The case for Romney
posted at 9:50 am on August 25, 2008 by Ed Morrissey
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After Barack Obama fumbled his running mate selection in both choice and process by selecting Joe Biden, John McCain has a wide-open field for his choice of VP candidates. About the only limitation he has is to refrain from choosing another Senator. McCain needs someone who can help address any weaknesses and who can add some serious outsider credentials to the ticket. Plenty of potential picks can help McCain, including governors Tim Pawlenty, Sarah Palin, and even perhaps the young Matt Blunt of Missouri.
Mitt Romney, a former Governor, may be best positioned of all, though, on the economy. If Romney gets selected for McCain’s running mate, he will be the only one of the four principals who has actually run a business, and run it successfully. He knows more about economic policy in both academic and practical terms than any of them, and hits Barack Obama in his key strength among voters.
Romney (and Pawlenty and Blunt) also have another quality that Joe Biden lacks: potential to deliver battleground states. Speculation about Michigan appears to have a solid basis in fact. In May, Survey USA tested a McCain/Romney ticket against several different iterations of an Obama ticket. Surprisingly, it beat every single possibility, but was especially strong against an Obama/Biden ticket:
- vs Obama/Biden: +18
- vs Obama/Clinton: +5
- vs Obama/Gore: +5
- vs Obama/(John) Edwards: +3
A McCain/Romney ticket slightly edges Obama/Biden among women and gets a 35-point advantage among men. Interestingly, it gets 28% of the black vote, too.
Pawlenty and Blunt can help deliver battleground states, too, and Carly Fiorina and Meg Whitman can strengthen McCain on economic policy. Mitt Romney can do both and has background in both public and private sector leadership that none of the other potential candidates have. Moreover, Romney has proven himself an excellent debater in the kind of format used over the past year and will have little problem matching up against Biden next month in the one televised debate.
The other candidates have their strengths as well, and the choice of Biden leaves McCain with the happy burden of many options. Romney appears to have the strongest credentials.
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Yes, please.
Think_b4_speaking on August 25, 2008 at 9:52 AM
If McCain can carry Michigan, is the election over?
Villanova on August 25, 2008 at 9:53 AM
Biden hangs self after VP debate.
Akzed on August 25, 2008 at 9:54 AM
.
I’d venture to say he knows more about economic policy than the other three combined.
Vashta.Nerada on August 25, 2008 at 9:54 AM
McCain/Clinton beats em all. Come on people!
lorien1973 on August 25, 2008 at 9:54 AM
I like Romney but McCain loses the South.
They don’t like Mormons.
drjohn on August 25, 2008 at 9:54 AM
I can handle Romney.
JihadKiller1s1k on August 25, 2008 at 9:54 AM
Please pick Romney. The tide is still running against McCain, and Republicans need a strong ticket. Let’s win, and balance out conservative concerns with cabinet choices and Supreme Court nominees.
NaCly dog on August 25, 2008 at 9:55 AM
Romney would help highlight the differences between the republican and democrat views on the economy (ie capitalist vs marxist).
guitarplayer on August 25, 2008 at 9:56 AM
How bad are the clips of McCain and Romney bashing each other in the debates? DNC commercial waiting to happen?
jazz_piano on August 25, 2008 at 9:56 AM
.
If McCain carries the Bush 2004 states, he wins. If McCain gets Michigan, he can lose Ohio and still win. I was planning on a presidential loss early this spring – now, I can’t see McCain losing, absent some voter fraud on an unprecedented level.
Think_b4_speaking on August 25, 2008 at 9:56 AM
You know it’s a lousy Presidential election when the outcome hinges on the Vice-Presidential candidate picks. Weak.
Fletch54 on August 25, 2008 at 9:56 AM
I’m in the South, a Baptist Christian, and I like Mormons fine. In fact, my best friend is a Mormon.
Romney would be the best choice.
fossten on August 25, 2008 at 9:58 AM
Still sayin’….
McCain/Crist ‘08!
Romney gets cabinet post.
JetBoy on August 25, 2008 at 9:58 AM
McCain’s ads that use the Dems own words against each other from the nomination campaign make me wonder if McCain will select Mitt.
Didn’t McCain and Mitt have some fairly harsh words toward one another?
