Veepwatch: Cantor gets vetted
posted at 9:00 am on August 3, 2008 by Ed Morrissey
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John McCain’s running mate vetting committee has begun working on readying Rep. Eric Cantor, according to multiple reports out of Washington last night. The Virginia Congressman could energize conservatives and reinforce McCain’s reform message, as well as provide a backstop for a key Republican state that has drifted Democratic of late:
John McCain’s campaign has asked Virginia Rep. Eric Cantor for personal documents as the Republican presidential candidate steps up his search for a running mate, The Associated Press has learned.
Cantor, 45, the chief deputy minority whip in the House, has been mentioned among several Republicans as a possible running mate for McCain. A Republican familiar with the conversations between Cantor and the McCain campaign said Cantor has been asked to turn over documents, but did not know specifically what records were sought. …
Cantor has been a visible McCain surrogate for weeks, appearing frequently on cable news outlets chiefly to promote McCain’s positions on domestic and economic issues. He has been a forceful critic of Democrat Barack Obama’s resistance to lifting the federal ban on oil and gas drilling off the Atlantic and Pacific coasts.
Cantor could boost McCain on a number of fronts. Cantor has rock-solid conservative credentials and is a favorite of the Republican base. He would also provide a little history as the nation’s second Jewish candidate on a major-party ticket, after Joe Lieberman in 2000, and the first Republican. McCain could hope to make major gains in the Jewish vote, especially given the uncertainty surrounding Barack Obama and his long association with Jeremiah Wright and Trinity United, with their pro-Palestinian rhetoric. Cantor is also young, just 45 years old, and an energetic campaigner.
Cantor also has some drawbacks. McCain would want him to help hold Virginia, but Cantor passed on a shot at John Warner’s Senate seat this year. Some believed that Cantor could not win a statewide election, as Virginia had become too moderate overall for Cantor to compete against Mark Warner. Cantor has never held executive office either, which apparently matters less this cycle than it usually does for presidential elections. He’s been in Congress longer than Obama by four years, but that’s usually not considered enough seasoning for a running mate, again at least until this cycle.
One other drawback exists. Cantor would have to give up his re-election bid for his Congressional seat, and the GOP may not have a candidate ready to replace him. If McCain loses, the House GOP loses an important voice in national politics for at least two years and an important seat in the House, too.
Of course, at this point, all of these little leaks could be nothing more than a smoke screen. McCain (and Obama, for that matter) may want people to believe that he’s searching across a wide spectrum for the best candidate. Cantor could be a game-changer, though. He would be a very good selection to strengthen McCain’s position coming into the convention.
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this state has definatly changed in the last 20 years.
i like cantor, never heard anything bad about him in central, va. that i can remember. he wcould be a good choice i think.
trailortrash on August 3, 2008 at 9:11 AM
Why hasn’t this forum spoken about him before…It would be a Virginia battle….talk about make or break.
tomas on August 3, 2008 at 9:16 AM
Boring White Guy…Not! He’s Jewish, which makes him a minority. that could help J-Mac win FL.
jgapinoy on August 3, 2008 at 9:16 AM
Hmm, during 2004 election networks delayed results with leaks that Bush is going to lose Virginia. Results however proved otherwise. Obama is WEAK on military, that could be a BIG problem for him. Cantor may be an added + for Virginia, but not having him as VP is certainly not a minus.
Anita on August 3, 2008 at 9:17 AM
Trailortrash, you aren’t kidding. I am from the Virginia Beach area, we moved to Florida in 1997 because of BRAC and that area recently elected a Dem. With all the military there you could count on it being conservative but not now. We need to move back now (lots of older folks in family) but I swear I am thinking of slipping over the line to N.C.
Cindy Munford on August 3, 2008 at 9:17 AM
McCain could just be throwing him out there so Obama doesn’t pick Kaine.
tomas on August 3, 2008 at 9:18 AM
Actually I think that was a wise decision, as I doubt any Republican could beat Mark Warner, who left the governor’s house with about an 80% approval rating. I think having Cantor as V-P could help McCain take VA.
Yossarian on August 3, 2008 at 9:19 AM
Also Pennsylvania.
Wethal on August 3, 2008 at 9:19 AM
Cantor might have the same problem that Romney had. The religeous issue with some conservatives. IS being a Mormon as bad as beng Jewish ?
I dont mind either of those religeons so doesnt bother me. But it will be an issue for some. Where Cantor has credentuals over Mitt is that he is veiwed as being more conservative.
