British paper: McCain to put Palin in charge of energy independence as president
posted at 2:00 pm on September 6, 2008 by Allahpundit
A cost-free way to bolster her credibility on policy. Why didn’t they leak it to the Times instead?
John McCain wants to put Sarah Palin in charge of US oil and energy policy if he becomes president, The Sunday Telegraph has learned…
Mr McCain, whose selection of Mrs Palin has electrified Republican supporters, wants to capitalise on her expertise in the oil and gas sector while governor of Alaska. He believes that her record of taking on oil company chiefs will help convince the public that his government would not be in the pocket of energy fat cats, a perception that has damaged George W.Bush’s poll ratings…
Mr McCain discussed the role Mrs Palin would play in government as well as the election campaign when he held a three-hour getting-to-know-you session two weeks ago.
To assuage angry green activists, the prospective vice president will also be charged with overseeing a dramatic increase in federal support for the development of clean coal and electric car technology, as well as the spread of wind and solar power.
Another scooplet that’s not much of a scoop: Supposedly he’s already pencilled in Lieberman for State or Defense, and might announce that before the election to push his maverick bona fides. As for the ‘Cuda, you can anticipate the left’s response: Why not make her Secretary of Energy rather than VP? A fair point. Now if they’ll only tell me who McCain should have named as VP instead who would have catalyzed conservatives and threatened Obama’s lock on the woman vote the way she has, then they’ll have an actual argument.
Exit question: How important to McCain’s VP reasoning was Palin’s background in energy? I’m trying to imagine her as governor of Nevada, say; same compelling narrative, same cowboy appeal, same experience in managing an economy, but no expertise with any hot-button issue. Was her oil cred the deciding factor? McCain’s already got Obama beat on that point, but this puts an exclamation point on it.
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This is sure getting fun! The one must be spinning in place wondering how in the hell this all got so far out of control.
smells like fear in the Dems house!
dustoffmom on September 6, 2008 at 2:01 PM
That’s judgement. I think Joementum would be a great SecState as well
lodge on September 6, 2008 at 2:04 PM
What about Fred?
Haunchie on September 6, 2008 at 2:04 PM
During the Lieberman as VP brouhaha, I was thinking he’d be a great Sec. of Defense or State while Palin would be a decent VP. Guess I get my wish.
Rather than fading as time goes on, it just becomes clearer and clearer that Palin was a great choice.
BryanS on September 6, 2008 at 2:05 PM
Yucca Mountain, NV perhaps? There’s a [nuclear] hot-button for ya.
Et tu Brute on September 6, 2008 at 2:05 PM
McCain might need that Lieberman vote in Senate. I would probably wait before making that appointment.
John Doe on September 6, 2008 at 2:05 PM
Im just trying to figure out what economic background Biden brings to obama’s campaign ?
William Amos on September 6, 2008 at 2:06 PM
Attorney General. Rudy is too controversial.
BryanS on September 6, 2008 at 2:06 PM
New liberal meme on Palin: Her middle daughter is racist.
Enoxo on September 6, 2008 at 2:06 PM
The Dhimms are like ants under a magnifying glass on a hot sunny day.
Guardian on September 6, 2008 at 2:07 PM
**puts hand on forehead**
“Same cowboy appeal”?
AP?
Um…
Ahh forget it…
Montana on September 6, 2008 at 2:08 PM
McCain should win all 50 states easily, or if using the Obama map all 57 States.
Chakra Hammer on September 6, 2008 at 2:08 PM
Id rather have Fred vetting and pushing through our Supreme Court Justices than Rudy
Rudy for Homeland security
William Amos on September 6, 2008 at 2:08 PM
Only because that’s Harry Reid’s state. That site is geologically perfect for storage. It’s not like they haven’t irradiated Nevada already anyway. Underground storage of nuke waste in a secure site isn’t going to hurt anybody.
darclon on September 6, 2008 at 2:09 PM
Absolutely. Wonderful how it worked out.
I’d rather see Joe be put into a position that he’s best at. And I think I’d rather have him oversee our interests outside the US and the rest of the world. ….. he is, after all, a democrat, and he caucuses with democrats …. so defense would be better than state. You know, because he’s a democrat.
wise_man on September 6, 2008 at 2:09 PM
“Im just trying to figure out what economic background Biden brings to obama’s campaign ?”
collection of lobbyists’ monies …
/DUH!
