McCain Veepstakes
Pawlenty is a no-go. Jindal, no-go. A lot of other names, like Portman or especially Romney, are driven by staff and consultants - not by Senator McCain. Lest we forget: it’s his opinion that matters.
Mitt Romney’s qualifications place him in the hopper for Treasury Secretary, far more so than as potential Veep. Does anyone honestly believe that John McCain is going to willingly anoint Mitt Romney as his successor? As his potential #2? As leader of the GOP? As the party’s presumptive nominee in 2012 or 2016? Team Romney is persistent, if nothing else.
Sure, McCain may pick Romney - but that would be seen as a panic-driven, pandering choice to the donor class and staffers looking to pull $10,000 a month. If you think that sounds crazy, look at the Romney expenditure reports.
McCain’s ‘maverick’ streak may lead him to pull in someone scandal-free but with access to their own national network to augment his own. The elephant missing in the GOP primary was George Allen, who famously macaca-d himself out of re-election & a presidential bid. However, dark horse Virginian Eric Cantor could easily tap into the network Allen was building from 1993-2006. Allen had strong ties into Orange County, CA money that fell to Romney by default. Not just conservative cash - but Bush Pioneers that have yet to pony up. Think “movement” + Pioneers + New Majority + Lincoln Club.
In previous cycles, the GOP nominee raised one in four dollars in California. McCain has Schwarzenegger and his fundraising machine, but in a donor state like CA - there is more than one set of Top Tier folks in the ‘underwriter’ class. By underwriter, I mean Billionaires that routinely Co-Chair inaugural committees and Host Committees. These are folks who don’t talk to staff, because they don’t have to. Billionaires do not need the permission of even the most ‘Senior Adviser’ to chat with a potential president. And the Senator may not report back every detail to staff. Having watched some of those folks in action, my own instinct tells me that until Senator McCain makes it official -nothing can be counted on.
If McCain chooses someone like Cantor - it please multiple classes of politicos. Top flight donors, potential Cabinet members, and national-grade consultants who have earned their way to the top as presidential campaign advisers. Cantor has a stable of folks around him, both current and former consultants he remains close to, that could make a McCain-Cantor ticket very formidable.
And that’s just the metrics. Cantor is in his 40s, attractive, great wife, wonderful kids. He’s a prolific fundraiser for his colleagues in the House. He has earned his spot on the national stage - and the chances of being Speaker aren’t so hot right now.
It would be a bold move - and McCain needs to make one. McCain-Cantor, gosh - it even sounds good.
—Media Lizzy
July 22nd, 2008 at 12:02 am
ML, I really love you. I have a huge crush on you, but I think you’re way, way off the mark here. You’re thinking that this is about picking a good conservative. Maybe that’s what we would like it to be about, but it’s not; it’s about a man of the center needing a lift not from conservatives, but from the center, and from independents. That’s why Romney should get the nomination. Romney has star power, and will motivate a good chunk of the Center-Right to vote and support McCain. At this point, if McCain has any clarity, he realizes that chosing a successor (i.e., not wanting Romney for such) needs to take a back seat to getting into the White House at all.
I don’t know a thing about Eric Cantor, but I just don’t think he has the star power and experience to help McCain; and winning VA is less of a long shot than winning Michigan + helping in Colorado + a few other states, which is what I think Romney would do.
Honestly, I don’t think McCain can win without Romney. And yes, part of it is a gut feeling I can’t explain.
PS: How much better is a Jewish VP than a Mormon VP in the eyes of those who care about such things?
July 22nd, 2008 at 7:50 am
McCain-Cantor is a great idea. As a Virginian, it makes me sick to see these liberals think they can take over the state. Cantor is VA;s only hope.
July 22nd, 2008 at 10:32 am
Alaska Governor Sarah Palin is the no brainer for bold moves. It pulls in the young and the female vote. And she hunts, fishes, is a looker, a great speaker, has the highest approval rating of any governor in the US at over 90% and she has 5 (!!!) kids, including a newborn whi is autistic.