On the other hand, Mitt blows Biden away from the “ready to step in as President” perspective. Biden is an embarrassing buffoon.
ex-Democrat on August 25, 2008 at 9:59 AM
But I thought since Delaware borders Virginia Biden will help Obama with Virginia??
hehehe…
Yossarian on August 25, 2008 at 9:59 AM
Romney is a great choice, and I admit he was my #1 pick after Fred. The south will vote for McCain even if he picks Romney as the south is pro-military and strongly anti-abortion. That will trump the anti-Mormonism. Huck will jump on board as he will be angling for a job within the Administration… What, I don’t know, but it sounds good.
Upstate New Yorker on August 25, 2008 at 10:00 AM
well no matter the choice I don’t think McCain will let his ego get in the way like BHO did. McCain will pick the best person he thinks can do the job, helps him and helps the party. McCain neither worries nor cares about picking someone to upstage him. Of the three listed I wouldn’t have a problem with any of them from what I know. Palin is probably the best IMO from a poltical view, Rommeny the best to take away some of the dem strengths and Palwenty the best not to rock any boats. They all have many good quailities
unseen on August 25, 2008 at 10:00 AM
.
Won’t happen. Are southerners going to vote for Barry? Stay home? Maybe 3-4% of Huckabigot’s supporters will revolt, but not enough to swing any southern state.
Think_b4_speaking on August 25, 2008 at 10:00 AM
Romney delivers fundraising ability as well, which is important. Will make business happy in alot of ways, though Obama should scare the daylights out of them anyway.
jp on August 25, 2008 at 10:00 AM
Romney looks good until you factor:
–the Dems will run ads of Mitt & John criticizing each other
–Mitt’s recent giant flip from liberal governor to conservative Pres. candidate takes away our ability to criticize BO’s 27 flip-flops
–BO will get millions of votes just because he’s not an old white guy. Our veep needs to be “different” as well to offset BO’s advantage
jgapinoy on August 25, 2008 at 10:00 AM
Whoever can win.
At this point, the thought of Obama in the White House, in charge of national defense and foreign policy, and maybe getting two SCOTUS nominees, is too much to take. As the election draws nearer, the possibility that Obama might somehow win gives me the creeps.
Romney has no foreign policy background, but if he’s that smart, he can get through briefing books enough to hold his own in a debate with Biden. For all we know, he’s spent the summer cramming.
McCain can turn the Romney ads around by saying he wants a VP who is willing to disagree (privately, one hopes) with the president. Wasn’t that one of Obama’s criteria for his VP?
Wethal on August 25, 2008 at 10:00 AM
Ok, I hope I am offending no one, but what exactly is(are) the reason(s) behind antagonism against Mormons? I ask this as an outsider.
Gaurav on August 25, 2008 at 10:01 AM
Crist still hasn’t realized that even though he’s FL’s governor, he skin doesn’t have to be orange.
lorien1973 on August 25, 2008 at 10:01 AM
3rd party?
part of this is all about name ID, and McCain has a huge advantage in this dept by himself.
jp on August 25, 2008 at 10:01 AM
Mitt Romney is a good man. He is very strong on economic issues and understands why we must fight the WOT. I see one problem…….
Barack has been attacking McCain, actually Cindy, for their wealth. We all know that the properties they own are in Cindy’s name because they keep their investments separate to avoid conflicts of interest. As a good Marxist, Obama abhors wealth. Even in his speech on Saturday, he wants “a system that rewards work and not wealth.” Yet, he enjoys all of the benefits of being wealthy (seen his house?). If they can attack McCain on this now, what is it going to be like for all of the attack ads against Romney? They are going to portray both McCain/Romney as rich elitists that are out of touch with the mainstream of America.
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on August 25, 2008 at 10:01 AM
Huckabots.
lorien1973 on August 25, 2008 at 10:01 AM
Agreed. Romney will be the key to three battleground states: Michigan, Colorodo, and Nevada. His strength in Michigan stems from his family connections (Father was Governor), while the other two states have strong Mormon populations. Remember that Harry Reid, the Senator from Nevada, is a Mormon…
Plus, McCain will unite the party in a way that Obama didn’t by selecting his strongest rival.
RedSoxNation on August 25, 2008 at 10:02 AM
Winning by 18 points would be sweet.
Bob's Kid on August 25, 2008 at 10:02 AM
I agree with your analysis completely, Ed. I live in Michigan (a recent transplant from Ohio) and would love to see Romney on the ticket with McCain. I voted for Romney in the Michigan primary and would enthusiastically “pull the lever” for a McCain/Romney ticket. Romney, however, is not the only potential VP candidate I would enthusiastically support. There are many stellar candidates that McCain can choose. This is a great year for the Republican ticket.
