McCain VP rollout on Friday
posted at 10:15 am on August 27, 2008 by Ed Morrissey
Share on Facebook | regular view
Expect the news of John McCain’s running mate selection on Friday morning, and not by text message, e-mail, or semaphore. Politico reports that McCain will introduce his VP nominee in the battleground states of Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Missouri starting at noon ET on the day after Barack Obama speaks from the Temple of O at Invesco Field. The rallies will demonstrate Republican unity as a refreshing change from the Democratic drama in Denver:
John McCain is planning to rollout his vice-presidential nominee in three battleground states this weekend, with large-scale rallies planned for Ohio, Pennsylvania and Missouri, according to aides and advisers.
The GOP nominee-in-waiting will move to immediately change the campaign conversation from Barack Obama’s football stadium acceptance speech Thursday to the new Republican ticket, to be revealed at a noontime Friday rally in a Dayton, Ohio, basketball arena. McCain and his running mate will then travel by bus to Pennsylvania, where they’ll hold an outdoor event at a minor league baseball stadium in Washington County, just southwest of Pittsburgh. On Sunday, the duo will head to suburban St. Louis for another event to be held at a minor league baseball stadium, this one in O’Fallon, Mo.
The Missouri rally is being billed to local Republicans as something of a unity rally, since it will feature McCain, Mitt Romney and Mike Huckabee — the GOP presidential finalists who effectively divided the vote three ways in the Show Me State’s Super Tuesday primary. A McCain aide warned not to read too much into McCain’s planned guests, however.
Having Huckabee and Romney on the same stage would certainly raise more than a few eyebrows. Huckabee has continued his criticism of Romney all the way to this week, after suggesting that Romney should have defied the Massachusetts Supreme Court on gay marriage. McCain has apparently demanded that the swords be sheathed, but Huckabee’s slap will give these rallies a little more curiosity than they might otherwise have had.
According to Jonathan Martin, we can expect a “safe” pick. The football analogy from his sources is that a handoff up the middle is better when you’re ahead, and that more bad things than good can happen when you put the ball in the air. That seems to eliminate the Joe Lieberman pick, which should cheer the base, but may also mean that Sarah Palin is off the table, too. Having scheduled both Huckabee and Romney for these rallies would hint that McCain didn’t choose either of them — which strongly hints at Pawlenty, although Martin’s sources also said not to read too much into the guest list for the events.
McCain has made the right choice on tactical timing. Some wondered whether McCain would try to steal Obama’s thunder in Denver by announcing his running-mate pick today or tomorrow. That would have been a mistake, for two reasons. First, it seems more likely that the festivities in Denver would have stepped on McCain’s announcement rather than the other way around. Second, with Obama constructing a Greek temple from which to orate at Invesco Field, McCain probably wants as many people focused on this demonstration of Obama’s ego as possible.
A Friday morning pick will step on media coverage of Obama’s speech and give McCain good weekend momentum rolling into the Republican convention. It will also demonstrate a great deal more competency when compared to the botched Biden announcement of last week by Team Obama.
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Blowback
Note from Hot Air management: This section is for comments from Hot Air's community of registered readers. Please don't assume that Hot Air management agrees with or otherwise endorses any particular comment just because we let it stand. A reminder: Anyone who fails to comply with our terms of use may lose their posting privilege.
Trackbacks/Pings
Trackback URL
Comments
Comment pages: « Previous 1 2 3 4 Next »
Yeah, I’m driving to Washington (PA) Saturday for the rally.
rightwingprof on August 27, 2008 at 2:59 PM
I gotta wait another day now??!!!!!
- The Cat
MirCat on August 27, 2008 at 3:01 PM
@ VastRightWingConspirator on August 27, 2008 at 2:57 PM
Agreed. Romney has the maturity that even Biden lacks.
We need leaders with experience and maturity in the highest two offices in the land…
eanax on August 27, 2008 at 3:07 PM
Huckleberry is really a Blue Dog Democrat sporting an R after his name.
eanax on August 27, 2008 at 3:09 PM
If I want a STRONG Democrat to run with McCain, I’d be talking about Zell Miller for days on end. But Zell is retired from political life and he’s older than McCain anyway…
eanax on August 27, 2008 at 3:10 PM
VRWC,
Mitt and Palin are tops in my book. One of the interesting parts of last night’s talk with people was how blindsided most of them had been with the level of support Palin was getting in the grassroots of the party. There’s really quite a movement out there from the bottom up. They are almost afraid to ignore it, and they have been trying to get this point across to McCain.
texette on August 27, 2008 at 3:14 PM
I like Romney, voted for him in the primary; but I don’t think he is the best choice. Dems expect him, are gearing up for him; it will be a bland choice, no news, no bump. Kasich, Palin, those are my picks.
Willie on August 27, 2008 at 3:20 PM
I am starting to sense that Romney is the choice. Consider:
(1) The Reconcilation Rally in MO just after McCain announces. The Rally has McCain, Huckabee, and Romney appearing together. This is a big weekend to ride high on the V.P. selection news cycle. Why go on a side trip to MO that would only serve to dissapate that buzz by emphasizing party problems unless one of McCain’s guests is going to be the pick, and the other is going to publicly support that pick? If all that MO rally is is a chance for Huck and Mitt to play kissy-kissy, there are otherways of doing it without detracting from the news of the moment, the V.P. pick.
(2) The fact that there is also a big rally in Grand Rapids, MI and not in Arkansas.
