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Why Not Rudy For McCain's VP?

Here I go again giving McCain advice, but I have been struck by the fact that in all the McCain VP talk no one has mentioned Rudy Giuliani. Heck, I heard them talking about Bloomberg today, but not Rudy. I figure that folks think McCain has to have an anti-choice VP but does that hold true for Rudy? No one thought it was going to kill Rudy's chances when he was running for President. In fact, Rudy got the good housekeeping approval from a lot of evangelicals. His problems were different.

If Obama is the Dem nominee, won't McCain be able to buttress his shots at Ohio, Pennsylvania, Florida and even New Jersey with Rudy as his running mate?

Maybe I am crazy but I think given the way the map is shaping up, Rudy could make the most sense for McCain. And it is striking to me the no one seems to be talking about him.

POSTSCRIPT - People are mentioning Colin Powell and if he would take it then it is a no brainer imo. He broke with the Bush Administration (too late of course) and is greatly respected despite his failures. But my understanding is he would never ever accept it.

By Big Tent Democrat, speaking for me, and as a political pundit. only. I detest Rudy Giuliani.

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  • Display: Sort:
    I hope he does pick Rudy... (5.00 / 1) (#1)
    by jeffinalabama on Tue May 27, 2008 at 06:11:03 PM EST
    I don't think he'll help anywhere, nor with anyone.

    that's pretty funny (5.00 / 1) (#8)
    by ChuckieTomato on Tue May 27, 2008 at 06:12:57 PM EST
    because it happens to be true. His own family won't vote for him

    Parent
    heh (none / 0) (#3)
    by Turkana on Tue May 27, 2008 at 06:11:52 PM EST
    i was going to say the same.

    Parent
    Well (none / 0) (#15)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Tue May 27, 2008 at 06:14:02 PM EST
    McCain seems to agree.

    I do not agree with any of you on this.

    Parent

    rudy couldn't even win (5.00 / 1) (#22)
    by Turkana on Tue May 27, 2008 at 06:15:51 PM EST
    in his own back yard. was embarrassed in florida. and is not a favorite of the theocrat wing, with whom mccain already has a tenuous relationship. a woman would be a great idea.

    Parent
    he dressed up as a woman (5.00 / 2) (#36)
    by ChuckieTomato on Tue May 27, 2008 at 06:19:16 PM EST
    and allowed himself to be photographed in the process. Plus he had gay roommates which is a no, no in the GOP and supports abortion rights.

    You're right, the theocrats would never go for it.

    Parent

    Which backyard? (none / 0) (#29)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Tue May 27, 2008 at 06:17:53 PM EST
    HE dropped after Florida.

    Parent
    new hampshire (none / 0) (#42)
    by Turkana on Tue May 27, 2008 at 06:20:13 PM EST
    and he was doing so poorly in the ct polls that he pulled out, even before fl.

    Parent
    he spent about 5 million or more in N.H (5.00 / 1) (#68)
    by ChuckieTomato on Tue May 27, 2008 at 06:26:51 PM EST
    and got about 2-3 percent

    Parent
    NH is not in NY's backyard (none / 0) (#85)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Tue May 27, 2008 at 06:32:01 PM EST
    Who in the heck invented that nonsense? Some Obama supporter to explain hillary's victory?

    Parent
    heh (none / 0) (#103)
    by Turkana on Tue May 27, 2008 at 06:36:27 PM EST
    well, he was struggling even in ct.

    Parent
    interesting idea (none / 0) (#149)
    by manish on Tue May 27, 2008 at 07:08:08 PM EST
    Hey BTD,

    Interesting, but I don't see it.  Having 2 moderates would probably help the GOP with independents, but he would be problematic with the base.  I would see him getting a VP who would shore up the base and he himself can go after the independents.

    Parent

    I disagree with that (none / 0) (#10)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Tue May 27, 2008 at 06:13:09 PM EST
    condi would be the killer pick (5.00 / 2) (#6)
    by Turkana on Tue May 27, 2008 at 06:12:44 PM EST
    because if there's anyone the media adore more than they do mccain, it's condi.

    Condoleeza Rice Would Kill The Ticket (5.00 / 2) (#84)
    by PssttCmere08 on Tue May 27, 2008 at 06:31:44 PM EST
    Condi is pro-choice (5.00 / 1) (#203)
    by MKS on Tue May 27, 2008 at 07:39:36 PM EST
    That nixes the deal.

    Parent
    The bigots would flee to Barr. (none / 0) (#27)
    by jimotto on Tue May 27, 2008 at 06:17:18 PM EST
    She'd hurt with the base way too much.

    Parent
    she'd more than compensate (none / 0) (#44)
    by Turkana on Tue May 27, 2008 at 06:21:14 PM EST
    with all the moderates she'd pull in. the media love her!

    Parent
    An African American male colleague (none / 0) (#55)
    by oculus on Tue May 27, 2008 at 06:23:33 PM EST
    sd. long ago if Rice were nominated by the GOP, all AAs would vote for her.  Of course, that was before the Obama phenom.

    Parent
    but she'd get some (none / 0) (#75)
    by Turkana on Tue May 27, 2008 at 06:29:05 PM EST
    and she'd get some of the women's vote. and she's more of a media darling than even mccain, even more than colin powell used to be.

    Parent
    And she plays the piano. What's not to like? (5.00 / 1) (#92)
    by oculus on Tue May 27, 2008 at 06:33:43 PM EST
    and loves football! (none / 0) (#98)
    by Turkana on Tue May 27, 2008 at 06:34:48 PM EST
    What about Colin Powell? (5.00 / 1) (#133)
    by Shainzona on Tue May 27, 2008 at 06:55:17 PM EST
    AA
    Male
    Military
    (I know he made a big mistake with his UN presentation but) People like him.
    Younger than McCain.

    Parent
    condi (none / 0) (#154)
    by Turkana on Tue May 27, 2008 at 07:10:31 PM EST
    has age and gender working for her, and she's even more of a media darling than even powell!

    Parent
    Doesn't she play (5.00 / 1) (#161)
    by lilburro on Tue May 27, 2008 at 07:16:35 PM EST
    to McCain's percieved strength already though?  As Sec. of State?   Being a hardliner?  Further, she's always seemed pretty clunky as a speaker to me.  She gets away with murder, literally, but in the spotlight I don't see her doing very well.  And consider when the media descends to ridicule her personal appearance - remember the furor over the clothes she wore to foreign meetings?   Plus I think it would bring up identity politics again, which I doubt McCain wants to do.  Endless conversations on the amazingness of the first black president will not work in his favor, and I think Rice would help stimulate such conversations.  In any case, she'd certainly be more interesting McCain, which would suck...for McCain.

    Parent
    She's a good choice. (none / 0) (#196)
    by masslib on Tue May 27, 2008 at 07:35:22 PM EST
    Powell: family problems in the background. n/t (none / 0) (#204)
    by wurman on Tue May 27, 2008 at 07:39:56 PM EST
    Condi is Bush! (none / 0) (#91)
    by zfran on Tue May 27, 2008 at 06:33:06 PM EST
    see my reply to btd (none / 0) (#93)
    by Turkana on Tue May 27, 2008 at 06:33:43 PM EST
    on that. won't stick.

    Parent
    She's got the same potential issue (none / 0) (#97)
    by JoeA on Tue May 27, 2008 at 06:34:39 PM EST
    with the Republican base that Crist and Graham would have.

    Parent
    rumored (5.00 / 1) (#101)
    by Turkana on Tue May 27, 2008 at 06:35:34 PM EST
    but the media won't bring it up, and the dems won't either.

