Coburn for VP?
posted at 7:50 pm on April 3, 2008 by Allahpundit
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We’ve touched on this before although we haven’t really gotten into it. Yes, his legislative record’s impressive. Yes, he delivered a hell of a speech in support of Maverick at CPAC. Yes, he wears the badge of southern authenticity before which 95% of Republicans genuflect:
McCain’s support in the South is soft, and Coburn could help him shore it up. On Super Tuesday, the only Southern(ish) state that McCain carried comfortably was Oklahoma — largely because of Coburn’s endorsement. True, the polls currently show McCain cleaning up in the South, but that has more to do with Democratic bloodletting than with solid support, and remember that Democrat Barack Obama has garnered a lot of primary votes in red states…
By picking Bush, Reagan told Washington power brokers, “I’m willing to work with you.” By picking Coburn, McCain would be saying, “Expect a bumpy ride, boys.”
I have but one exit question. Is the party really ready for a guy on the ticket who evidently thinks the war was a mistake? Can you imagine the Democratic campaign commercials? Let’s see a show of hands on this one.
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While he may think the war was a mistake, he doesn’t support surrender, right?
amerpundit on April 3, 2008 at 7:53 PM
Terrible, terrible idea. Do not make him VP.
Vizzini on April 3, 2008 at 7:55 PM
I don’t want to waste ANY good candidate on McCain. Being saddled with McLame will destroy ANY good candidate’s career. It won’t do a mediocre one any good either.
Warner Todd Huston on April 3, 2008 at 7:56 PM
I live in Alabama. And as a life long Southerner I’ll never vote for McCain, sorry just cant!
AMartinez on April 3, 2008 at 8:00 PM
If Mike Huckabee is not Juan Mccain’s VP then Mccain will not get my vote!
SaintOlaf on April 3, 2008 at 8:01 PM
You like Huckabee but not McCain? Huckabee who said opposition to McCain’s amnesty is partially driven by racism? Huckabee who gave tuition to children of illegal aliens?
amerpundit on April 3, 2008 at 8:03 PM
Rush baby..for VP. I know Rush can’t stand McGramnesty, however they say politics make stange bedfellows, and this would fit..
Legions on April 3, 2008 at 8:03 PM
This can’t be right. All of McCain’s support has almost solely been built on a platform of national defense, centered upon the war in Iraq. In fact many of his supporters (some on this site) encourage those of us who are deranged, to look beyond all the policy issues we have with McCain, and focus instead upon his dedication to the war in Iraq. So why would he pick a guy who thinks the Iraq war was a mistake? That’s like…McCain’s whole appeal dude! Personally, I think it’s a mistake.
Weight of Glory on April 3, 2008 at 8:06 PM
I was born and raised in Oklahoma and my brother still lives there. We were talking about this the other day. Okies are conservative, even most of the Democrats are and Fort Sill in Lawton has a lot of loyal soldiers. I think that in the last election Stephens county went 78% Republican and there was not one blue county in that state…but Oklahoma is another Southwestern state. Look at a map. I think McCain needs a midwesterner or a yankee. Much as I hate to say it.
Terrye on April 3, 2008 at 8:06 PM
Enough with the Senators. The senate is full of pompous windbags, and McCain is certainly no exception.
Pick a governor or go home.
Nessuno on April 3, 2008 at 8:07 PM
Jeff Session or Duncan Hunter
Mojack420 on April 3, 2008 at 8:07 PM
And I think that whatever they decide they need to make it about more than illegal immigration.
Terrye on April 3, 2008 at 8:08 PM
Unless McCain picks Romney I will continue to be bored/discouraged/disappointed with the Republicans and will have to FORCE myself to go vote. Romney would bring my excitement back.
PoliticallyIncorrectSandy on April 3, 2008 at 8:09 PM
Here here Mojack Session’s the Man! Love him here in Bama.
AMartinez on April 3, 2008 at 8:10 PM
“How can you ask someone to die for a mistake” shouts the left. Then the nuance of: it was a mistake then, and it was mismanaged then, but now we must stay the course. To which the media will call BS, hound McCain, and eventually force Coburn to double up on his nuance so as to end back up on the same side with McCain. McCain should just avoid all that. He doesn’t need it.
