Politics In Moderation

Many names have been thrown around as possible VP choices, however I hope to bring some clarity to what seems to be a major media field day without many facts or logic. I will thus write my personal Top 5 choices as well as why I would not consider other choices to be possible – My list once again is my “personal favorites”, I will also write within how likely McCain is to pick them…

Thus, here are my favorite 5 (according to personal preference, not necessarily viability) and then those who are more unlikely. On the bottom are the 6 most likely candidates as of now:

1) Mike Huckabee – Governor of Arkansas. Some may think this is an odd first, but I very much like and respect Governor Huckabee. He has a lot of integrity, experience, and balls. He is a tell it like it is man as well as being younger and generally well liked on both sides. History, during the time when Huckabee was still in the race, shows that these two could fit very well together, and Huckabee’s personality is very likeable (similar to Obama), which would take aim away from McCain’s age. He’s also great on the campaign trail and is well known since he was the last GOP candidate to drop out! Huckabee would deliver the social conservatives, but it doesn’t look like they’re as important in this election then they were in the last few elections. I also think all in all, Huckabee would be the best man to take McCain’s job if something happened. Huckabee is very smart, experienced, and is able to see both sides for what they are. Many times in the election he has said things that weren’t politically correct, but were the truth – and I’ll always support a man with that heart. Sadly, he is an unlikely choice. Back during his run, most people saw him as the “faith” candidate rather then the candidate with actual experience and ability. Many people don’t think he’s conservative enough on fiscal issues, and he’s also angered some independents from some of his talk on religion and his “faith based politics”. Lastly, he doesn’t really help in the electoral college, which is a real bummer – had he been Governor of Ohio I’ll bet he would be at the top of the list. Sadly, McCain already has Arkansas and he needs a VP who is taken seriously – which Huckabee should, but isn’t.

2) John Kasich – Former Congressman of Ohio. Kasich would be a very interesting and unexpected choice, but he brings many strengths to McCain’s ticket. He was known as a budget hawk back while he was in office and would probably get along well with McCain. He helps McCain with his conservative base and he helps McCain in the crucial swing state of Ohio. I question how effective an attack dog he would be, but all in all in should definitely be considered for the job. He is, however, thinking strongly about running for Governor of Ohio in 2010, which may dampen his desire to be VP. But from what I know of Kasich, I think he’d be very open to being the VP.

3) Sarah Palin – Governor of Alaska. McCain definitely doesn’t need help with that state, but she would help with women voters at a time where women might be disgruntled once Clinton leaves center stage. Depending on who Obama picks as his VP, a woman VP might be very helpful to McCain. But if Obama chooses Clinton, I’m not sure she would be very effective. Women tend to lean Democrat, and they will stay with Clinton if they see her name on the ballot; not to mention that in a debate between Palin and Clinton, she would be massacred and Clinton (as a woman) would not have to pull any punches… But against any other candidate, she could be very effective.

4) Mark Sanford – Governor of South Carolina. He is pretty well known in political circles and is a staunch conservative, which will help McCain reassure the base, and is well known for his concern against pork barrel spending; thus giving the Senator and Sanford something in common. The two would probably work well together and Sanford will bring a youthful aspect to McCain that he really needs. Also, against Obama, it doesn’t hurt to shore up South Carolina for the Republicans and probably get a little more support from surrounding states. The question is whether Sanford has a long enough record and whether he can help McCain in his difficulties with domestic policy.

5) Charlie Crist – Governor of Florida. Crist is an obvious possibility because he can deliver Florida. Although polling looks decent right now for McCain in Florida, Obama is likely to get a surge once Clinton voters start going his way and there is NO WAY McCain will win this election without Florida. Thus, as time goes by, if McCain has any worries he really won’t have a choice. But Crist is also very well liked in Florida and also brings a youth to McCain’s old age. Crist doesn’t have a very long record of experience, but he is a Governor who will bring Florida, and McCain probably has enough experience for the both of them. Unless something happens to McCain I suppose…