Kim Priestap on August 25, 2008 at 10:02 AM
I like Romney and hope he’s chosen over some of the other options.
…still think picking Hillary as VP would be hilarious though.
Urban Scorpion on August 25, 2008 at 10:02 AM
I have no idea why so many bloggers and pundits are in love with Romney. He has a huge record as a flip flopper. He comes across as too slick. His changed positions on abortion are a matter of concern.
Romney would do nothing for the Mccain campaign. Nothing! This is vastly different than a Sarah Palin who would at a minimum attract a chunk of the angry Hillary women. Plus, unlike Romney, Palins record is CONSISTENT.
No to Romney. Yes to Palin.
crscott on August 25, 2008 at 10:02 AM
Romney is the only logical choice at this point…There’s no way Pawlenty delivers Minnesota. The Republicans need to focus on Ohio and Michigan. Romney gives you a great shot at Michigan at least.
thedudesblog on August 25, 2008 at 10:02 AM
I’m from St. Louis, Missouri. I like Blunt – a lot, but he is disliked by a lot of people. He had the audacity to institute fiscal responsibility in Missouri, which stands against everything liberals stand for. He is painted as “mean” for depriving so many people of their “entitlements.” God love him.
I’ve always liked Mitt. He would be a winner!
Star20 on August 25, 2008 at 10:02 AM
Ya, that’s what I was thinking, Romney will out debate Biden and provide some great ad material. Most of it will be some juicy Biden gaffes.
reaganaut on August 25, 2008 at 10:02 AM
I love Mitt, but I really worry about the redneck “I hear he’s some kinda sorcerer” vote.
Hannibal Smith on August 25, 2008 at 10:03 AM
Obama’s got his old buddies from ACORN out there working hard to sign up as many dead, non-existent, and illegal alien Dim voters as they can before election day.
Your tax dollars at work.
AZCoyote on August 25, 2008 at 10:03 AM
heh…. racist!
Notice, Crist is scheduled to speak the day after the veep nominee…so he can easily be moved a day ahead.
JetBoy on August 25, 2008 at 10:04 AM
Whoever it is must be able to fit in the McCain “Experience” theme. Must have a considerable track record in public/private life to justify being one heartbeat away from the presidency. Kids like Pawlenty and Palin would’t fit that. McCain needs someone younger than he, but still someone with a far longer resume than Obama. The “Our TEAM has Experience” theme would work well.
Wethal on August 25, 2008 at 10:05 AM
I’m with fossten-Romney is the best choice. I’m also a Baptist Christian, and was once a temporary Southerner (Missouri). Need I remind y’all that we’re supposed to be ‘colorblind’ with regard to religion? That we are not supposed to discriminate against someone based upon their religion? Live it, man. I don’t care if Romney’s Mormon-he’s a strong Conservative. I’ve been boosting Mitt on these forums for over a year-just because Obama picked a weak Veep doesn’t mean we have to also.
Doug on August 25, 2008 at 10:06 AM
.
You got it – we’d better step up our fraud detection efforts this year.
Think_b4_speaking on August 25, 2008 at 10:06 AM
Romney’s economic prowess would be a great addition to the McCain ticket. I would like to see a more recent McCain/Romney poll to support Ed’s thoughts as anything from May of 2008 is about as accurate as May of any year right now. The headlines from less than two weeks ago were blasting McCain if he picked Romney, so what is the difference between then an now?
Why does Romney for VP on August 25th seem like a slam dunk when Romney for VP on August 15th be a recipe for disaster?
Personally, I think Romney has always been the guy.
Samhain on August 25, 2008 at 10:07 AM
Thanks for the statistics Ed – Hadn’t see that. As much as I like Romney, I’m luke-warm on him as VP as I don’t like McCain that much (and I’m from AZ, go figure). If it gives McCain the conservative credibility he needs, so be it! I would pay to see a VP debate with them…
cue Mitt haterz in 3… 2… 1…
SkinnerVic on August 25, 2008 at 10:07 AM
I feel like the people that wouldn’t vote for McCain because his running mate is a Mormon, are the same people that wouldn’t for a Obama because he is an African-American or because his middle name is Hussein.