There’s the real star power you need to win the battle ground states. It’s not always about money, but also the party’s future. My guess is that culturally, the majority of Americans right now will be more comfortable with a conservative woman woman as Veep and in line to be future president while getting 8 years experience as #2 than a liberal African American as President who has zero experience. This is also why I think Hillary would probably have easily beaten McCain.
July 22nd, 2008 at 10:39 am
I don’t understand putting the name of the Louisiana governor in play. The President must be at least 45 years old. The Vice President then must also be 45 to be considered and he’s not. Of course, that didn’t stop the Republicans from subverting the constitution in 2000. When Cheney was nominated, both he and Bush were residents of Texas, which is not allowed. I can’t remember the exact timing of Cheney’s move to Wyoming, but technicalities have always been their strong suit.
July 22nd, 2008 at 10:47 am
Actually, Carl -
The Constitutional age requirement is 35 (thirty-five) - not the 45 you stated. Hardly a “technicality.”
As for W and Cheney in 2000, Cheney had a residence in Wyoming - so there was no “moving” required. He just made the home in Wyoming his full-time abode after retiring from Halliburton, re-registered to vote in Wyoming. Not a ‘technicality’ there either. Not to mention, Cheney was once the MoC from Wyoming, so it wasn’t exactly a stretch.
Next time, please get your facts straight.
July 22nd, 2008 at 11:00 am
To all… I’ve never been a fan of staff driven campaigns, and I’ve never been a fan of Romney’s. I know it cuts against the grain, and conventional wisdom - but I just don’t believe Romney is the right man for the job. Treasury Secretary, you bet. Head of the CBO? Even better. Let him manage the money - put him on the Fed Reserve Board. But the fact remains Romney was rejected by our voters in this year’s primary process.
Eric Cantor has raised a ton of money for our Congressional candidates - he would be a fresh face. At 45, Cantor should be welcomed onto the national stage. Strong fiscal conservative, scandal-free, excellent record on terrorism, and a great advocate for our positions regarding the Middle East Peace process between Israel and the Palestinians.
With Obama’s Middle Eastern love fest with Maliki, I would much prefer to see a Veep candidate that can go mano y mano with Obama right where he lives. Cantor is a serious leader, and the Republican Party needs to look much farther down the road than the next five minutes. Or even the next election.
McCain should pick someone with a future, not someone who pays people for loyalty - and is in his 60s. The GOP deserves better.
July 22nd, 2008 at 11:18 am
[…] posted at HeadingRight - and at the AOL Hot […]
July 22nd, 2008 at 5:26 pm
I have not decided yet but It would be a huge Kick if McCain would admit it takes both parties comming together to get the job done and pick Hillary Clinton and make HISTORY!
July 22nd, 2008 at 5:29 pm
Whoever he picks, he is sure to beat the “Great Mullato Hope” when people see through Obooba’s bullsh*t.
July 22nd, 2008 at 5:31 pm
McCAIN IS NO FREND TO OUR TROOPS! (FORMER NAVY PILOT / AND POW)
HIS VOTING RECORD ON FUNDING FOR THE VA AND THE NEW GI BILL PROVES IT.
HE SHOULD HAVE BEN RAN OUT OF OFFICE ON A RAIL ALONG TIME AGO!
HE IS BAD FOR THE TROOPS AND BAD FOR US TOO.
JIM R MSGT USMC RET.
July 22nd, 2008 at 6:05 pm
Its either going to be Romney or Palin. Romney to help win the swing states of Michigan and Colorado or Palin for the women votes. Either is a good choice. I personally would pick Palin for the women votes and give Romney the Treasury spot, only because the Mormon thing (which shouldnt matter) will anger the evangelicals.