Weight of Glory on April 3, 2008 at 8:10 PM
He should pick Jeb Bush just to see everyone, like totally, freak-out! What’s a maverick to do?
Weight of Glory on April 3, 2008 at 8:15 PM
amerpundit on April 3, 2008 at 8:03 PM
Yes. Mike Huckabee will refuse to sell out our country’s sovereignty, unlike John Mccain the unapologetic globalist.
After he picks Huck as VP we can rest comfortably, knowing that Huck will undo the damage that McPain will inflict upon this country before he resigns.
Honestly the chances of Mccain resigning due to health issues are about 90%. He’s over 71 and has a dangerous form of skin cancer. The stress of the presidency is not going to be good for his health.
SaintOlaf on April 3, 2008 at 8:16 PM
Duncan Hunter!
Seven Percent Solution on April 3, 2008 at 8:19 PM
Why are the people McCain seems to be favoring so repulsive to me philosophically.
Crist is… well, you know;
Rice is apologetic for those trying to kill Israelis; Lieberman is a freakin Democrat for g-d’s sake;
Coburn is squishy on the war;
Who’s next, Hillary? Gore? Cindy Sheehan?
I’m moving to Mars.
Gartrip on April 3, 2008 at 8:21 PM
Who will you vote for ?
Wade on April 3, 2008 at 8:23 PM
Wade, Session, Adderholt,Shelby, Riely, etc.
AMartinez on April 3, 2008 at 8:26 PM
Ha! [wipes laughter-tear from eye] Good old tough-on-illegal-immigration Huckabee! Too rich, you crazy jokester! You’re killin’ me!
Tzetzes on April 3, 2008 at 8:26 PM
The idea that McCain needs to shore up his base in the south is silly.
Who are conservative southern voters going to pick, Obama?
The only thing McCain needs in a VP is somebody who is young, healthy, smart and READY TO BE POTUS on a moments notice.
EJDolbow on April 3, 2008 at 8:28 PM
Amen! Someone with executive experience. Either a governor or, perhaps, a mayor.
Tzetzes on April 3, 2008 at 8:29 PM
Yes, a sane VP would be a plus.
freevillage on April 3, 2008 at 8:30 PM
I’d say McCain doesn’t have the southern vote, He’s screwed the South with his liberal voteing record. And now most of the south is covered with illeagles. With no remedy in sight.
AMartinez on April 3, 2008 at 8:33 PM
Jack Kemp couldn’t be reached for comment.
SouthernGent on April 3, 2008 at 8:35 PM
Was he the guy who was saying that during medical school he learned how to tell if people were lying?
WisCon on April 3, 2008 at 8:35 PM
I live in Alabama as well AMartinez and will gladly vote for McCain this fall. We don’t have any other choice.
sophiesmom on April 3, 2008 at 8:35 PM
Except in SOUTH CAROLINA.
SouthernGent on April 3, 2008 at 8:37 PM
Whoever McCain picks, he’d better pick fast, as Hilary has apparently already chosen her running-mate.
Tzetzes on April 3, 2008 at 8:38 PM
Sorry SophiesMom, I think we need another Jimma Carter, cept this time he’d be black. We have a tendency to forget our Freedoms and birthrighths as Americans, thats why god made Democrats and hondas, hondas will be explained later.
AMartinez on April 3, 2008 at 8:41 PM
With Iran pursuing nukes, terrorist looking to make Iraq their new base of ops., Al Qaeda constantly looking for ways to bring us down, socialized health care on the horizon, etc., now isn’t the time to see if Carter-Reagan works a second time.
amerpundit on April 3, 2008 at 8:46 PM
unless i overlooked it, what is coburn’s stance on cut and run in iraq? or finish the job? many who were against it know that pullingout like somolia and lebanon would bring greater chaos in the long run.
El Guapo on April 3, 2008 at 8:49 PM
Coburn can easily clarify those remarks to do what most people, including McCain have said, that the management of the war and the way we got into it was a mistake. He wouldn’t need to go into more depth on those remarks, he should refuse to do so. Coburn is a man’s conservative, a principled man, and while he may not agree with the war, I can’t imagine someone with his integrity would turn his back on the men in uniform. He’d also be perfect to temper some of McCain’s crazier liberal tendencies, such as Atzlan-amnesty and working with libs that want to destroy American sovereignty.