I wouldn’t worry about catering to that crowd.
chansen9 on August 25, 2008 at 10:07 AM
I’m no fan of Mormans (my father is a Baptist minister) but one thing you can say about them is they have family values. His religion would not enter my decision for VP or Pres as the Mormans are not known to have a death wish for our beloved country.
I think Mitt would be a good selection (Palin being my fav).
Many have issues with his former pro-choice. He has said he was wrong on that issue. I believe him.
stenwin77 on August 25, 2008 at 10:07 AM
Romney is a good man, but McCain is a pi$$ poor candidate. Check out Joe Farahs new book “None of the Above”. He nails my opinion on the situation that I have been talking about for months.
Just think if Ford would have beat Carter, we would never have had the “Reagan Revolution”. Continueing to go along with supporting sorry Republican candidates will just produce more of the same.
I will write in David Petraeus.
saiga on August 25, 2008 at 10:08 AM
If there were any voter ID laws that were on hold in 2004 awaiting the SCOTUS opinion, they would now be in effect, as the court upheld the IN law. OH has one, too, but allows bank statements and utility bills as ID for non-drivers (read: inner city residents). There may be other states where this could trim ACORN’s final net.
Wethal on August 25, 2008 at 10:08 AM
A commenter on our blog said it better than I could:
I initially had some mighty big reservations about Mitt-Tron 2000, but after seeing him act, well, human giving his Top Ten Reasons I Lost The Candidacy list, he’d do fine as Veep.
If Hillary where the nominee. But she’s not, and McCain needs someone who follows the Hippocratic Oath of VP Candidates: First, do no harm. Make Romney your Treasury Secretary and give him a clear shot at the title in 2016 (Or Teddy’s Senate seat, maybe). It’s all about Pawlenty and Palin’s right now.
ExUrbanKevin on August 25, 2008 at 10:08 AM
That’s just silly. Romney won’t cost McCain any Southern state.
Bugler on August 25, 2008 at 10:08 AM
I don’t think the South dislikes Mormons, I think HUCKABEE disklikes Mormons. Huckabee needs to shut the H*ll up!
ctmom on August 25, 2008 at 10:08 AM
I like the pick of Romney in a Linday Graham sort of way. “We’re going to tell the bigots to shut up.”
I like him for a lot more reasons as well but watching the Huckabigots heads explode will be so sweet.
Zetterson on August 25, 2008 at 10:09 AM
You mean Gov Huckabee supporters? So it is not really related to hostility for Mormonism. Why are they (I mean Huckabee supporters) so dead set against Mitt Romney.
Gaurav on August 25, 2008 at 10:09 AM
Palin for the win
pseudonominus on August 25, 2008 at 10:09 AM
The “redneck” southerners may be faced with this choice:
A muslim Pres or a Morman for VP.
To me it’s a no-brainer.
stenwin77 on August 25, 2008 at 10:10 AM
Mc/Mitt gains more nationwide than southern evangelical negatives.
whatdaya think about that?
jimmer on August 25, 2008 at 10:10 AM
Palin has only been governor since 2006, right? Obama ha been in the senate since 2004.
Wethal on August 25, 2008 at 10:10 AM
I can’t manage to get myself on the Romney band wagon. For all the talk about economy credentials and domestic issues, he’s going to get ripped to shreds on RomneyCare by the Dems. They’ve got him both ways- supporting a single-payer system and/ or the current bankruptcy of the system. He does everything in his power to spin and dodge talking about it whenever it comes up.
I am also not entirely sold on his advertised ability to deliver states in the GL. Let’s face it, everyone ran lousy campaigns in the primaries for the first few rounds, except Romney- who outspent everyone 3-5 times over and came out of the gate swinging at everyone.
Add to that in inevitable replays in Democratic ads of Romney ripping McCain and the whole Mormon issue and it sounds like a train wreck to me.
About the only good thing I have seen from Romney is that he’s been an excellent attack dog over the past few months and I think he’d make Biden look like an even bigger moron that he already is. I can easily see Romney baiting Biden in a debate and having Biden come unglued on an Exorcist level, head spinning, vomit and all.
Damiano on August 25, 2008 at 10:10 AM
Just to throw it out there: How is a pro-abortion, pro-human cloning Catholic (Biden) not controversial, but a Mormon is?
Think_b4_speaking on August 25, 2008 at 10:10 AM
I think Romney or Palin should be on the top of this short list.