July 22nd, 2008 at 6:09 pm
It won’t matter who McCain picks. HIs campaign has lost so much steam, he’s way behind the curve now. Better luck in years, Republican party. You had far better candidates out there, but Bush sabatoged most of their campaigns. A washout election year.
July 22nd, 2008 at 6:16 pm
The Media Created Barack Hussein Obama As Americas Presidential Candidate By saying He’s A Rock Star And He Can Be President. The Media Started This Campaign Two Years Ago And All The Sheep Fell In Line And Said How Wonderful He Is, BULLCRAP !, WE KNOW NOTHING ABOUT THIS PERSON EXCEPT FOR THE RACIST AND ANTI-AMERICAN And Criminals That He Has Associated With, i.e.. Resco, Rev. Wright, Fahrakan, who is Muslim, Williams Aires, The Palestinian Professor That Was A Palestinian Militant. AND WOULD NOT WEAR THE AMERICAN FLAG UNTIL ABOUT THE MIDDLE OF MAY and Barack Hussein Obama who has a Muslim name ! I think it is important for the Mayor Bloomberg to know that before he misleads the public about Barrack Hessian Obama’s Religion by saying hr’s not a Muslim, he should know that the child carries the religion of his father, unlike Judaism whereas the child carries the religion of the mother. Therefore Barrack Hessian Obama is a Muslim.
July 22nd, 2008 at 6:18 pm
Cantor isn’t likely the choice… One reason… Who in the world is Eric Cantor to non-Virginia voters? That’s it!
July 22nd, 2008 at 6:26 pm
mccain is a liar,he always lies,he lies so much thru his teeth,you can see it a mile away.what the hell is he babbling about saying,had we pulled out of iraq,we wouldve looked like a bunch of losers.first of all,the war in iraq was fabricated over lies deciet and propaganda because bush and cheney wanted to go into iraq and kill saddam and his 2 sons.it was payback and retribution,hell everyone thought we were at war with saddam as soon as cheney was sworn in.cheney used 9/11 to conquer iraq,and kill saddam and his 2 sons and take over that oil for those oil executives that are on cheneys energy task force to take that oil.they make up that crap over wmds that saddam has,which was all built on lies,because uin 1997 the weapons inspection team says they destroyed all the weapons saddam had and i saw it on cnn and msnbc news.cheney and bush used iraq as a means to press the war in that country,because first we didnt get bin laden over 9/11,then they went into iraq to get that oil after killing saddam and his 2 sons
July 22nd, 2008 at 6:34 pm
I THINK ITS TIME FOR US TO HAVE A REP. AND A DEM. IN THE HOUSE. DREAM TICKET McCAIN/CLINTON 2008 NOOBAMA
July 22nd, 2008 at 6:37 pm
then mccain babbles on and on about how much were supposed to be in iraq,which is insane,he should be referred to as insane mccain.i like that,it rymes,insane mccain.mccains insane.it can be said either way.he actually defends the war in iraq saying righteous it is,when it was always the wrong thing to do in the first place,and anyone with a brain knows this.so for mccain to say we belong in iraq to kill saddam and his 2 sons and take over the country is insane,you are basically acting worse than the dicators themselves for christ sakes.iraq didnt have anything to do with 9/11 as cheney fabricated.iraq didnt have wmds as cheney fabricated,then trying to claim saddam and wmds can kill us all in 45 minutes was all fabricated by cheney,condi rice and ronald donald dumbsfeld.then mccain thinks everything was ok to launch this unsolicited war against iraq for no reason at all,then claims the surge was working and the killings have been just as worst,but cheney likes the hide the truth as always.does mccain even know what he is talking about anymore or does he actually believe in his stupidity and insane lies the republicans always say
July 22nd, 2008 at 6:39 pm
Who cares? If and when the presidential debates begin, Obama is going to eat McCain alive, and you know it!
July 22nd, 2008 at 6:45 pm
Romney as VP will win the election.