Pick him and I’d support McCain. At the moment, I’ll only vote for my local offices… and I’m stuck in NJ.
njrob on April 3, 2008 at 8:51 PM
Sorry amerpundit carter didn’t work the first time and Reagen still didn’t kick Irans ass,over our barrecks and stuff,. This is why were in the delima were in! I’d say we’ve reached a point when half of America hates America. Most now want a hand out, and some compensation for some supposed injustices.
AMartinez on April 3, 2008 at 8:53 PM
Easy on the smarm, there, Yankee.
Lee on April 3, 2008 at 8:54 PM
And one more thing amerpundit, for Pres. Bush not to wipe out any resistence in Iraq, and that includes Sadr, is a waste of our precious American lives.
AMartinez on April 3, 2008 at 9:00 PM
AMartinez
Buy Shadow Warriors. It may clean up alot of questions for you.
El Guapo on April 3, 2008 at 9:08 PM
I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again: Why can’t people just line up behind McCain? Funny old concept in political science called the clothespin vote - this is a vintage example. Trust me, the alternative to McCain, or whatever cutesy-insulting name anyone has for him, will be far, far worse. (Oh and I like how the name-calling against our party’s nominee is almost more venomous here than on DailyKos.
And - apologies for the cheap shot, but when’s the environmental movement going to get involved?
A pandemic of sick eagles cover the south? I was entirely unaware…
gstevens97 on April 3, 2008 at 9:10 PM
Thanks, El Guapo.
AMartinez on April 3, 2008 at 9:12 PM
Its the best of both worlds, my friend. War a mistake: check on the Left. Finish the job now that we’re there: check on the Right.
Sure, the Left will try and play the ‘inconsistency’ angle. But that dog won’t hunt given the tremendous progress our troops have made with the surge.
Americans love to root for the underdog, and especially their home team. Between the success of US forces and the droves of Iraqis signing on the line to fight for their own freedom, I’d say the naysayers are on the wrong side.
James OK on April 3, 2008 at 9:12 PM
Sessions and Hunter together would be my dream ticket. One of them with McCain would be the only way I could vote on the ticket and not commit suicide afterwards. Otherwise, I’m writing someone in.
livermush on April 3, 2008 at 9:14 PM
Oh and I meant to add a relevant point in my previous post - Coburn’s too conservative; he’ll likely attract conservatives and repel moderates in equal numbers. It should be a governor - Jindal, perhaps, or Barbour or Sanford or Romney - and one who’s relatively young but still experienced.
gstevens97 on April 3, 2008 at 9:15 PM
Yea gstevens sorry I’m not the typest you are!
AMartinez on April 3, 2008 at 9:16 PM
AMartinez
Buy Shadow Warriors. It may clean up alot of questions for you.
El Guapo on April 3, 2008 at 9:08 PM
El Guapo in the hoooooouuuuuusssssseeee!!!!!!!
What’s up dude, an Eastern North Carolina
Tom Coburn, ughh no.
Here’s the pecking order:
Colin Powell
Lindsey Graham
Condoleeza Rice
Rudolph Guiliani
Norman Schwarzkopf
Mitt Rominey
THE CHOSEN ONE
Kay Bailey Hutchinson
J.C. Watts
THE CHOSEN ONE
Joe Liebermann
John Kyl
Haly Barbour
Bill Bradley
Newt Gingrich
THE CHOSEN ONE on April 3, 2008 at 9:25 PM
How many of you are there actually in that (what did you call it?) “pecking-order”?
And, while I’ve had my suspicions in the past that you were indeed a pecker, are you going to be a peckee as well, allowing Romney [sic] to peck on your one personality and J.C. Watts on your other?
Tzetzes on April 3, 2008 at 9:38 PM
Condi, dammit!
drunyan8315 on April 3, 2008 at 9:38 PM
Powell check, Graham amnesty (no), Rice bad for Israel (no),Guilani give him a chance, Schwarzkof (hellYea!),Rominey (ditto),Hutchinson(same),Watts(same),Liberman waffels some(but theirs hope)Kyl?, Barbour(Miss.Repup good)Bradley(?) Gingrich says he wont run.