This might be a good choice.
William Amos on August 3, 2008 at 9:20 AM
I’m still thinking it’s going to be Ridge and Warner, but what the heck do I know.
forest on August 3, 2008 at 9:23 AM
Probably not. Mormonism is a Christian heresy to fundamentalists, while most fundamentalists recognize the Jews as God’s Chosen People, and the restoration of the State of Israel as fulfillment of Biblical prophecy.
Second Coming, First Coming - as long as the Messiah comes, who’s counting?
Wethal on August 3, 2008 at 9:23 AM
That’s what I keep thinking…I still say McCain has had Crist in mind for a while. And just because Cantor is being “vetted”, does it even necessary have to mean for veep?
This whole past week has been highly speculative on a number of people. Honestly, I hope McCain waits until the convention to announce. But again, no matter who the veep is (Crist!) it isn’t going to make much of a difference. But if it causes more conservatives to get off their butts and vote, I’m all for whomever.
JetBoy on August 3, 2008 at 9:24 AM
If McCain won, and decided not to run for a second term, imagine the fun in 2012 if the Dems had to run against a Jewish POTUS candidate.
Wethal on August 3, 2008 at 9:26 AM
yeah norfolk and va, beach where great in the 70′-80’s, totaly differnt there now.
i actualy was thinking of escaping to west va. i spent to much time working in the tobacco fields of nc when i was young, still cant relax when i visit family there lol.
trailortrash on August 3, 2008 at 9:28 AM
I agree, this is going to be trouble, one of the areas which normally delivers FL for the R’s in recent years, Jacksonville. Is in trouble. We have way more Dems here than Reps, but they dont vote because most of the Dems are poorer black people, thus Reps win by 2 to 1 here.
If Duval County goes Dem, the I-4 Corridor wont mean crap.
Squid Shark on August 3, 2008 at 9:36 AM
I was stationed in Norfolk for a long time, recently, it is the a**hole of America.
Squid Shark on August 3, 2008 at 9:37 AM
The biggest Democrat gain was in 2006, when with great help from the Washington Post, Jim Webb beat George Allen.
But remember, Webb for a short time was the Secretary of the Navy under Ronald Reagan. He’s a Marine Corps combat veteran and a graduate of the Naval Academy.
Despite all of this, Webb is a typical worthless Democrat. But he had enough credentials to fool people and with the help of the Post’s slandering of Allen and Allen’s terrible campaign, Webb won.
Obama is not a veteran. McCain is not only a veteran, but a Navy veteran. Yes, northern Virginia is growing, but southern virginia isn’t small and it’s full of Navy veterans.
Obama will get trounced in Virginia, it won’t even be close.
NoDonkey on August 3, 2008 at 9:37 AM
Virginia has shifted in a big way to Democrats. It would be very tough. But Cantor is a good guy.
But I still like Palin better :)
winged on August 3, 2008 at 9:38 AM
And dont forget that idiot Kane only got elected because a)the Republican sucked and b)Mark Warner, a conservative technocrat, was insanely popular.
Squid Shark on August 3, 2008 at 9:42 AM
Anybody remember Macaca?
I think the Virginia Democrat shift may be a little bit overrated. It’s a little more questionable when the most recent Democrat win was due to Democrat luck and the Republican imploding.
This is also a reason the estimates in Texas for the Democrats are being inflated—I mean, gee, after all Tom DeLay’s district fell to a Democrat, right—oh, wait–the GOP was not allowed to have anyone on the ballot because DeLay resigned too late.
Sekhmet on August 3, 2008 at 9:43 AM
LOL, N.C. was only vacation time for me. Outer Banks. Funny what is left over from the formative years.
Cindy Munford on August 3, 2008 at 9:44 AM
Blacks make up 12-13 percent of the population and were about 11 percent of the vote in 2004 nationally, which is pretty much in line with their percent of the eligible population. The blacks who don’t vote in Jacksonville still won’t be voting this year because they are a subset of adults who never vote for one reason or another.
Sekhmet on August 3, 2008 at 9:47 AM
Well I was thinking of the Paul backers who would veiw someone like Cantor as the second neocon coming. They would flip to Barr in November.
William Amos on August 3, 2008 at 9:48 AM
What are you talking about??? Conservatives (and Evangelicals) are among Israel’s staunchest defenders.
