Veepstakes Speculation
February 10th, 2008 at 02:29pm Mark Noonan
A really quite good AP article on the subject:
…REPUBLICANS
Given McCain’s age — at 72 on Inauguration Day, he would be the oldest first-term president — there could be more focus than usual on his choice for vice president.
McCain batted away questions Friday about what he’ll be looking for, saying it would be inappropriate to go there with Huckabee still in the race.
Even so, he offered some clues to his thinking. A regional strategy — picking a Southerner, for example, to help carry states in the South — doesn’t work like it did in the past, he said.
McCain even laid out a job description of sorts: “The fundamental principle behind any selection of a running mate would be whether that person is fully prepared to take over and shares your values, your principles, your philosophy and your priorities,” he said.
Under one theory, McCain should use his veep choice to shore up support among wary conservatives.
“That’s the high-profile, easy way” to get right with conservatives, said David Keene, chairman of the American Conservative Union. “If you said, ‘I can’t change because I’m too old to change and I’m too ornery and I don’t want to be nice to you but I’ll select as my running mate someone you really love,’ then they’ll all say ‘OK, we’ll put up with the ornery old guy.’”…
…DEMOCRATS
Still battling delegate for delegate, Clinton and Obama need to keep their focus right now on securing the nomination.
Others, though, have more time to ponder the ramifications of the two candidates teaming up — in either order.
Many see that as the unstoppable “dream unity ticket,” says Goldstein.
Republican Galen, however, thinks it would be more of a nightmare scenario.
A President Obama, he says, wouldn’t want Bill Clinton roaming around “reminding everybody of how he would have done it.”
A President Clinton, he says, wouldn’t want to be overshadowed by the star appeal of Obama.
If the Democratic candidates decide to look elsewhere for a running mate, one strategy is select someone who reinforces their own qualities.
Obama, for example, could pick a Washington outsider to supersize his change message, for example a governor like Arizona’s Janet Napolitano or Kansas’ Kathleen Sebelius…
Anything is possible, but I really don’t see Hillary subordinating herself to Obama, and I see no upside for Obama in becoming Hillary’s VP pick (being a Clinton VP did just a bang up job for Gore, right?) - given this, I do look for a relatively unknown person to wind up as the Democrat’s VP pick - with Napolitano and Sebelius being very good choices for Obama. As to who Hillary would pick - look for a non-entity who won’t be able to upstage her, nor compete with Bill for the second-banana spotlight. Perhaps some former Clinton cabinet member, or a really obscure governor.
As for McCain - I’m thinking youthfu, governor and rock-ribbed conservative. Bobby Jindal (R-LA) would be best, but he only took office this year…oln the other hand, if its Obama, no one would be able to complain about Jindal’s experience, which actually far outpaces Obama’s even without the governorship. Mike Rounds (R-SD) is another possible pick - youthful, good looking family, solid conservative credentials on spending, regulation and education.
What do you think?
Entry Filed under: Campaign 2008, Democrats, Republicans
34 Comments
1. hermie | February 10th, 2008 at 3:01 pm
Of the factors McCain will have to consider will be:
1. Experience. The VP slot needs to be filled with someone who has executive experience, as it will be necessary to lead the country immediately in case McCain would die or become disabled.
2. How his choice will affect the control of Congress. If he chooses another member of Congress, who comes from a Dem-controlled state, then the GOP loses another seat in the House or Senate.
3. What knowledge and command of policy the VP brings. McCain needs someone who understands and can devise economic and other domestic policies.
4. Name recognition. A multi-term Congressman or Senator may offer the three previous factors, but if they are barely known outside of their state or district, you have to spend more time than necessary to introduce them to the nation.
5. A major accomplishment or piece of legislation which the VP candidate can take credit for. You have to show how this person can lead, and if they have something significant on their resume, you can prove their value to a McCain Administration.
6. Acceptability to the conservative base. Right now, the conservatives have pretty much accepted the fact that McCain will be the nominee. McCain has attempted to assure the base that he will not look past their concerns. However, if he chooses a Lindsay Graham, a Christine Todd Whitman, or another who is viewed as someone who does not respect conservative principles, then the base will not support McCain.
2. coulterfan | February 10th, 2008 at 3:25 pm
Did you see Jindal last night on MSNBC? He actually refused to say that he would be voting for a Republican in November. In fact, he said he “probably” would vote Republican, but that he really likes Obama! Here’s another quote:
“He just has an enthusiasm and genuineness about him that makes you want to like the guy, I’m not here to endorse him, (but) I do find his rhetoric inspiring.
It’s a good thing for the country that you’ve got someone talking the way that he talks about bringing us together.”
He then said that he would “probably” vote for the Republican, but would consider who would do the best job of rebuilding New Orleans & the levees.
He did NOT sound enthusiastic about McCain!
3. FmrMarine | February 10th, 2008 at 3:27 pm
McLame = 72 yo
average lifespan of a male in US = 74 yo
Pick a REAL and young conservative for VP =
go mcLame!
