Geraghty: Source says it’s Pawlenty for VP
posted at 4:30 pm on July 28, 2008 by Allahpundit
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Announcement coming “very soon.” Geraghty notes that Pawlenty’s still scheduled to give a routine speech on Wednesday, but TNR noted over the weekend that he’s already pulled out of one event and his plans for this week are suddenly and suspiciously hazy. See this recent item from Marc Ambinder, too, passing along a rumor that McCain was planning to meet with his inner circle about VP yesterday. And then of course there’s that CNN item claiming an attendee at a fundraiser heard McCain say conservatives are “really going to like” Pawlenty. Put it all together and today’s scurrilous veep du jour meme seems a tad less scurrilous than usual.
Here’s a bullet-point argument, again from TNR, about why Pawlenty is a “slam dunk” pick. His working-class pedigree is all to the good, but between the lack of name recognition and the “boring old Republican white guy” effect, I’m underwhelmed. He doesn’t even have serious religious cred to reassure antsy evangelicals. Let’s hope the report’s wrong, although given the general savviness of McCain’s campaign these days, it probably isn’t.
Update (Ed): Well, I live in Pawlenty’s state and have met him on a couple of occasions, and this pick would not make me too glum at all. Pawlenty has a good center-right track record, especially on holding the line on taxes with a hostile Legislature. He demonstrated real leadership during the bridge collapse and its aftermath, keeping the gas-tax-increase advocates at bay and convincing the rest of the state to ignore them. He’s also pro-life, and a humble but telegenic man who will inject a little vigor into the campaign.
I like Sarah Palin, too, but she’s been governor a year in a state with three electoral votes and about as much chance of going Democrat as getting a sunburn at ANWR in December. Pawlenty has a strong base of personal and political support in Minnesota and the upper Midwest, and he could change the calculus in Minnesota and Wisconsin. He also helps defend the Midwest if Obama picks Sibelius, Gephardt, or Hagel.
Plus, Pawlenty never wavered in his support for McCain even when times got tough. McCain values that kind of loyalty. It’s not a bad quality to have on the ticket.
My only caveat on this would be the timing. If McCain was to pick Palin, it would make sense to announce that sooner rather than later. An announcement for Pawlenty could wait until the convention.
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T-Paw on the issues, if anyone is interested.
Dawnsblood on July 28, 2008 at 5:26 PM
Sure, against Al Gore. Wonder bread dunked in water.Tanya on July 28, 2008 at 5:08 PM
Perfect analogy. Thanks for the laughs.
Obama is just wonder.
Entelechy on July 28, 2008 at 5:27 PM
So sorry, should have been a quote, not a strike
Perfect, just perfect on how bland and boring Gore is.
Entelechy on July 28, 2008 at 5:28 PM
McCain just said on Hannity that the “process” isn’t finished (or something like that). Mitt, we hardly knew ya…
;-(
ParisParamus on July 28, 2008 at 5:30 PM
Someone suggested Michael Steele—I really like that one..
deedtrader on July 28, 2008 at 5:36 PM
Nothing interesting to see. On half the issues, the website says:
“No issue stance yet recorded by OnTheIssues.org.”
barry norris on July 28, 2008 at 5:37 PM
Didn’t Palin just give birth last spring to a kid with Downs Syndrome? VP would be highly unlikely this time. Give it a few years.
wdmdoug on July 28, 2008 at 5:38 PM
I agree with you; it’s just ironic that Palin! and Jindal have more experience than B. O. heh
Branch Rickey on July 28, 2008 at 5:40 PM
Look, McCain, it’s Romney or the highway buddy. I’ll go Obama on you, not even joking.
Seixon on July 28, 2008 at 5:44 PM
Yeah! Another “republican” for making INDIVIDUALS rely on the gov’t. It’s gonna be a VERY expensive four years!
Branch Rickey on July 28, 2008 at 5:44 PM
Jindal already refrigerated his shark.
I want Palin for McCain’s VP.
RushBaby on July 28, 2008 at 5:47 PM
She did, and it hasn’t slowed her down one bit. She performs many official duties, including signing bills and making appearances, with the baby in a sling across her chest. How cool is that?!
aero on July 28, 2008 at 5:48 PM
Ed,
You can get sunburn in ANWR. UV radiation exists there too. :p
Weebork on July 28, 2008 at 5:48 PM
No, you won’t, if I have to come to your house and escort you to the polls myself!
