Top ten McCain Vice Presidential picks

McCain needs to pick his partner very carefully. A heartbeat away from the Presidency matters more when the heart in question will be 72 at the time of the inauguration. Here are some of the suggestions:

1) Tim Pawlenty

The Governor of Minnesota is at the top of many pundit's lists. The Springsteen fan likes to emphasise his working class roots and has managed to win twice in a traditionally Democratic state. He's renowned for his personal and rhetorical skills and liked by left and right. The one to watch.

2) Joe Lieberman

Connecticut Senator Lieberman bridges the political divide. A former Democrat, he still supports most of their policies but is also in favour of the Iraq war. He's made presidential and vice-presidential runs before and is an old friend of John McCain. The two Senators were together on the recent UK trip of McCain's and were frequently see yukking it up. But age is a big, big issue. Lieberman is 66. Together the ticket will add up to 138 years of experience.

3) Mitt Romney

McCain and Romney fell out several times during the Republican nomination race. But they've been cozying up of late and Romney has been spotted fundraising with McCain in the west. The worse the economy gets, the higher his chances. His impeccable financial credentials are his strongest card. He would make McCain seem more conservative (probably - Romney is, ahem, flexible). This would help with the base but would it put off independents?

4) Condoleezza Rice

The dream ticket for some. The nightmare for others. The Secretary of State's race and gender would boost the Republican argument that they're not just a party for white men. Condi speaks five languages and would provide some much-needed foreign policy clout. The odds of selecting her might have been higher if Clinton had wrapped up the Democratic nomination. But no-one would sneeze at this option. So what's not to like (if you are a Republican)? In a word - Bush. McCain's presidential bid won't fly if he is tethered to the President. And wouldn't Condi do just that?

5) Charlie Crist

Also a popular option. The popular Governor of Florida might bring the swing-state with him, and he's not even a Bush. The Times has written before about the likelihood of him making VP. He appeals to both independents and more conservative Republicans. A possible snag? He's single and has been forced to repeatedly defend his sexuality. Or is that a snag?

6) Bobby Jindal

The Governor of Louisiana, his name's cropped up several times recently. He's made waves with ethics reform in his homestate. The child of Indian immigrants, he'd add some diversity to the ticket and, at just 36, years old, he's half McCain's age. He also has a strong background in healthcare. 

7) Sarah Palin

A former Miss Congeniality, the young Alaska senator has made quite a splash. The first female governor of her state, she might help bring women into the fold. And her strong support of family values and pro-life views will appeal to Republican voters who might be alienated by McCain's more maverick opinions.

8) Colin Powell

The former Secretary of State is a much-loved and well-respected moderate. But his denouncement of the Iraq mission may make him less appealing to McCain. Another catch? He's advised Barack Obama on foreign policy and praised him heavily in the past. An endorsement isn't out of the question.

9) Haley Barbour

The Governor of Mississippi would help secure the South. He's been head of the RNC and no-one could quibble with his conservatism. Knows everyone in politics but there is one large cloud hanging over his head. A series of Katrina-related ethics violations were alleged last summer. McCain might decide to steer clear.

10) Mike Huckabee:

If he really wants to propitiate the base, McCain should go with Huckabee. The former Arkansas Governor scored surprisingly well during the nomination campaign, taking Ohio, Kansas, Louisiana and West Virginia. And McCain would get two for one. Huckabee's bound to bring celebrity endorser Chuck Norris along for the ride. On the other hand, the guy doesn't even believe in the theory of evolution.

Comments

[Joseph]

Your list is laughable. I really doubt Pawlenty will help McCain in the South where he will need it against Obama. Unless of course, the electoral map totally changes.

Lieberman is not even an option here.

Romney is absolutely no help and actually more of a hindrance in the South as demonstrated by his 3rd or worse place finishes in the South during the Primaries. Not to mention his "flexibility" when it comes to the issues. Southerners like their leaders to have principles and convictions.

Rice has nothing to offer except race and gender. I think McCain carries enough clout in Foreign Policy by himself.

Crist will help in Florida but doesn't offer anything else outside the Sunshine state.

Jindal is a great choice but he is really young with limited experience at 36 years old. Adding him to the ticket would not allow going after Obama on lack of experience.

Palin would be a great choice but again, experience would be an issue.

