Republican VP Options

[LyLMyssChaos]

We should have a pretty clear idea of whom our Presidential nominee will be after Tuesday, but who do you think will be a viable option for VP? Who might they be paired with?

[gretazmama]

I could see McCain tapping Lieberman; Joe's been campaigning for McCain. I know McCain keeps insisting he's a conservative, but I think he could reach a lot more moderates/undecided this way. It also balances him out geographically.

Romney ... not so sure. I'd love it if he tapped Thompson, but that's probably unrealistic. Giuliani would be great, too, but does nothing to help win votes outside of New England.

Pure conjecture.

[Delta]

Huck
Rick Perry (barf)
Charlie Crist
Mel Martinez

Lieberman has already said he won't do it.

[nylons73]

I agree with Delta's list. Many see the suprise endorsement by Charlie Crist as a serious bid by Crist to be on the short-list for McCain. Mel Martinez makes a lot of sense too (although being the most 'sane' Republican on immigration and coming from AZ, McCain doesn't really need Martinez to deliver the hispanic vote.)

I think Crist gives him Florida and a younger (albiet much much much tanner ;)) running mate. Much has been made of Crist being in the closet, but it didn't really seem to hurt him badly with Republicans in Florida, so I expect he'll whether anything that comes up in the General.

[JillyBean]

Rick Perry

Seriously?! :eek: *gag*

[villanelle75]

There is still a possibility that i might vote for McCain, but should he give Huckabee the VP nod, I can't even consider it any longer.

[isobel]

I have heard the scuttlebutt about Rick Perry too and I just don't get it. He is kind of an "eh" governor in one the weakest governor positions in the country and has zero personality. If Kinky Friedman had not been in the race, he very well may have not been reelected and let's get real, the Republican is almost assuredly going to win Texas. But wait, I want the Republican to lose so Perry all the way. ;)

No Condoleezza on your list? Several MSNBC commentators brought her up during the debate.

[Delta]

Rick Perry has been blatantly running for VP (and exploring for president for 2012) since he endorsed Rudy last year. He's been campaigning for him in all the early primary states. He's been traveling abroad. He's been making contacts in all the early primary states and is head of the Republican Governors association. He's been criticizing President Bush for not being conservative. I think his Gardasil thing was an attempt to...do something but that blew up in his face. And now he's endorsed McCain - so obvious. I agree that it's laughable given his unpopularity in Texas but on first glance I can see how he looks good in person and on paper to conservatives.

As for Condi...I dunno. I hate to say it but that would be playing straight to identity politics.

[isobel]

As for Condi...I dunno. I hate to say it but that would be playing straight to identity politics.

Yeah, the talk of "the perfect foil" was pretty disgusting but should Romney or Huckabee (please god!) pull it out, she would be a good addition for her foreign policy experience.

ETA: Can you imagine a Romney/Perry ticket? the hair care bill alone would bankrupt the party!

[LyLMyssChaos]

I am keeping my fingers crossed for a Romney/Huckabee ticket, but I know that won't happen. That would be the best of all worlds for me! :p

[mrs webb]

I'm a McCain supporter, and I'd love to see him select Condi if he wins the nomination. Other than that I really don't care who he picks. Maybe that is playing into identity politics, but I like the idea and I think it might lock a win for us.

I would be very against Lieberman if he was open to it. I think that would create the negative perception that no one within the party was good enough to pick.

[nylons73]

I am keeping my fingers crossed for a Romney/Huckabee ticket, but I know that won't happen. That would be the best of all worlds for me! :p

Seeing as Huckabee's campaign manager told the press (in Florida) that he wanted to punch Romney in the face....I don't see that happening. ;)

[Delta]

Tom Ridge?

Obviously Huck is helping McCain thwart Romney, but why? Has he been promised something? If not VP then what?

[katmg]

I'm late on this but Rick Perry - UGH! He is such a nothing governor and I would hope that his ties to Bush would be a turn-off.

Wouldn't Condi's time in the Bush WH be a negative, even for conservatives? I wouldn't think she would do much for moderates.

[villanelle75]

I'm late on this but Rick Perry - UGH! He is such a nothing governor and I would hope that his ties to Bush would be a turn-off.

Wouldn't Condi's time in the Bush WH be a negative, even for conservatives? I wouldn't think she would do much for moderates.

It isn't moderates they need to court, at least, not if McCain is the nominee. That's why they would consider someone like Huckabee-- to appease and motivate the extreme right and evangelicals.

[karlatta]

There is still a possibility that i might vote for McCain, but should he give Huckabee the VP nod, I can't even consider it any longer.
ITA.

[Kristy119]

I think that if Mccain picked Fred Thompson that would bring the Reagan conservatives in and unite the party far more than even Huckabee could since Huckabee is condidered weak on several issues which are similar to Mccains weaknesses.

[meatpie]

Tom Ridge?

Obviously Huck is helping McCain thwart Romney, but why? Has he been promised something? If not VP then what?

One reason is Huck's HATRED for Romney. I'm sure there is a place for Huck in a McCain cabinet...