    Parent
    Bush;s Third Terrn? (none / 0) (#69)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Tue May 27, 2008 at 06:27:15 PM EST
    that would be an angle to use (none / 0) (#81)
    by Turkana on Tue May 27, 2008 at 06:31:05 PM EST
    but the media haven't held her accountable for anything, plus they love to frame her as having been in opposition to rumsfeld and cheney. she takes teflon to a level not seen since reagan, and maybe even beyond that!

    Parent
    what about Christie Todd Whitman? (5.00 / 1) (#186)
    by Josey on Tue May 27, 2008 at 07:30:52 PM EST
    she resigned from her cabinet position with the Bush admin.


    Parent
    Pro choice (5.00 / 2) (#206)
    by MKS on Tue May 27, 2008 at 07:40:26 PM EST
    and opposed the ban on late term abortions....

    Parent
    But, if he picks Guiliani, we'll have to look (5.00 / 2) (#7)
    by oculus on Tue May 27, 2008 at 06:12:45 PM EST
    at the ice cream man graphic. Spare us.

    I love that graphic (5.00 / 1) (#30)
    by Jeralyn on Tue May 27, 2008 at 06:18:16 PM EST
    You mean this one? It's one of my all-time favorites.

    Parent
    I think the photos of Guiliani in drag (5.00 / 2) (#63)
    by JoeA on Tue May 27, 2008 at 06:26:16 PM EST
    would make something of a comeback as well.  Picking Guiliani as VP would be one way to demotivate the Republicans evangelical base and make sure they sat the election out.  

    How do we convince McCain that doing this is a good idea?

    Parent

    He looks like (none / 0) (#122)
    by oldpro on Tue May 27, 2008 at 06:46:57 PM EST
    a huckster at the state fair...circa 1910...

    Parent
    because Rudy.... (5.00 / 2) (#9)
    by p lukasiak on Tue May 27, 2008 at 06:13:00 PM EST
    is a walking, talking embarrassment.  

    People talk about how Clinton 'blew her lead', but seem to forget that Rudy was Mr. Inevitable on the GOP side right up until the moment when he was no longer a viable candidate.

    The smart choice for McCain is Christie Whitman.  That choice may wind up making some of the evangelicals stay home, but in the states where the Xtian right is important, if Obama is the nominee a lot more women will vote for McCain and make up for the lost Xtian right votes, and if Clinton is the nominee, she'll lose those states anyway.

    Christie Whitman (5.00 / 1) (#38)
    by nycstray on Tue May 27, 2008 at 06:19:39 PM EST
    eh, she has 9/11 baggage. Think air quality . . .

    Parent
    Oh man (5.00 / 2) (#60)
    by Steve M on Tue May 27, 2008 at 06:25:05 PM EST
    Hillary would be a devastating campaigner (either on her own behalf or Obama's) against Whitman on the ticket.  Hillary was on the side of the angels in the 9/11 cleanup, and Whitman is one of the biggest villains in the whole story.

    I would, frankly, love for our local story to get some national airtime.  People deserve to know the truth about how those first responders were ill-served.

    Parent

    Hillary would spit her out (5.00 / 1) (#89)
    by nycstray on Tue May 27, 2008 at 06:32:45 PM EST
    Whitman enrages me. Even just seeing her name . . .

    I'd also like more of the story to get out.

    Parent

    No, Olympia Snowe (none / 0) (#109)
    by samanthasmom on Tue May 27, 2008 at 06:39:32 PM EST
    Snowe is funny. (5.00 / 2) (#211)
    by wurman on Tue May 27, 2008 at 07:44:53 PM EST
    Some pundit asked her what she'd do if she "woke up in the White House one day?"

    She replied, "Apologize to the President's wife and leave."

    Parent

    that would be winning (none / 0) (#116)
    by DandyTIger on Tue May 27, 2008 at 06:43:29 PM EST
    I've heard a number of stanch Hillary supporters already say that if McCain picked a woman VP they liked, they would definitely vote for him. And the name I've heard the most is Snow's. But definitely not right wing acceptable. We'll see if he is that brave. Hope not.

    Parent
    This would kill Obama's Iraq theme (5.00 / 1) (#125)
    by samanthasmom on Tue May 27, 2008 at 06:49:15 PM EST
    She's Hillary's age (5.00 / 1) (#140)
    by samanthasmom on Tue May 27, 2008 at 07:00:23 PM EST
    so that should work for McCain.  She's a former First Lady of Maine, was in the House from 1979 to 1995 and has been in the Senate since. Her creds with Hillary's supporters would be about as good as a Republican could get, and get this, she's funny!  

    Parent
    I have to disagree on this one, too. (5.00 / 3) (#166)
    by Iphie on Tue May 27, 2008 at 07:19:22 PM EST
    Christie Todd Whitman is responsible for lying to us about the quality of the air downtown after 9/11. She was doing Bush's bidding and because of her people continued to work on the pile without appropriate protection. People continued to live in their homes (including yours truly) that had been contaminated with toxic air and dust. People didn't take the precautions they should have because we were told their was no problem. There was, and Whitman deserves her share of the blame who have died from their illnesses after the fact and those who continue to have health problems (again, including yours truly). Whitman will be as toxic as their air we breathed.

    Parent
    But that is because they were not thinking (none / 0) (#19)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Tue May 27, 2008 at 06:15:30 PM EST
    A GOP primary electorate has nothing to do with a general electorate.

    Parent
    Oh, Please Let It Be Rudy (5.00 / 1) (#12)
    by The Maven on Tue May 27, 2008 at 06:13:34 PM EST
    that would be the dream ticket for horrific baggage we could all gleefully attack.  I've missed having Rudy to kick around.  He would inject some much-needed vitriol into things from my perspective.

    But, yes, electorally, Giuliani actually would seem to make a whole lot of sense, since the ticket could even theoretically also put New York State within reach -- probably a stretch, but with 31 EVs, a prize worth shooting for (and costing the GOP and their allies scads of money).

    Guiliani polled horribly in NY against either (none / 0) (#45)
    by JoeA on Tue May 27, 2008 at 06:21:15 PM EST
    Obama or Clinton.  I can't see how he would put NY into play.

    Parent
    It would not. (5.00 / 1) (#159)
    by madamab on Tue May 27, 2008 at 07:15:38 PM EST
    This is a terrible idea.

    Rudy adds nothing to the ticket and carries more baggage than a 747.

    Parent

    Rudy (5.00 / 4) (#13)
    by Jeralyn on Tue May 27, 2008 at 06:13:44 PM EST
    wouldn't take the pay cut just to be VP. He's objectionable to evangelicals. His personal baggage is enormous.  His only running point is 9/11. The reason Rudy failed to get the nomination is not that his campaign blew his strategy but the other way around. He had no support so his campaign settled on that strategy. He's a has been.

    And reason #1 Rudy will not be VP: Bernie Kerik hasn't gone on trial yet.


    He does not have an evangelical problem imo (5.00 / 1) (#28)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Tue May 27, 2008 at 06:17:18 PM EST
    I actually think he solved that.

    As for personal baggage, people do not use it on the VP unless it is really something shockingly egregious.

    And if the campaign gets nasty, believe you me, Rudy can outnasty any of them.

    Parent

    he used to be able to out-nasty (5.00 / 3) (#47)
    by Jeralyn on Tue May 27, 2008 at 06:21:30 PM EST
    he's lost his clout. He's got a Judy problem, the public hates her.  He's got a kid problem, they don't talk to him.

    Evangelicals? James Dobson says he'd never vote for Giuliani.

    Parent

    Or McCain (5.00 / 2) (#62)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Tue May 27, 2008 at 06:26:15 PM EST
    dobson says he is never voting for anybody ever again apparently.