(3) Romney is no longer answering questions on whether or not he has been asked or vetted. He instead cagely says that he has not talked to McCain “personally about it”. Isn’t that what is called “plausible deniability”?
(4) McCain’s pro-choice trial balloons have re-opened old wounds between McCain and the base. McCain HAS to make a solid pick to reassure a restless base. No gimmick will work. McCain now has Obama on the run. Why take a chance at snatching defeat from the jaws of victory by driving a wedge between him and his base. Ironically his flirtations with Lieberman have almost forced him to go with someone like Romney.
(5) Huckabee attacked Lieberman on Rush today. He didn’t attack Romney. How very uncharactistic of him.
Certainly these can all be coincidences, and I’m misreading the tea leaves. It wouldn’t be the first time. But these “coincidences” are starting to add up. They spell “McCain/Romney2008″.
Marking Time on August 27, 2008 at 3:23 PM
Marking Time,
You may be right.
texette on August 27, 2008 at 3:25 PM
Thnkx, texette,
I have long felt Romney was NOT going to be picked. There was just too much bad blood between him and McCain. But the clincher for me was the rally in MO right after the announcement. If Romney isn’t the pick, then it makes little politcal sense to rain on the V.P. selection parade with an event that will only serve to highlight stresses in the party.
No, when I heard that, I pretty much began to think it really was Romney.
Marking Time on August 27, 2008 at 3:31 PM
Palin is likable and all, but she does not have enough experience in the political or business world.
Throwing Palin (or Jindal) onto the McCain ticket would be the reverse of the Obama/Biden ticket. And what is that supposed to do — ooh, we’ll match you guys with someone who is inexperienced in the political world too!
Is identity politics all that’s important? That’s just trying to keep up with the Dems.
Don’t ya think it’s more important to field a team that has experience in politics and leadership at both the State and Federal level, and in business, and knows the gravity of global politics and how to navigate through those waters?
eanax on August 27, 2008 at 3:33 PM
My son and his three buddies are driving 4 hours to the Washington Pa rally. One of them is spending his last weekend before army boot camp. Too bad NY is never in competition so we don’t get rallies the youngsters can go to; we just get fundraisers that are out of their price range. Last free rally here in a presidential year was when Kemp was Dole’s VP and they did a courtesy call at the University of Buffalo campus. (Maybe if McCain picks Rudy as a VP we will see something in NY but otherwise forget about it.)
KW64 on August 27, 2008 at 3:33 PM
Good insights.
It will be interesting to see who McCain goes with, and how it is received.
Unless it’s Zombie Reagan, there will inevitably be SOMEBODY unhappy with the choice.
sulla on August 27, 2008 at 3:34 PM
According to the whois record:
That means someone bought this domain at the end of January, so it isn’t really news that it exists.
The Monster on August 27, 2008 at 3:36 PM
ZR: When John McCain becomes President, America will again be that Shining City on the Hi…BRAINS! MUST… EAT… BRAINS!!!
The Monster on August 27, 2008 at 3:38 PM
eanax,
I understand your concerns, but I respectfully disagree. Actually, both Palin and Jindal have more experience than most people realize. Everyone knows they are young first-term governors, but haven’t heard all the details of their other experience, and may not, even if either were picked, because commissions and boards and obscure agencies don’t get much play–nor does being a mayor, unless it’s New York City. But those more obscure posts are where the rubber meets the road, in terms of policies and laws. Both Palin and Jindal are experienced enough, and far more qualified than Obama.
And just because she’s a woman, doesn’t make it identity politics. It’s a bonus.
texette on August 27, 2008 at 3:41 PM
I know a lot of you here absolutely hate Governor Mike Huckabee and that is fine if it floats your boat. But to sit here and watch comments being made that are totally false go uncorrected is a real shame. Politics should not be an excuse to allow dishonest remarks to go unanswered. It is one thing to be misinformed and to engage in a debate of the issue(s) in order to clarify the true position, but to slander someone just for the sake of tearing them down is despicable.
The truth is that Governor Mike Huckabee did commute sentences and pardon individuals who had broken the law at some point. These were not all active prisoners, most were actually old cases. Women trying to get government jobs who had written bad checks 10 years earlier, he pardoned them. A man wanting to work for the post office who had been caught joy ridding with a drunk driver as an 18 year old. These types of cases make up the overwhelming majority of his pardons.
In contrast, Mitt Romney declined a pardon for Anthony Circosta, not once but twice. Anthony was charged with assault as a 13 year old because of shooting another kid with a BB gun. Since that time, he served in the US Military over in Iraq. He came home as a decorated veteran. He applied to become a police officer but was denied because of his criminal record of the assault with a BB gun. Do you not think some things are forgivable after a certain amount of time or after the debt has been paid to society? Do you not think some people deserve a second chance? I wonder how many of these people who are not forgiven actually end up on welfare because they can’t get good jobs or worse, end up on the streets committing crimes and selling drugs to our kids?
As for the rapist in the quote above, I am guessing that is Wayne Dumond you are talking about? If so, Wayne Dumond was paroled by the Arkansas State Parole Board. Governors have no connection to paroles other than appointing the members of that board. This particular board had 7 members, 5 appointed by Clinton and 2 by Jim Guy Tucker. They voted to parole Dumond after Huckabee denied his clemency request 2 or 3 times. There are those that argue that Huckabee forced the board to release Dumond but there are those that were at the meeting and on the board which disclaim that ever happened. Only a disgruntled member of that board claimed this years after the fact and just after he was not reappointed to his board position.
jparks1972 on August 27, 2008 at 3:44 PM
FIRST POSTHUMOUS NOMINEE~!!