Buy Danish on August 3, 2008 at 9:51 AM
Most of the Ronulans who would hold Cantor’s Jewishness against him were probably never seriously contemplating voting Republican this year anyway when Ron Paul was not going to be the nominee.
Sekhmet on August 3, 2008 at 9:53 AM
Romney is also suspect to fundamentalists because of his flipflops on abortion. Cantor, as far as I know, has always been solidy pro-life.
Wethal on August 3, 2008 at 9:53 AM
Crossed posts, but now the question is: Since when is Paul a “conservative”? Moreover, if the Iraq War is the issue, they’ll “flip for Barr” anyway, right?
This analysis makes no sense to me.
Buy Danish on August 3, 2008 at 9:55 AM
Again I stated there are some like the Paulies who would hold being Jewish against Cantor. Again not most evangelicals but there are some out there.
William Amos on August 3, 2008 at 9:58 AM
I am in the county just over from Jacksonville. St. Johns County. Sometimes when I go home to Virginia Beach and then come back here I almost feel like I am in the Twilight Zone. It is a growing area and it is becoming more diverse all the time but it is a bit startling. Unfortunately in Jacksonville they are just having the worst time with black on black crime. It’s a sin, several young children have been caught in the crossfire. Like Richmond a while back.
Cindy Munford on August 3, 2008 at 9:59 AM
The Paulites call themselves conservative. But they are more libertarian.
In 1960 some wondered if a catholic could be President. There is still some of that feeling out there in this coutry. I think its a silly question but it is a question for some.
But also will point out Obama brings other issues to the table as well.
William Amos on August 3, 2008 at 10:00 AM
This evangelical would vote for a Jew, a Muslim, or a Mormon if he or she is the most qualified conservative, & I believe most evangelicals think the same way.
jgapinoy on August 3, 2008 at 10:05 AM
He may need some help here. I have been counting bumperstickers in both Tampa and Sarasota, 20 to 1 for Obama.
talking_mouse on August 3, 2008 at 10:06 AM
Which brings up a good question…how much of an issue is the Iraq War now? Sane people agree that things have improved greatly there, and there’s even some consensus on withdrawal timetables/”horizons”.
I think the candidate that makes Iraq a central issue in the election is the losing candidate.
flipflop on August 3, 2008 at 10:09 AM
Candor on the issue of ILLEGAL Immigration … Yes, he could make a real difference in this election.
DannoJyd on August 3, 2008 at 10:12 AM
talking_mouse, although I do like it when I see conservative bummer stickers don’t you think that we are less likely to do that. I particularly like funny ones. I have never put a bummer sticker on my car, but the husband put a Harley sticker on the back window. I think it goes hand in hand with the protest thing. Ask a conservative to come out, join a crowd to DO something they will come but I don’t think we are a big hang around hold a sign type of people. Plus I don’t want my car keyed for my political statements.
Cindy Munford on August 3, 2008 at 10:13 AM
Yes he does!
It seems to me that you’re taking a page out of the Dem’s playbook that conservatives are bigots, at least in large enough numbers to affect the election, and I take issue with that premise.
The Iraq War is not the issue, except as a predictor of which candidate is capable of making the right decisions based on past actions, and which is a dangerous neophyte.
I was only speaking to what motivates Paul Nuts.
Buy Danish on August 3, 2008 at 10:15 AM
I know what you mean. I ordered three of those “Your Wallet…the only place Democrats want to drill” stickers from the Tennessee GOP (which I’m still waiting for), but I’m almost afraid to put them on my cars. Funny how libs don’t have to worry about the same thing.
flipflop on August 3, 2008 at 10:17 AM
You were right I made a mistake realier. I stated that CONSERVATIVES would have problems voting for Mitt or Cantor. I meant to say some voters will have problems and most of them are not conservative. SO you were right tp point that out what I initially said was not true. The problem is with some voters and not conservatives.
But below is another reason Mitt wont get selected.
Another reason Mitt wont be elected
William Amos on August 3, 2008 at 10:20 AM
I’ve had people cut in front of my car & brake 3X since I put on my McCain sticker.
jgapinoy on August 3, 2008 at 10:21 AM
Liberals are strange grim creatures.
jencab on August 3, 2008 at 10:26 AM
This guy may be well-known in Virginia but I never heard of him here in the backwoods of New Hampster. He may be a nice guy but he adds nothing to the mix to make me like voting for McCoot. McC is still The Lesser Of Two Weevils and gets my vote that way. Herself would be a strong arm-twisting VP for girlyman Barry but most VP’s, a la AlGore, Gerry Ford, Spiro Agnew etc. are useless appendages (Dick Cheney is an exception). Can somebody give an example of voting for a President because of his VP choice?