:-)
Buckaroo on September 6, 2008 at 2:09 PM
Obama will counter with a notice on what Biden will be in charge of…..
Wethal on September 6, 2008 at 2:10 PM
Put Joementum as Secretary of Defense, but how about SECRETARY OF STATE JOHN BOLTON?
MB007 on September 6, 2008 at 2:10 PM
Well, they can’t play the gender card anymore…
darclon on September 6, 2008 at 2:11 PM
oh, and re: cabinet positions — i have no problem with that sort of speculation ON OR AFTER 11/5!!
/let’s win this thing, THEN enjoy the spoils …
Buckaroo on September 6, 2008 at 2:12 PM
Huge. It’s the best issue the R’s have going for them in this cycle and she’s a great spokesperson for it.
Ten bucks says Gwen Ifill doesn’t ask a single question about the subject of energy independence in the VP debate.
Dudley Smith on September 6, 2008 at 2:12 PM
“All I’m saying is if you cry wolf too many times no one ends up believing the real remarks”
holy crap — a DUmmy who gets it!
:-)
Buckaroo on September 6, 2008 at 2:13 PM
“Ten bucks says Gwen Ifill doesn’t ask a single question about the subject of energy independence in the VP debate.”
does she contaol 100% of the questions? if so, nope, i wouldn’t touch that action …
Buckaroo on September 6, 2008 at 2:14 PM
Absolutely! But doubt he could get that one past the Senate any more than Bush could.
dustoffmom on September 6, 2008 at 2:15 PM
A good politican knows to go around a questioner. Make a breif ten second responce to a fluff question then say ” BTW I want to speak on an issue that hasnt come up yet….”
William Amos on September 6, 2008 at 2:15 PM
That would indeed be something to be hopeful for.
That, and placing the Boss in charge of ICE. At least there’s a betterchance Bolton could be Secretary of State.
wise_man on September 6, 2008 at 2:15 PM
Put Rudy on social issues like Secretary of Health and Human Services or Education. Rudy was awesomely effective in pushing a conservative agenda in a liberal city, and these departments seriously need effective conservative reform.
I think Rudy’s got too much of a rep as just a bit too eager on the security vs civil rights balance. I’d keep him out of Homeland Security.
BryanS on September 6, 2008 at 2:15 PM
Amazingly, Connecticut has a Republican Governor. A perfect way for Joe to flip the seat Republican w/o openly doing it himself.
Would prefer Joe for State of course McCain nominates Regis (John Bolton’s mustache)
phreshone on September 6, 2008 at 2:16 PM
British papers have more conservative readers?
sven10077 on September 6, 2008 at 2:16 PM
Or they leaked it to the times and the times didnt publish it ?
William Amos on September 6, 2008 at 2:17 PM
I second that!
Disturb the Universe on September 6, 2008 at 2:17 PM
This is awesome news BTW….she was right to ask “so what’s a VP do” and working women will SEE that with this job.
sven10077 on September 6, 2008 at 2:17 PM
He should keep Gates on as SecDef
lodge on September 6, 2008 at 2:18 PM
Put the Tanc (Tom Tancredo) in charge of I C E ?
Wait this is McCain we are talking about…
William Amos on September 6, 2008 at 2:18 PM
“sven10077 on September 6, 2008 at 2:16 PM”
I’m pretty sure AP meant the London Times …
/annnd, the telegraph is slightly to the right of the times anywho — on the brit political scale anyway …
Buckaroo on September 6, 2008 at 2:18 PM
Make the case, Palinites.
Mac gets it.
Spirit of 1776 on September 6, 2008 at 2:18 PM
Agreed. Defense would be better than State for Lieberman.
Kind of like MB007′s idea of Bolton for Sec. of State.
BryanS on September 6, 2008 at 2:20 PM
C. Montgomery Burns: “Exxxxxcellent.”
Patrick S on September 6, 2008 at 2:20 PM
Either him or Duncan Hunter….either one would be HUGELY favorable!!
dustoffmom on September 6, 2008 at 2:21 PM
Palin will be great for pushing for the energy initiative of drill here, drill now.