*eats*
Grue in the Attic on August 27, 2008 at 3:47 PM
Only a disgruntled member of that board claimed this years after the fact and just after he was not reappointed to his board position.
jparks1972 on August 27, 2008 at 3:44 PM
After the hush money ran out, eh? Kidding…maybe. As it stands, you cherry pick two decent clemency cases for Huck out of so many. He let out a lot of bad people, not all bounced checks. As for Romney, he didn’t pardon anyone, his policy was not to thwart the justice system. Someone having proof of innocence after the fact is one thing, but “feel-good” justice is quite another.
thecountofincognito on August 27, 2008 at 3:50 PM
Sorry, their experience level is no different than that of Obama. ALL of them are in their FIRST TERMS of their respective offices.
The REALITY of the situation is you don’t fight inexperience with more inexperience.
Romney’s academic, business, and political credentials make Palin and Jindal’s resumes (even Pawlenty’s) look unimpressive by comparison.
Is this what you guys want? You want to fight inexperience with more inexperience. This is what I’m reading. And, yes, it IS identity politics. What I see is throwing Palin or Jindal out there, even with all of their inexperience, just so the Repubs can say, “See, we have a big tent too just like the Dems!”
I think this is a classic mistake — letting the Dems dictate what or whom should be fielded for the highest elective office in the land. The Repubs end up playing their game, and the country loses because we ignore what our country needs most — a team with experience and maturity, both in the political and business worlds.
eanax on August 27, 2008 at 3:55 PM
I’m still hoping for Kasich, but he’s apparently scheduled to cover the Republican convention.
Whatever the case, they are going to the right places for the rallies. Washington, PA is perfect. McCain just might clobber Obama in Western PA. The pundits haven’t noticed yet, but the old school rank and file Democrat image of WPA doesn’t really apply anymore, and even voters that still fit that description generally don’t trust Obama’s judgment, values or leadership ability.
The surprise of the election is going to be PA turning up red.
forest on August 27, 2008 at 3:55 PM
if mccain wanted to shake up the race, he could appoint a certain lady who is intelligent, articulate (and clean!!) would be loved by the base, and is hated by the wacko left…in addition she’s a minority, so its a twofer…
Michelle malkin!!
mccain could, and probably will, do far worse…
right4life on August 27, 2008 at 3:55 PM
she’s also more principled and tougher than any republican politician I can think of…
right4life on August 27, 2008 at 3:57 PM
on top of what texette said about Palin and Jindal: Jindal was congressman for a few years before he become governor of LA. Palin has actually held not one, but two governmental exec positions. Befe=ore she was gov of Alaska, she was the mayor of Wasilla for several years, near Anchorage, and before that sat on the city council
ConservativePartyNow on August 27, 2008 at 3:57 PM
right4life on August 27, 2008 at 3:55 PM
Now that’s a ticket I could support whole-heartedly! What she lacks in experience in public office she makes up for in total understanding of all the issues and excellent communication skills.
thecountofincognito on August 27, 2008 at 4:00 PM
very true, I’m not planning on voting for mcamnesty, but she would make me change my mind.
right4life on August 27, 2008 at 4:01 PM
I’d love to see her debating biden, it would be brutal (for biden)
right4life on August 27, 2008 at 4:02 PM
ConservativePartyNow on August 27, 2008 at 3:57 PM
The population of Wisalla, Alaska is about 8,000 people. Wowzers. Lets get her finger on the button immediately! (I like her but I wouldn’t say its the most impressive resume.)
thecountofincognito on August 27, 2008 at 4:02 PM
But is she old enough. She still looks like a kid
ConservativePartyNow on August 27, 2008 at 4:04 PM
hi..
(My first post on hot air! )
It seems to me (as an outsider – I’m Canadian) that McCain has a much wider range of good choices than Obama had. Any of the major contenders – Palin, Romney, Rudy, etc – would be capable and effective.
At the same time, however, I’m still hoping that what he does is announce some major cabinet positions – Rudy at State, Mitt at Defence, Huck at HEW – and then nominates Newt Gingrich for the vice presidency.
Here’s why: McCain’s decision has to wait until the Democrats are solidly committed – imagine McCain/Huckabee vs. Clinton/Powell – and revolves on two big issues:
1 – the choice needs to invoke the Cheney factor – meaning that the person chosen must be widely seen as capable of assuming the office, must be willing to accept periodic exile to undisclosed locations, and must be someone America’s enemies, internal and external, fear more than they fear the president; and,
2 – the choice needs to invoke Republican coat tails – meaning that the nominee must do what McCain can not: inspire enough enthusiasm among conservatives to ensure majorities in both the house and the senate.
Any of the major contenders would, I think, be good – but Newt would be great. And of course much of the press would go after him hammer and tongs – but so what? Americans are a forgiving people – and major networks like CNN and MSNBC have gone so far overboard in selling Obama that the louder and nastier they get about Newt, the more people will vote for McCain/Gingrich.
Paul Murphy on August 27, 2008 at 4:04 PM
Right on right4life! And she is GOOD for my kids to boot!