    Parent
    sounds like a plan (5.00 / 3) (#106)
    by RalphB on Tue May 27, 2008 at 06:38:05 PM EST
    I hope he sticks to it  :-)

    Parent
    But when you say Dobson (none / 0) (#114)
    by Steve M on Tue May 27, 2008 at 06:43:22 PM EST
    do you mean Frist?

    Parent
    Heh (none / 0) (#130)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Tue May 27, 2008 at 06:51:28 PM EST
    Yes. You are totally right. Besides he's (5.00 / 1) (#86)
    by derridog on Tue May 27, 2008 at 06:32:11 PM EST
    another old white guy.  To be honest, I think the most brilliant move McCain could make would be to make Colin Powell his veep. Whatever we might think of him, the rest of the country would see it as two moderates running and the fact that Powell is black would directly challenge Obama on race.

    Parent
    I thought not so long ago (5.00 / 4) (#99)
    by zfran on Tue May 27, 2008 at 06:34:51 PM EST
    Colin Powell did not endorse anyone and said he was still making up his mind. My guess is Obama is his guy!

    Parent
    Yeah. I think I heard that too. I'm just saying (5.00 / 2) (#104)
    by derridog on Tue May 27, 2008 at 06:36:51 PM EST
    that if McCain got him, I think they'd be unbeatable.

    Parent
    That is the rumor n/t (none / 0) (#209)
    by MKS on Tue May 27, 2008 at 07:43:01 PM EST
    Oh man (5.00 / 1) (#117)
    by Steve M on Tue May 27, 2008 at 06:43:55 PM EST
    I doubt Colin Powell is very interested in doubling down on his support for the war!

    Parent
    Well, I hope you're right. (none / 0) (#148)
    by derridog on Tue May 27, 2008 at 07:06:21 PM EST
    John Zacarro? (none / 0) (#51)
    by DaveOinSF on Tue May 27, 2008 at 06:22:44 PM EST
    That was used fairly effectively

    Parent
    Well (5.00 / 1) (#61)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Tue May 27, 2008 at 06:25:32 PM EST
    in a 20 point loss, it is hard to say what was not effective.

    Parent
    Bingo (5.00 / 2) (#32)
    by gyrfalcon on Tue May 27, 2008 at 06:18:28 PM EST
    Rudy wouldn't come close to passing any kind of serious vetting.  I agree with BTD he has lots of advantages electorally, but it absolutely would not be worth the risk in terms of the ghoulies and ghosties that could come flying out of his closet at any moment.

    Parent
    I dunno (none / 0) (#46)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Tue May 27, 2008 at 06:21:17 PM EST
    I think he can get by with it as the VP.

    Parent
    maybe not as McCain's VP because of age (5.00 / 1) (#65)
    by DandyTIger on Tue May 27, 2008 at 06:26:45 PM EST
    I'm kind of thinking people will look to his VP pick with a little more scrutiny than most.

    Parent
    I don't think McCain can afford (none / 0) (#176)
    by gyrfalcon on Tue May 27, 2008 at 07:26:12 PM EST
    (or would think he could afford) to be associated with it, BTD, with his own Keating 5 and various lobbyist stuff.  And especially running against Mr. Virtue Personified.


    Parent
    BTD, you are trolling in your own blog again ;-) (none / 0) (#179)
    by cymro on Tue May 27, 2008 at 07:27:09 PM EST
    Agreed. No way. (none / 0) (#189)
    by Cassius Chaerea on Tue May 27, 2008 at 07:31:53 PM EST
    He's a loose cannon and won't be number two to anyone. None of the party power brokers want him. Got no support in February and will get no support now.

    Parent
    If Rezko is a non-issue, I suppose Kerik (none / 0) (#23)
    by oculus on Tue May 27, 2008 at 06:16:29 PM EST
    is also.  But, I think Rezko is an issue.

    Parent
    no, Rudy and Kerik (5.00 / 1) (#37)
    by Jeralyn on Tue May 27, 2008 at 06:19:17 PM EST
    were way closer.  Rudy was best man at Kerik's wedding. They go way, way back.

    Parent
    Which wedding? (5.00 / 1) (#76)
    by oculus on Tue May 27, 2008 at 06:29:05 PM EST
    I don't know that Kerik (none / 0) (#102)
    by Jeralyn on Tue May 27, 2008 at 06:35:47 PM EST
    has more than one wife.

    Parent
    No Mormon jokes please (5.00 / 2) (#131)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Tue May 27, 2008 at 06:52:06 PM EST
    At least one wife - and one girlfriend... (none / 0) (#135)
    by Shainzona on Tue May 27, 2008 at 06:56:06 PM EST
    that we know of!

    Parent
    Per Wiki: (none / 0) (#143)
    by oculus on Tue May 27, 2008 at 07:04:30 PM EST
    Kerik's third marriage was to Syria-born Hala Matli (born February 3, 1972).

    Addendum:  Rudi was best man and is also the godfather.

    Parent

    Married three times (none / 0) (#181)
    by Iphie on Tue May 27, 2008 at 07:27:43 PM EST
    just like Rudy. He kept one of them concealed, but I can't remember exactly why at the moment.

    Parent
    And Kerik had mob ties. (5.00 / 1) (#177)
    by Iphie on Tue May 27, 2008 at 07:26:16 PM EST
    An unfortunate stereotype for Italians, to be sure, but it's made worse by the fact that Giuliani's own father was in the mob. Something he tried to distance himself from every step of the way, and surely a large part of the reason he went after the mob himself. But then you choose a police commissioner whose mobbed up? How do you explain that one? It's not like he wouldn't know the signs.

    Parent
    Giuliani has enormous problems. (none / 0) (#157)
    by Iphie on Tue May 27, 2008 at 07:11:48 PM EST
    The worst of which, and the thing that was going to torpedo his campaign had he not dropped out, was his handling of 9/11, both before and after the attack. One, the city was not prepared, though we should have been -- it wasn't like he didn't know that NYC was a terrorist target, he came into office shortly after the WTC was bombed for the first time. There were many, many Cassandras sounding the alarm about the city's preparedness for some sort of major catastrophe, and they were either ignored, demoted or fired.

    Case in point -- the city established the OEM (Office of Emergency Management) sometime in the mid-late 90s. It was understood by basically everyone who had any knowledge of emergency response and management that the city needed to integrate communications amongst the various city agencies that are needed in an emergency -- the police, the fire department, ConEd, hospital emergency rooms, etc. It was also understood that the OEM needed to have a central command location where all of the information and coordination of resources could be managed.

    It was highly recommended that this central location be somewhere other than Lower Manhattan (actually out of Manhattan period) because that is the area that is the greatest target and thus you would want the central command location to be away from where the danger was most likely to occur. It's where Wall St. is, it's where the municipal government office buildings are, it's where City Hall is, etc., etc. Ideally, the location would be far enough away to be out of range of danger, but close enough that the mayor and whoever else would need to, could get there quickly. This place was basically going to be a bunker, and many thought it should be underground. It can't, however, be underground in Lower Manhattan because of flood risk issues.

    Rudy, however, wanted a location that was within walking distance of City Hall -- really, this was his criteria, so against the advice of experts, he decided to put the OEM on the 23rd floor of one of the buildings in the WTC complex. The bunker needed to have a backup system that could maintain the phones, electricity, water, etc. It needed to be self-sufficient. There were enormous generators in the building, and an enormous amount of fuel to meet any emergency need. This decision to put the bunker on the 23rd floor of 7 WTC actually made it more vulnerable than your typical office building because of the amount of flammable material stored in there.

    You know all those pictures of Giuliani running around on 9/11 with a cluster of people running with him? It wasn't because he was in control, it was because he didn't have anywhere to go. He wasn't able to take control of the situation in a safe, centralized command location because the bunker was consumed by fire and there was no central command location. 7 WTC was the third building to fall that day, not because it was hit, but because the fuel that was stored there fed an enormous fire and the structure could not hold up.

