view that as a much stronger statement for a pro-life VP. He could not say that for Ridge, Lieverman, or Rudy., not even close. He also said he needed to shore up the base, and he knows darn well that isn’t going tohappen with a pro-choice candidate.
August 20th, 2008 at 3:39 pm
I think Romney and Rudy in Denver is great. I can’t think of two guys who can do a better job of tearing apart all the BS from Denver. Who else would the GOP send ? And what are the others doing while Romney and Rudy are in Denver? They’ll both get a lot of media the week before the GOP convention and be instrumental in preparing the focus of the whole GOP convention tone the following week.
Now, as to Lieberman, it’s being reported that he is being pushed by Lindsey Graham. Why am I not surprised? They are like a little club, the Corsican Brothers, who share communal pain and anguish and follow McCain around like servants.I never thought Graham had too many political smarts and I still don’t. If he is pushing Lieberman to energize the Republican base, he is in to some of the same illegal meds that Obama likes. A Lieberman, Ridge, and maybe Rudy pick, at this point, would shatter the party and turn Minneapolis in to a debacle. The election would be gone for good and McCain would be back in the Senate before he spent a buck of the publics campaign funds. Graham must be certifiable. Any Risk / Gain analysis of that pick would be turned down by the most junior analyst that ever looked at it. A 3 pt uptick in Connecticut against another half dozen lost Red States.
August 20th, 2008 at 3:40 pm
As I said much earlier, the theme for Wednesday is the economy. And they will hammer the Dems all n ight on the issue.
Looks like Tuesday is diversity/big tent. Every sub-group represented.
And I agree with Michelle Malkin that there seems to be a sense that McCain is preparing the base for his selection by teasing the possibility of a pro-choice running mate (a terrible choice for socons), in order to back into someone that the socons don’t like, but like more than pro-choice (WMR).
Otherwise, I don’t think any of us can escape imposing our own wishes on to our “rock solid logic” for who McCain will choose, or interpreting his sound bites. So, basically, this site is featuring thousands of posts for who “we” would pick. Thankfully, most of you aren’t on the search committee. And none of us are the one vote that will make the decision.
August 20th, 2008 at 3:46 pm
Sorry, I meant to add in response to some comments about the wealth of old GOP talent on the program. This fits very well into an overall theme of an experience gap between BHO and McCain.
August 20th, 2008 at 3:49 pm
bob and Rick,
I’d probably agree with that analysis. The pro-choice trial balloons seemed utterly inexplicable to me. Only Ridge has any upside, of the three commonly listed; Rudy and Lieberman would be a total disaster. But, it makes an awful lot of sense to me that the McCain camp might loudly hint at choosing a pro-choicer, to make the prospect of a Romney pick more inviting to evangelicals. Pawlenty’s evangelical creds are far too solid to justify such a stunt; he’d fire up these folks without any McCain threat. And the speaking schedule seems to point towards Romney; so though I’m loathe to admit it, Romney is looking like the likely choice. If I were forced to bet, I’d bet on him.
August 20th, 2008 at 3:51 pm
145 – I think Romano and Heilemann are hitting the nail right on the head. Its what I’ve been thinking for a while now, but I couldn’t articulate it nearly as well.
August 20th, 2008 at 3:53 pm
I swear to god, if I hear another thing about how “MITT ROMNEY ISNT THE KEYNOTE SPEAKER OMG WHY IS HUCKABEE AND RUDY AND LIEBERMAN ON THIS LIST,” I’m going downtown and hurling myself off of the Ravenel Bridge with a bag a cement around my ankles.
August 20th, 2008 at 3:56 pm
152 – Promise?
August 20th, 2008 at 3:56 pm
Of course, because a speaking slot a few hours before the VP nominee’s speech is a GREAT indication that it’s actually him. Put down the drugs, dude.
August 20th, 2008 at 3:58 pm
Robbie…I haven’t seen one complaint that Romney is not the Keynote speaker, only that he did not get a primetime slot. If you are that stupid, please jump off!
August 20th, 2008 at 4:00 pm
“bag a cement around my ankles.”
Obama has them all, didn’t you notice he was sinking?
August 20th, 2008 at 4:01 pm
#151
Romano would seem a lot more credible if he didn’t claim that Romney would be an asset due to his fundraising prowess. In case people haven’t noticed, McCain’s going to be on public financing within a few days. Like most bloggers, this guy has no idea what he is talking about.
August 20th, 2008 at 4:01 pm
He’ll get a BIG prime time spot, just watch guys.
Big S – Did you read the link posted in 145? That’s where Matthew, Bob, Rich, and I are coming from. Its worth a read!