Powell is a popular figure but to me, he is more Liberal than Conservative. I would not be surprised if he actually endorsed Obama or was his VP choice.

Barbour is a good choice, especially in the South. Name recognition among regular Americans who are not political junkies might hurt.

Huckabee is the best choice because of his popularity in the South. His name recognition has went from nothing to almost household. He has 10.5 years experience running a government. He is not the choice of Republican Elites, which seems to be a good thing this year so far. He is very articulate and draws lot's of free media. Great campaigner and can do more with less as proven in the Primaries.

To me, this is a no-brainer.

[EminemsRevenge]

Condi WOULD be an interesting pick!!!

All the limbaughnistas are now saying that she's one Black they'd vote for...but i can imagine the uproar if "liberal" McCain picked her as his running mate.

[Daphne Kenward]

Condi is a loyal servant, she is a figure head seen but not heard, she only says what is in her remit. & collect her pay check. It is just a job. Means nothing to her she can go off and write a book like Powell these people have no moral values, they are servants of Satan a Devil system that does as little good as possible, the prise for them is money & conections. These are the true Judas.

[Mrs.Josephine Hyde-Hartley]

I think Condoleeza Rice should be a very good vice president.She strikes me as having great perspicacity and is able to turn a common phrase very well.eg a couple of years ago, at the Mansion House, she warned everyone against "turning a blind eye" to the worlds problems.

[Andrew Milner]

You really think John "Homer" McCain has a shot?

[Mental Golf]

I think Tim pawlenty is the strongest candidate for VP. McCain would do well with folks on both sides of the aisle and his speaking abilities would be a good match against obama.

Sarah Palin would be a second best choice. We need a sexy woman in the WH (she's former Miss Alaska), it would help with the female demographic.

[GARTH STRONG]

STRONG COMMENTS:

It doesn't really matter who he choses, Dani. It would take a major miracle for McCain to win: The Republicans have messed up America!!

1)TIM PAWLENTY: He certainly has pawlenty going for him. He probably is well aware of the pain that is McCain: Is the chemistry right?

2)JOE LIEBERMAN: Who is Joe Lieberman? What is he? What does he stand for...if anything? He is Washington's classic chamelion: He is Democrat, Republican, Independent...whatever works and is most expedient at the moment. He looks in the mirror and does not recognize the face that he sees.

No, sorry..won't work. May get chosen anyway.

3) MIT ROMNEY: Yeah, flexible, therefore quite likely.

4) CONDOLEEZZA RICE: Maybe McCain would like to nibble on this rice!
The greatest mystery in Washington is how did an ostensibly - demonstrably! - smart and intelligent woman like that ever get mixed up with the Bush bunch? Well, so did Colin Powell...but at least he had the smarts and the class to get out! What did Shakespeare say about ambition? For the sake of her reputation, she should have followed Powell's example and gotten out also. History will treat him much kinder.

She will be seen as the "Anti-Obama", and is therefore a very likely choice.

5)"Charlie" ? Who cares if Crist's wrist is liable to twist? He seems to be a very nice guy. Sorry, the chemistry doesn't seem to be right with Macho Mako McCain!

6)BOBBY JINDAL: No...not yet ready for the big do-nothing job!

7)SARAH PALIN: Yeah! Gimme an S - R - A - H! RAH-RAH-RAH!!!!!!!

8)COLIN POWELL: Not a snowball's chance in hell that he would even consider it for a second! A decent, honest guy who got in with very bad company...and who would never want to make the same mistake again!

9)HALEY BARBOUR: Not a safe harbour.

10)HUCKABE MAYBE GONNABE! He seems to be McCain's sort of guy.

[Mary McCurry]

I would go with Sarah Palin. Having a pro-life WOMAN is no small thing. Also her experience with her Downs syndrome child demonstrates her genuine understanding of the meaning of human life; not a politically expedient postion to woo Conservatives. And she is proven adminstrative competency. She would definitly appeal to the both the financial and social Conservatives and as a woman would appeal to many Clinton supporters who may well feel betrayed as women.

[Dee]

How could you neglect to mention Rudy Giuliani??

Remember - the man who was once the shoe-in for the Republican nomination?

Giuliani is the only one I really wanted to win the presidential election, and the only way I would vote for McCain is if Giuliani were his running mate.

(There is no way that I would vote for either Obama or Mrs. Clinton, because both of them seem oblivious to the immense global threat posed by militant Islam, and the need to defeat that at all costs. Instead, I'll just sit this election out.)