    It was incredibly foolish to but the OEM command center in such a visible, vulnerable place. But Giuliani knew better than everyone else what was really important, and so the bunker was built in possibly the worst location in the entire city: right next to the Twin Towers, a terrorist target that had already been hit.

    This doesn't even begin to go into the firefighters who unnecessarily lost their lives because they had old radios that had been proven to be inadequate in high rise buildings, among other place -- radios that needed to be replaced. The reason they weren't replaced is directly Giuliani's fault. For as long as his presidential campaign lasted, he was hounded by firefighters who wanted to get the truth out about Giuliani's negligence. Take a look at this youtube to get a little taste.

    Giuliani was given a pass on most of his failings because no one wanted to criticize "America's Mayor." By the time this election season had begun, that had changed.

    Giuliani's closet is filled with all sorts of skeletons and other nasty stuff. And people aren't worried about criticizing him anymore. He would be a disaster for McCain. Which is why I say "Go, Rudy!"

    Parent

    Too much bagage (5.00 / 2) (#25)
    by GOPmurderedconscience on Tue May 27, 2008 at 06:16:45 PM EST
    As of now, McCain has a 50%+ chance of beating Obama in the GE, but his margin of error is slim.

    McCain's people don't want to spent weeks dealing with whatever comes out of Nosferatu's closet.

    We know this will be a nasty campaign and each side will try to minimize opportunities for the opposition.

    The talk of the Alaska gov as VP pick (5.00 / 3) (#39)
    by Cream City on Tue May 27, 2008 at 06:19:47 PM EST
    seems to be picking up steam.  Several stories on her in media lately, priming the pump.  A pro-life mother who, soon after inauguration, discovered she was pregnant -- and with a Down's Syndrome child.  I've read her story of completing the pregnancy, of raising a special-needs child (as well as other children), etc.  She's very good with the media.  

    And she's from an oil-producing state -- still a territory until McCain was in his 20s, so she looks young -- and she's not an environmentalist about the oil reserves, sadly.  She could be the Republicans' dream, and this could be a tough ticket to beat.

    McCain's too risk-averse (5.00 / 1) (#141)
    by DaveOinSF on Tue May 27, 2008 at 07:02:30 PM EST
    With Obama as the Dem nominee, the risks of McCain picking the inexperienced Palin become a non-issue.  I think McCain should go for it, but I think he and the GOP are much too risk-averse.

    Palin or Lingle will probably win the white house for McCain, but he'll end up with someone more like Pawlenty or Portman.

    Parent

    Whoa! (none / 0) (#217)
    by oldpro on Tue May 27, 2008 at 11:30:35 PM EST
    Then in 4 years she could run against Hillary.

    Whatta matchup!

    Parent

    Geraldine Ferraro, who says she may (5.00 / 1) (#43)
    by oculus on Tue May 27, 2008 at 06:21:11 PM EST
    not vote for Obama.

    ouch, that would be a killer choice (5.00 / 3) (#83)
    by DandyTIger on Tue May 27, 2008 at 06:31:33 PM EST
    She'd get the pro Hillary voters fired from the dem party for sure. But I don't think repubs would stand for it, nor would Geraldine. I don't think she'll really vote for McCain in the end, but I'm sure she won't vote for Obama. Just like loads of Clinton supporters.

    Parent
    And I respect her for saying that (5.00 / 2) (#168)
    by bridget on Tue May 27, 2008 at 07:21:13 PM EST
    cause her reasons are plentiful

    Parent
    Heh (none / 0) (#50)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Tue May 27, 2008 at 06:22:15 PM EST
    OT: Lou Dobbs is gonna slam Obama (5.00 / 1) (#49)
    by nycstray on Tue May 27, 2008 at 06:22:12 PM EST
    apparently Obama has crossed his line and is "out".

    This outta be interesting if it's a continuation from what was touched on last week . . .

    Lou Dobbs (5.00 / 1) (#66)
    by cmugirl on Tue May 27, 2008 at 06:26:46 PM EST
    McCain should choose him.

    (BTW - listen to the podcast of his radio show from today (5/27 - he does a complete smackdown Obama. Dobbs just called Obama on outright liar a couple of times and siad that Obama has now become his "hobby" - he will be watching him and calling him out).

    "You're my flea, and I'm gonna be doggin' you, Senator."

    http://loudobbsradio.com/listen.asp

    Sounds like a perfect VP candidate.

    I think he starts tonight on the TeeVee (none / 0) (#77)
    by nycstray on Tue May 27, 2008 at 06:29:13 PM EST
    I'm waiting for it now.

    Parent
    he's making mince meat of Bill Richardson (5.00 / 0) (#110)
    by DandyTIger on Tue May 27, 2008 at 06:41:18 PM EST
    right now. As much as we may disagree with LD, he has the ear of a lot of blue collar white voters. And now he's going for Obama. Not that he wasn't before. And I don't think he likes McCain that much, so I'm not sure how far he'll go though.

    Parent
    he doesn't like (5.00 / 2) (#134)
    by stillife on Tue May 27, 2008 at 06:55:41 PM EST
    any of the candidates, as far as I can see.  He's a self-proclaimed independent.  I think he dislikes McCain b/c of McCain's immigration position.

    Stupid move on Obama's part to call out Lou.  He'll be like a dog with a bone on this issue, and his show does get good ratings on CNN.  

    Parent

    Better than Olbermann's (5.00 / 1) (#142)
    by cmugirl on Tue May 27, 2008 at 07:03:06 PM EST
    But this is why he'd be a perfect VP candidate.  He claims to be an independent populist and he's an attack dog.

    Can you see him in a debate with Sebelius?

    Parent

    geez BTD, (5.00 / 2) (#127)
    by cpinva on Tue May 27, 2008 at 06:50:23 PM EST
    would you want giuliani anywhere around you, unless you absolutely had to have him there?

    beyond the obvious irony of having two marital cheaters on the same ticket, espousing "family values", the guy is just personally repellant. frankly, he gives me the creeps and pretty much always has.

    but, i feel certain that sen. mccain appreciates your input. :)

    Giuiliani? Nasty man! (5.00 / 3) (#132)
    by stillife on Tue May 27, 2008 at 06:52:16 PM EST
    Everybody who knows Giuliani hates him.  He's left a legacy of bitterness here in NYC.  Maybe it's not like that in the rest of the country, but we're onto him.  

    He'd do better to pick Bloomberg.  Unlimited bucks!    And he'd give McCain some much needed cred on economic issues. Not to mention that a McCain/Bloomberg ticket would carry NYS.  

    Imagine (5.00 / 1) (#151)
    by lilburro on Tue May 27, 2008 at 07:08:41 PM EST
    a Clinton v. Guiliani VP debate.  She would rip him apart!

    We all already know how awful Edwards is at debates.

    I think Clinton would be able to morph into an extremely effective VP candidate pretty easily.  She would excel in debates and on pretty much every public platform I think.  

    Worst. VP. Idea. Ever. (5.00 / 2) (#155)
    by madamab on Tue May 27, 2008 at 07:10:44 PM EST
    You want a good idea?

    Colin Powell.

    Let's "hope" McCain doesn't think of that.

    Oh my. (5.00 / 3) (#160)
    by pie on Tue May 27, 2008 at 07:16:04 PM EST
    That would be a good ticket for the republicans.

    The dems wouldn't be able to accuse you of racism, for example.

    Parent

    Nah. (none / 0) (#163)
    by gmo on Tue May 27, 2008 at 07:17:55 PM EST
    I don't think the war is the 1st thing on many people's minds.  And putting Powell on the ticket makes that an entirely military ticket.  They'd lose on the economy.