GeneSmith on August 3, 2008 at 10:29 AM
You guys aren’t kidding about the state of Hampton Roads. In another thread the other day, I spoke of noticing increasing support for Obama on cars on the military bases around here. Yesterday, at the commissary, one of my baggers had a tiny Obama pin (although she looked barely old enough to vote).
I think it is a mistake to automatically think that this area is dominately conservative anymore… with so many people my age in the military (and people my age tend liberal), I think we’re more and more purple. It is getting hard to resist kicking over the Obama signs in my neighborhood though… but I’m too afraid to go out at night anyway.
I don’t know much of Cantor (not my part of VA), but he seems like a reasonable guy - especially after I heard him speak on Friday. McCain can do far worse.
Anna on August 3, 2008 at 10:35 AM
The choice of V.P. will matter, if for no other reason, because of the age and health of McCain.
Johan Klaus on August 3, 2008 at 10:38 AM
Who? A no name? We need a name. When was the last veep candidate who was both unknown and wasn’t a current/former Senator or Governor. Please frame your answer in the form of a question. Who is Geraldine Ferraro? (1984) How did that “hail Mary” pass work out? Before that, I can’t even remember.
Paul-Cincy on August 3, 2008 at 10:38 AM
who wants a NO-NAME with skeletons in his closet we know nothing about? raise your hand! uh not me… pick someone with a damn name geeez and get this over with and get on with the show.
Kaptain Amerika on August 3, 2008 at 10:39 AM
JFK in 1960 selecting Lyndon Johnson. Kennedy wouldnt have won Texas if not for that.
William Amos on August 3, 2008 at 10:39 AM
A good point. He might help McCain stick to his “border enforcement first” promise.
Wethal on August 3, 2008 at 10:44 AM
Thanks for the clarification :)
As for the attacks on Mitt, what a shocka! The S.E.I.U., a corrupt union who are under investigation by the Justice Department, will go on the attack against Mitt, who is a “robber baron”, according to that man of the people, bootlegging heir, Ted Kennedy.
Buy Danish on August 3, 2008 at 10:44 AM
We need to do more than just enforce the border. Here in Texas, we are having major problems with illegal causing traffic accidents, because they refuse to obey traffic laws.
Johan Klaus on August 3, 2008 at 10:52 AM
A Cantor nod would come very close to sealing the deal here.
steveegg on August 3, 2008 at 10:59 AM
JetBoy, you are so fixated with Charlene Crist. Are you really Charlene posting on the board?
Crist is panicking (I KNOW) because he’s being currently ignored by the McCain team. It will not be him. He is more of an empty suit than Barry O is.
stenwin77 on August 3, 2008 at 10:59 AM
Shock us all McCain - SARAH PALIN FOR VP !!!!
stenwin77 on August 3, 2008 at 11:00 AM
I think the current investigation of Palin, no matter how much a baseless witch hunt it is, pretty much rules her out. Imagine the Dem ads of “Culture of corruption” with Mark Foley, Duke Cunningham, Larry Craig and…..Palin.
Yes, the Dems would stoop that low. Or one of their 527s would.
Wethal on August 3, 2008 at 11:03 AM
JetBoy - I would suggest that no matter how effective Crist might be, the Party can’t afford to go up against the image of The Obamessiah with the image of two white-haired guys.
eeyore on August 3, 2008 at 11:04 AM
Who? I have no idea who this guy is, honestly.
McCain’s campaign is being poorly run. They’re not getting the job done. I have respect for the man and all that he has done for the country, but his push for the highest office in the land is plain underwhelming.
As much as I don’t want to admit it, I believe Obama is going to win in November.
eanax on August 3, 2008 at 11:06 AM
You’re too kind!
OldEnglish on August 3, 2008 at 11:06 AM
JetBoy,
“I still say McCain has had Crist in mind for a while.”
Crist vs The Messiah …
exhelodrvr on August 3, 2008 at 11:17 AM
I don’t know your situation, but it may be that they are accustomed to different traffic laws. Some years ago, I was driving on NJ 33 (east of Freehold) and signalled a left turn in the left lane. As I started the turn, I had to swing the wheel back–some maniac swung around to pass me at about 60 mph. Later I learned that the left turn signal means “OK to pass me” in Mexico; a left turn is made by coming to a stop in the RIGHT lane and waiting for an opening. (Having to drive like this would turn anyone into a maniac.)