Romney’s weaknesses are sadly his wealth and Mormonism, which should not be the case. I seriously do not understand what is it with people not liking Mormons. Boggles my mind.
Palin has so many positives (pro-life, member of NRA, conservative, pro-military, conservative on economy), the only thing is she is “new.” The inexperience card will be played. But I don’t think Obama has the audacity to even mention that.
I still think that Palin should be the pick. She has nothing said negatively against McCain, unlike Romney during the primaries. But I won’t be disappointed with Romney.
jencab on August 25, 2008 at 10:11 AM
I like Tim Pawlenty personally.
I like Romney a lot, but there is too much baggage with him.
Either way, I’m comfortable with whoever McCain chooses, I think he’ll make the right decision.
brandozilla on August 25, 2008 at 10:11 AM
100% correct. . . come on people, this is AMERICA. You know our election process means you can’t have any convictions. We need to show the world how an election is won. . . this is why we fight all these wars. McCain/Clinton would show em.
And I still don’t understand why people think Romney is pro-life (he said he was in the primary, but still).
The VP doesn’t matter. The President doesn’t matter. The South isn’t bigotted as some here suggest. That he is Mormon isn’t why people wouldn’t vote for him. That he is a Yankee and a liar is likely why Southerners won’t vote for him.
But it so doesn’t even matter. This is all just a joke.
ThackerAgency on August 25, 2008 at 10:12 AM
McCain is obviously targeting Hillary supporters as a key Strategy. Could this mean a female VP pick? Palin, Hutchinson…?
jp on August 25, 2008 at 10:12 AM
I don’t understand why some think the south would end up sitting out or voting for Obama just because a Mormon is VP. I am a Christian myself and while I don’t agree with the Mormon faith or the Book of Mormon, they are by far some of the most conservative people in the country.
If someone would rather vote for a Marxist who is “Christian” (I use that term very lightly) rather than vote for a ticket with a conservative, who happens to be a Mormon, then there is something seriously wrong.
I think people are aware of how serious this election is. An Obama administration could wreck this country and leave it in ruins, not just for awhile, but possibly for good. I trust my fellow Christians will see the severity of the situation at hand and not sit out or vote against every single one of their core beliefs.
MobileVideoEngineer on August 25, 2008 at 10:13 AM
I like Mitt, but if we’ve learned anything from the primaries it is that religious bigotry is more prevalent than racism. It is far worse to be Mormon, than to be black when running for the highest office in the land.
JAM on August 25, 2008 at 10:14 AM
How would Palin do in a VP debate against Biden though? is she knowledgeable enough on Foreign Affiars to hold her own?
she would be ideal though for the Reps. only domestic issue this year. Drilling
jp on August 25, 2008 at 10:14 AM
What about Marsha Blackburn? I think she is going to visit ANWR soon.
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on August 25, 2008 at 10:14 AM
Religious bigotry incited and encouraged by Huckabee and his supporters, but done in a sly, underhanded way so it could be denied as such.
a capella on August 25, 2008 at 10:15 AM
.
I think she would get stomped, which is why I can’t see her as VP pick.
Think_b4_speaking on August 25, 2008 at 10:15 AM
FYI. Barry was elected in 2004. He didn’t start serving his 143 days until 2005.
Also, Palin has more executive experience than Barry. She was a mayor of a rapidly growing city before defeating 2 challengers (in her party) in the primary a being elected governor.
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on August 25, 2008 at 10:16 AM
McCain/Romney is tempting, but as drjohn said above, you lose the south.
McCain/Crist is good… but two white dudes with white hair might not look so great in a photo-op. I’m not saying that Crist isn’t qualified, he is. I just think that it’s a pretty damning picture for Republicans.
http://thepajamapundit.com/
thePajamaPundit on August 25, 2008 at 10:16 AM
I admire Romney. I’d vote for him.
I’d work my a** off for Palin.
texette on August 25, 2008 at 10:17 AM
She did well in the primary debates of 2006. She defeated an incumbent governor and another challenger. The debates were classic. Sounded a lot like Joey B.’s style. I don’t think she would have a problem.
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on August 25, 2008 at 10:17 AM
He also must be a republican and someone who isn’t Al Gore’s first choice to replace himself as President. ya think?