AMartinez on April 3, 2008 at 9:39 PM
Oklahoma is NOT the South. This pick is a mistake. In fact, I bet you money that McCain can’t pick a good VP.
thatcher on April 3, 2008 at 9:41 PM
If it were up to me, Romenee wouldn’t make the list as well as Barbour, Bradley, and Schwarzkopf. These are what I project as smart picks for one reason or another. By the way, the constitution says that Schwarzzeggar can’t be president, is there a rule saying he can’t be vp???
THE CHOSEN ONE on April 3, 2008 at 9:46 PM
Condi, Michael steele, Duncan Hunter….or Mitt..umm…Watts is a good man also.
surrounded on April 3, 2008 at 9:46 PM
MAVERICK ON GRETA AT 10:00 PM. YES!!!!!!
THE CHOSEN ONE on April 3, 2008 at 9:47 PM
He said that the Iraq War was a mistake from five years in, sure. But he’s looking at it from 2008 - not from before the invasion. He simply said that it might not have been a good idea in retrospect. As long as he doesn’t want to surrender, I’d be good with Coburn.
That being said, I think a governor would be a good idea.
PurpleWombats on April 3, 2008 at 9:50 PM
surrounded on April 3, 2008 at 9:46 PM
I would have taken a bullet for Duncan Hunter, but he sold out and endorsed Huckamania.
THE CHOSEN ONE on April 3, 2008 at 9:50 PM
Hell I was for Tancreado and he couldn’t get the funds, go figgure.
AMartinez on April 3, 2008 at 9:52 PM
It’s Romney, dude. ROMNEY! (And do you mean he’d be there less well than the others? Or are you trying to say ‘nor’?)
Why would you want someone who couldn’t take the reins of office? You really want the Speaker of the House becoming President?
And even if you could put Schwarzenegger into such an office, why the hell would you want to?
Sheesh!
Tzetzes on April 3, 2008 at 9:54 PM
I will leave Hotair if Lindsey Graham is not VP, SOS, or AG. Write it down, etch it into a tree, whatever. And someone tell that punk Stenwin77, or MB4 that I propose a loser leave Hotair match. If Mav wins the Presidency, they are banned forever. If Mav loses I’ll proudly apologize for guaranteeing victory for the Republican party and disgracing our brand of politics and take my banning like a scarlet letter. Stenwin77 and MB4 are gutless spineless drips who won’t have the guts to agree, so I’ll need all of your help in arranging this “Loser Leaves Town Death Match”. god bless
THE CHOSEN ONE on April 3, 2008 at 9:56 PM
Yes, I also don’t see where the schwartzeneggar thing is coming from, seems kinda random. TCO, what’s the deal there?
surrounded on April 3, 2008 at 9:57 PM
Tzetzes on April 3, 2008 at 9:54 PM
Mav will live longer than you or I.
THE CHOSEN ONE on April 3, 2008 at 9:58 PM
Forget about Coburn. McCain needs someone who can shore up the economic angle. The economy is likely going to remain front and center in the minds of many and has the potential to deal a rogue wave between here and the election. We have huge problems looming in the derivatives market which will continue to fester away and must unwind smoothly (though not likely). (generally speaking, the derivatives market is much larger than the underlying securities market and has little to no regulatory control).
Moreover, McCain has exposure has said that the economy is not his strong suite. Furthermore, Phil Graham is a key economic advisor to McCain and will increasingly take heat for pushing deregulation.
Likewise, Obama would be wise to hold out the VP slot to a guy like Bloomberg as it would provide evidence of a new era of politics (his words, not mine) and also provide a tip of the spear for economic issues and would go a long way to innoculate him from the economics angle.
Nouriel Roubini has writen extensively on the use of unregulated leverage/derivatives market. A couple of interesting sources to get a cursory look at what is lurking beneath the surface of the financial markets.
http://www.rgemonitor.com/blog/roubini/173905
While I don’t agree with all Michael Greenberger has to say, the discussion is interesting
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=89338743
moxie_neanderthal on April 3, 2008 at 9:58 PM
All the more reason to oppose him.