I get the frustration, but going Obama? Do you actually know who B.O. is?
Pope Linus on July 28, 2008 at 5:51 PM
It’s pretty much dark for the month of December that far north.
apollyonbob on July 28, 2008 at 5:54 PM
I don’t know much about him (either my fault or his)…but he better be really charismatic, he better be able to “stir the pot”.
Palin may be from a small state, but her nomination would shake things up. A boring (?) white professional politician does not excite me right now.
right2bright on July 28, 2008 at 5:55 PM
This guy seems to be as mediocre as McCain, can’t McCain find a real conservative for VP? Come on McCain at least toss that bone to the right.
Maxx on July 28, 2008 at 5:57 PM
I went to that site and clicked on “The Enviroment”. It said he had not issued a statement on that subject. Well sorry, that’s wrong. pawlenty has swollowed the global warming kool aid willingly. Not to mention all the submission to islam that has gone on in minnesota on his watch. Get ready for pres barry, people.
peacenprosperity on July 28, 2008 at 5:58 PM
Terrible pick and it won’t happen. Even McCain isn’t this stupid.
Goodale on July 28, 2008 at 5:59 PM
I won’t vote for barry but I’m not going to vote for mccain either. The generals will set pres barry straight, he won’t want to lose the war. The judge issue is a load of crap, mccain has called Alito “over the top” and there is absolutely no proof that mccain won’t get his picks from schumer, lieberman and spector. At least the republicans might fight barry.
peacenprosperity on July 28, 2008 at 6:02 PM
I bet it will be Mike Huckabee. It’s the only possible way that Mccain would stand a chance of winning.
SaintOlaf on July 28, 2008 at 6:03 PM
I’ll take that bet. crist is on hannity tonite. They better not be giving that liberal a coming out party or I might vote for barry.
peacenprosperity on July 28, 2008 at 6:04 PM
I can see Mitt making mince meat out of anyone in an Economic debate, including McCain. What is the biggest issue; the economy. Do you really think Pawlenty measures up Professionally to what Romney has done with his life?
kflynn on July 28, 2008 at 6:05 PM
Here’s Gov. Palin carrying out her official duties as Alaska’s governor with baby son Trig in a carrier. Like I said, having a baby doesn’t stop her from doing her job. As a mother myself, I admire her and think it’s extremely cool that she just takes him along and keeps doing her thing. I would love that kind of image on the presidential campaign trail. She’s a modern woman who has it all and can do it all.
aero on July 28, 2008 at 6:08 PM
They didn’t. He won winning open primaries. Just another sign at how incredibly stupid the republican party is.
peacenprosperity on July 28, 2008 at 6:11 PM
Can you get a sunburn at night? Maybe you can in a tanning bed, but that’s about it.
Curious about how much night ANWR has in December, I just did some research and found that it’s 100%. There’s a surface oil seep at essentially 70 degrees north, 142 degrees west, and that’s the area around which drilling would logically occur. At 70 degrees north, the sun does not rise from essentially Thanksgiving until MLK day, give or take a couple of days each way.
As for Pawlenty, never heard of him. Ho, hum.
flutejpl on July 28, 2008 at 6:12 PM
Oh, brother.
p.s. Wondering where you’ve been. I don’t agree with you, but those religion threads don’t have the same “pop” without ya!
JetBoy on July 28, 2008 at 6:19 PM
Because VP picks are serious business.
I really don’t get the mindset of “if you don’t who I want for VP, I’m not voting for you”. In terms of policy, the VP’s power lies somewhere between the White House janitor and and the President’s dog.
I’d have liked to see Palin, but that was a longshot and we all knew it. Mitt and Huck both bring baggage that could hurt McCain’s campaign, and having a lesser known VP pick could actually help.
Hollowpoint on July 28, 2008 at 6:19 PM
I spent several years in a North Vietnamese prison camp, in the dark, fed with scraps. Do you think I want to do that all over again as vice president of the United States?
–John McCain
That’s what importance McCain puts on the office of V.P.
It doesn’t matter much who it is…but it does seem that many will vote for him (or not) based on his choice for veep.
I don’t get it.