Rudy Giuliani was the only real centrist in this whole crazy presidential race, and it's a shame that he had to drop out.

[Dee]

Another thing: please strike Mike Huckabee from your list. The guy is a total nutcase. Not only does he not believe in evolution, but he thinks he's being "funny" when he makes a "joke" at an NRA convention, about somebody making an assassination attempt on Barack Obama. Shame, shame, shame. There was NO excuse for that.

[malbork]

I truly believe that if McCain wins the presidency, his vp will become president upon his death in office. Combine his age, diminished physical condition from his time as a POW, the incredible pressures of the job, and a temper that would test any heart, he is not being approached by life insurance salesmen. So who does he pick (knowing this himself), probably none of the above. Just a word on a few: 1) Lieberman - make it official, Israel is the 51st state 2) Condi - Ms Faust sold her herself to the devil and with all those brains and talent. An American tragedy in one act. 3) Mitt - speaking of devils... 4) Crist - the word from Florida is that he is gay, not that that is a problem with some Democrats or other clear heads, but the Christian Republican Party might have a teensy little problem with it. 5)Jindal - a Republican Obama wannabe. 6) Barbour - a good ol' boy (and every black American knows what that is) 6)Huck - add his religious insanity to McCain's bomb-bomb-em-all war machine, and the Crusades will look like a Cooks tour to the holy land.

[Mike Smith]

Err... McCain won Ohio and West Virginia, not Huckabee.

[Dan'l]

Nice little snide comment about Huckabee & evolution. You say he doesn't believe it, like that's unusual or a bad thing. Don't forget, evolution is a theory, like creation, and unproven, like creation. It requires faith to believe it, like creation, and the willing suspension of reason...unlike creation. Evolutionists can concoct an entire animal, full-featured, full-colored and even with supporting habitat and vegetation, all from a single bone! That takes faith! Whereas, most Christians, Jews and Muslims can say "in the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth" and leave it at that. Jesus asks for faith the size of a mustard seed; evolution requires faith the size of tyranosaurus. Shall I pray to the fossils for more faith? Not sure how that works....now, back to politics....

[Michael]

Okay, how are we supposed to take this Top Ten seriously when it includes Condi Rice and Colin Powell? Rice has the distinction (besides being female and black) of having been both the worst National Security Advisor *and* worst Secretary State in living memory. As for Powell, he has all but endorsed Obama at this point and his bridges to the Republican Party are well and truly burned. Better political guesswork than this can be found just about anywhere pints are being tipped. Sheesh.

[ron]

No to 2 through 10.They all have baggage McCain doesn't need.Joe Liberman.Are you joking?Huckabee will help in the South but in the North,where people actually think,he'll be an albatross.Rice would drive me to vote for Obama.Romney?I'd vote for Obama twice.

[rightwingprof]

I believe Barbour said he wouldn't take it. So did Rice. Huckabee would repel more voters than he would attract, and I'm not sure what Pawlenty would bring to the ticket, especially since the Republicans in MN I know don't much like him.

[robert Lamb]

Well, McCain has promised that his administration will be CheneyBush III. So, why not keep Cheney? It is continuity. CheneyMcCain.

RL

[JOHN CHUCKMAN, TORONTO]

Huckabee?

The guy is missing at least one full lobe of his brain.

Apart from his half-wit observations on evolution, just look at what this Appalachian Throwback thinks is a funny quip:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080516/ap_on_el_pr/huckabee_obama;_ylt=ApwerK0JXf.s9sS0xXWLJgKs0NUE

You know if you or I wrote something like that about Bush, the Secret Service would be knocking at the door shortly after with a lot of intrusive questions and they'd open a file, as they always do with threats.

Can you imagine this idiot going to an international conference as he went to one of his early campaign debates, Bible in hand, thumping it and declaring loudly he believed it was the absolute, unchangable word of God?

He would be laughed off the stage. Even Bush, likely the dimmest man to ever hold the office ofc president and one full of half-understood religious notions, never did anything as grotesque as that.

And given what we know of McCain's private feelings towards the Religious Right's inappropriate role in politics, wouldn't this be the biggest act of hypocrisy in quite a while?

It really does not matter whom he chooses. McCain is going to lose.

Obama's razor-sharp mind and articulte speech and grace will quite literally mop up the floor with him in any debate.