    Parent
    And entirely military ticket? (5.00 / 2) (#170)
    by pie on Tue May 27, 2008 at 07:22:18 PM EST
    These are republican voters you're talking about.  And Powell got out or was pushed out of the Bush administration.

    Dems who don't like Obama, is he should get the nomination (blech!) may vote for those two.  The rest will do a write-in.

    Parent

    Yeah, but (none / 0) (#173)
    by gmo on Tue May 27, 2008 at 07:24:00 PM EST
    ...doesn't really get the swing voters, or the "Reagan Democrats" needed for an electoral win in the swing states.  Those folks are more concerned about paying their grocery bills right now than the war, I think.

    Parent
    It's not the economy, this time, (5.00 / 2) (#178)
    by pie on Tue May 27, 2008 at 07:26:30 PM EST
    because both candidates will promise the moon.

    Bush isn't running again.

    Parent

    Except for the NAFTA/Free Trade argument (none / 0) (#185)
    by gmo on Tue May 27, 2008 at 07:30:48 PM EST
    I think that hurts the Republican ticket in the rust belt; just immediately sets a bad taste in people's mouths, I think.

    But you might be right -- maybe they both promise all sorts of tax breaks, etc etc.

    Parent

    I wouldn't believe (5.00 / 1) (#199)
    by pie on Tue May 27, 2008 at 07:36:34 PM EST
    anything Obama (Goolsbee) or McCain had to say about that.

    Parent
    Why? (none / 0) (#165)
    by cmugirl on Tue May 27, 2008 at 07:18:49 PM EST
    Because Obama is strong on the economy?

    Parent
    Not at all. (5.00 / 1) (#169)
    by gmo on Tue May 27, 2008 at 07:21:58 PM EST
    Just by contrast, I think.

      A McCain/Powell ticket says a few things: War/Military,  experience, dissolves race issue in the vote.  But it doesn't particularly say "economy" very strongly, imo, especially not coming off a republican administration that mired us in our current recession -- they've already got that strike against them (which someone like Bloomberg could resolve, but not many others).

    Parent

    Again. (5.00 / 1) (#172)
    by pie on Tue May 27, 2008 at 07:23:42 PM EST
    this would be a republican ticket.  Indies might like it, too.

    Parent
    And I was so enjoying the disappearance of (5.00 / 1) (#198)
    by Anne on Tue May 27, 2008 at 07:36:34 PM EST
    Rudy Giuliani...and the annoying lisp he took with him.

    My thought is that McCain is going to end up with someone the GOP "brain" trust picks for him - Tim Pawlenty of Minnesota, maybe.  They may be willing to let McCain be "the maverick," but they're not going to let him completely off the leash.

    They've got to have someone who can be ready to run in 2012, when 4 years of the presidency will have McCain looking like Dustin Hoffman in Little Big Man at the end of that movie.  And even 4 years is too close to the presidency for Giuliani.

    Condi Rice?  Spare me.  I'd make her NFL commissioner before I would ever give her another government job.  And I love football, so that tells you something.

    Wait, I know - Jeb Bush...(just kidding)

    Bloomberg (none / 0) (#2)
    by cmugirl on Tue May 27, 2008 at 06:11:03 PM EST
    Since I've heard Bloomberg touted as a possible VP for Obama, I think this would be a coup for McCain.

    Guiliani - I don't see how he helps McCain.  "9/11" Rudy is now a joke.

    Interesting (none / 0) (#4)
    by Steve M on Tue May 27, 2008 at 06:11:55 PM EST
    Who is Giuliani's base, though?  I can't see him helping outside the tri-state area.

    Giuliani won't help in Ohio.  He has no affinity for Midwestern voters whatsoever.  We saw this in Iowa, he's like an alien creature to them.

    Catholics (5.00 / 1) (#5)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Tue May 27, 2008 at 06:12:39 PM EST
    Ethnic whites.

    Rudy comes across as a rough New yorker, but not as an elitist.

    Parent

    Hm (5.00 / 1) (#21)
    by Steve M on Tue May 27, 2008 at 06:15:46 PM EST
    Is McCain really in so much danger of losing the "ethnic white" vote to Barack Obama that he needs to make that the focus of his VP pick?

    Parent
    Play to Obama's weakness (none / 0) (#34)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Tue May 27, 2008 at 06:19:13 PM EST
    And McCain does not have the regular guy touch either imo.

    McCain needs to work on it imo.

    Look, this is spitballing, but come one, if people are going to pretend he might pick Bloomberg or Jindal, then why not Rudy?

    Parent

    Heh (5.00 / 1) (#53)
    by Steve M on Tue May 27, 2008 at 06:23:08 PM EST
    I can't even figure out if McCain needs to get right with the conservative base, or if he's proven his point that he doesn't need them.

    Parent
    He got right (5.00 / 3) (#80)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Tue May 27, 2008 at 06:30:32 PM EST
    by having Obama as the opponent.

    I am telling you guys, they are really going to let Obama have it.

    Parent

    no kidding (5.00 / 2) (#88)
    by DandyTIger on Tue May 27, 2008 at 06:32:39 PM EST
    We haven't seen anything yet. It's going to be a rough ride.

    Parent
    Well (5.00 / 2) (#111)
    by Steve M on Tue May 27, 2008 at 06:42:04 PM EST
    I agree with you 100% on this.  All you have to do is talk to a few Republicans to get it.

    Parent
    They sabotaged (5.00 / 5) (#112)
    by jondee on Tue May 27, 2008 at 06:42:32 PM EST
    the '68 peace talks; burglerized Dem headquarters; smeared McGoverns running mate; stole Carters debate notes and cut deals with the Iranians; dug up dirt on Kitty Dukakis and gave us Willie Horton; accused Clinton of murder and drug running; rigged Florida; Swift Boated Kerry.. Of course they're gonna get dirty. It's their nature.

    Parent
    My GOP friends (5.00 / 1) (#121)
    by RalphB on Tue May 27, 2008 at 06:46:46 PM EST
    agree with you about that.  They may not like McCain but they detest Obama.

    Parent
    I agree. (5.00 / 1) (#152)
    by derridog on Tue May 27, 2008 at 07:09:15 PM EST
    Jindal would be a bit of a stretch IMO (none / 0) (#73)
    by PssttCmere08 on Tue May 27, 2008 at 06:28:49 PM EST
    Catholics? (5.00 / 2) (#24)
    by Jeralyn on Tue May 27, 2008 at 06:16:35 PM EST
    He just got reprimanded by the Church for taking communion when he shouldn't have.

    Parent
    Heh (5.00 / 1) (#31)
    by Steve M on Tue May 27, 2008 at 06:18:20 PM EST
    I think all the Catholic voters who actually care what the Church does are firmly in the Republican camp already.

    On a related note, I saw an interesting story recently about how conservative law professor Doug Kmiec was apparently denied communion for the heresy of having endorsed Obama.

    Parent

    You do? (none / 0) (#57)
    by MileHi Hawkeye on Tue May 27, 2008 at 06:24:00 PM EST
    The fastest growing segment of the CC here is Hispanic.  They don't trend Republican.

    The good Catholics that I know are all Democrats--actually believe in helping the poor and alike. Those are the ones that care what the church does.

    Parent

    Um (none / 0) (#74)
    by Steve M on Tue May 27, 2008 at 06:29:02 PM EST
    I didn't mean liberal Catholics aren't religious.  I meant that they are more concerned with doing good works than what the latest pronouncement from Rome, or some conservative archbishop, happens to be.

    Parent
    Catholic Voters (5.00 / 1) (#138)
    by befuddledvoter on Tue May 27, 2008 at 06:59:13 PM EST
    Certainly voted for Hillary Clinton overwhelmingly.  