(I remember it well …. Less than ten minutes later, I was nearly decapitated by a sheet of plywood that had been unsecured in the back of a pickup; the slipstream lifted about fifteen feet out of the truck bed and it glided straight at me where I had skidded to a stop. It came in thirty inches too low and struck my front tires quite squarely (on a sedan, not a pickup). I drove right over the blasted thing, and passed the truck just as the driver realized that he had lost something.)
njcommuter on August 3, 2008 at 11:19 AM
McCain had a giant voter backlash against his shamnesty bill and he still gave us the finger and hired Juan Hernandez to work his campaign. A 4 year congressman nobody is not going to change his mind on anything, whether he is the VP or the guy who cleans the toilets. McCain is the head of the ticket; he sets the tone and the policies. If he still wants amnesty, that’s what the administration will push for. You’re not going to have a dissenter raising up their voice from the administration. That’s why I keep saying all these conservative VP choices are wasted on McCain; he’s going to grind them down in yes-men (or women) for whatever sh*t policies he comes up with. Let McCain pick some worthless bum that nobody will miss when he drags them down (Huckabee or Goober Graham).
austinnelly on August 3, 2008 at 11:21 AM
Cantor is my #2 candidate, behind only John Kasich. I think the Jewish vote could be hugely important in this election. Jews would be electrified by Cantor - not many of them outside Virginia know of him and he would generate a ton of great media interest for weeks. He is extremely polished and articulate. Conservatives will love him and I think his selection really would seal the deal for many conservatives who are still on the fence about McCain. That’s the single most important thing McCain needs to accomplish with his VP pick.
As for those who say “we need a big name,” we HAVE the big name at the top of the ticket! The Democrats don’t! It’s actually a good thing politically for Republicans to pick someone without a ton of experience, so they can highlight the fact that a lack of years of experience isn’t really a problem for a Vice President, but it sure is for a President. And Eric Cantor has been in Congress longer than Barack Obama. Anyone who has been in Congress longer than Obama is more experienced than he is and more qualified to be President. If John McCain is elected and drops dead the day after he is inaugurated, Eric Cantor will still be more ready to assume the office than Barack Obama would be.
If Cantor has any skeletons in his closet, they would have come out by now as he is the House Minority Whip and thus a key opponent of Democrats. I also think an early naming of Cantor would scare Obama away from Tim Kaine, and his coattails might even help Jim Gilmore.
rockmom on August 3, 2008 at 11:31 AM
His participation in the Floor revolt is a positive. I fear he may be too conservative and probably doesn’t speak much Spanish.
Zorro on August 3, 2008 at 11:36 AM
“I have been counting bumperstickers in both Tampa and Sarasota, 20 to 1 for Obama.”
I have a McCain bumpersticker, but I have it on a magnet so I can take it off when I park my car.
I’ve had my car vandalized too many times to stick it on. Kind tolerant liberals love destroying other people’s property.
Meanwhile, I notice liberal’s “Bush Lied” etc. bumperstickers remain on for years.
People who support Democrats are generally juvenile and irresponsible, with no respect for other people or their property. It’s just the kind of people they are.
So that may be why you’re seeing fewer McCain stickers.
NoDonkey on August 3, 2008 at 11:37 AM
I like Cantor but I must admit that Palin is my first choice. The “investigation” is a bit of a road stop. Even if it was complete advantageously before the convention it would always be a cloud over her head. Briefly veering over to the bummer sticker thing, I saw someone driving the BIGGEST SUV that Ford has available with a “Think Green Vote Blue” sticker on the back window. Don’t you think that had to be a joke? Back to Virginia, I wasn’t in Virginia for Warner but he seemed pretty popular and Gilmore is getting a bad rap because he didn’t completely do away with personal property taxes like he promised. To bad because I really liked Gilmore.
Cindy Munford on August 3, 2008 at 11:37 AM
Thank you.
Meryl Yourish on August 3, 2008 at 11:38 AM
The bumper sticker I see the most around here (on our side) is “W Still President”. You know that frosts their corn flakes. Crist will appeal to the squishy middle because he sure isn’t a conservative. Not a bad guy, very vanilla in every sense of the word.