Dollayo on August 25, 2008 at 10:17 AM
I wish everybody would forget about Palin on this go around. And put together a Jindal/Palin ticket for the next election. I think they [currently] would be the freshest start for the GOP. And they would both have another four years of experience under their belts.
multiuseless on August 25, 2008 at 10:18 AM
Um, no on Tim Pawlenty…
“The era of small government is over … government has to be more proactive, more aggressive.” – Tim Pawlenty
“It looks like we should have listened to President Carter” – Tim Pawlenty
“Climate change is real. Human behavior is … responsible. Those who don’t think so are simply not right. We should not spend time on voices that say it’s not real.” – Tim Pawlenty
How Not to Run for Vice President (The Washington Post)
Pawlenty’s Record (The Wall Street Journal)
A Big-Government Running Mate for McCain? (Cato Institute)
Why is the big government, global warming alarmist constantly brought up as a McCain VP Option?
Poptech on August 25, 2008 at 10:18 AM
AZ has a law requiring voters to show a gov’t-issued picture ID. Unfortunately, you can buy a fake AZ driver’s license, with any name you like, on the streets for just a few bucks. AZ also allows those without picture ID’s to use utility bills, bank statements, etc. as valid ID for voting purposes. So anyone with a scanner and a computer can be cranking out “valid” ID’s for as many people as they want.
AZCoyote on August 25, 2008 at 10:18 AM
Gallup polls this morning show Obama leads 52%-40% when voters are asked which candidate would better handle the economy — overwhelmingly the electorate’s top voting issue. Whether it is true or not, voter perception is key. Selecting Romney as VP would help close that gap.
Romney would probably generate some Dem ads if he and McCain “got into it” during their previous debates, but that is to be expected. Team McCain put theirs out for Biden so tit-for-tat. Overall minimal impact I think.
Mr_Magoo on August 25, 2008 at 10:19 AM
At first I was skeptical because of the inevitable “how many houses does he own” attack that will surely come; but now I think it would show guts and determination on McCain’s part not to be cowed by that stupid line of attack. I think Democrats are trying to scare him out of picking Romney, which is exactly why he should.
While the Democrats will surely throw out the class-warfare stuff, McCain can come back and show how Romney exemplifies his “Country First” theme. Here is a man who was at the top of his game in the private sector, made millions, but gave it up – first, to save the Olympics (and great timing for that after a very uplifting Olympics – get a bunch of curent and former Olympians up there to reinforce Romney’s unqualfied success there) and then to help his adopted state of Massachusetts as governor. He didn’t have to do any of that, but he put his country first. Very appealing to independent voters.
Romney has been caricatured a lot in the last year, but I think that as the actual VP nominee he would garner more serious and positive coverage. And even his caricatures are not as bad as the reality of Joe Biden. Many of his weaknesses as a presidential candidate do not really exist as the number 2 on the ticket.
rockmom on August 25, 2008 at 10:19 AM
that is what the VP pick is all about — the VP debate.
Mitt is smart and would clobber Biden.
+++
jimmer on August 25, 2008 at 10:19 AM
Dr. John, I’m from the Tennessee and have no problem at all with Romney. Quite the contrary. In fact, I’m actually pullling for Romney as the VP pick because of his expertise on the economy. If he can bring Michigan into play, even better. I don’t think McCain needs any help in the South with his military background.
RobTN on August 25, 2008 at 10:20 AM
Ok I am really confused now :-(, I am getting you right,aversion to Gov. Mitt Romney has something to do with Religious hostility*. Why specifically against Mormonism ? Is it related to theological, historical or some (contemporary)social matter ?
* I am not suggesting that there are no valid reasons to dislike Romney as politician. I just want to know what do some people have against Mormonism?
Gaurav on August 25, 2008 at 10:20 AM
One huge problem would be too many policy changes for Romney. They could run several similiar ads to what McCain just ran against Biden.
And if McCain needs the base and can’t select liberman, doesn’t he need the south as well?
Also partisianship is a real problem, what better way to solve it and slap Barry around then a McCain/Clinton ticket.
Zaggs on August 25, 2008 at 10:20 AM
Blunt has no name recognition outside of MO, and MO is already a red state. Romney might bring MI, which is a huge plus, but might alienate the superstitious evangelicals (morons), and that hurts BIG. I really like Palin, but the VEEP needs to be agressive, and while an agressive woman may bring in some female voters, she is just as likely to turn off male voters (maybe misogynistic, maybe not- but its a fact). Pawlenty brings Minnesota (normally not a big deal, but this year?) and shores up the conservative base.