Secretary of Defense: General Petraeus.
Secretary of State: Joe Lieberman
jencab on September 6, 2008 at 2:22 PM
Romney at Treasury maybe?
dustoffmom on September 6, 2008 at 2:23 PM
He might know how much it costs to take the train. I am sure that’s important information someone somewhere needs to know.
HawaiiLwyr on September 6, 2008 at 2:23 PM
Rick Santorum MUST have a place!
dustoffmom on September 6, 2008 at 2:24 PM
Supreme Court?
kcfrommt on September 6, 2008 at 2:25 PM
I say Fred for Sec. of Stairing Down our Enemies and Making Them Wet Their Pants!
ThePrez on September 6, 2008 at 2:25 PM
GO CUDA!
How about Tancredo somewhere? :D
Metro on September 6, 2008 at 2:26 PM
I think it is HUGE that she is the governor of Alaska, he can get around comparing ANWR to the Grand Canyon without being called a flip flopper because it will never come up.
dustoffmom on September 6, 2008 at 2:21 PM
Leave the conservatives in Congress. We need more not less.
Cindy Munford on September 6, 2008 at 2:26 PM
I have to admit that I really like Palin, but two things: I DON’T TRUST McCain, and Alaska is one of eleven states that give drivers licenses to illegals. This tidbit came to my attention via Rick Roberts, a very respected conservative talk show host here in San Diego….I’m still researching this, myself.
Vntnrse on September 6, 2008 at 2:26 PM
I feel sure McC has some plan for Fred!. He has too prominently featured during the convention, more than any other of the potentials were. And it ever seems like they really do like each although that could just be an act I know. I’d like to see him as AG…..but not sure he has the drive for it.
dustoffmom on September 6, 2008 at 2:28 PM
Neither one are running for their seat in Congress again.
Spirit of 1776 on September 6, 2008 at 2:28 PM
Actually it’s augmented it. By having Obama bring up her lack of qualifications, it reinforces it as a legitimate issue for any of the candidates. Before Palin Obama was trying to ignore the issue as being distraction. Now thanks to his fumbling of the issue, it’s front and center.
So what’s the benefit? How about add this to the debate?
1. Community organizers vs. mayors: who does more?
2. Does running for President make you qualified to BE President
Both issues brought to the fore by Obama and both of which put him on the defensive. The bottom line is if you have a debate between Palin and Obama about who is better qualified the winner will be John McCain.
PackerBronco on September 6, 2008 at 2:28 PM
They actually wanted it published?
amerpundit on September 6, 2008 at 2:30 PM
Fred Thompson would be great for Attorney General or Supreme Court judge.
Giuliani for Homeland Security or Chief of Staff.
jencab on September 6, 2008 at 2:30 PM
Pre-Palin policy….she can’t change it alone.
sven10077 on September 6, 2008 at 2:31 PM
Question to the board.
Mr McCain discussed the role Mrs Palin would play in government as well as the election campaign when he held a three-hour getting-to-know-you session two weeks ago.
Did anyone else notice this. The MSM has been saying that GOv Palin’s pick was out of left field and decided on the whim on last thursday after BHO failed to pick Clinton. However, this story seems to say that McCain knew who his vice president was going to be as early as TWO WEEKS ago. Which is it?
unseen on September 6, 2008 at 2:31 PM
Gotta admit that looks like a really good idea!
Vntnrse on September 6, 2008 at 2:32 PM
glad to see everyone took my caution on cabinet speculations to heart …
/my problem, i’ll deal with it …
Buckaroo on September 6, 2008 at 2:34 PM
Health and Human Services.
Wethal on September 6, 2008 at 2:35 PM
oh McCain has cut Gallup lead of Obama to +2 a six point swing since Monday.
unseen on September 6, 2008 at 2:39 PM
The ‘stache at State!!!.