    Parent
    Rudy is good with Latinos actually (none / 0) (#78)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Tue May 27, 2008 at 06:29:29 PM EST
    :: cough unjust wars cough :: (none / 0) (#216)
    by Ellie on Tue May 27, 2008 at 07:57:36 PM EST
    Any of the conservative (devout) practicing Catholics == as opposed to the survey box ones -- that I know are still focused on Iraq as a big no=no.

    I know that abortion and contraception are always mentioned as THE number one deal-breaker, but that's not borne out in practice. I'd call the promotion of this a right wing sin of omission but then I'd be fraudulently suggesting there was an active conscience at work there.

    (Other "classic" Catholic stands that skew liberal also fall conveniently down the memory hole, ie, helping the downtrodden, opposing the death penalty, not maxing out one's rat b@stardry as a rule on any given day.)

    Parent

    that won't matter (5.00 / 4) (#41)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Tue May 27, 2008 at 06:20:10 PM EST
    Here is another reason to have him. Think how much fun Jeralyn will have blasting the crap out of him.

    Parent
    I'd go .... (5.00 / 3) (#94)
    by Jeralyn on Tue May 27, 2008 at 06:34:00 PM EST
    bananas.

    Parent
    You and me both (5.00 / 1) (#184)
    by Iphie on Tue May 27, 2008 at 07:30:03 PM EST
    baby!

    Parent
    I'm not sure that McCain (none / 0) (#54)
    by JoeA on Tue May 27, 2008 at 06:23:25 PM EST
    would view that as good reason to pick him,  much as I'm sure he would love to give Jeralyn a tempting target!  :-)

    Parent
    Italians. (none / 0) (#11)
    by oculus on Tue May 27, 2008 at 06:13:32 PM EST
    Ethnics (none / 0) (#16)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Tue May 27, 2008 at 06:14:40 PM EST
    Irish, Italians. Catholics generally.

    Parent
    I'm an "ethnic"... (none / 0) (#35)
    by MileHi Hawkeye on Tue May 27, 2008 at 06:19:14 PM EST
    ...reformed Catholic and I wouldn't give that clown the time of day.

    Parent
    Well that proves me wrong then (5.00 / 1) (#82)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Tue May 27, 2008 at 06:31:12 PM EST
    the classic poll of one.

    Parent
    Italian Voter (5.00 / 1) (#146)
    by befuddledvoter on Tue May 27, 2008 at 07:05:03 PM EST
    Not one I know will be voting for Obama. The Order of the Sons of Italy issued a formal statement condemning the sermons and writings of Rev. Wright in which he railed against the Italians.  I watched at least 5 video clips of different sermons on YouTube.  Rev. Wright definitely has some pathology when it comes to
    I-T-A-L-I-A-N-S.  OSIA is the largest Italian American organization in the country, with tentacles far and wide.  They demanded an apology of Rev. Wright.  None ever came.

    Parent
    But Iowa is in the bag for Obama. (none / 0) (#64)
    by oculus on Tue May 27, 2008 at 06:26:35 PM EST
    Yes, I know you no longer live there.

    Parent
    If Rudy came to Iowa... (none / 0) (#87)
    by MileHi Hawkeye on Tue May 27, 2008 at 06:32:34 PM EST
    ...he'd be tarred and feather and shoved into a Chicago Northwestern boxcar headed East.

    Parent
    Thank you (none / 0) (#79)
    by jondee on Tue May 27, 2008 at 06:30:02 PM EST
    I suppose Italian Americans would all reflexivly vote for James Gandolfini or the guys from Car Talk if they ran. You got a f*ckin' problem with that?

    Has 8 years of Bush exacerabetd media commentators disdain for the intelligence of the voters that much?

    Parent

    anyone compared to McCain is ethinic :-) (none / 0) (#52)
    by DandyTIger on Tue May 27, 2008 at 06:22:51 PM EST
    I mean, wow, that's the whitest face I've ever seen. I think most anyone he picks will add color to the team. snark.

    Parent
    Now that was kind of low. The man had (5.00 / 2) (#70)
    by oculus on Tue May 27, 2008 at 06:27:19 PM EST
    malignant melanoma.  He'd better avoid the sun.

    Parent
    you're right (5.00 / 1) (#96)
    by DandyTIger on Tue May 27, 2008 at 06:34:17 PM EST
    bad blogger again. Sorry John if you're reading this. Man, I better watch my mouth.

    Parent
    I'll bet... (none / 0) (#118)
    by MileHi Hawkeye on Tue May 27, 2008 at 06:43:55 PM EST
    .he's more worried about fundraising and how he's going to win the West right now.  

    He didn't do so well in Denver today.  Only drew between 200 and 400 people to a public appearance and the high roller fundraising lunch didn't seem to be to well attended either.  

    Parent

    Yeah, (none / 0) (#158)
    by Iphie on Tue May 27, 2008 at 07:13:59 PM EST
    wait until the questions start about his three marriages and multiple affairs. Beginning with, "How is it, exactly, that you came to be married to your cousin?"

    Parent
    Wait a minute (none / 0) (#171)
    by samanthasmom on Tue May 27, 2008 at 07:22:38 PM EST
    Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt were cousins, weren't they?

    Parent
    Uh (none / 0) (#174)
    by Steve M on Tue May 27, 2008 at 07:25:16 PM EST
    like fifth cousins, maybe.  Although her maiden name was Roosevelt!

    Parent
    Yes... (none / 0) (#183)
    by NWHiker on Tue May 27, 2008 at 07:29:06 PM EST
    I don't think it's the cousin part it's the using is it after the fact as the reason for an annulment part.

    Parent
    Guiliani (none / 0) (#194)
    by cmugirl on Tue May 27, 2008 at 07:34:08 PM EST
    was a second cousin once removed from his first wife.  They were already divorced when they applied for an annulment from the Church (so they would be free to marry again).  They didn't get divorced necessarily BECAUSE they were cousins.

    Parent
    Second cousin (none / 0) (#202)
    by Cassius Chaerea on Tue May 27, 2008 at 07:39:27 PM EST
    That's legal here and the genetic risk is low. No need to get Rudy on that.

    The annulment, however ...

    Parent

    Yeah, (none / 0) (#213)
    by Iphie on Tue May 27, 2008 at 07:47:12 PM EST
    I don't really think, in fact, that the marriage is a problem any more than the school that Obama attended as a school is. But it's the perception and some things just stick easier than others. Aside from that there's the actual footage from his press conference informing his second wife on TV that they were getting a divorce. Giuliani has so many gems just waiting for a national audience, it's hard to pick a favorite.

    Parent
    "helping outside the tri-state area."? (none / 0) (#26)
    by nycstray on Tue May 27, 2008 at 06:17:01 PM EST
    heh, in certain parts inside the tri-state area it will hurt him, lol!~

    Rudy on the ticket is a nightmare thought for many . . .

    Parent

    How many millions did he spend for one (none / 0) (#67)
    by PssttCmere08 on Tue May 27, 2008 at 06:26:47 PM EST
    delegate?

    Thuffering Thucotash...I was so hoping we were rid of him...

    Parent

    Iowa GOP voters went for Huckabee (none / 0) (#72)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Tue May 27, 2008 at 06:28:38 PM EST
    and had affintiy with Romney?

    come on, now you are acting as if the Iowa caucus actually represwnts real people. For crissakes, Pat Robertson came in second in Iowa in 1988.