JetBoy on July 28, 2008 at 6:22 PM
Please, no Pawlenty. In this case, it matters who Sen. McCain’s VP is. The media will have a field day with the melanoma scares and PawWHO? for VP. Select someone who can step in on day 1. I don’t think PawWHO? is ready, smart and nice as he is.
It matters to me who the VP is in this case.
eaglesdontflock on July 28, 2008 at 6:26 PM
McCain’s best hope is to get people to vote for the ticket.
RushBaby on July 28, 2008 at 6:27 PM
It’s because people think McCain is more likely than other candidates to die in office or be a single-term president by choice. His body has been put through a lot, and the belief (right or wrong) is that such damage must have taken its toll. He moves stiffly, goes to bed early, and doesn’t campaign on weekends. He seems healthy now, but many of us have seen older relatives and friends take a sudden turn that ages them dramatically, seemingly overnight. McCain’s VP pick seems more important to people than usual because of that perception.
aero on July 28, 2008 at 6:32 PM
Good man, but a mistake for VP. Needs a woman, not another man who will be perceived as and painted as just another cookie cutter conservative. Hope it’s not true.
jeanie on July 28, 2008 at 6:32 PM
peacenprosperity:
That is not true. McCain won in both open and closed primaries and if Republicans wanted someone else they could have voted for him or her. Every time I hear this claim I think of the Democrats doing their we was robbed spng and dance everytime they lose an election.
Think about it. Look at the numbers in those Democrat primaries. If Democrats were voting in the Republican primaries too, then there is no hope anyway because there apparently are not any Republicans.
Rank and file Republicans wanted to win in November so they voted for McCain because they thought he had the best chance. They are not that rigidly political and most of them do not come on political blogs like this.
As for the VP, it is up to McCain. I like Pawlenty. I like Palin. But no one who is not really into politics has any idea who she is. Romney would be okay with me too, but I would be surprised if McCain picked him for VP. He might give him some other job however.
Terrye on July 28, 2008 at 6:33 PM
jeanie:
I am a woman and I want McCain to pick someone who can actually do the job of president if necessary. I don’t want some token female on there.
Terrye on July 28, 2008 at 6:35 PM
One thing about it, Pawlenty is from a state Republicans would be lucky to carry. It would help a lot and the man is competent.
Terrye on July 28, 2008 at 6:37 PM
To be fair, not too many people have ever heard of Pawlenty either.
terryannonline on July 28, 2008 at 6:37 PM
Well, for me, I don’t think about McCain’s age at all. Heck, look at his mother! She’s spry as anything.
I disagree (surprise!)…Anyone McCain picks won’t have much influence on his administration.
JetBoy on July 28, 2008 at 6:37 PM
BINGO! BINGO!! BINGO!!!
And that is why there is finally a McCain VP pick story that has some legs.
MB4 on July 28, 2008 at 6:39 PM
Who?
MB4 on July 28, 2008 at 6:40 PM
If McCain becomes President Huckabee will be lucky to get a job as dog catcher.
MB4 on July 28, 2008 at 6:42 PM
Wait and see.
MB4 on July 28, 2008 at 6:43 PM
He has already flashed conservatives the boner. What more do you want?
MB4 on July 28, 2008 at 6:44 PM
Palin not a token female. Would be good at job if called on to do it. Not feminism(even though may sound like it)—GOP needs an image that will appeal to the under thirty set and still be a good choice. Sarah Palin both. Condi too, but she would not accept.
jeanie on July 28, 2008 at 6:45 PM
I think the VP pick in this case is very important. I need some reason to vote for McCain and so far he hasn’t given me one.
Goodale on July 28, 2008 at 6:47 PM
jeanie:
I said I liked Palin. But you said you wanted a woman. I am just saying I do not want to start playing identity politics tag with Democrats. They will end up nominating a Jewish transexual who was raised a Buddhist or something just to stay ahead.
I really do like Palin, but most people have no idea who that woman is.
Terrye on July 28, 2008 at 6:50 PM
Goodale:
I will give you a reason: two terms of Barack Hussein Obama with a Democratic Congress. Any conservative who is willing to tolerate that does not need to be lecturing anyone else on who is and is not a real conservative.
Terrye on July 28, 2008 at 6:52 PM
anybody really think he’ll deliver Minn. to GOP? or wisconsin?