Cindy Munford on August 3, 2008 at 11:41 AM
BTW here is Chrisy Matthews attacks Cantor
William Amos on August 3, 2008 at 11:47 AM
My wife said he is a conservative wet dream…she is an Obama fan of course.
tomas on August 3, 2008 at 11:48 AM
I had one after the 2004 election that read, “Visualize and Tolerate Four More Years”.
You can bet I kept that one on a magnet.
NoDonkey on August 3, 2008 at 11:48 AM
tomas, I guess to each his own, but yuck. No offense but as an Obama fan I think it is safe to say that she would not be an authority on a conservative wet dream.
Cindy Munford on August 3, 2008 at 12:00 PM
Thanks for that! Cantor is indeed very impressive and unlike Matthews and Israel, knows his Constitution.
Buy Danish on August 3, 2008 at 12:09 PM
She thinks he is stereotypical
tomas on August 3, 2008 at 12:20 PM
tomas on August 3, 2008 at 12:20 PM
Of what? Rhetorical!
Cindy Munford on August 3, 2008 at 12:30 PM
His face does not look the slightest bit familiar and the only Cantor I had ever previously heard of is Eddie Cantor.
MB4 on August 3, 2008 at 12:30 PM
Look, family and ideas I guess…If so I think that is great.
tomas on August 3, 2008 at 12:33 PM
Well, like I said, he’s a nice man. I think a lot of Floridans are surprised at his lack of conservatism but I guess so far so good. He just seems like the road to Purple to me. That’s why I have never thought he would be a good VP choice. That being said as lukewarm as I am about McCain I am not sure anyone he picks would excite me. I am voting for Gerald Ford and Bob Dole again this year. Hoping for a different outcome obviously. I am not sure how many times in a life you can expect to be excited about a candidate.
Cindy Munford on August 3, 2008 at 12:41 PM
Please God, let there be NO skeletons in his closets.
EJDolbow on August 3, 2008 at 12:49 PM
MB4 on August 3, 2008 at 12:30 PM –
Got the same reaction when the name came up. Can he sing?
Cantor may have good cred in the House, and from looking over his record since his name first came up, he looks clean, and has a fairly solid conservative stance. {Ummmm, can’t use that term anymore since Larry Craig re-coined it…] Anyway, McCain has painted himself into a corner of sorts. Is Cantor a good guy? Well, yes. Will he add to the ticket? Mmmm, notsomuch… What McCain and his staff need to realize is that they need a solid-hitter to sweep the bases in the bottom of the 9th. Cantor doesn’t seem to be that person….yet. This is the root of the biggest problem with the current GOP. We have no depth on our bench. We’ve too many leftovers and former heavy hitters who have seen their best days already go by them, and are just marking time before being sent out to pasture.
Yes, we need new blood. But we [the GOP] should have been addressing this seriously over the past 8 years, not in the 9th inning.
How good is Cantor in the field? Can he make a presence? Or are we looking at another Bush I/Quayle moment? Bush Sr. got lucky with Quayle, the first time out, simply because many thought Bush I would be an extension of Reagan. Didn’t work out so well. McCain cannot afford to be seen as any sort of extension of Bush II. Adding a Quayle to his ticket may cost dearly.
coldwarrior on August 3, 2008 at 12:51 PM
I voted for Carter over Ford in 1976 but it was a very close call for me. I prefered Ford, but thought we should give Carter a chance, because of Watergate and Nixon’s resignation. After that it was Reagan/Reagan/Bush/Perot/Dole/Bush/Bush and will be McCain.
Paul-Cincy on August 3, 2008 at 12:51 PM
“Adding a Quayle to his ticket may cost dearly.”
Quayle was actually vastly experienced comparing to Obama.
And I hardly think the Obama campaign will want to talk about a lack of experience and qualifications, when their candidate is by far the least experienced/qualified major party candidate in American history.
NoDonkey on August 3, 2008 at 12:56 PM
If Cantor with his experience an age, why not Palin?
Palin makes too much sense in too many ways, less this bogus scandal. The one issue the GOP has this election is Energy Indpendence, who better than the GOV. of Alaska to engage the nation on this debate, plus all the other positives with her.
jp on August 3, 2008 at 1:04 PM
Cantor could/would perk up my interest.
RushBaby on August 3, 2008 at 1:04 PM
NoDonkey on August 3, 2008 at 12:56 PM –
How dast thee disparage The One!