Tzetzes on April 3, 2008 at 10:00 PM
Wow, Sean Hannity just said he might run for office one day…er, McCain/Han….
nnnnnaaahhhhh…
surrounded on April 3, 2008 at 10:01 PM
Mav on Greta. Another Dem who’s in love with “The Maverick”.
THE CHOSEN ONE on April 3, 2008 at 10:01 PM
This poll makes an very illogical assumtion.
Kind of like “Have you stopped beating your wife?”
MB4 on April 3, 2008 at 10:11 PM
You need to see a child development psychiatrist. It would be for your own good. You will thank me later.
MB4 on April 3, 2008 at 10:16 PM
McCain should ask me. I’m awesome. Plus I have no political experience, a little less than Obama!
But I’m hardcore conservative. And young. And strikingly handsome!
Nethicus on April 3, 2008 at 10:29 PM
MB4 on April 3, 2008 at 10:16 PM
Ever since the choice has been clear(for some of us), Stenwin77 is MIA. Will you agree to the Loser Leave Town Death Match? You’ve issued post after post about how he’ll never win and the media will rip him apart, etc, etc… Don’t be at a loss for word now, bitch. If Mav wins your bye bye. If Obama wins, I’m done. Let’s do this, it’ll be good for Hotair ratings. Don’t be a gutless coward all of your life.
THE CHOSEN ONE on April 3, 2008 at 10:34 PM
The Secure America Plan
Some of you may think I want McCain to pick Huckabee as VP. I don’t.
I don’t think McCain has been honest or ethical, from the Keating 5 to the current election where he has used and abused other people in an attempt to make himself look good. If McCain is so courageous, why did he back down from debating Mike Huckabee 1-on-1 on February 28th? If McCain is so courageous, why won’t he do an interview 1-on-1 with Michelle Malkin?
McCain does not deserve the P nomination of the Republican Party.
Huckabee has been called “the next Reagan” by people who were actually part of Reagan’s campaign. We don’t have to suffer through four years of hell (as we did Jan 1977- Jan 1981) this time to realize our mistake and finally nominate the next Reagan. We can get it right the first time.
Huckabee/Steele defeats Obama/?(aparently not Edwards) in November
Red Pill on April 3, 2008 at 10:46 PM
McCain will never win? I have not said that. What I have said is that I don’t want him as President.
Now why don’t you go play in your bath tub. Be sure not to stay under water too long. And don’t forget to wash behind your ears. Oh, and also wash your mouth out with the soap, but try not to get any in your eyes.
MB4 on April 3, 2008 at 11:20 PM
Legally binding words on record are more important than flattering words in advertisement.
Tzetzes on April 3, 2008 at 11:33 PM
C’mon MB4 and Stenwin77, where are you? We need to get together on this loser leave town death match. Both of you need to me strong enough to understand the ramifications of a lifetime ban. You were rooting for the enemy for at least a month, and now I can’t find either of you for objectionable
critique. Hmmm, rooting for Al-Quaeda, ehhh???
THE CHOSEN ONE on April 4, 2008 at 12:49 AM
No, no…you’re right. Obama would be much better for you than McCain. s/
Fool.
Jaibones on April 4, 2008 at 12:53 AM
Apparently you’d be shocked to know how many of us couldn’t care less what you think.
Jaibones on April 4, 2008 at 12:56 AM
“The only thing McCain needs in a VP is somebody who is young, healthy, smart and READY TO BE POTUS on a moments notice.
EJDolbow on April 3, 2008 at 8:28 PM”
And a ready made VP with those specs just happens to be a big McCain supporter: Tim Pawlenty, Gov of Minnesota.
I agree with you-if McCain does survive the election, he’s still stepping into the most strenuous, toughest job in the world. The Oval Office ages Presidents like happened to the crew members on that old Star Trek episode. Trust me that it will be a campaign issue once the Dems pick Obam…Clin…whoever.
Doug on April 4, 2008 at 1:15 AM
There is something wrong with you, THE CHOSEN ONE. You need help.
Entelechy on April 4, 2008 at 1:29 AM
Yeah, the whole thinks the war was a mistake thing…kinda plays right into the opposition’s claws.
NEXT!