August 20th, 2008 at 4:19 pm
Now, he is saying that the VP shares “my principles, my values and my priorities.’
Illinoisguy,
You’ve got to be kidding me! Surely you’re not that oblivious. That has been McCain’s stock answer which he has repeated ad nauseum since March.
As for Newsweek’s Romano, he’s relying solely upon reports from the far-left, socially liberal Democrat, Mark Halperin, and the far-right, socially conservative Republican, Carl Cameron; both of whom fail miserably in their attempts to hide their fears of the selection of a pro-choice running mate by McCain, albeit for differing reasons.
August 20th, 2008 at 4:20 pm
The schedule says one of two things about Romney:
1) He is the VP nominee, and will take over that slot.
or
2) He is being given a very cold shoulder by the RNC – denying him what he has earned (a prime time spot), while giving highly-valued time to those likely to be his primary competitors in four years.
August 20th, 2008 at 4:27 pm
Big S – we type out 157, 158 same time…it appears you did.
August 20th, 2008 at 4:29 pm
159 – then perhaps you should start believing him when he says it. It sure doesn’t apply to your favorite VP candidates.
August 20th, 2008 at 4:45 pm
One thing is more than obvious – if Romney is not the VP, he would have a primetime spot. There is no way McCain would diss Romney like that – he’s worked his butt off for him and came in 2nd. He is still the favorite of the majority in the party. Rove and Hannity both said that wherever they go, people are still talking about Romney.
Huck has been given his spot to appease his followers – nothing more than that.
Romney is the VP.
August 20th, 2008 at 4:47 pm
160 – From what I’ve read, the RNC is pushing for Romney, so no cold shoulder. They know Romney is the future.
August 20th, 2008 at 4:49 pm
Could Cindy introducing the VP mean it nominee is a friend or a female?
-
August 20th, 2008 at 4:52 pm
“He is still the favorite of the majority in the party.” Since when was he the favorite of the majority in the party. The polls never showed him as the favorite of Republican primary voters
(those in the party that count), in most every state he won at best a plurality. I don’t think anyone can claim the title to be the favorite of the party.
August 20th, 2008 at 4:53 pm
That is I don’t think anyone could claim to be the favorite of the majority. There is no majority.
August 20th, 2008 at 4:55 pm
Big S,
Assuming that the Veep will be someone who already has a speaking slot, Romney seems the most likely. I agree with the Romney boosters; his current convention slot is suspicious. Mitt Romney, who gracefully exited right after Super Tuesday, who Mac has effusively praised as a surrogate, and who swallowed a 48 million dollar debt, to free up GOP cash for McCain- that Romney gets a….Tuesday afternoon speaking slot for all his troubles? Really? If he were actually playing the key role in the Democratic convention rebuttal, I think that selection could be justified, but plenty of Republicans are going including Rudy and Pawlenty. It just seems suspicious, is all. That combined with the “hey, maybe we’ll pick a pro-choice VP” push over the last week (which seems like real incompetence if he’s leaning Pawlenty), and Romney looks increasingly likely.
August 20th, 2008 at 5:29 pm
John – I think it’s clear that there isn’t anyone for VP with more supporters than Romney right now. It probably is a majority when you put all the factors together. He came in 2nd, he won over CPAC, talk radio and many leaders in the party, he’s winning the online VP polls by wide margins, and the most recent Zogby.
If there is anyone else who comes close, who would it be?
August 20th, 2008 at 5:37 pm
#168
Romney is preceded by two CEOs – he’s slated to speak during the “business lunch” section of the GOP convention -right were he belongs. I don’t find that suspicious at all.
August 20th, 2008 at 5:52 pm
169, CPAC, talk radio, leaders in the party, online VP polls all mean nothing as far as the opinion of rank and file voters. It means Romney probably has the most enthusiastic base, and that’s a definite plus, but it doesn’t mean the majority of the party supports him.
August 20th, 2008 at 5:56 pm
More details from today’s conference call:
August 20th, 2008 at 6:44 pm
John, I disagree. I think it absolutely does mean Romney has the most support in the GOP. Can you name one other person who has more support? Talk radio is a true reflection of the base.
August 20th, 2008 at 7:43 pm
To argue that any other single candidate has as much Republican support as Romney is ludicrous. Anyone who believes otherwise simple hasn’t been paying attention.
August 22nd, 2008 at 5:50 pm
The most important issue is not who will be the VP…even though my stomach is repulsed by Romney, but the fact that we as Republicans have to make sure the socialist Obama does not win the presidency…and I truly believe Rudy is his best option. The religious right will have to take a back seat in this election for the good of the party and rest assure that there are going to be no pro-choice policies in a McCain presidency.