I mean come on, it never works out this way, see Edwards last time with NC. didn’t make a bit of difference.
problem with Pawlenty, the Social COn base and the South still won’t be wild about this ticket and it opens more ears to Barr there. Plus he’s another “boring white guy” when you had a possible home run with Palin,.
jp on July 28, 2008 at 6:53 PM
The only way McCain can lose is if he defeats himself. Not choosing Romney and appointing his lap dog, Lindsey Graham, Attorney General would do it.
volsense on July 28, 2008 at 6:55 PM
The reason for picking someone from Minnesota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, or Florida is because we hope people will vote for the guy just because he’s from their state, right? And if it is believed that a VP candidate can deliver a crucial swing state, his ability to actually do the job of president is a secondary consideration (though it’s helpful if people think he can do it). On the other hand, if the VP candidate is a woman, and the hope is that some will vote for her just because she’s a woman, that’s somehow bad, and the assumption is that she CAN’T actually do the job of president, even if she’s been demonstrably as competent in her executive role as her male peers who are also under consideration. You don’t see a double standard in that attitude? In your post at 6:35, you indicate that Palin would be a “token woman,” even if she can deliver some extra female voters in November; but in your post at 6:37, you show that you have no problem with Pawlenty as a token Minnesotan if he can deliver his swing state (which is by no means certain). It’s just two different forms of identity politics, and there’s no proof that either would do a better job as president than the other should duty call. But if you’re going to play the identity politics game, it’s a good idea to keep in mind that there are a heck of a lot more female voters than Minnesotans, and women will impact the vote in every swing state, not just Minnesota. That makes Palin more valuable electorally than any of the swing-state men. So arguing that Pawlenty might carry Minnesota as a reason to choose him doesn’t fly.
aero on July 28, 2008 at 6:55 PM
MB4:
There is something that Pawlenty and McCain and even Huckabee have all been able to do: win elections. They are not stupid people. They are not incompetent people. They are not untalented politicians who do not know how to gain broadbased support. To win in a general election you need that. I honestly do not think that McCain would pick Huckabee, but a lot of Republicans like Huckabee..
Terrye on July 28, 2008 at 6:56 PM
aero:
Those traits are not mutually exclusive. It is possible to nominate someone from a swing state who is capable of doing the job. Ed Morrisey knows Pawlenty and he seems to think he can handle the job. Like I said, I like Palin, but there is no more reason to believe she can handle the job than he can. In fact he has more executive experience, I think.
Terrye on July 28, 2008 at 6:59 PM
volsence:
I don’t know about that. A lot of people do not like Romney. I would vote for the ticket with him on it, but I honestly do not think that anyone McCain picks is going to be acceptable to everyone so he might as well pick who thinks is best.
And who he picks as Attorney General is his business too. Graham knows the law. That is the AG’s job.
Terrye on July 28, 2008 at 7:01 PM
The guy’s gotta get elected. Is anyone outside the junkie-sphere calculating the Veep’s influence?
RushBaby on July 28, 2008 at 7:08 PM
She’s so incredibly appealing, I think everyone would find out. Pronto!
RushBaby on July 28, 2008 at 7:09 PM
I question the timing? Let
ObamuhhhDavid Axelrod pick his first!SouthernGent on July 28, 2008 at 7:25 PM
Well, after Barry gets elected, my hope for change will be in hibernation until Jindal/Palin 2012. Or Romney/Jindal, or whatever palatable combination.
Grafted on July 28, 2008 at 7:26 PM
Telegenically Pawlenty is a real yawner. As a speaker he is maybe a notch or two better than McCain, which means he’s fairly weak. Actually, he looks very wimpy. He may be nice, capable, knowledgeable, a good solid GOP moderate but he lacks robustness.
Pawlenty would be a terrible choice. It’s not going to make me vote for BHO, but it makes me think that the McCain campaign doesn’t really get what kind of political climate we are in.
I’m a Romney fan (Palin and Jindal are my next choices) but I think even Huckabee would be a better choice than Pawlenty precisely because of his baggage. There is a great quote by Oscar Wilde that is true in politics too…..”There is only one thing in the world worse than being talked about and that is not being talked about.” McCain thinks he’s invisible now, wait until Pawlenty joins his ticket [queue cricket sounds]
Plus I don’t see Pawlenty on the stump or in the debates being a formidable man.