SuperCool on April 4, 2008 at 2:29 AM
Romney is the best VP choice because he is intelligent, well spoken, thoughtful, good looking, wise, is POTUS material and was McCain’s strongest competition.
Plus, pure mathematical logic dictates that McCain choose Romney because of that last fact.
Even after he left the race, for weeks, by the popular vote and by the number of delegates, Mitt was running second to McCain. Huckabee pathetically only caught up in delegates when Mitt released his to McCain.
The GOP would be stupid to run anyone else.
sheryl on April 4, 2008 at 3:12 AM
The war was a mistake. Good on Coburn!
fossten on April 4, 2008 at 9:26 AM
I want to win in Iraq. Weather the war was a mistake or not is academic. Rather. at this crucial moment in history, I see Coburn waisted in the VP slot vs. what he can do for our cause in the Senate where he could not be replaced.
Nyog_of_the_Bog on April 4, 2008 at 9:33 AM
No.
I would rather have the Huckeberry and I hate Huckleberries.
opusrex on April 4, 2008 at 10:21 AM
Somehow I’ve never considered Oklahoma a “Southern” State. Is Arizona a Southern state? I dunno, but I don’t think anyone in Georgia, Alabama, etc are gonna care if Coburn is his pick.
RW Wacko on April 4, 2008 at 10:44 AM
Bad idea. I wouldn’t want to see Coburn’s political coattails connected to McCain. Coburn can focus on the Senate. If he wants to, he could run for Oklahoma Governor and probably win. After that, he’ll be a frontrunner for the Republican nomination for President.
Coburn’s the anti-Delay in my view. I think he’s great for building the party at the grassroots level, but he’s a real thorn in the side of industries that have backed Republicans like Trent Lott.
What about Don Nickles?
gabriel sutherland on April 4, 2008 at 12:47 PM
[what he can do for our cause in the Senate where he could not be replaced.]
Pretty much. Brownback is another candidate that I think the party needs in the Senate to be an elder statesman. If these Senators want to run for Governor of their home state that’s fine, but their work in the Senate is crucial.
gabriel sutherland on April 4, 2008 at 12:49 PM
If Mike Huckabee is not Juan Mccain’s VP then Mccain will not get my vote!
SaintOlaf on April 3, 2008 at 8:01 PM
You like Huckabee but not McCain? Huckabee who said opposition to McCain’s amnesty is partially driven by racism? Huckabee who gave tuition to children of illegal aliens?
amerpundit on April 3, 2008 at 8:03 PM
I think we all stand the risk of making choices with our emotions, but I get the feeling that amerpundit is using facts to back up his gut feelings about Huckabee. The guy gives me the creeps, kinda like the serial killer Spacey played in Seven. Huckabee is an (ex-)holy-roller, so that fits that role as well. Sorry if i offend, but bible-thumpers don’t give me enough facts to go on, aside from book and verse.
As far as Coburn is concerned, I don’t know enough about him and what i do know: ‘Iraq was a mistake’, I don’t like. I will find out his voting record on illegal immigration; I still think Romney is the best pick in the real world, but if I could choose my heart’s desire for VP it would be Duncan Hunter–of course. I can dream.
Christine on April 4, 2008 at 12:56 PM
Newsflash: Most people think Iraq was a mistake these days. It’s an unpopular war. It has been for quite some time. That’s not to say it wasn’t justified, or that I miss that whacko Saddam, or any other number of things, but having a VP who says what most people already think doesn’t seem to be a huge deal.
TheUnrepentantGeek on April 4, 2008 at 1:42 PM
Yes there is. Go read it.
fossten on April 4, 2008 at 2:03 PM
I am thinking along simular lines, only with me it is - If Barry Goldwater is not Juan Mccain’s VP then McCain will not get my vote!.
MB4 on April 4, 2008 at 2:25 PM
I want Bobby Jindal. I know he’s young, and has only just been elected governor, but he could remain Governor while campaigning and return should McCain lose. It would set him up well in the national spot light for 2012.
eski502 on April 4, 2008 at 4:36 PM
Told ya. Check.
James OK on April 4, 2008 at 7:44 PM
We allow all opinions to be expressed, if he is against one thing (and how really adamant he is about that one thing), can be absorbed.
right2bright on April 4, 2008 at 8:20 PM