Here's how Obama relishes the opportunity to debate tired, old, mediocre McCain:

http://weblogs.chicagotribune.com/news/politics/blog/2008/05/obama_to_mccain_anywhere_anyti.html#more

[BP Vallance]

How about Hilary Clinton as McCain's VP candidate. After all she has been working for months in his favour.

[George]

It seems to that the Republicans painted themselves into a corner. Even if McCain picks
someone with the intelligence of Einstein, the morals of Mother Teresa, the looks of Cary Grant, the business sense of Buffet, they would still lose to the Democrats. Sadly enough, Bush is not the problem, he answers to Cheney and Rush.

[jwp-nyc]

As I said of the Bush presidential races, "Those who refuse to believe in the theory of evolution are bound to be proof of its existence."

After 8 disaster prone years of global adventure highlighted by failure in Iraq, and failure in Afghanistan, impotence in South Korea, precipitating a domestic economic collapse at home, we now reap the rewards of electing a high functioning chimpanzee to America's highest office.

As for Rudy, he fell out of the race because he is a detestable opportunistic body louse of a politician who only comes off well in comparison to organized crime bosses.

Ms. Rice would be a link to the Bush administration, but no less so than Bush himself, who with his immoderate statements to the Israeli Knesset which were immediately embraced by candidate McCain, established once and for all that he is a belligerent idiot of the first order, embraced by a man of similar temperance, good will and judgment.

[David Thomas]

Why the comment "doesn't even believe in the theory of evolution"? You talk like everyone does, or that anyone who doesn't is stupid, somehow.

Many, many people have serious objections to this theory from all kinds of angles, including scientific. It has so many holes. I pity those who foolishly accept the molecule-to-man fable: clearly they are media-led and have fallen for a false doctrine.

[Vic Semprini]

Huckabee knocked himself out of contention with his supremely stupid gaffe at the NRA convention which left the audience gob smacked and sitting on their hands.

If his goal is to ingratiate himself to his base (why start now, John?), then he'll have to go with Romney or Barbour. The former is less "flexible" now, as a national politician than he had to be when running for governor of Massachusetts, a state that's kept Ted "Bubbles" Kennedy in the US Senate for decades.

[JaneyRuth]

Condi! Condi! Condi! Yessssss!

[eag]

Of those you mention, of which I suspect none will be the Vice-Presidencial nominee. Bobby Jindal and Condoleezza Rice stand out. However, both have detriments as well as strengths. Governor Jindal has just been elected as Governor of Louisiana and may be reluctant to leave that office having just been elected this past Autumn further he does not have particularly extensive experience (two terms in the House of Representatives before being elected Governor).

Secretary Rice is a brilliant woman, however, she is tarred with the brush of having been an important foreign policy advisor during the current administration.

Further certainly in the case of Doctor Rice, I suspect that the Democratic Party, masters of "holier than thou" and "do what I say not what I do" would not only try to brand her as being the principal architect of Iraq, but also cast innuendo on her being a middle age never married woman. As well as U.S. suspicion of "over education."

[American in the UK]

Very interesting list of possible contenders. I find that Sarah Palin would probably be McCain's best pick - someone with executive experience to counterbalance McCain's lack of it. It would also be an interesting choice given IF (and I'm beginning to think of this 'if' as a strong 'when') Hillary Clinton is slotted as Obama's VP. If McCain is smart about his choice, he should recognise that having a running mate that is female and/or African-American (or any ethnicity other than being white) is something very popular these days.

However, I have a strong feeling he won't go down that route ... if anything, he'll need someone who's strong on economics. Unfortunately this attribute is completely antithetical to what the GOP currently stands for.

[LJR]

Condi has already made it clear. She
does not intend to run as V.P.
I truly believe, McCain/Romney,
would compliment each other.
One strong on foreign policy, the
other, An economy Guru.

You want change? lets get someone
in there with proven sucess in the
private sector.

[Jimbo]

McCain has ruled out having a pro-choice running mate, so no to baby-killers Condi, Colin Powell and Joe Lieberman.