I am absolutely terrified that McCain will not pick someone strong. Many people know who Obinden is despite his overwhelming smack down by Denny K. and Hill in the primaries. We need someone people know and can smack down the Gaffemaster Obiden. I so hope it is Mitt, but fear a Maverick choice that could bring us down after this sooo enjoyable Rocky Mountain High.
freeus on August 27, 2008 at 4:05 PM
Still not enough experience. You think these two could go toe-to-toe with Joe Biden in a debate? LOL!
Look, I like both Palin and Jindal. I have no problems with them, but their experience (academic, political, business) — when compared to that of Romney — isn’t even a contest.
You guys need to get with it. It’s all ABOUT experience. If the Repubs are going to NAIL Obama on his lack of experience, then you must field an impressive team FULL of experience in both politics and business.
It’s that simple…
eanax on August 27, 2008 at 4:06 PM
Now you’re picking on small towns, sounds like something the dems would do
ConservativePartyNow on August 27, 2008 at 4:06 PM
yeah she would have to be 35…and according to a quick google search, she was born in 1970, so she’d be fine!
right4life on August 27, 2008 at 4:07 PM
I think you are correct
Can.Utility on August 27, 2008 at 4:07 PM
yeah mccain would pick someone just to piss off conservatives…
right4life on August 27, 2008 at 4:08 PM
yeah mccain would pick someone just to piss off conservatives…
right4life on August 27, 2008 at 4:08 PM
And bury his stupid ass forever.
TexasJew on August 27, 2008 at 4:12 PM
I hugely admire Mitt. I would be proud to have that brilliant, decent man as VP. Same feelings, different noun, for Palin. All things considered, I would pick Palin. Nonetheless, I’d cheer Mitt.
texette on August 27, 2008 at 4:13 PM
Not enough experience, and only from Alaska? Come one now. Check out her credentials. She has been in government for nearly 12 years. I dare say that is more than 43 had.
check it out. On top of that, you rarely see a mother out-debated. I think Biden would not know what hit him.
ConservativePartyNow on August 27, 2008 at 4:14 PM
Texas Jew,
From what I understand, his new campaign team has beat as much sense into his head as anyone can. They say he understands he needs conservatives, and will pick a conservative.
I’m prayin’ that’s true.
texette on August 27, 2008 at 4:16 PM
I know. Just a joke. :-)
ConservativePartyNow on August 27, 2008 at 4:16 PM
From what I understand, his new campaign team has beat as much sense into his head as anyone can. They say he understands he needs conservatives, and will pick a conservative.
I’m prayin’ that’s true.
texette on August 27, 2008 at 4:16 PM
This is what happens when you nominate a poor rudderless candidate who has no understanding of how much the Party has lost from his self-serving behavior. Look at his energy flip-flops.. as well as that convoluted Party platform we’re going to be stuck with (no ANWR, of course), with all the Global Warming crapola tacked on.
That’s not a winning strategy..
He’s just lucky that he’s running against a one-man disaster like Barry O.
TexasJew on August 27, 2008 at 4:26 PM
Anyone who says that the VP has to have experience is someone who needs to get a major league colon blow, because they’re full of it.
The VP spot is the training ground for the next president, if it’s done right. Palin is good for the job, she’s young and has a lot more “on-the-ground” experience than Obama does.
Mitt Romney is not good for the job. He’s too old (61), he’s too liberal (Massachusetts), and he divides the party (Huckabee conservatives, No-Northeasterner faction, etc.)
If you want a balance between the two, you’ve got Pawlenty. But if not, Go with Palin.
Sakaki on August 27, 2008 at 4:27 PM
textette–
so if you had to guess, based on what you’ve heard, who would you bet that he’ll pick? who’s in the “final four” and WHY?
battleoflepanto1571 on August 27, 2008 at 4:33 PM
texette on August 27, 2008 at 3:14 PM
I don’t know why there is so much support. She has very very little experience running a very very small state. In fact she compares with Obama in experience and that undercuts the whole experience strength.
I think we have several good canidates coming up but they do have to pay their dues. You can’t just pick a pretty face that is what the Democrats did.
petunia on August 27, 2008 at 4:33 PM
For VP, you could pick Paris Hilton and still win.
The major case for the pretty face only applies to the PRESIDENT’s seat.
Geez, I swear I’m among idiots here.
Sakaki on August 27, 2008 at 4:34 PM
Yeah, when compared to Romney, you bet. Your trumpeting of her credentials is sweet and all, but the reality is she doesn’t come close to comparable to Romney.
Palin’s academic background: “Bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Idaho.”
Palin’s Political Experince: “…two terms on the Wasilla, Alaska City Council from 1992 to 1996. From 1996 to 2002 she served for two terms as mayor and city manager of Wasilla. Governor of Alaska, Dec. 2006 to present.”
Her Business Experience (serious): None.
Source:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarah_Palin
And, in the political world, do you think her “accomplishments” measure up to Biden’s 35 years in the U.S. Senate? Dude, get a grip. This is the Big leagues.
And here’s Mitt’s background…
Source:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mitt_Romney
eanax on August 27, 2008 at 4:34 PM
p.s…. i don’t dislike romney as a person but as a pol he seems to be a bust that alienates the huck-haters and invites criticism of a rich GOP, right after rich W and on the heels of rich house mccain.
i just dont get the lure of the $100 dollar flameout that was the romney campaign… 50 state ground game…. and… he wins how many non-caucus elections?
oh well
battleoflepanto1571 on August 27, 2008 at 4:36 PM
I don’t think so, Skippy. When you’re a heartbeat away from the Presidency, you had better pick someone who is competent and able to do the job.