OTHERS –

Mitt Romney – Former Governor of Massachusetts. I’m not a big fan of Romney, however polls show right now that the most important issue to voters is the economy, and people will probably be pretty disappointed in McCain’s record and experience on the economy come November if he doesn’t pick a VP with any of it. Although its very doubtful for Romney to bring his state of Massachusetts to the Republican side, his lengthy and successful experience in the Private Sector guarantees him at least a consideration. He does however give McCain a possibility of winning Michigan, Colorado, New Hampshire, and Nevada. He also is very well liked in conservative circles and is well known due to the primary season. Negatives include his nasty fight with McCain for the nomination and the fact that they probably don’t like each other very much. He is also a very polarizing figure and we must of course bring up his Mormonism. Lastly, the Democrats will have a great time pointing out all of Romney’s flip flops – so overall I would say he is very unlikely unless McCain’s need for a business experienced conservative becomes desperate.

Bobby Jindal – Governor of Louisiana. Jindal is VERY young, not yet 37, which can be helpful or hurtful. Although McCain needs youth, he doesn’t want a complete amateur without experience – especially in domestic issues. Still Jindal is very well liked and once again deserves at least a little consideration. However, I doubt he’ll be the pick without much experience or any help in the electoral college (once again, McCain doesn’t really need help in Louisiana).

Tim Pawlenty – Governor of Minnesota. Republicans don’t have much of chance of winning MN, not even with the help of their Governor. Pawlenty was barely re-elected, so McCain’s chances would still be slim. Although he might bring a little youth, this seems to be a very unlikely candidate when you put the facts together.

Joe Lieberman – Senator of Connecticut. First off, he’s a Democrat (technically an Independent), but Lieberman definitely doesn’t shore up support for the base. Also, he adds to the Senior Citizens ticket! Lastly, Lieberman has cast pretty loud doubts about his being the VP choice or even accepting it if it were offered. I doubt he would say such things if he was truly being considered. However, if McCain could strike enough fear into the hearts of Republicans against Obama to come vote in November, Lieberman could be helpful in getting more Independents and Democrats to vote Republican.

Not Likely –

1) Condoleezza Rice – Secretary of State. I don’t think this merge is possible. First of all, McCain needs to get AWAY from Bush, not make Bush’s top advisor his VP. Second, Rice brings the same experience McCain already has (foreign policy), and adds nothing to his lacking of domestic policy. There is no reason to put her on the ticket.

2) Carly Florina – Former Hewlett-Packard CEO. Although also a woman, Florina adds no political experience to this ticket whatsover. She is from CA, but doubtfully will bring many votes at all to McCain. She may have business experience, but if something were to happen to McCain, she would have no idea what to do as President.

3) Rob Portman – Former Congressman from Ohio. Once again, why would McCain make his VP a former Bush official? Portman also doesn’t guarantee a win in Ohio. Although he does know about the economy, he isn’t well known and adds nothing politically.

4) Colin Powell – Former Secretary of State/War General. Powell, although well liked, doesn’t add any experience McCain doesn’t already have. Also, I think Powell would actually be more interested as Obama’s VP then McCain’s. Either way though, he is unlikely to accept and quite unnecessary.

5) Rudy Giuliani – Former Mayor of NYC. Giuliani doesn’t help much with social conservatives and has a really bad rap sheet. The Democrats will be able to dig up a lot of dirt and he doesn’t make New York viable either. I also don’t know how great a rapport McCain and Giuliani have either.

6) Fred Thompson – Former Senator from TN. Thompson will also add to the Senior Citizens ticket; even though he isn’t that old, he sure acts like it! He doesn’t help with the electoral math nor does he help much in general to cover McCain’s weaknesses.

7) Jeb Bush – Former Governor of Florida. Look at the last name. Period.

If there are any others I left out, then they’re highly unlikely to be the VP choice. However, if you have a name, you can post it and I can tell you why I think they would be an unlikely choice. Below I will put who I think are the most likely for McCain to choose. (I will update this as time goes on)

1) Charlie Crist
2) Mitt Romney
3) Mark Sanford
4) Mike Huckabee
5) Sarah Palin
6) John Kasich