[Mundus611- Polymath]

Condi is NOT what many might think.She would be a disaster.She has been way, way out of her depth from the beginning.She has no concept of with what she deals, and we are in a war.Don't forget, she was supposed to be a foremost Russian expert.Well....
McCain will loose with her.There isn't one constituency she could carry.She is a traitor for many.She has absolutely no respect for life, and is solely out for herself.
I have become a Republican, and I will say, her never having been married or had a child, does make a difference. Knowing five languages, which I doubt,and how to play classical music does not mean she is talented politically, nor knowledgeable, nor necessarily intelligent.She is not a manager, certainly. She is lucky and an opportunist, and received the advantages the era of her lifetime afforded her.Her personal life would not hold up in a campaign.
Barbour should stay in Mississippi.That's the fit for him.
Romney is what McCain requires on many levels.He is the only one who understands Economics, trade, job creation, currency markets,financial
markets, international banking,etc.
and has turned around corporations from failures to profit-making entities.Plus he has run businesses .Thus, he has practical experience in the real world.He acquired both a Law degree and an MBA at the top of his classes at both Harvard
schools, simultaneously.His core people are absolutely solid individuals.He is a family person
with strong values and ethics.He has lead a state as governor of Massachusetts, managing to deal with the Kennedys, and taking it from a place of severe debt and without raising taxes instituted policies so the state had a surplus within a year.
He knows what is what,
is creative, innovative and understands people.He listens.If we ever needed
someone with these attributes, it is now.It is a shame the Republican Party was adamant that McCain was to be the candidate.Romney is incorruptable
and cannot be bought.He was the only winning candidate NOT in George Soros' pocket.He understands the enemy and the importance of our nation's security and victory.He can be trusted.He could take over with a day's notice, and is a man of whom we could be proud.
Wives are important in this campaign, and both Cindy McCain and
Ann Romney are accomplished women,
have been personally tested in life, and have risen above those challenges to become admirable and finer human beings.

[R_Hoosier]

You want a female?
You want someone from the private sector?
You want someone with serious brains & ability?
You want Carly Fiorina.

[David Thomas]

Huckabee declaring he doesn't buy the molecule-to-man evolution fable is a clear indication that he is an independent thinker, unlike much of the secular-led UK media who have fallen for the lie of non-life to life then molecule-to-man evolution. It's a myth but we Brits have fallen for this absurdity, even putting Charlie Darwin on our £10 notes. Is it any wonder we have little credibility in the world these days?

[Common Sense]

Huckabee doesn't believe in the THEORY of evolution (choosing instead to believe the THEORY of creation) so, therefore, wouldn't be a good VP choice? That is one of the most laughable, absurd, and ignorant statements I've seen yet this election cycle! How can anyone consider a list drawn up by a bozo who would make such a statement to have even the slightest shred of credibility?

[JAY]

Mcain............Magoo ... Whats the difference

[1mean1]

Maybe there is no theory of evoluation with regard to politcs. After all presidents come and go and not more improvement is ever seen.
Who ever wins the presidential election in USA will end up with an almost fresh new team and decisions to make for the future of the USA and with their foreign policies. Let me hope the next elected president does at least one good thing as in not overlooking at the tiny improvements over the years which happen in both Afghanistan and Iraq. These two wars and aftermath were never designed to be over within one or two presidential terms and Bush's team.
Condoleeza Rice is a bright politician in my opinion but ultimately it is her decision to work along the next elected president. And my opinion is regardless of gender or skin color. Condoleeza Rice has given me the impression of a politician with a strong and diplomatic personality, but there again I could be wrong. The americans and those who deal(t) with her directly might be more capable of confirming or not what I just wrote.

[Ian Thorpe]

I read through the list several times but could not rid myself of the feeling it is not complete. Then I realised, Tony Blair is not on it.

[Tim]

Obama,What has he really done.Nothing, He is a senator with no record. He talks about change.But What has he done. No experiance. Would you hire someone for a skilled job with no skills?You talk as if he has already won. I am not a big fan of McCain. I am a republican.From what I have read he would take me in a better direction than the tax and spend liberals.And for you in the north who believe we came from an ape, I would rather have my faith in the lord than a loser like Darwin. Huckabee is a good man with good character. have fun in November with another loser Democrat.

[nunya bizness]

It will be either Condi Rice or Charlie Crist.