Bolton would tear those bozos at Foggy Bottom a new backside. The place is full of Arabists and proto-Leftists anyway. They hate him and I suspect the feeling is mutual.
johnsteele on September 6, 2008 at 2:40 PM
Tancredo would be great as head of INS!
right4life on September 6, 2008 at 2:42 PM
Yes but Arizona has a Democratic govener. So it is a wash. Actually sounds sort of like a McCain comprimise.
petunia on September 6, 2008 at 2:45 PM
Romney says no cabinate position for him. But is Treasury in the cabinate? I dont’ even know. Romney’s father was in the Nixon cabinate and I take it it wasn’t a good match.
petunia on September 6, 2008 at 2:48 PM
Biden could head a task force on Web plagiarism in America’s schools. It takes a thief to catch a thief.
saved on September 6, 2008 at 2:51 PM
Allah, maybe they did leak it to the Times and the Times ignored it, like they will ignore the trash flags story.
Kevin71 on September 6, 2008 at 2:51 PM
Spirit of 1776 on September 6, 2008 at 2:28 PM
Darn, I didn’t remember that. I like those guys. Okay, put them in the cabinet.
Cindy Munford on September 6, 2008 at 2:52 PM
Sure is, in fact the Sec. of Treasury is 5th in line of succession. And I don’t take to heart any of them that say in advance ‘no’. Over the years we’ve seen how little that means if the offer is given! :)
dustoffmom on September 6, 2008 at 2:52 PM
Oh, and as an active-duty guy, I say Gates stays on as SecDef.
Kevin71 on September 6, 2008 at 2:52 PM
One thing I found out yesterday, but haven’t heard in the news at all is that Gov. Palin is the current chairman of the Interstate Oil & Gas Compact Commission.
CP on September 6, 2008 at 2:59 PM
He picked precisely because of her bona fides when it comes too oil, the sec. of energy will help her along with the alternative sources initiative.
By saying he’ll put the VP on the job of energy reform Mav is sayin’ to everyone that it will be a top, Top! priority of his administration…
A nice move to help pull independants…
Now that’s judgement you can believe in !!!
Mav, you magnificent bastard !
RocketmanBob on September 6, 2008 at 3:00 PM
Our VP is qualified for 2 jobs. Your P isn’t qualified for one!
lorien1973 on September 6, 2008 at 3:01 PM
Put Huck in charge of making the funnies on talk shows. He’s pretty good at that.
lorien1973 on September 6, 2008 at 3:02 PM
Anyone who ever doubted Joe would have been in the cabinet is kidding themselves big time. of course he’s gonna get a slot.
the Palin as energy gal is awesomezzz big timez
Drunk Report on September 6, 2008 at 3:04 PM
Probably not, but it added nicely to a female executive, with balls on energy and anti-corruption. Add charm, youth, personal energy and mob appeal…lethal.
Lieberman at Defense – terrorists’ and other tyrants’ heads will explode, without even fighting them
Fred Thompson at State
Romney – Czar of the Economy
Huckabee –
CharmerCommunications Chief, really…Entelechy on September 6, 2008 at 3:05 PM
McCain said in his speech that he was for nuclear fuel recycling (like they use in France)…which greatly diminishes the nuclear waste storage problem, and practically makes it a non-problem. He didn’t mention that this technology was invented and first demonstrated in the USA in the 60′s…and then promptly banned by a Luddite Congress.
All he needs to do this is to ram through Congress a repeal of the stupid, ill-considered ban on nuclear fuel recycling!!!
landlines on September 6, 2008 at 3:06 PM
Why should McCain give a flying first or second thought to what the lefties have to say on any of his appointments?
Loads of wet diapers are piling up on their side. Since Friday, a week ago, nothing is as it was.
Entelechy on September 6, 2008 at 3:08 PM
So much for the idea that the next VP, whoever it was, would have a lesser role than VP Cheney has had during the Bush Administration.
If anything, it suggests that VPs will have higher profiles going forward than they have in the past.
lawhawk on September 6, 2008 at 3:09 PM
Would like to see JOHN BOLTON for SECRETARY OF STATE. Hard to top his toughness & smarts.
Wendy on September 6, 2008 at 3:10 PM
Cabinet speculation is fine on blogs. It is, however, illegal for the candidate to name cabinet officials ahead of time.
Buford Gooch on September 6, 2008 at 3:11 PM
Rudi – AG
Bolton – Security
Entelechy on September 6, 2008 at 3:14 PM
Best think about Leiberman in the cabinet: Governor Rell will appoint a republican to replace him in the senate. YEE HAW!
