Wednesday, May 28, 2008
VP options...
My friend and I were discussing possible McCain VP choices the other day, and the standard names (Huckabee, Pawlenty, etc.) came up, but then he brought up a strange possibility-- Joe Lieberman. At first this seems like a daring, but logical strategy, Lieberman is one of the more conservative democrats (sad to say), he and McCain have been in congress together a long time, and McCain could capture some swing votes that way. Knowing there had to be a reason not, I turned it around in my head a bit, and came up with this: its been tried, and failed. In the original form of the United States Constitution, the winner of the Electoral College became president, and the runner-up became vice-president. This failed so badly that the constitution was amended in 1804, a mere seventeen years after being adopted (12th amendment). The twelfth amendement does not require the two offials be from the same party, but the reason was due to the political infighting of the day. in fact, it was so bad that at one point the Vice-President shot the treasury secretary in duel. (Go ahead, make a Dick Cheney joke.) Another very obvious reason against Lieberman is the issue of succession, if McCain were to die or otherwise be unable to hold office, Lieberman would then become president. Not such a good idea. The last reason I came up with is very practical, many hard right conservatives are at best skeptical of McCain, if he chose a democrat running mate, they would see it as a final act of treason against their principles, a metaphorical slap in the face and McCain would lose their votes. On the other hand, if he chose a more conservative Vice-Presidential nominee, The right would see it as an act of conciliation, and McCain would be able to ensure their votes, while being able to keep his moderate facade. After all, McCain may be the left of the right, but he is still infinitely more conservative than BH Obama, and I think most of the right-wing will confirm it on election day.
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4 comments:
Here's an important piece of advice: If it looks like it's going to be McCain/Palin anyway (and that should be a "no brainer" for Team McCain), McCain should announce NOW or VERY SOON, rather than later towards the convention. There's currently a growing chorus for Obama/Hillary (as VP) ticket (in fact the Dems are likely aware of the Palin phenomenon). If the GOP waits while movement for Hillary as VP grows -- even worse until after it is solidified that Hillary will/could be VP pick -- selecting Palin will be portrayed by Dems/liberal media more as a reaction by GOP selecting its own female (overshawdoing Palin's own remarkable assets), rather than McCain taking the lead on this. Selecting Palin now or early (contrary to the punditocracy) will mean McCain will be seen as driving the course of this campaign overwhelmingly, and the DEMS will be seen as merely reacting. And, there's absoultely no down-side to this because even if Hillary is a no-go as VP for Obama, the GOP gains by acting early. McCain the maverick. Palin the maverick. Do it now!
There's no reason, and actually substantial negative, in McCain waiting to see what the Dems do first insofar as his picking Palin as VP, because, no matter who Obama picks, Palin is by far (and I mean far) the best pick for McCain and the GOP, especially in this time of GOP woes. The GOP can be seen as the party of real 'change' (albeit I hate that mantra, change, change, bla bla), while not really having to change from GOP core conservative values, which Palin more than represents.
In light of the current oil/energy situation, as well as the disaffected female Hillary voters situation, and growing focus on McCain's age and health, Palin is more than perfect -- now.
(Perhaps Team McCain is already on to this.)
Who is Palin? Is she a TRUE conservative?
Glenn Beck had a good idea today. He said McCain should run on a "One term only" campaign. That way the problems with his age and the fact that he could save the two years of campaining to get re-elected could be used for some real work. Interesting thought.
I'd really like to see this new bill on ANWR drilling pass. Fuel prices are just too much. Apparently Indonesia(?) is pulling out of OPEC because they are running out of oil as well.
Sarah Palin is the governor of Alaska.
Glenn Beck does have a good point about a "One term only" campaign. It'd be interesting to see who'd run next time though if McCain wins and only does one term.
That point about a one term campaign has been bandied about for a long time, I heard John Miller of National Review make the same point in November, before McCain was even considered a likely candidate, as McCain's best strategy. That in no way makes the point less relevant.
To Brett, you seem to be a perfect example of someone who, ocnsidering McCain's lack of conservative credentials instantly questions the credentials of any prospective VP.
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