July 22nd, 2008 at 6:48 pm
The only thing mcbush needs to be concerned about picking, is where he’s going to put his rocking chair when he retires in November — because he is not going to have a job anymore.
July 22nd, 2008 at 6:49 pm
Yes! A woman! Christine Todd Whitman or the Alaska Gov. Excellent idea!
July 22nd, 2008 at 6:50 pm
I AM A WOMEN VIETNAM VETERAN AND HAVE BEEN A DEMACRAT ALL MY LIFE BUT IF THE AMERICA PEOPLE VOTE FOR THIS EMPTY SUIT OBAMA OUR COUNTRY WILL NEVER BE THE SAME. HE HAS BEEN IN THE SENNET FOR 140 DAYS AND COMES FROM A CHURCH THAT SPITS OUR MARXISM, HATE AND WE QUESTION MITT ROMENY CHURCH?? OH LORD WHAT KIND OF PEOPLE HAVE WE BECOME? I WILL NEVER VOTE FOR A DEMACRAT AGAIN IN MY LIFE. KENNEY, KERRY, PELOSI, OBAMA AND ALL THOSE OTHER DEM DOES NOT WANT TO DRILL. THESE PEOPLE HATE AMERICA. IF McCAIN IS SMART HE WILL GET THE BEST MAN AND THAT WOULD BE MITT ROMNEY. IF OBAMA WAS THE ONLY PERSON RUNNING I WOULD WRITE A DOG NAME IN BEFORE I WOULD VOTE FOR THAT BIGOT RACIST.
July 22nd, 2008 at 6:51 pm
Condoleezza Rice Condoleezza Rice Condoleezza Rice Condoleezza Rice Condoleezza Rice Condoleezza Rice Condoleezza Rice Condoleezza Rice Condoleezza Rice
The Smartest choice for VP. McCain would win hands down. She has the most experience in the real game. McCain would get African American votes, Women’s votes etc.
July 22nd, 2008 at 6:54 pm
Hate that discredit Mitt Romney. In fact this country needs Mitt! He can get this economy a punch that it needs. He his experienced in Businesses and know how to budget and succeed.
I also believe that John McCain needs a shot of B12. I mean the guy is like dry toast! Some are thinking he is a democrat in a Republican suit. Stop pandering to the left and bust this country’s morals back up by hitting this unqualified left candidate til tomorrow. Seriously, we as a country can not afford Barack Hussein Obama as a president! Somebody tell McCain this. Somebody coach McCain to speak against Obama and his pony riding on President Bush’s win in Iraq. Don’t be fooled. Americans love this unqualified guy cause he makes McCain look like a wimp!
Get a spitfire like Mitt Romney and let him do the work that McCain should be doing, degrade and disgrace Obama. We know Obama’s position on the war and on our troops, but McCain continues to let’s him ride on the Republican coat tails. Is McCain a deqouy for Hillary?
July 22nd, 2008 at 6:55 pm
I Hate that you discredit Mitt Romney. In fact this country needs Mitt! He can get this economy a punch that it needs. He his experienced in Businesses and know how to budget and succeed.
I also believe that John McCain needs a shot of B12. I mean the guy is like dry toast! Some are thinking he is a democrat in a Republican suit. Stop pandering to the left and bust this country’s morals back up by hitting this unqualified left candidate til tomorrow. Seriously, we as a country can not afford Barack Hussein Obama as a president! Somebody tell McCain this. Somebody coach McCain to speak against Obama and his pony riding on President Bush’s win in Iraq. Don’t be fooled. Americans love this unqualified guy cause he makes McCain look like a wimp!
Get a spitfire like Mitt Romney and let him do the work that McCain should be doing, degrade and disgrace Obama. We know Obama’s position on the war and on our troops, but McCain continues to let’s him ride on the Republican coat tails. Is McCain a deqouy for Hillary?