Each candidate better pick someone who can easily take over and the nation be comfortable with that. I wouldn’t trust ANY candidate who didn’t pick a worthy VP to be on the ticket.
eanax on August 27, 2008 at 4:38 PM
\
what you romney-or-the-highway types miss is how BADLY mitt registered with VOTERS… you know, the people who choose campaigns?
he won THREE counties in California. THREE…
read it and weep…. here’s a map of the gop results.
Mitt is yellow
map
with $100 million, a 50 state ground game, a nationwide ‘identity base’ in mormons, good looks, and ceo experience…. THIS is what you get?
PASS!
battleoflepanto1571 on August 27, 2008 at 4:38 PM
Couldn’t agree more, highhopes! Huckabee’s type of Christianity is a farce!
Shelby on August 27, 2008 at 4:38 PM
That is a very very good point. But one or both or them are going to be very very unhappy and not much time to deal with it before they have to go out front. I’m not sure that whole unity thing is a good idea.
If it’s Romney and Huck can’t hold it together it makes things worse.
And at this point if Romney doesn’t have his hopes up he isn’t human. It takes awhile to get over a snub like he has comming if he’s not picked.
It is almost too much to expect of either of them. Look at how long it took McCain to get over the 2000 race. Years. And he almost changed parties over it. If Romney isn’t picked I guess we will see how big a man he is.
petunia on August 27, 2008 at 4:41 PM
Good that you recognize that. Cause that’s why I won’t vote for McCain if Romney’s on the ticket. I don’t trust him to do the job of President, and think he would actually HARM America worse than anyone. I trust Sarah Palin or Tim Pawlenty to do it.
I’d rather see Mitt Romney in a museum. Preferrably a wax museum, where the idiot belongs.
And the name is Sakaki, not skippy, idiot.
Sakaki on August 27, 2008 at 4:41 PM
Excellent! Come and join us. You fit right in. ;-D
Marking Time on August 27, 2008 at 4:41 PM
You’re right. Her accomplishments don’t comapre with what Biden has done in DC for 35 years, but DC is not the real world, but Alaska is more real than DC will ever be
ConservativePartyNow on August 27, 2008 at 4:42 PM
Stupid mistake and bad advice.
eanax on August 27, 2008 at 4:44 PM
Oh come on how in the world would Romney actually harm America? That is just a cover for other reasons and you know it.
petunia on August 27, 2008 at 4:44 PM
KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK
HUCKABEE WINS ON THE VP POLLS!
Working Class MEN who don’t visit political blogs, LOVE HUCKABEE! These male voters will determine the next Pres.
marklmail on August 27, 2008 at 4:45 PM
In fairness to Paris, her energy policy was better than Obama’s.
sulla on August 27, 2008 at 4:45 PM
And he’ll sit (or stand) there and eat her lunch regarding foriegn policy and the law. Don’t believe me, just watch.
He’ll make her look like a five year old trying to debate in moot court.
eanax on August 27, 2008 at 4:46 PM
Check out the “Christian” Huckabee (part 1)
Gov. Huckabee was easy on rapists and murderers, including convicted rapist Wayne Dumond, who raped and murdered Carol Sue Shields shortly after his release from prison.
Huckabee commuted or pardoned over 1000 prisoners, including 12 murderers — 10 times as many as Bill Clinton did over 9 years!
http://www.judicialwatch.org/judicial-watch-announces-list-washington-s-TEN-MOST-WANTED-CORRUPT-POLITICIANS-2007
Huckabee is #6
“Huckabee’s personality has been described in negative terms as “petty, thin-skinned, self-righteous, and “somewhat vindictive”:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_Huckabee
Google “Huckabee Obama gun”
You will get ONE MILLION HITS! Seriously! Here are a couple responses to Huck’s vile comment:
http://www.tmz.com/2008/05/17/huckabee-jokes-about-obama-assassination/
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/barry-yourgrau/mike-huckabee-minister-an_b_102193.html
Huckabee’s son tortured a dog to death and Huckabee hindered the animal cruelty investigation:
http://www.newsweek.com/id/78241
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Huckabee
Shelby on August 27, 2008 at 4:47 PM
Says the Romney idiot who hasn’t been involved in actual strategic planning for previous campaigns, or has analyzed this race to death, especially in the last two weeks.
I know what I’m talking about when I speak on these issues. Romney is a non-starter and will hurt the party worse. Why? He’s a member of the same establishment that gave us Mark Foley. You remember that, eanax? Same people. Like you. You want us to repeat 2006 again? Then stick with Romney.
We have a golden opportunity to win by a good margin of Electoral votes. And we cannot do it if we have a remnant of the Mark Foley wing of the party as the second-in-command, as we would have if Mitt Romney is put forth.
Sakaki on August 27, 2008 at 4:48 PM
Check out the “Christian” Huckabee
Gov. Huckabee was easy on rapists and murderers, including convicted rapist Wayne Dumond, who raped and murdered Carol Sue Shields shortly after his release from prison.