4. LiberalMind | February 10th, 2008 at 3:27 pm
Deleted - off topic
5. Casper | February 10th, 2008 at 3:33 pm
I’m betting McCain picks someone from the Senate past of present, that he’s worked with over the years.
Obama’s best choice would be Bill Richardson. It would do a pretty good job of balanc ing out the ticket.
Clinton will have a tough job coming up with anyone. Not to many up and comers are going to want to be overshadowed by Bill.
6. coulterfan | February 10th, 2008 at 3:35 pm
I like Jim Webb for either Obama or Clinton. He was Reagan’s Secretary of the Navy. He left the position because he DID NOT support Reagan’s plan to cut the size of the Navy. Webb wanted to INCREASE the size of the Navy. Apart from that difference, he was HIGHLY praised by Reagan. He’s a veteran, a fighter, and respected by people on both sides of the aisle.
As far as the GOP, I think Lieberman could switch party affiliation and run with McCain. While upsetting some of the base, the ticket would appeal to moderates and independents. They would appeal, as well, to bipartisanship- which is one of Obama’s main appeals. Otherwise, Huckabee is likely if he stays in the race. . .
7. Casper | February 10th, 2008 at 3:36 pm
FmrMarine,
McCain’s mother is alive and doing well even though she is in her 90s. I wouldn’t hold my breath expecting him to pass away during his term.
8. FmrMarine | February 10th, 2008 at 3:48 pm
casper;
DAMN! LOL
9. Mark Noonan | February 10th, 2008 at 4:16 pm
Coulter,
I find no reference to Jindal appearing on MSNBC, but I do find the whole article you are quoting from - probably via a leftwing website:
That is in this article:
http://www.nola.com/news/index.ssf/2008/02/jindal_gives_no_blessing_in_pr.html
Which is from February 6th, making it four days ago, not last night. Rule #1 - stay away from lefty websites.
10. coulterfan | February 10th, 2008 at 4:26 pm
Mark,
Jindal was on MSNBC last night. He was talking about the LA caucus. I saw the entire interview and the quote was identical to what I posted.
He was asked a follow up when he said that he ‘probably’ would vote for the GOP nominee. And he basically said he would vote for whichever candidate would do the most for NO.
And, unlike some around here, I don’t get my news exclusively from one source. This did not come from a web site, but when I was flipping channels last night (MSNBC, CNN, FoxNews)
11. Retired Spook | February 10th, 2008 at 4:33 pm
I like Jim Webb for either Obama or Clinton. He was Reagan’s Secretary of the Navy.
Plus he knows how to smuggle a gun into the Capital Building, which could come in handy if the Senate gets a little unruly.
12. SEW | February 10th, 2008 at 4:33 pm
Obama and Keith Olbermann
Hillary and Rosie O’Donnell
Unbeatable! Vote for change!
13. Mark Noonan | February 10th, 2008 at 4:35 pm
Coulter,
You’re asking me to believe that he said the exact same thing four days apart…it just stretches credibility quite a lot to expect that.
You sure you didn’t just make an error?
14. coulterfan | February 10th, 2008 at 4:42 pm
>>You’re asking me to believe that he said the exact same thing four days apart…it just stretches credibility quite a lot to expect that.
You sure you didn’t just make an error?
Politicians say the same thing over and over and over again. . .
I am quite certain what I saw. Both my wife and I blurted out “probably”?!?!? right before he was asked the follow-up.
It’s not surprising, really. Obama has impressed him (he’s said so on numerous occasions), Obama also had just given a speech in which he talked about broken promises to Louisiana (after he won the state last night).
Because he’s got the best interest of his state in mind, he wants to leave open the threat of voting for Obama IF “anti-pork” McCain doesn’t come through on rebuilding the levees.
I’ve looked for the transcript, but haven’t found it yet. I’ll let you know if I do, but I’m not making this up . . .
15. Ricorun | February 10th, 2008 at 4:54 pm
I saw the Jindal interview on MSNBC too, Mark. I don’t recall him mentioning meeting Obama in the halls of congress, but he did mention most of the other stuff in the Times-Picayune article.
16. Mark Noonan | February 10th, 2008 at 4:58 pm
Coulter,
Well, with Ricorun to your rescue at least we’ve got some verification that Jindal was on MSNBC last night…but, at any rate, do expect Jindal to be enthusiastically behind the GOP nominee in November. Even if he spoke as you claim, you’re probably reading more into it than was actually there.
17. Christian Wright | February 10th, 2008 at 5:07 pm
As long as he makes John Edwards Attorney General, I am okay with whomever he picks for VP.
18. neocon | February 10th, 2008 at 5:12 pm
>>>Because he’s got the best interest of his state in mind, he wants to leave open the threat of voting for Obama IF “anti-pork” McCain doesn’t come through on rebuilding the levees.<<<
Coulter,
Seriously, after a democratically controlled Congress for forty years up until 1994 at the federal level and decades of Democrats in state offices in LA, including the most recent ineffective combination of Landrieu, Blanco and Nagin, you think that all of a sudden Jindals going to believe that Obama, the miracle Democrat is going to get things done?