    Parent

    I think that is a good choice (none / 0) (#14)
    by DandyTIger on Tue May 27, 2008 at 06:13:47 PM EST
    for McCain. I keep hearing that he needs to get someone from waaaaaaay right, but I think that would be a big mistake. But then I'm just a silly lefty. I of course hope he picks someone way to the crazy right because I think his big chance involves: 1) running against Obama, and 2) capturing some of the Clinton vote (women, blue collar white workers, and even latinos, etc.). I don't think he can do 2 with a fundy crazy. But then, Obama is a fundy Christian, so who knows.

    sorry about that (none / 0) (#33)
    by DandyTIger on Tue May 27, 2008 at 06:18:59 PM EST
    I just made fun of a segment of religions people. I've got to remember not to make fun of people's deeply held beliefs. Bad blogger, bad blogger.

    Parent
    Linda Lingle (none / 0) (#17)
    by DaveOinSF on Tue May 27, 2008 at 06:14:52 PM EST
    Moderate Republican governor but nevertheless pro-life.  Might make Hawaii's 4 EVs interesting.  Plus she's Jewish.

    But (none / 0) (#18)
    by cmugirl on Tue May 27, 2008 at 06:14:56 PM EST
    we'd get a VP who occasionally wore dresses.

    /snark

    Jujitsu, BTD? (none / 0) (#20)
    by suki on Tue May 27, 2008 at 06:15:46 PM EST
    The Republicans in my family who will vote for McCain against Obama might sit it out if Giuliani were on the ticket. They despise him.

    A McCain-Guiliani ticket? (none / 0) (#40)
    by JoeA on Tue May 27, 2008 at 06:19:48 PM EST
    The Republican base have enough issues with McCain as it is without putting Guiliani on the ticket.  I just think that, while there is some logic to the suggestion,  this ticket is D.O.A. as the religious right would sit on their hands come election day.

    I think that is just totally wrong anlylsis (5.00 / 1) (#58)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Tue May 27, 2008 at 06:24:43 PM EST
    they are going to be energized by Obama.

    Parent
    I wish I disagreed, BTD. (none / 0) (#129)
    by jeffinalabama on Tue May 27, 2008 at 06:51:19 PM EST
    The base will be energized to work against Obama. Imagine the republican base if the dream ticket is reality? Exploding heads...

    Parent
    One should pray for Rudy (none / 0) (#48)
    by SpinDoctor on Tue May 27, 2008 at 06:21:48 PM EST
    If McCain's problem with the conservative base is not bad enough already, adding Guliani to the ticket would be the final straw.  As it stands now, many in the GOP are disillusioned with McCain and are planning not to vote.  Adding a pro-choice, pro-gay rights, pro-gun control VP to the ticket will pretty much ensure the base stays home.

    Heres for hoping that McCain listens to you Armando.

    I really disagree with that (4.50 / 2) (#56)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Tue May 27, 2008 at 06:23:53 PM EST
    2 reasons, I think the conservative base can easily be ginned up against Obama. I really think McCain has NO PROBLEM AT ALL there.

    Second, Rudy can play the tough guy to the hilt.

    They could really go after Obama and paint him a wimp.

    Parent

    I agree with your 2nd point (5.00 / 1) (#115)
    by SpinDoctor on Tue May 27, 2008 at 06:43:28 PM EST
    But that does not enhance the ticket at all as McCain  doesn't need a tough guy...that's a position he fills.  What McCain needs is a dyed-in-the wool conservative to bring out the conservative base.  Which is why I think Romney (who I think is a faux conservative) and Huckabee are his two likely candidates.

    Parent
    McCain's VP (none / 0) (#59)
    by lilburro on Tue May 27, 2008 at 06:24:46 PM EST
    is a weird proposition.  In Ohio, Huckabee is most helpful.  Guiliani and Huckabee seem like apples and oranges to me.

    SUSA Ohio

    McCain 39%
    Obama 48%

    McCain / Huckabee 39%
    Obama / Edwards 51%

    McCain / Huckabee 42%
    Obama / Rendell 40%

    McCain / Huckabee 42%
    Obama / Sebelius 42%

    McCain / Romney 38%
    Obama / Edwards 51%

    McCain / Romney 40%
    Obama / Sebelius 42%

    McCain / Romney 39%
    Obama / Rendell 42%

    But McCain/Guiliani is certainly a Security ticket.

    my secret wish.... (5.00 / 1) (#137)
    by p lukasiak on Tue May 27, 2008 at 06:57:58 PM EST
    is that Hillary runs as an independent with Huckabee as her "unity" VP choice.

    Its actually a winning ticket -- and while Huckabee has some pretty ridiculous ideas (especially when it comes to foreign policy) he's a genuine Christian in terms of his understanding of social and economic justice issues.  All you gotta do to get Huckabee to do the right thing is ask "WWJD"....

    Parent

    No way (5.00 / 1) (#144)
    by lilburro on Tue May 27, 2008 at 07:04:49 PM EST
    It would be poison.  Gays would freak out.  Straight women too.  I bet Huckabee would term that dream part of an "an aberrant, unnatural and sinful lifestyle."  

    A Salvador Dali dream!  

    Parent

    Those VP picks (none / 0) (#95)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Tue May 27, 2008 at 06:34:14 PM EST
    are all silly. No one knows who have of them are.

    Parent
    So you think that screws everything up? (none / 0) (#107)
    by lilburro on Tue May 27, 2008 at 06:38:43 PM EST
    Without explanation, I can't believe people would know who Sebelius is.  I thought Rendell had a better shot at some recognition though in Ohio.  The Rendell/Huckabee poll was the most notable to me.  But hey, I'm from Pennsylvania...

    Parent
    In fact (none / 0) (#119)
    by Steve M on Tue May 27, 2008 at 06:44:57 PM EST
    Sebelius' dad was governor of Ohio!

    Parent
    Well Casey didn't do jack (none / 0) (#147)
    by lilburro on Tue May 27, 2008 at 07:05:39 PM EST
    for Obama in PA really.

    Parent
    who don't you know? (none / 0) (#108)
    by Jeralyn on Tue May 27, 2008 at 06:38:46 PM EST
    Sebelius? She's the only non-household name.

    She's better than Napolitano for Obama. Anti-death penalty and pro-choice. Not a former prosecutor. Married to a federal magistrate.

    Parent

    I know all of them (none / 0) (#124)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Tue May 27, 2008 at 06:48:36 PM EST
    But ewe are political junkies.

    Parent
    Awful valuable... (none / 0) (#126)
    by MileHi Hawkeye on Tue May 27, 2008 at 06:50:12 PM EST
    ...as governor of KS.  It would be real hard to replace her with another Dem and I don't want to see our neighbors go any farther to the right.

    Parent
    Well, I think that while you may know who (none / 0) (#139)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Tue May 27, 2008 at 07:00:10 PM EST
    Rendell and Seblius are that is because politics are your passion. imo, to many/most American households they are mostly if not completely foreign.

    I tend to consider myself somewhat up on such things, heck I read TL every day (not everything) but I have no clue who either of them are.

    My hunch is that most American "households" are significantly lower info than me.

    Parent

    Second hand info from my mom who saw (none / 0) (#175)
    by Teresa on Tue May 27, 2008 at 07:25:55 PM EST
    Napolitano on TV today. Asked about Clinton as VP and she was quite offended by the idea. Anyone else see that?

    Parent
    where's Obama/Richardson on this list? (none / 0) (#123)
    by DandyTIger on Tue May 27, 2008 at 06:47:51 PM EST
    Here's my prediction for the ticket this fall: Obama/Richardson. You heard it here first kids. I think this crazy combo because of the new coalition we keep hearing about from Brazile which includes Vapid Yuppies, AA's and Latinos. The next bet would be of course, how fast that would go down in flames.

    Parent
    Fail (none / 0) (#90)
    by Davidson on Tue May 27, 2008 at 06:33:02 PM EST
    Rudy became a joke of a candidate ("Noun, verb, 9/11") and his family obviously can't even stand him enough to vote for him.