Huckabee commuted or pardoned over 1000 prisoners, including 12 murderers — 10 times as many as Bill Clinton did over 9 years!
http://www.judicialwatch.org/judicial-watch-announces-list-washington-s-TEN-MOST-WANTED-CORRUPT-POLITICIANS-2007
Huckabee is #6
“Huckabee’s personality has been described in negative terms as “petty, thin-skinned, self-righteous, and “somewhat vindictive”:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_Huckabee
Google “Huckabee Obama gun”
You will get ONE MILLION HITS! Seriously! Here are a couple responses to Huck’s vile comment:
http://www.tmz.com/2008/05/17/huckabee-jokes-about-obama-assassination/
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/barry-yourgrau/mike-huckabee-minister-an_b_102193.html
Shelby on August 27, 2008 at 4:50 PM
Ed has persuaded me to veeping Romney; he’s an outsider with economic prosperity credentials. Since B.O. is trending downward, and is screwing up his veep pick, a pick of Romney accentuates the Hilary snub. Even if the Romney pick doesn’t get more Clintonites to vote GOP, it keeps them angry enough to not turn out at the polls.
-
Now McCain/Romney need to have concrete initiatives to push at the convention and throughout the campaign. De-emphasize the negative ads (but don’t ditch them either). A theme of “Energize America” can work all the way down the ticket.
Mark30339 on August 27, 2008 at 4:50 PM
Lots of bloody water in here. Either wise_man and MB4 and MC going at it, or someone brings up Romney/Huckabee. It’s like you need a harpoon just to wade through without getting a leg torn off or something.
=P
*eats*
Grue in the Attic on August 27, 2008 at 5:01 PM
I would love a McCain/Romney ticket. That’s a winning team!
Check out this new poll:
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/breaking-news/story/660701.html
Florida poll: Mitt Romney, not Crist, helps McCain
“About 32 percent of respondents said they’d favor McCain if he picked Romney. That’s double the number of those who said they’d be less inclined to back the ticket. Only 17 percent said they wanted Crist on the ticket.
”People like Charlie Crist where he is, in the governor’s mansion. They know Romney, who campaigned hard in this state,” said Mason-Dixon pollster Brad Coker. “Romney looks like he gives McCain more of an edge than Biden gives Obama.”
But Connecticut Sen. Joe Lieberman looks toxic to the ticket. Nearly twice as many people said they’d be less likely to vote for McCain if the former Democrat were on the ticket. Many Democrats see the former vice presidential candidate of 2000 as a turncoat. Conservative Republicans can’t stand his abortion-rights record.
”Lieberman’s luster has faded,” Coker said.
McCain will probably make his pick Friday. Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty and Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin barely registered responses in the poll, which didn’t include the name of former Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Ridge.”
Shelby on August 27, 2008 at 5:01 PM
Romney is done.
Pawlenty seems to be the guy
And that, everyone, is quite alright with me. Since Pawlenty can kick Joe Biden in the nuts.
Sakaki on August 27, 2008 at 5:01 PM
You know, it is funny. Whenever I start getting a high opinion of my intellect and wisdom, I remember a passage from the last public speech given by Benjamin Franklin before he died:
Then I think, “If Benjamin Franklin felt that way, who am I to think myself greater than he in thought and wisdom?”
Marking Time on August 27, 2008 at 5:06 PM
I really think you are overemphasizing the importance of the debate with Biden (who gives a rat’s backside who “wins” one debate? the MSM will just portray it in favor of the Obama ticket anyway) and underestimating the damage that would be caused by sound bites from the Republican primary replayed over and over again by the Democrats.
My impression from the primary was that there was lots of personal animosity swirling around Romney/McCain/Huckabee. (It really doesn’t matter who started it, just that it happened.) As I recall, populist/class warfare was brought into play – not exactly McCain’s shining moments – and at one point it really did seem to be that Huckabee was acting as a surrogate for McCain against Romney. (Since Romney was my back up guy once Fred dropped out (I’m in California), I remember resenting that.)
In terms of Mitt’s credentials, as a Republican governor of a left-y state, Mitt was not exactly in a position to shine as a huge conservative. And, it seems that there is not solid agreement about how firm Mitt’s positions are on life issues (BTW, I am staunchly pro-life, but am satisfied that McCain is so solid that it really doesn’t matter to me if his VP is… but I realize for many folks, the pro-life stand is a deal-breaker). Finally, when I hear about the Salt Lake City olympics, I immediately think “…wasn’t that the one with the big scandal?”
Don’t get me wrong, I am confident that the folks who post here can convince me that my impressions/recollections are wrong (and actually I would be fine with Mitt for VP). My point is that I just gotta believe that a sizable fraction of the undecideds and swing voters probably have some of the same negative impressions I have. And, I do not believe that Huckabee’s most ardent supporters are suddenly going to start saying great things about Mitt (the man himself seems to be incapable of getting through an interview without criticizing a Republican, whether it be Mitt or Rudy.) I’m not sure it’s worth the risk to put Mitt on the ticket. Let’s win and put him in the cabinet.
I realize there is a risk with Palin because she has much less experience in government than Biden (who doesn’t?!), but I don’t think McCain needs a running mate who can out-bulldog Biden or match him in foreign policy experience. McCain can do that for himself. I think the running mate should bring in new dimensions to the ticket and complement McCain, while having the fewest possible negatives. Palin brings a “boots on the ground” perspective on oil and environmental issues, she is solid on some major social issues (abortion, guns), she is not from the Beltway, and, yes, she is younger and a woman. If a sizable fraction of Hillary supporters really feel that their candidate was mistreated because she’s a woman, why not give them an option? Oil and national security are the winning issues this year, IMHO. Why not deliver the energy message with an attractive newcomer who really believes in the issue?