Frankly, all are safe, but none are great. Just please, please, please, please don’t pick Lieberman.
lionheart on August 25, 2008 at 10:21 AM
If he does pick Romney, I nominate “Are You Experienced?” for McCain/Romney campaign song.
CK MacLeod on August 25, 2008 at 10:22 AM
That and Jenny Granholm has done a deplorable job of handling Michigan’s economy.
highhopes on August 25, 2008 at 10:22 AM
I am not confident. Biden’s been doing this stuff a long time. He could snarl, bloviate, and lie his way to the perception of victory. I like her a lot but let’s let her season a bit more before throwing her up against someone on his playground.
a capella on August 25, 2008 at 10:22 AM
Romney wins Michigan, Colorado, and Nevada for you, and thus, the election.
And like many people have said, why attack Obama for not picking his strongest rival if you’re not going to pick yours? It would be pretty hypocritical of McCain to pick anyone else.
nickj116 on August 25, 2008 at 10:22 AM
Carly Fiorina? Are you mad? The one who idiotically had HP buy Compaq? She has about as much economic sense as Al Gore.
Meg Whitman? You people are insane. This is the U.S. government not ebay! What is with this politically correct BS?
Please stop desperately trying to find female business women – it is really getting pathetic.
Poptech on August 25, 2008 at 10:23 AM
only way McCain loses any southern state is if Bob Barr surges combined with high black turnout.
flip side of this is there are alot of blue collar southern Dems and women McCain is targeting.
jp on August 25, 2008 at 10:23 AM
.
Spot on. To add to that, can anyone name a republican that McCain hasn’t disagreed with in the past decade or so? Non-issue.
Think_b4_speaking on August 25, 2008 at 10:23 AM
I’d love to see a female VP, especially on a Republican ticket. I also think it would give McCain overwhelming, positive press coverage. The MSM would have no choice but to eat that up and love it.
Unfortunately, I don’t really see anyone who is ready for the job. I like Palin, but she’s far to new. If she had a few more years in office, she’d be great. Hutchinson’s been around for a long time, but I don’t see much to her. She’s a career senator without much else.
Either would be better than Pawlenty, though. He seems like a deer in headlights.
Damiano on August 25, 2008 at 10:24 AM
And please, McCain, do not make this pick based on who could beat Joe Biden in a debate. NOBODY WATCHES the VP debate and nobody cares. If they did, Mike Dukakis would have been elected in 1988.
Th only contrast that is needed is the contrast of the decision. Obama showed tremendous weakness with his pick of Joe Biden. McCain must show strength with his.
rockmom on August 25, 2008 at 10:24 AM
That’s an unfair stereotype. Don’t fall into that trap. I’m in Texas, and there are plenty of people here who would support Romney, me included.
pullingmyhairout on August 25, 2008 at 10:24 AM
People who call Mitt a “big” flip-flopper have not studied Mitt record. He has flipped on one thing, and that is abortion. He has never been for gay marriage – he has been for equal and ethical treatment of homosexuals, gay marriage not included. And I can’t even remember the other flip-flopping charge against Mitt.
I think Mitt is a great choice!
DWSC on August 25, 2008 at 10:25 AM
Blunt may be a bit young to show any real economic “chops” like Romney which definately needs to be shored up by McCain. But one thing going for him with McCain is that he is a Naval Acadamy graduate along with a strong pro jobs, lower taxes success story in a key state. Regardless, it’s gonna be a battleground state pick and in the one debate Biden will come off as an arrogant SOB.
badome-a-dome on August 25, 2008 at 10:25 AM
With Mitt I donate, fundraise, and pound the grassroots volunteer circuit. With anyone else, I vote and maybe I remember to mail it in…or not.
The Principal Chair on August 25, 2008 at 10:25 AM
I live in South Carolina. I have not seen or heard anything negative about Mitt’s religion from other SC republicans. I think SC voters just want a strong conservative on ticket.
Joeyyy on August 25, 2008 at 10:26 AM
Michigan with Romney on ticket seems more likely to go red, than Minn. with Pawlenty on the ticket.
jp on August 25, 2008 at 10:27 AM
Romney is really the best choice now that we see an Obama/Biden ticket. Romney would be particularly effective in the west.
hooligan on August 25, 2008 at 10:27 AM
Romney for Nevada, Colorado and Michigan
hanzblinx on August 25, 2008 at 10:27 AM
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