    I think it'd be killer for McCain to pick a woman VP but I don't see any on the horizon.  Some on the right are thinking, "Why not Bobby Jindal of Louisiana?"  The man would shore up the right-wing base and would help neuter the GOP from accusations of racism when they rip into Obama if he's the nominee (Look how it worked when they nominated Clarence Thomas for the Supreme Court).

    36? (5.00 / 1) (#100)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Tue May 27, 2008 at 06:35:06 PM EST
    And McCain is going to rip Obama on lack of experience?

    Makes NO SENSE. PEriod.

    Parent

    Difference between VP and top of ticket (5.00 / 0) (#120)
    by Davidson on Tue May 27, 2008 at 06:45:50 PM EST
    Obama is running for the job of president while Jindal would be merely the VP.  Besides, Jindal has more experience and accomplishments than Obama.

    Parent
    No, McCain's not a well man. (5.00 / 1) (#153)
    by pie on Tue May 27, 2008 at 07:10:02 PM EST
    People will be looking at the VP.

    Parent
    McCain (5.00 / 0) (#164)
    by cmugirl on Tue May 27, 2008 at 07:17:56 PM EST
    Is in excellent health, according to his doctors.

    "Sen. McCain enjoys excellent health and displays extraordinary energy, and, while it is impossible to predict any person's future health, I and my colleagues can find no medical reason or problem that would preclude Sen. McCain from fulfilling all of the duties or obligations of the president of the United States," said Dr. John D. Eckstein, an internist who has been overseeing McCain's treatment for 16 years at the famed research center's campus in Scottsdale, Arizona."
    LINK

    And he certainly seems to have more energy than Obama.

    Parent

    Another good choice. (none / 0) (#207)
    by masslib on Tue May 27, 2008 at 07:42:00 PM EST
    Don't think it will be him though, since they are already doing the interviews.  First interviews usually don't make the cut.  Rhode Scholar, younger than Obama, conservative, minority.  Good choice.

    Parent
    nahgonnahappin (none / 0) (#113)
    by pluege on Tue May 27, 2008 at 06:42:32 PM EST
    megalomaniacs to not do well in the no. 2 spot.

    And no. 1's know very well that having a megalomaniac as no. 2 is a great way to get rubbed out.

    Ponder this. Is BTD playing Karl Rove? (none / 0) (#128)
    by oculus on Tue May 27, 2008 at 06:51:03 PM EST


    Heh (5.00 / 6) (#136)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Tue May 27, 2008 at 06:57:06 PM EST
    Let me say this, Karl Rove is best political operative of his generation.

    He got a moron elected President, TWICE!

    Parent

    Oh, I think Jeb Bush (5.00 / 3) (#145)
    by pie on Tue May 27, 2008 at 07:04:58 PM EST
    had something to do with that.

    Parent
    How about Condi Rice (none / 0) (#150)
    by stillife on Tue May 27, 2008 at 07:08:37 PM EST
    for McCain's running mate?  When I speculated about the possibility, my Republican co-worker got a tingle up her leg.  

    Condi on the ticket (5.00 / 1) (#162)
    by gmo on Tue May 27, 2008 at 07:16:53 PM EST
    would blow Obama out of the water.

    Parent
    Nah. (5.00 / 1) (#167)
    by pie on Tue May 27, 2008 at 07:19:35 PM EST
    But Powell would.

    Parent
    Powell would, yes. (5.00 / 2) (#182)
    by masslib on Tue May 27, 2008 at 07:28:56 PM EST
    Rudy and Blue Collar Voter (none / 0) (#156)
    by befuddledvoter on Tue May 27, 2008 at 07:11:04 PM EST
    I think he could easily pick up the blue collar voter who will definitely not vote Obama, if he is the nominee.  That is a huge chunk of votes up for grabs.

    If I were McCain... (none / 0) (#180)
    by masslib on Tue May 27, 2008 at 07:27:43 PM EST
    I'd run with Kay Bailey.

    Texas will go (none / 0) (#187)
    by pie on Tue May 27, 2008 at 07:31:22 PM EST
    repub, won't it?  They need a candidate that delivers an important state and plays against the dems.

    Of course, we don't know the dem ticket yet.

    Do we...

    Parent

    Women. (none / 0) (#192)
    by masslib on Tue May 27, 2008 at 07:32:43 PM EST
    Kay Bailey is an excellent politician.

    Parent
    But she's very conservative (5.00 / 1) (#215)
    by samanthasmom on Tue May 27, 2008 at 07:51:22 PM EST
    Hillary supporters who voted for McCain/Hutchinson would either be doing the "Not Obama" vote still or choosing her "just because she's a woman". I don't see the disaffected Clinton voters swarming to KBH. He doesn't need to choose someone that far right.  He can move a little more to the center, not lose his base, and get more Clinton voters (if Obama is the nominee).

    Parent
    Kay Bailey Hutchison (none / 0) (#188)
    by cmugirl on Tue May 27, 2008 at 07:31:42 PM EST
    is going to run for Governor of Texas.

    Parent
    I know but she's still (none / 0) (#195)
    by masslib on Tue May 27, 2008 at 07:34:25 PM EST
    an excellent choice.

    Parent
    That race isn't until 2010 (none / 0) (#197)
    by brodie on Tue May 27, 2008 at 07:35:43 PM EST
    and she isn't going to turn down a VP pick with McC -- where even if they lose she keeps her senate seat and still would be well positioned to run for gov.

    Parent
    Ok, perfect. (none / 0) (#205)
    by masslib on Tue May 27, 2008 at 07:40:17 PM EST
    That's who McCain, if his advisors were smart would go with.  But they probably arn't smart enough.

    Parent
    KBH has to be considered (none / 0) (#191)
    by brodie on Tue May 27, 2008 at 07:32:00 PM EST
    right now.  Solid conservative, helps McC shore up base support.  No rocket scientist, but not as stupid as Danny Quayle.

    Could be a possible Repub ace up the sleeve as they sit back and see who Dems nominate at Denver and whether they've left an opening to go after women.  Or to counter a woman VP (Sibelius) by O.

    Parent

    Sibileus is a totally dumb move. (none / 0) (#193)
    by masslib on Tue May 27, 2008 at 07:33:34 PM EST
    No move is going to be perfect (none / 0) (#200)
    by brodie on Tue May 27, 2008 at 07:37:32 PM EST
    or please every Dem, certainly not here.  And there are certainly other picks (Gov Judas) which would really upset some of us ...


    Parent
    Not one pick would (5.00 / 1) (#201)
    by masslib on Tue May 27, 2008 at 07:39:25 PM EST
    upset me more than Sebelius.  And, I believe most Hillary supporters would take it as a slap in the face.  Further, she has no foreign policy exoperience.  Bad choice.

    Parent
    We'll have to (none / 0) (#210)
    by brodie on Tue May 27, 2008 at 07:44:04 PM EST
    settle for agreeing about KBH for McC.  Sibelius for another thread another time ...

    Parent
    Ok I really could care less but Arianna (none / 0) (#190)
    by bridget on Tue May 27, 2008 at 07:31:58 PM EST
    Huffington should be McCain's VP

    she used to be deeply in love with him - for years and then some

    and the VP may help cure her pathological Clinton hate since her husband never made it to the Senate and the White House and poor Arianna wanted that so much ...

    .... not born in the US? So many people are in denial already ... so should be no problem for AH.

    Meg Whitman? (none / 0) (#208)
    by Manuel on Tue May 27, 2008 at 07:42:09 PM EST
    That would be an interesting pick addressing business/economy/gender gap.  I wonder if there are skeletons in her closet.