Now, if the debate is what matters most, I would go with Rudy.
Y-not on August 27, 2008 at 5:17 PM
Now the statement applies to me.
Can.Utility on August 27, 2008 at 5:17 PM
Fantastic sources! So let it be written, so let it be done /sarc/
hot-heir on August 27, 2008 at 5:22 PM
Excelent post, Y-not. I can address one of your concerns, the SLC 2002 Olympics.
Yes, that was the one that was ridden with scandal. It looked for a time like it was all going to collapse into a very embarassing mega-disaster. Then the Olympics people turned to Mitt Romney.
Mitt Romney was the white knight that rode into town and saved the day. He turned it completely around from a looming disaster to an outstanding success.
So yes, the SLC Olympics were a huge problem, but the person who saved them was Mitt Romney. He had nothing to do with the scandals but everything to do with their clean-up.
I hope that helps.
The rest of your points are perfectly sound. Is Romney worth the risk? We shall see.
Marking Time on August 27, 2008 at 5:25 PM
As long as McCain doesn’t pick another Senator, I’m good.
Three Senators in one general election are more than enough.
sulla on August 27, 2008 at 5:26 PM
I’m trying not to be insulted by the total lack of understanding shown by my fellow Republicans…Do you think that any old woman replaces any old woman. Are they interchangable like car parts?
I’m sorry but that is just insulting. There may be good reasons to support Palin but to get Hilary supporters is just not one of them.
petunia on August 27, 2008 at 5:26 PM
Romney gets on this ticket…I predict suicide bombing by the extreme right.
hot-heir on August 27, 2008 at 5:26 PM
Thank-you, petunia.
Marking Time on August 27, 2008 at 5:28 PM
No matter who McCain picks there will people promising to sit home, declaring angrily that they have been betrayed.
I do not really understand the love affair that some people have with Palin. I know she is attractive and is supposed to be conservative, however, she is unknown to the vast majority of Americans. She is caught up in some investigation that will surely be made a part of the campaign and Alaska is getting some bad press right now.
It seems to me it might be better to wait awhile and allow her to develop more of name for herself.
If she is picked, I will support her, but I am not sure that she is the bes choice. But then again, I really do not know who is the best choice.
Terrye on August 27, 2008 at 5:28 PM
No kidding. I could see a backlash among Hillary Dems, if only to stop Palin from beating Hillary to the other side of the Glass Ceiling.
They don’t want A woman as president. They want THEIR woman, and they want her to be first.
sulla on August 27, 2008 at 5:31 PM
I don’t like Palin because she’s a woman.
I like Palin because she’s got a hardy, grinning Teddy Roosevelt vibe.
If it’s her year, I hope it works out. Best case: GOP star for decades. Worst case: Quayle II.
sulla on August 27, 2008 at 5:34 PM
Hang out at dailykos much?
I’d correct you for being ignorant, but you probably don’t care about the facts anyway.
(if you’re wondering, you moral relativist you, the score is 3,292 to 7… and that’s america alone…
battleoflepanto1571 on August 27, 2008 at 5:40 PM
So, it looks clear. You’re all for Huckabee. Cool!
marklmail on August 27, 2008 at 5:40 PM
doubt it…. it’s easier to be thought of as wonderful but incompetent as a congressman/senator (i mean what do you DO)…. but as governor, RUNNING a state, you bet your bottom dollar if you stink at it, the voters and the state media will let you know it.
battleoflepanto1571 on August 27, 2008 at 5:42 PM
Petunia -
I do not think (and did not say or imply) that women are interchangeable – if I did, then Kay Bailey Hutchinson would be one of my choices (she’s not, she’s too Beltway). However, from what I have gleaned from media reports and blogs, a large fraction of Hillary supporters feel she was treated disrespectfully because she is a woman. They identify with Hillary on a basic level, because of her gender, and are frustrated by what they perceive as a lack of progress in moving women to positions of power. I’m not buying into that logic, just acknowledging it and suggesting McCain might benefit from it.
I think I, and others, have listed a lot of reasons to pick Palin. Most of us have also indicated that we would support other VP picks as well (and most of those alternates have been white men), we just like Palin a lot.
To me the paramount reason for Palin is that she is much stronger on energy than McCain is – and a billion times stronger than all of those “not in my backyard” liberals who don’t want to drill – and energy is the winning domestic issue this year, in my opinion.
Y-not on August 27, 2008 at 5:43 PM
nope. MY CHOICES
1. Palin
2. Kasich
3-9. actual conservative
10. Romney/Rudy
11. Rudy/Romney
12.-25. RINO
26. Lieberman
27. Ned Lamont
28. Lindsey Graham
29. Condi
30. Cheney
31.-434. anyone in congress other than pelosi
435.-534. anyone in the senate other than harry reid
535. harry reid
536. nancy “true catholic knowledge of abortion” pelosi
537. dan abrams
538. david gregory
#539. david shuster
#540. chris “thrilla” matthews
#541.-#300,000,541. anyone in america
#300,000,542. the girl that lyp-synced in the bejing opening cermony
#300,000,543. mick huckabee.
for real.
NO HUCK
NO WAY
NO HOW
battleoflepanto1571 on August 27, 2008 at 5:46 PM
You hit the nail on the head!
ConservativePartyNow on August 27, 2008 at 5:47 PM
Romney is OK.