Romney was McCain’s most formidable competition in the primaries. Mitt gave Ted Kennedy his closest election. He turned around a bankrupt Olympics and decrepit companies aplenty. Romney has a strength about him that transcends identity politics. McCain would be weak not to choose him as his running mate.
sheryl on July 28, 2008 at 7:27 PM
How’d it work out for Mondale/Ferraro?
Hollowpoint on July 28, 2008 at 7:30 PM
Palinmania has the potential to sweep the nation. I think the Obamites fear her the most.
myamphibian on July 28, 2008 at 7:39 PM
I think that is better.
right2bright on July 28, 2008 at 7:47 PM
Heh heh heh.
As for this, it’s a trial balloon. Is McCain really going to do the boring thing every time? ZZZZZZZZ
someone on July 28, 2008 at 7:54 PM
I’ve read his book, and I agree with many things he stands for. However, his naivete on foreign policy and general inexperience at running anything is giving me the jitters. I agree more with Obama than McCain on the whole political spectrum of issues. I really feel like Romney is a guy who knows what he’s doing, though, and I think he’s a bit more liberally inclined (on values) than McCain, even if he doesn’t want to admit it.
I can think of Pawlenty of reasons why McCain should choose Romney instead.
Seixon on July 28, 2008 at 7:57 PM
Please, God, no. We need Pawlenty here in MN. He’s the only thing standing between decent hardworking people and the godless pinkhaired hoards.
What is McCain’s problem? Who the hell is he listening to? Frank Luntz?
The only way McCain can lose is if he alienates the rank & file. But he won’t listen. He would rather pander to La Raza & the NAACP than toss us poor slobs a bone. Has there EVER been a more frustrating election year? Everybody I know is just fit to be tied. It’s torture. Sheer torture. Somehow, McCain will find a way to hand us the greenest, stupidest, and all-time least-qualified president in US history. God help America.
argos on July 28, 2008 at 8:15 PM
I prefer Pawlenty over Romney — Romney’s a good man, but he has that health care disaster in Mass.
Richard Romano on July 28, 2008 at 8:19 PM
That is very cool! God, I would love McCain to choose her. I think she would even take attention away from McCain. Well, the better for conservatives that can’t imagine pulling the lever for McCain. At least they can think about her.
jencab on July 28, 2008 at 8:20 PM
If this be true, then it will help Michelle’s children after all.
Nice going, McCain.
Et tu Brute on July 28, 2008 at 8:33 PM
Meh, works for me. Romney, Jindal, Palin chose two in ‘12!
spmat on July 28, 2008 at 8:36 PM
Gee last week it was Jindal because McCain was headed to New Orleans. This week a virtual unknown is supposed to rev up conservative Republicans pissed off that McCain is on the ticket at all? I don’t think so.
Conservatives already distrust Quisling McCain because of his long record of political treason. They aren’t going to trust his (unknown and unvetted) choice as VP just because he says they will be excited. Fact of the matter is that McCain needs to show conservatives he simply loathes them instead of the current perception that he wishes them dead. If this is his choice, it isn’t going to change the equation.
highhopes on July 28, 2008 at 8:54 PM
I keep telling people this election hinged on McCain’s pick. I think this pick will likely insure a President Obama. McCain needs a known factor and more importantly needs someone who will rally the base… I don’t think Pawlenty will do that.
Texas Rainmaker on July 28, 2008 at 9:11 PM
Ah, well there’s the problem. McCains own ego may lose him the election. He needs to get over his own personal problems with Romney. Didn’t he bitch, more than once about Romney’s wealth? Geez, talk about pot and kettle. Romney’s the best choice in my opinion. I never heard of Pawlenty until just a few months ago. McCain needs some name recognition for a VP pick as well as experience.
jewells45 on July 28, 2008 at 9:18 PM
Another rumored VP pick. Yawn.
McCain, pick Romney if you want to win .
jewells45 on July 28, 2008 at 9:22 PM
Gov. Crist on Hannity and Colmes right now…
JetBoy on July 28, 2008 at 9:25 PM
Exaggerate much?
terryannonline on July 28, 2008 at 9:37 PM
Heres the thing…whoever this person turns out to be he or she will have to run against Hillary in 2012.