July 22nd, 2008 at 6:56 pm
McCain Romney 2008 That’s the winning ticket All us Romney for President Fans We will get Romney in the White House for 12-16 Years instead of 8..McCain Said he will only serve 1 term..New Slogan for McCain…
OBAMA “ROCK STAR”
McCAIN “ROCK SOLID”
July 22nd, 2008 at 6:57 pm
McCain Romney 2008 That’s the winning ticket All us Romney for President Fans We will get Romney in the White House for 12-16 Years instead of 8..McCain Said he will only serve 1 term..New Slogan for McCain
July 22nd, 2008 at 7:06 pm
Mitt Romney fits the bill. He’s a hard worker and had it not been for the religion, (which is total nonsence), He would have come out ahead. What has religion to do with serving your country and being it’s leader if they are good men and work for the people. We have no one in office now that is looking out for our best interest. As far as our politicians are concerned it’s about them, their money and who can bad mouth whom. I have been through many Presidents and never have I seen such beatings of each others parties as the last couple of races. This one especially. I am still waiting to find out what “CHANGES” Obama wants to make, he’s yet to declare any. I think Media Lizzy has it wrong, it was the Dem’s that said to give the votes away to another runner.
July 22nd, 2008 at 7:12 pm
MAYBE JOHN McCAIN SHOULD CHOOSE HILLARY AS VP WOULD BE A SURE WIN FOR REPUBLICANS
July 22nd, 2008 at 7:12 pm
Mitt is all about CHANGE because:
Mitt was Pro-Choice, then changed.
Mitt was in favor of gun control, then changed.
Mitt said he “SAW” his father march with M.L.King, caught in a lie, changed story.
Mitt was for secret timetables for withdrawal from Iraq, then changed.
Mitt said he was a life long hunter, after he was caught in his lie he changed his story.
Mitt said he “WAS NOT” a part of the Reagan-Bush thing, then changed story.
July 22nd, 2008 at 7:13 pm
My pick : Pawlenty, Spence or DeMint in that order. All three a soul brothers intellectually with John McCain. Also all three are popular with the right-wing GOP’s.
July 22nd, 2008 at 7:14 pm
What virtually everyone will be saying is ‘who the hell is Eric Cantor?’ He has zero name recognition but more importantly he has absolutely no hands-on executive experience which would be crucial to balance out John McCain. That having said,I think he would be ideal as budget director in a McCain administration.
July 22nd, 2008 at 7:24 pm
ARE YOU KIDDING ME??????????? I have to interject a personal opinion here. I’ve been so outraged with what I’ve seen in the news media…. First of all… John McCain.. I hope you get to read my letter… I do love,respect and adore you as an American Patriot.. You are a true American Hero!!!!!!! I’ve witnessed your vidio on an AirCraft Carrior in the Gulf of Tonkin or the South China sea near Vietnam and seen the unbelievable disaster you survived in 1968… I am forever in your dept…..But I have many bones to pick with your polotics… You are absolute wrong about living,leaving a territorial mark on a foriegn land… Colonolism has been a non issue for a hundred years………. it never worked anf never will………..
July 22nd, 2008 at 7:25 pm
Hello Media Lizzy; Your comment, ” Does anyone honestly believe that John McCain is going to willingly anoint Mitt Romney as his successor?” is a little fuzzy brained and several bricks short of a competent analysis. Why not? He’s the most competent, scandle free, financially wise, legally trained, successful, proven history, potential VP in the country. You offered no persuasive reason for your pick for VP. You need to rethink your potition, or maybe you just need to THINK THROUGH YOU POSITION.
July 22nd, 2008 at 7:26 pm
Considering true Conservatism died since before Reagan, it simply doesn’t matter whom Johnny “Flip-Flop” McCain will choose as his partner. Budget fiscal responsibility is now a hallmark of the Democrats. And while an irony to be sure, it’s a proven and validated fact nonetheless. Go Obama. It’s time to bring back real conservative values.