AdrianS on August 27, 2008 at 5:48 PM
I take your links and raise you mine…
hot-heir on August 27, 2008 at 5:49 PM
Giuliani’s quote
hot-heir on August 27, 2008 at 5:50 PM
You are not kidding…you are a Canadian…but welcome to Hot Air anyway.
Mitt at defense tee hee….and I’m all for Mitt!
petunia on August 27, 2008 at 5:51 PM
I don’t think she’d BE “Quayle II.”
But the left-wing smear machine will do everything in its power to portray her as such. too young, picked for her looks, out of her league.
I think she’d do great. Again, I want her around a long time. But I’ve seen the lamestream media chew up and spit out some pretty formidable and decent people, up to and including Reagan. (They’re now having to eat a lot of those words, but I remember it getting pretty ugly by 1988.)
I’m just saying that if the elections were held in 2010 I think she’d be better positioned than she is today.
sulla on August 27, 2008 at 5:54 PM
Hang out at dailykos much?
What’s up with Huckobots always referring to DailyKos? You guys have been in your echo chamber blogging for waaaaay too long.
hot-heir on August 27, 2008 at 5:55 PM
Y-not on August 27, 2008 at 5:43 PM
I’m sorry to be defensive…I just think (that the same as Obama) if she were not a woman no one would have noticed her yet. She hasn’t done anything nationally and has only a few years experience. I would love to see a woman, but for me it has to be on qualifications first. Even Hillary was a bit light on the qualifications…but way above Obama so it is relative. But a complete newby is a non-starter and total identity politics.
petunia on August 27, 2008 at 5:57 PM
Bwahahah! Great list!
One addition: I would put “any of the ‘let’s vote on drilling now’ House Republicans somewhere high on that list.
And, in thinking about the VP debate, I would consider replacing my earlier Rudy suggestion with Edward Cardinal Egan. Based on how he handled Nancy, he clearly has the chops.
http://www.archny.org/news-events/news-press-releases/index.cfm?i=8803
Y-not on August 27, 2008 at 5:59 PM
Well hot-heir I found Sakaki’s links very disturbing. Because they not only say McCain didn’t pick Romney but that he caved into bigotry! And that is just so beyond the pale of what I want in a leader!
What I mean is he didn’t have a reason for not choosing Romney…other than the bigots emailed him and so forth. I don’t want anyone elected or chosen because they are a Mormon but to have him rejected because of it is just…
And frankly not what I would expect from John McCain. It shows a true lack of character.
petunia on August 27, 2008 at 6:02 PM
Fact: whoever is actually chosen won’t change the outcome in November.
an_abstraction on August 27, 2008 at 6:03 PM
are you insane? scroll like 10 posts up to my vp “want” list… bot?
NOT!
battleoflepanto1571 on August 27, 2008 at 6:04 PM
Nice ad hominem. I’m just a regular guy, a taxpayer, and a voter. I look at the facts. I look at who’s actually qualified. And I possess the ability to analyze the political landscape in America, like many on this board. Political hacks are often wrong in their predictions and calculations. Many times they are no better at predicting political outcomes than hurricane forecasters.
Ooh. Big talk. I’m underwhelmed with your thoughts and analysis.
In your opinion.
Why be so cryptic? Come out and say you think he’s a RINO, if you got a pair. If Romney is a RINO, then what is John McCain? Oh, you call him a “maverick” but not a RINO. You think John McCain is a conservative? LOL!
There’s no proof in your assertion regarding Romney hurting the campaign. It’s pure speculation.
I’m not a Republican. I’m a conservative libertarian, politically and philosophically. And I’m a registered as an Independent. You knew/know nothing of my political affiliation until I just told you. To assume as much makes and ASS out of U and not ME. Again, I’m a regular guy/voter who looks at the overall experience of a candidate as a barometer of his/her ability to handle the position they are seeking or may hold. And Romney is the most qualified person to fit that bill.
By the way, Foley was part of the Washington Republican Establishment. And the last time I checked, Romney is NO MEMBER of a WASHINGTON REPUBLICAN establishment. When has the man ever served at the FEDERAL LEVEL? That’s where Mark Foley served. I don’t know one person who associates Romney with Mark Foley or the Republican establishment, as you claim. What a complete load of garbage.
eanax on August 27, 2008 at 6:06 PM
so we’d rather lose 350-185 EV and have president obambi with dem supermajorities? a new deal II?
sheesh. if your BASE doesn’t want a guy, regardless of the reason, why FORCE FEED IT???
(and no, im not a huck fan at all… what is it with the “we love mitt” club, they can’t take any criticism… probably because half of his supporters tie his success to the success of mormonism, which in itself is as bad as Bigoted HUCK-a-Fool!!!)
battleoflepanto1571 on August 27, 2008 at 6:07 PM
In my opinion, Mormonism is false. That’s all I’ll say about it, cause I’m not into debating theology. All things considered, I think Romney is McCain’s strongest pick and will help pull in battleground states. I don’t think the dislike of Romney by evangelicals is strong enough to have people sit or vote for Obama. It just doesn’t make sense. As for my previous post to you…I stand corrected.
hot-heir on August 27, 2008 at 6:13 PM
Libertarians have no place in Republican politics. Go back to Bob Barr, assnut.
Sakaki on August 27, 2008 at 6:17 PM
Comment pages: « Previous 1 2 3 4 Next »