No party since Roosevelt (the one who sold out at Yalta not the cool one who gave a speech after being shot) has held the White House for 4 straight terms.
Ronaldus Magnus and GHWB kept it together for three terms. Its gonna be powerful difficult to pull off a 4th straight term. So whoever is Goose to McCain’s Maverick needs to be a pipe-hitter who can a) make a name for theyself as VPOTUS and b) be ready to rassle Hillary to the death over 2012, which by the way is the year that the calendars run out and aliens come down to earth to make us all slaves or food or worse.
Is TimPaw that guy? I dunno. doesnt look like it at first glance, but one never knows. He does not help one bit in the charisma dept which unfortunamente will be mui importante this year. Is he a capable attack dog? dunno that either. perhaps the Cap’n can shed some light on that.
Call me crazy, and you all will, but my heart and gut say that the best pick for the country is Rudy 5 Boroughs.
Rudy’s problem, I think, is that we havent seen 1/10th of the oppo on him yet.
Mike D. on July 28, 2008 at 9:57 PM
I figured he’d pick Romney to try and win Michigan and help in Colorado and Nevada even those polls have tightened in Minnestoa I don’t see that state going republican even with this pick if true.I even considered maybe actually changing my mind and voting for the amnesty man if he picked Romney even though I swore I wouldn’t.I’m going to have to fight the amnesty anyway and Obama is a far left guy who would be a terrible president after all he’s more a citizen of the world so to speak than a american.Frankly I don’t see what Pawlenty brings to the ticket at all.
It would also be funny to watch the MSM including loud mouth Olbermann have to be put on suicide watch if the Messiah loses.
PTN 39 on July 28, 2008 at 10:01 PM
Condoleezza Rice would’ve been a great choice, even Steele said so. I guess she really is too honest for politics. I’ll return to blogging after my mourning period.
[Slowly rolls up "Condi 2008" t-shirts , hats, golf shirts, buttons, frisbees, etc.]
If anybody wants Condi 2008 souvenirs, contact me.
Lothar on July 28, 2008 at 10:24 PM
Clueless Condi?
lol.
MB4 on July 28, 2008 at 10:27 PM
I’m don’t currently live in MN, but keep up with things fairly well. I’ve never found Gov. Pawlenty to be very dynamic nor a very good speaker. He’s not as telegenic as Romney. (Whether Romney would work is another question.) Pawlenty’s pretty good at the one-on-one. I also don’t think he’d put MN or WI in play. Once the U of M campus and empties and votes for the Messiah, it’s pretty much over there. He struggled to get re-elected in MN. I think he got hundreds of thousands fewer votes than the extremely liberal Klobuchar did for Senator. McCain needs MI, OH, and FL for a win. Romney probably helps in all those states. I don’t think Gov. Pawlenty helps there at all. Palin is very personable and lacks national prominence as well, but is conservative. I’m resigned to vote against the Messiah instead of voting for anyone else which seems to be how things work these days — unfortunately.
Laddy on July 28, 2008 at 10:27 PM
Governor Pawlenty Press Conference on Illegal Immigration
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xfHccAAYTrg
RBMN on July 28, 2008 at 10:29 PM
Condi is a dangerous incompetent
I’ve written before about how Rice makes faulty comparisons between the evolution of democratic principle (all men are created equal) in the United States and the introduction of democratic procedure (ballot boxes) to the Middle East, always ignoring both the miracle of our 18th-century Constitution, which contained the blueprint for abolition, and the dispiriting reality of 21st century Islamic constitutions, which charter Sharia states where freedom of conscience (among other things) doesn’t exist.
I’ve written also about how she sees the transformation of her once-segregated hometown of Birmingham, Ala., as the blueprint for democratizing the Islamic world. Hers is a worldview personal to the point of autobiographical, as when she explains how, as a daughter of Birmingham (or “Bombingham,” as she has called it), she can relate both to Israeli fear of Palestinian bombs, and Palestinian “humiliation and powerlessness” over Israeli checkpoints, which she sees as a form of segregation. What she never seems to realize is that such “segregation,” far being the sort of prejudice she remembers, is actually an Israeli line of defense against the ultimate prejudice of Palestinian bombs.