[EMM]

Mitt Romney is the only choice for VP. We need someone who can straighten out this economy. I'm not voting for McCain so what difference does it make. I have never failed to vote in an election since I was old enough to vote and that's a long time. However, this time I will only write in a candidate. EMM

[Kevin]

Two rather obvious names are missing here, both from South Carolina: Senator Lindsay Graham and Governor Mark Sanford. I agree with those who say that right now it's likely McCain will lose no matter what, but these two reassure the base. Graham's military background and comparable youth give him stature with the base. Sanford's culturally conservative credentials do the same... And if there's a mass African American turn-out, this could keep SC in the red... Of course, if it looks like there will be a mass African American turnout throughout the country, McCain can probably forget it by Oct 1st...

[Dave Livingston]

I Catholic, conservative & a wounded in action Viet-Nam War veteran have been planning to vote for John McCain & I will do so, if he doesn't choose Romney or another Mormon as his running mate. But if he does choose Romney or another Mormon, I'll cast my vote for Obama instead.

[ALEX WILLIAMS]

Mccain wont be president,unless obama gonna be win

[DAVE]

Why not Gindrich?

[Vern]

I think that McCain will make a wise choice that will boost his campaign, he has a lot of advisors prodding him right now. Anyway, it looks to me like he will win, we will certainly not elect a child.

[Stephen Russell]

Given his dubious standing with Conservatives, Senator McCain cannot afford to choose someone who will offend the Republican Conservative base. Given the Republican Party's deep unpopularity, he cannot afford to offend moderates, middle-of-the-road voters and independents. Given his age, he cannot afford to choose someone over 60. Given that experience is his biggest asset (and lack of it one of Obama's biggest liabilities) he cannot to undermine this advantage by choosing anyone with less experience than Senator Obama. Senator McCain has alrealy said he will choose someone who is "ready to be President".
Ideally he would choose someone with good economic credentials and someone who will help win a key state. This means Ohio. Or possibly Nevada, New Mexico, Colorado, maybe Wisconsin or New Hampshire. Or Ohio. Underline Ohio. McCain does not need help in the South - if he is in danger there he is down the toilet anyway. Or the North, where he isn't going to win anyway (except maybe New Hampshire). As a senator, running in an election in which change and rejection of the Washington establishment is such a big factor, it would also be good to choose someone from outside Washington, ie not another Senator or congressperson.
Given all those things:
Joe Lieberman is out - as a (sort of) Democrat he would outrage the Republican base. He is also too old.
Mike Huckabee is out - he would not please Conseratives (except evangelicals) and appal moderates (who regard him as a lunatic).
Condoleeza Rice is out - she would tie him too close to Bush, from whom he needs to distance himself.
Colin Powell is out - he is too old, would cause Conservatives to grumble, and wouldn't accept the job.
Bobby Jindal is out - he is too young and inexperienced. He would look like a gimmick.
Sarah Palin is out - a Senator, and not enough experience.
Mitt Romney seems unlikely to me. He has money (perhaps he could write a large cheque to the campaign). He has economic credentials. But his popularity with Conservatives was only a reaction to McCain's unpopularity. And his flip flops make him look like an insincere standard-issue slimy politician - the antithesis of McCain. His selection would damage McCain's integrity brand which is probably his greatest asset.
From what I have read, I get the impression that Charlie Crist would not be popular with conservatives, but he seems possible. Haley Barbour and Tim Pawlenty seem a little more likely.
However, there are a lot of people not on this list who should be, such as former Ohio congressman, Director of the Office of Management and Budget, and a former United States Trade Representative Rob Portman. Or South Carolina governor Mark Sanford? Or (a little left field here) how about former eBay CEO Meg Whitman?

[Gamini de Silva]

Condyloma Rice who sees mushroom clouds in the mirror every morning, is hated the world over, even more so than the present PotUS.

[Laurence]

Condi for VP would be a master stroke, she would make an excellent VP and finally drag America into the 20 century at long last.

[Chasm]

The electoral map will be key in this election. So look for McCain to pick someone from Missouri, like Gov. Matt Blunt or from Ohio, although I am not sure there is anyone who helps McCain in Ohio. Certainly not Boehner.

Any interesting pick would be Rep. Tom Cole of Oklahoma, the chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee. He is the only registered Native American in Congress (which provides a little novelty factor to balance a Black candidate) and his ties to the Republican base are pretty strong. Not that he would help much electorally as Oklahoma would likely go Republican anyway, but he might help on the fundraising side, calling in some chits from the incumbent Republican Reps.