You are a dreamer.
19. Heckrulz | February 10th, 2008 at 5:33 pm
Stormin Norman Schwartzkopf for VP
?I admire men of character, and I judge character not by how men deal with their superiors, but mostly how they deal with their subordinates, and that, to me, is where you find out what the character of a man is?
20. coulterfan | February 10th, 2008 at 7:11 pm
Deleted - off topic
21. sleepygene | February 10th, 2008 at 7:18 pm
Mark-
I saw Jindal on MSNBC last night and he did say he would “probably” would vote for the Republican candidate. Norah O’Donnell almost jumped out of her skin and asked probably? It did happen as Coulter Fan said.
22. coulterfan | February 10th, 2008 at 7:22 pm
>>I saw Jindal on MSNBC last night and he did say he would “probably” would vote for the Republican candidate. Norah O’Donnell almost jumped out of her skin and asked probably? It did happen as Coulter Fan said.
Thanks, sleepygene. I have always been honest and truthful. Unfortunately, some people project their own dishonesty on others.
23. Mark Noonan | February 10th, 2008 at 7:26 pm
Gene,
Then it is just very curious that MSNBC has nothing on it - while I did, in my searching, find someone who had an enthusiastic comment about what Jindal said on Fox News. Not saying it didn’t happen - but I don’t think it happened quite the way hopeful, Democratic ears might have heard it…something like that would have made news somehwere.
24. Mark Noonan | February 10th, 2008 at 7:27 pm
coulter,
Given what I know of Jindal, it just strains credibility to believe he said such a thing, at least in the manner which you transmit it.
25. Mark Noonan | February 10th, 2008 at 7:33 pm
search and search and search, and find nothing…except what I found, which is a news story from four days ago, not last night, saying precisely what is claimed was said on television last night…very odd.
26. sleepygene | February 10th, 2008 at 8:15 pm
Mark-
Jindal said it the way Coulterfan reported it. Jindal was a Mitt supporter and maybe he isn’t totally sold on McCain and maybe he wants to be sold. Jindal is a shrewd politician who holds sway in a state that McCain needs. It would be smart on his part to see what McCain has to offer in exchange for full throated support.
27. phnx | February 10th, 2008 at 8:16 pm
Mark,
Jindal would be foolish to accept a VP slot. He can be a two term Governor of LA, turn it around and be 42 years old for a good shot in 2012.
I don’t see what the Governor of South Dakota brings. He’s an unknown and the state has few electoral votes, and will probably go for McCain anyway. Look for someone east of the Mississippi. Like I said before:
Blackwell from Ohio or Sanford of South Carolina
28. Mark Noonan | February 10th, 2008 at 8:30 pm
gene,
Jindal is clearly hedging his bets - just odd that I can’t find a television quote from yesterday as claimed…
29. Mark Noonan | February 10th, 2008 at 8:32 pm
phnx,
True, Jindal can do it on his own, if he waits…as for South Dakota - I think Cheney shows that regional ticket-balancing isn’t important anymore. Its all about ideology and - given McCain’s age - youth. McCain needs a solid conservative who is significantly younger than he is. Sanford is pretty good, too.
30. hermie | February 10th, 2008 at 10:24 pm
I once thought that it would be a Clinton-Obama ticket, but that was long before Obama had decided to get the top spot for himself.
The best bet for either Clinton or Obama would be Richardson. Hillary has to shore up her Hispanic vote as they have a real problem with Obama. If she offered the VP spot to Obama, the Hispanic Dems would drop her.
Obama needs Hispanic support and inclusion of Richardson would placate that faction.
If Hillary didn’t choose Richardson, then she’d have to go second string with Harold Ford.
Obama would have to shore up the female vote, so look for him to find a female legislator, or even Governor like Gregorie.
31. phnx | February 10th, 2008 at 10:46 pm
hermie,
Hispanics are already voting for Clinton. Its Obama that could use Richardson. But I do think you have something with Ford. Hillary will need to shore up the african american vote, and Ford cold help do that as well as energize younger voters that could be disappointed with Obama losing the nomination. It will also put the Clintons into the King Maker position in 2016 with their own VP getting the nomination.
32. keefer | February 11th, 2008 at 5:49 am
He then said that he would “probably” vote for the Republican, but would consider who would do the best job of rebuilding New Orleans & the levees.
I guess that’s why I heard a news clip of Earbama ranting about how he’d repair the levees. Pandering as usual…
33. coulterfan | February 11th, 2008 at 8:25 am
>>I guess that’s why I heard a news clip of Earbama ranting about how he’d repair the levees. Pandering as usual…
His record (sponsoring more that 800 bills in Illinois) shows no signs of pandering. In contrast, remember all those promises Bush made in NO? Now THAT was pandering!
And what was up with his ‘promise’ for a manned mission to MARS!?!?!? How’s THAT coming along, GW?
34. Kurt Diekelman | February 11th, 2008 at 2:06 pm
Romney would be a good fit for Mccain but they don’t seem to like each other.