July 22nd, 2008 at 7:32 pm
Don’t vote is the answere. Their is no one to vote for!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
July 22nd, 2008 at 7:33 pm
You are way off base. Romney is the only one McCain can pick. He has the economic wisdom, money, votes, etc. None of the other potentials have even had a glimpse of the media bullseye. Mitt has been literally crucified in the media and still came out with a few paper cuts at best. People like LA Gov. would have more bullet holes than skin at the end of the election.
July 22nd, 2008 at 7:33 pm
I think that Romney has the political and financial savvy to do the job but Condolezza Rice could deliver black and women votes.
July 22nd, 2008 at 7:33 pm
AM I ASKING FOR TOO MUCH???
Hopefully someone who can remember more than 2 paragraphs of a speech without a teleprompter or consulting notes. Someone who won’t refer to the audience as “my friends” would also be preferred.
July 22nd, 2008 at 7:35 pm
You have got to be kidding. Obama a conservative. Please.
July 22nd, 2008 at 7:37 pm
If Mccain wants to sure win in the south. The best man for the job would be a Mccain/ Hucabee ticket. That would be a strong showing from faith based voters.
July 22nd, 2008 at 7:47 pm
McCain is a deadbeat. Listen to the way he
talks. He sounds like he is on his death
bed. He needs MORE than B12. He is NO
maverick. He is a status quo moderate
conservative, a man with zero vision.
He is 4 more years of Bush. McCain is a
disaster. Romney is all about money
and his crazy religion. He is a reactionary
and a social conservative–the country needs
to move on. Obama is the only choice.
July 22nd, 2008 at 7:48 pm
Play it and pass it on…
http://www.larrysinclair.org/ Tha major news orgs are hiding yhis pon obama..??? Inquiring minds want to know…pass it on!
July 22nd, 2008 at 7:57 pm
It makes no difference who I want in office for there is not one who gets on his soap box and tells what he is going to do for the people in the USA all they can do is talk what their opponent is doing wrong and what big plans they have for America they have all forgotten that Mexico and Canada are also America, when there is a canidate running on his merits alone and not slandering his opponent i may vote for him, this country has gotten so far away from GOD that we are virtually lost, second Chronicles 7:14 says if my people who are called by my name will repent and call on me I will heal their land.
July 22nd, 2008 at 8:06 pm
Romney? Yes, that makes it a winnable electrion for McCain and company - absolutely best for McCain and the country right now Cantor? He may be ‘good’, but he’s totally unknown, and trying to ‘raise him up’ at this point in the campaign is political suicide. IT will distract. Now it’s a crapshoot about winning this election for republicans
July 22nd, 2008 at 8:11 pm
if mccain picks romney his candidacy is DOA. a Mormon 1 heartbeat from president? get serious
July 22nd, 2008 at 8:13 pm
I really believe that McCain is missing a great opportunity to reach out across party lines
and get a real sweet show of cooperation.. How About his considering JOE LIBERMAN as his
running mate.. Nobama keeps talking about change. What better wat to get cooperation then
go to the other party for your VP. My second choice would be Condi Rice
July 22nd, 2008 at 8:19 pm
How about Colin Powell as a VP choice for McCain?
July 22nd, 2008 at 9:51 pm
Maybe I am missing something but didn’t Hillary throw here support to Obama? Already a strong ticket with the first black for president and with a strong woman’s support. My simple way of thinking is that McCain needs a strong black or woman
VP, maybe both (Condolezza Rice).
July 23rd, 2008 at 4:39 am
[…] certainly doesn’t disappoint. Monday found her Heading Right article speculating on McCain’s VP choices on the front page of AOL! Further proof of Lizzy’s popularity is in her AOL Hot Seat Poll - […]
August 3rd, 2008 at 8:09 pm
Mccain needs a name on his ticket because his age is an issue for many voters. Romney is the common sense choice but he won’t be on the ticket due their personality conflict. Cantor is too “no name”. Huckabee will would be the best choice because Mccain will need to be competitive in the South.