Tuning Spork on September 6, 2008 at 3:14 PM
Governor Palin made it clear from the beginning that her abilities did not match the requirements of the office of Vice President: She requires many more responsibilities than that job entails.
logis on September 6, 2008 at 3:16 PM
Or Bolton – National Security Advisor, or,
previously meant to say Sec. of Homeland Security.
Entelechy on September 6, 2008 at 3:17 PM
Doesn’t Treasury usually go to a PhD economist?
jazz_piano on September 6, 2008 at 3:20 PM
I can’t wait to find out what the secret service nicknames for the cabinet are going to be. “Moose” “Walrus” …. what else.
wise_man on September 6, 2008 at 3:27 PM
wise_man on September 6, 2008 at 3:27 PM
“Aurora”
“Esther”
“Frontier”
“Arctic Fox”
Tuning Spork on September 6, 2008 at 3:34 PM
Yup….and that’s precisely why we need an ‘actual businessman’ in there instead of the talking/thinking heads who only seem to know theory!
dustoffmom on September 6, 2008 at 3:41 PM
I have been assured that when Juan becomes el Presidente America del Norte that the nativist gringo Tancredo will be appointed permanent ambassador to Chechnya.
NoBordersJose on September 6, 2008 at 3:43 PM
Secretary of Energy = Meg Whitman? or Carly fiorini?
Somebody who knows how to get things done and a litte bit about implementing new technologies.
Hell, McCain might have an administration of Amazons. Wouldn’t that piss bin laden et al off?
Kat_Mo on September 6, 2008 at 3:54 PM
If he does that, the name of the Dept. of State will have to be changed to the Dept. of Kick A$$ and Take Names.
thirteen28 on September 6, 2008 at 3:59 PM
At this point, the only jouranlists that can be trusted are British.
indythinker on September 6, 2008 at 4:11 PM
As a Nevadan I would love to see the dump up and running. $$$ BRING IT HERE $$$ The opponents are just being wussy-boys.
Mojave Mark on September 6, 2008 at 4:15 PM
I agree…. Joe Lieberman as Sec. of Defense. Also, I doubt he would take the job, but I’d put Romney as Sec. of Treasury. Perhaps a draft movement?
eaglescout1998 on September 6, 2008 at 4:21 PM
Really? Care to cite what law exist that states you cannot say who would be in your cabinet if elected?
BryanS on September 6, 2008 at 5:02 PM
I’m not a lawyer, but I have seen this (below) cited as the basis for candidates not announcing whom their appointees will be.
United States Code, title 18, section 599:
Whoever, being a candidate, directly or indirectly promises or pledges the appointment, or the use of his influence or support for the appointment of any person to any public or private position or employment, for the purpose of procuring support in his candidacy shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than one year, or both; and if the violation was willful, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than two years, or both.
http://www.oscn.net/applications/oscn/DeliverDocument.asp?CiteID=198941
Can any of our legal eagles comment/clarify?
I was a bit confused a couple of weeks ago when I heard that Obama’s camp announced that Caroline Kennedy would be his ambassador (to England, I believe).
Y-not on September 6, 2008 at 5:42 PM
All of the above. Going to be fun.
Anyone else see an obvious “queen bee” problem brewing?
tarpon on September 6, 2008 at 5:58 PM
Ok, I’m not one of the legal eagles, but I did pass for a laywer when I was young and it impressed girls in bars. :)
Anyway.. the way I’m reading that is basically “If you support me, I’ll promise you a post as x or y”.
If anything, Obama’s announcement of Caroline Kennedy (one of his staff) as a future ambassador certainly is more incriminating than saying “If I’m elected, here’s my team”
darury on September 6, 2008 at 7:26 PM
Okay, I’m getting a little tired of the naivete of people calling for Rudy as AG. The AG is in charge of the BATFE, which prosecutes thousands of unconstitutional and corrupt gun laws. Rudy’s been shown to be a gun grabber. This would be a disastrous choice for the 2nd Amendment. What we need for AG is somebody like, oh, Aaron Zelman.
fossten on September 6, 2008 at 8:22 PM
Thanks, darury!
Y-not on September 6, 2008 at 8:46 PM
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