[Julia Iskandar]

Condi is secretly on love with Dubya ("My husb...") or with power. Not a good start. The others don't know what they want. And the GOP is still mesmerised by Dubya's "gaslighting" (as in the Hitchcock film, Gaslight) tricks: "If we don't know what to believe, it must be our fault..." Blair/Bliar has been shown up as Emperor without Clothes, tainting New Labour. The US electorate is in the middle of the equivalent process about the GOP. It's inevitable and healthy.

[David Harrison]

To compete with Obama, McCain HAS to pick a rock star. That means either CONDI or JINDAL. The third, POWELL won't do it. ROMNEY is a possibility and as a dark horse, MEG WHITMAN of E-bay. other than that your list is a no-go.

[David in Chicago]

Condoleezza Rice accomplished absolutely nothing during her seven plus years in the White House. Why on earth isn't that noted in the press? Let McCain choose her and they both can go down in smoke in November.

[Daphne Kenward]

Someone said Huckabee is a total nutcase, he cannot be considered I thought Americans prefeer Nutcases. How did they end up with G W BUSH other wise. Why worry about Vice President, when the Republicans will not win. Condi Rice, I am sure she has her qualities but she has imbarrassed her self by association with BUSH. As did Colin Powell.

[Daphne Kenward]

As some one said yesterday on C-Span it was McCain who helped to NAPALMED the people of VIETNAM, why is he running to take revenge on the world, because he was caught and held as prisoner of war. He will never win. He is too old, he is losing his memory, and the people of America has not lost their mind.

[Frank Upton]

It hardly matters, when Obama is such an empty windbag who is bound to deflate during the presidential campaign.

[Robert Dean Kellogg]

Let's get honest about Tim Pawlenty. He has been elected governor of Minnesota twice. But he has never carried 50% of the popular vote. Without two relatively strong Independence Party candidates, he never would have been elected at all.

Now, with one bridge having fallen and two others closed due at least in part to Pawlenty's failed leadership, he comes with a giant albatross around his neck.

McCain will not carry Minnesota with or without Pawlenty. If he does not help McCain in Minnesota, where will he help him? Iowa? Michigan? Ohio? Colorado? It seems unlikely.

Pawlenty is boyish in comparison to McCain's obvious age and apparent senility, but that is not enough to make a difference.

[Mark Conte]

Huckabee doesn't believe in evolution. He doesn't believe dinasours roamed the earth millions of years ago because he thinks the earth is 10,000 years old. A senile old man and an ignorant fanatic. Yep, that's republican.

[The Real Howard S]

Two names significantly missing from this list are those of Rudy Giuliani and Lindsey Graham, and justifiably so. Neither of these choice would sit well with conservative voters, and since they're not too fond of McCain, either, many of them might choose to stay home on November 4. That would give the Democrats a shot at picking up the nine Senate seats (Kentucky? Texas?) they need to totally control the agenda in that body

[Kevin]

I want J.C. Watts for consideration. The man has experience, great debater, and can flat-out lead.

[MIE]

Colin Powell has stated he does not want to get involved either as a US Presidential candidate or Vice-President. Condoleezza Rice would a novelty. She has the credentials,but has not properly used them and there is a lot of documentation that she would not be good as a VP. The website http://www.myspace.com/uss_america was deleted by the FBI(You can call them at 1-310-477-6565)since it told the truth about John Sydney McCain III and how he is a faux follower of the late Barry Morris Goldwater,Sr(1909-1998) whose US Senate position McCain took over in 1987. McCain III is worse than George Walker Bush since he allowed him,GWB,to thrash him and then began to backtrack everything he has said about the right wing extremist and will continue so he can get elected. The USA voted for GWB and will elect McCain since they are not ready for a woman or a non-white man. The USA is about 69-70% racist and do not like Catholics,Mormons,etc.

[Miles Gloriosus]

Anyone who's actually researched Condoleezza Rice's academic and intellectual accomplishments knows that they are remarkably thin.

She has a legitimate Ph.D. and wrote one book, based on her Ph.D. dissertation, that was reviewed negatively by experts in her profession. If she speaks five languages beyond the level of "como esta usted?" or "Kag dyila?", I found no evidence of it.

Her signal achievements are having an oil tanker named after her, getting a job at Stanford University with no known qualifications to justify her hiring, and helping the Bush-Cheney regime frighten the American people into the disastrous war and occupation of Iraq.