Considering her remarks about America’s “birth defect” — an egregious term for any secretary of state to use about a nation that has brought more liberty to more races, colors and creeds than any in history — I am struck anew how deeply Rice’s vision of race in America, or, perhaps, in segregated Birmingham, affects her vision of America in the wider world. It is as if Rice sees American influence as a means by which to address what she perceives as disparities of race or Third World heritage on the international level.
This would help explain her ahistorical habit of linking the civil rights movement to the Bush administration’s effort to bring democracy to Iraq and Afghanistan. Indeed, in a 2003 speech to the National Association of Black Journalists, she argued that blacks, more than others, should “reject” the “condescending” argument that some are not “ready” for freedom. “That view was wrong in 1963 in Birmingham and it’s wrong in 2003 in Baghdad,” she said. In 2006, she made a similar point. “When I look around the world and I hear people say, `Well, you know, they’re just not ready for democracy,’ it really does resonate,” Rice told CBS’s Katie Couric. “It makes me so angry because I think there are those echoes of what people once thought about black Americans.”
There’s something shockingly provincial at work here. In seeing so much of the world through an American prism of race, Rice has effectively blinded herself to historical and cultural and religious differences between Islam and the West. To put it simply, neither Baghdad nor Gaza is Birmingham. And nothing in all of history quite compares to Philadelphia.
- Diana West
MB4 on July 28, 2008 at 10:34 PM
Nope, your wrong.
peacenprosperity on July 28, 2008 at 10:36 PM
republicans who like huckabee have have comparable brain activity to democrats who like barry.
peacenprosperity on July 28, 2008 at 10:39 PM
If Mc doesn’t pick Romney I will have to be tied up and dragged to the polls. Ugh…
PoliticallyIncorrectSandy on July 28, 2008 at 10:40 PM
Bingo, we have a winner. Why mccain will lose with this pick.
peacenprosperity on July 28, 2008 at 10:42 PM
Guess I will be voting “None of the Above” if this is the VP choice.
azcop on July 28, 2008 at 10:42 PM
Romney’s plan was working, it’s what the democrats did to it after he left office that screwed it up. You people really don’t understand that the guy the leftists and their toadies in the media really fear is Romney. They’re still trying to get between him and Washington.
peacenprosperity on July 28, 2008 at 10:45 PM
I realize Captain Ed is a Minnesota “Homer” but I do not share his optimism that Pawlenty puts either Minnesota or Wisconsin in play. That is not a comment on Pawlenty just a comment on Minnesota and Wisconsin polling in the double digit lead levels for Obama. Pawlenty barely won reelection against a very flawed opponent. He might shift a few per cent McCain’s way but not enough. Outside Minnesota, he would just be an adequate place holder.
Rudy has a name, an ability to lead and to go after a hostile media as well as experience governing with a hostile City Council– he even has an ethnic Italian hook. I am surprised he never gets mentioned.
KW64 on July 28, 2008 at 10:49 PM
I guess all you people who think pawlenty is a great choice for vp are correct. After all, he has protected the rights of muslims in minnesota.
peacenprosperity on July 28, 2008 at 10:50 PM
Thanks for straightening that out. I was going to comment on the same thing. The dems, after Romney left office, have screwed it up. Anyone remember Deval Patrick? (sp?)
Mitt should be the go-to guy.
cjs1943 on July 28, 2008 at 10:55 PM
Obviously, you don’t know what you’re talking about. He does no such thing. He’s fighting two big liberal cities, two liberal-leaning legislative bodies, and a left-leaning court system in Minnesota. He’s not advocating the lunacy. He’s often the lone man bracing the door against the lunacy.
RBMN on July 28, 2008 at 11:00 PM
Pawlenty….ZZZzzzzzzzzzz….Someone wake The Pig up in January 2011, when we can start the Palin for President movement….
CapitalistPig on July 28, 2008 at 11:35 PM
So wrong it’s not even funny.
Dems never pick the old familiar face. (And Republicans always do, which is why we have grumpy old McAmnesty.) If this year’s Hillary couldn’t get it, the older staler 2012 version certainly won’t. Dem caucusgoers (and that’s who ended up picking Barry) will find some new flavor of the month to swoon over.
someone on July 28, 2008 at 11:55 PM
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