Seriously, a new face with credentials can only help McCain in many quarters. But, there is this matter of “white guilt,” and the adualtion of the throngs of many lining up for their free loaves and fishes, that keeps Obama in a virtual tie with McCain right now, instead of being a dozen points behind McCain. If McCain wants to inject a new face, new blood, and counter all that insinuated racism garbage, perhaps Michael Steele would be a better offering on the ticket?
In any case, I hope someone over at the McCain campaign who has the ear [or short hairs] of McCain firmly in hand is thinking this through, and not just throwing spaghetti at the ceiling.
coldwarrior on August 3, 2008 at 1:05 PM
Paul-Cincy on August 3, 2008 at 12:51 PM
That was the year I guess I could empathize with the Obamiacs because I cried will watching the Republican Convention. I remember distinctly that although I was voting for Ford I knew Carter was going to win. And he was such a nice man, what could go wrong. The country would basically stay the same for four years until Ronald Reagan came to save us all. Not only was Carter a disaster but he is the gift that continues to give. His belief that his foreign policy is the correct one if only we would give it one more shot annoys me to this day. I guess no one showed him the rule book that says when your time is up you don’t get to keep running around the world “fixing” everything.
Cindy Munford on August 3, 2008 at 1:15 PM
If you believe Carter lost Iran, then he’s responsible for the rise of Islamo-fascism. Even setting that aside, consider the way he handled the US embassy hostage taking. Our embassy in Iran is the equivalent of US soil and they not only invaded it but held hostages for over a year … 444 days as I recall.
Paul-Cincy on August 3, 2008 at 1:31 PM
Paul-Cincy on August 3, 2008 at 1:31 PM –
Allowing Khomeini to return victorious to Teheran, dumping the Shah, who, like it or not, was an ally, and was serving to stabilize the region (lending military forces to stop a Yemeni-sponsored anti-Saudi insurgency in Oman, as one example) instead of keeping Khomeini locked away, out of sight in a run-down apartment in a lower-class arrondiement in Paris…yes, Carter can be seen clearly as the US President who assisted in ushering in Islamofacism as an international threat. The Embassy seizure notwithstanding [they seized the Soviet Embassy as well...the Soviets sent troops to the Azeri-Iran border, and the Soviets told Teheran to get out of their Embassy....they did...and swept up behind themselves on the way out, great video of that was seen for a short time] Carter’s total disconnect from the realities of the world allowed not only Iran to become the foundation of Islamofacism, but also enabled the Soviets to invade Afghanistan with impunity, knowing full well that the US could/would do nothing to stop them. Thus setting the stage for the jihad movement there which led to the Taliban and AQ. So, Carter has a lot of things to be proud of…
coldwarrior on August 3, 2008 at 1:39 PM
To add to this thread….can we afford to allow an Obama to Carterize our Nation and the world?
coldwarrior on August 3, 2008 at 1:42 PM
One of the best Simpson’s barbs ever, the Springfield Park Commission fails to raise enough money to pay for a statue of Abraham Lincoln. Instead they purchase one of Jimmy Carter and enraged Springfield citizens toppling the statue of Jimmy Carter, “History’s Greatest Monster”.
One the statue was the inscription, “Malaise Forever”.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marge_In_Chains
It’s funny because it’s true.
NoDonkey on August 3, 2008 at 1:45 PM
He’ll I’ll run for the seat if no one else will. I may not live in his district anymore but I still own a house there; isn’t that close enough?
Xrlq on August 3, 2008 at 1:49 PM
He’ll –> Hell,
Xrlq on August 3, 2008 at 1:49 PM
I like Cantor for two major reasons:
- he is young and exceedingly bright and articulate, and as such will be a powerful reminder to Americans of what an intellectual fraud the affirmative action candidate Obama is. Media types get all wet in the panties over Obama speeches, and yet he’ll look like a clown with Cantor in the room. McCain is too plainspoken to demonstrate this clearly.
- He’s Jewish. This will secure Florida and would largely reverse a minor but important constituency for the Dems. Jewish voters who are supporters of Israel, and religious Jews (are there any left?) already have problems with an Obama presidency.
Jaibones on August 3, 2008 at 1:52 PM
how would a Jew help with weary Evangelical voters? would enrage the paultards though
jp on August 3, 2008 at 2:29 PM
Who’s registered mccaincantor08.com?