In other words, she'd be a perfect running mate for faux-maverick John McCain.

[David]

Actually, Governor (not Senator as indicated in your story) Palin of Alaska is starting to appear on a lot of lists. She is conservative, but moderately so, intelligent, and would add both a younger age and a definite hotness factor to the ticket. She would also be an even bigger asset as a woman in the unlikely scenario of Sen. Clinton getting the nomination. Don't be surprised is Sarah Palin is the VP nominee.

[Patricia in Florida]

McCain could win with a woman. This Palin lady is just what is needed.

[Winnifred Lamptey]

I am amazed by the "respect" people have for Colin Powell. I find him spineless and not terribly intelligent - sorry. I'll take Condi Rice any day. When I read comments about people's very strongly negative attitude towards an unmarried and childless woman, it makes me very sad and very afraid of many people in this society.

Why, on earth, would anyone want John McCain as president, by the way? I think the US lost their opportunity - Giuliani would have been good.

[Gregory A]

(Re: Huckabee) -- "On the other hand, the guy doesn't even believe in the theory of evolution."

The question is whether he should run for VP with McCain, not whether he should be Richard Dawkins's roommate.

[gh]

Posted by: Michael "Huckabee will help in the South but in the North,where people actually think,he'll be an albatross"
_______________________________

Well, at least we aren't condescending little pr--ks who think that they hold the patent on smarts. I'd rather have common sense than believe that I am the smartest guy in the room; we've seen how that turns out.

[Tom]

I believe McCain MUST pick a racial minority or a woman. He has got to hit a home run here.

The Republican Party must do away with the old white guy mentality.

Since Obama has the black vote already, that leaves his pick to be a woman.

Rice - She is way too closely connected to the present administration which is very unpopular.

Palin - Bingo! Executive experience, muckraking the Republican machine in Alaska, the perfect candidate to help McCain clean house and fight corruption in Congress. Plus she is conservative on many issues and has a new baby boy. She would outright charm the socks off the country and get the ticket an incredible amount of media attention. It would be a really historic moment that the Republican Party acknowledges it should be a Party for all.

[Daphne Kenward]

Huckabee is comfortable with people, he is a natural, perhaps he could go around the country playing in pubs, and McCain & Hickabee could become a double act.!THE McCain & HUCKABEE BAND! Their first act SINGING THE BLUES, the white house DREAM!. Thousands would come out to see them. Perhaps their first appearance counld be on FOX NEWS.

[MCCAIN/ROMNEY TICKET]

I will like to see MCCAIN/ ROMNEY Ticket!! Like everyone knows that Romney is pretty smart, honest,humble and he could lead or follow!

I don't like Huckerbee he is only think about himself and selfish.
He can't be a leader and if he became MCCAIN's ticket, there will be a lot of people won't vote for MCCAIN.

Huckbee has been putting down other Christians too much so MCCAIN will lose a lot of votes for that reason.
No Huckabee!

[Alan Srout]

My list w/reasons:

Fred Thompson—strongest federalist, strong on immigration, WOT, Social Security

JC Watts—true conservative & antidote to Obamanism

Duncan Hunter—Strong on immigration, WOT

Steve King of Iowa—look him up, you’ll be impressed, Midwestern

Jim DeMint—VERY conservative!

Haley Barbour—Hero of Katrina, competent, executive experience, ran RNC, good lever puller

General David Petraeus—OBVIOUS

Steve Forbes—Economic knowledge w/o Mitt’s baggage, Flat Tax

Sheriff Joe Arpaio—strongest anti-illegal official in USA

Bobby Jindal—10 years executive experience, still young, “next Ronald Reagan” says Rush.

[Richard]

Yeah, forget Mike Huckabee. A Vice President who doesn't believe in evolution can't even hope to be half the leader Stalin was.

[Rick Kean]

I love Sarah Palin.
When Obama needed a running mate he was
"Biden" his time to pick an experienced one.
By comparisen, when John McBush needed
a running mate he was "Palin" by comparisen.
Sarah looks better than Joe Biden and
she has no experience. She even asked someone
"What does a VP do?"
Just smile. Your days as VP are soon over.
As soon as that old fart dies, YOU... Sarah Palin
will become the Prez. God help this country.
The pick John McBush made proves he is not the
one who is ready to LEAD this nation.
But she does look GOOD!!!