Registrant:
Michael Deutsch
Registered through: GoDaddy.com Inc. http://www.godaddy.com
Domain Name: MCCAINCANTOR08.COM
Domain servers in listed order:
NS47.DOMAINCONTROL.COM
NS48.DOMAINCONTROL.COM
OK, now for mccaincantor.com
(Asked whois.godaddy.com:43 about mccaincantor.com)
Registrant:
Michael Deutsch
Registered through: GoDaddy.com Inc. http://www.godaddy.com
Domain Name: MCCAINCANTOR.COM
Domain servers in listed order:
NS45.DOMAINCONTROL.COM
NS46.DOMAINCONTROL.COM
Same for mccaincantor2008.com
(Asked whois.godaddy.com:43 about mccaincantor2008.com)
Registrant:
Michael Deutsch
Registered through: GoDaddy.com Inc. http://www.godaddy.com
Domain Name: MCCAINCANTOR2008.COM
Domain servers in listed order:
NS47.DOMAINCONTROL.COM
NS48.DOMAINCONTROL.COM
Sekhmet on August 3, 2008 at 2:50 PM
I’ve got it! Why didn’t I think of this sooner?
*He’s a “good, solid Republican” according to Sue Myrick.
*He can “land a blow” 10 times better than Romney.
*He’s got the same amount of executive experience as Cantor.
*He’s an “energetic campaigner” w/ off-the-charts charisma.
*He’s recently retired and seeking a new challenge.
Ladies and gentlemen, I give you… Vice President Ric Flair!!
WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!
Mr. Wednesday Night on August 3, 2008 at 3:34 PM
Paul-Cincy on August 3, 2008 at 1:31 PM
coldwarrior on August 3, 2008 at 1:39 PM
And it true Democrat style they are still insist that former President Bush, in his role as the Republican vice presidential candidate, went to Iran and promised/threatened whatever, for the return of the hostages. They can’t find one shred of evidence but they know it is true. I can’t imagine what it must be like to believe that everyone is plotting against you. Those folks aren’t right. But I do love that Jimah runs all over the world complaining about current U.S. policy. Oh, and certified that Chez election, although sketchy is valid.
Cindy Munford on August 3, 2008 at 3:39 PM
No, I am talking about running red lights and stop signs and passing at high speeds in left turn lanes and hit and run, ect……..
Johan Klaus on August 3, 2008 at 7:02 PM
This might just work.
- The Cat
P.S. Palin’s still cuter.
MirCat on August 3, 2008 at 8:59 PM
I think John McCain needs a VP running-mate who is well-known nationally, and obviously someone able to step into the Presidency if called upon. Is there anyone who fits the bill more than Mitt Romney?
Moreover, I think it is time to defy the conventional wisdom:
John McCain should not run away from George W. Bush. He should embrace him.
Yes, embrace him! “President Bush has liberated 57 million people in the Middle East and Afghanistan. He is kept the terrorists out of the United States for seven years. He has presided over a terrific economy that is the envy of the world, and despite the business cycle and some rough patches has still not fallen into recession!”
“I am going to revinvigorate the revolution in freedom and prosperity that President Bush started. I am going to make sure that America continues to stand tall in the world. This is going to be the American century, and I am here to lead us into it, building on the foundation of the past eight years.”
Yes, President Bush’s poll numbers reek, but the only people who openly ‘hate’ W are the moonbats, and they are a minority. A lot more Americans than the press thinks are proud of their country and their President, and are just waiting for the right time to say so: November 4th.
Winning the war in Iraq isn’t going to hurt, either.
This will be the stand that turns the election on its head, and leaves Obambi wondering what happened to him. All is not gloom and doom. John McCain is smiling and saying, “I’m proud to be called ‘Bush’s third term’. I just hope I do as well as he did!”
Everyone will call it folly, including all the Republicans. It will take guts. But John McCain has them, once he gets rid of the lilly-livered advisors who are telling him to kow-tow to liberals and ‘independents’, repeating their negative themes and hateful pronouncements.
You can’t beat liberals by being one. This for John McCain: Stand up for yourself, for this country, and for George W. Bush. American will reward you for it.
MrLynn on August 3, 2008 at 9:38 PM
Erratum: “He is kept the terrorists out of the United States. . .”
Should be “He has kept the terrorists out of the United States. . .”
MrLynn on August 3, 2008 at 9:40 PM
I got carried away and forgot my second point, re the VP selection:
Once John McCain has embraced the President, he should select Condi Rice as his VP nominee!
Suddenly, ‘race’ is not an issue!
MrLynn on August 3, 2008 at 9:42 PM
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