2008.02.13
A McCain-Rice ticket -- any takers?
Condoleeza Rice as John McCain's veep?
I can't say the idea was mine. One of my very astute readers broached the idea. It's certainly an intriguing political thought.
Laura may rule the roost, but Condi is the strong woman behind Dubya on the job. Whether you agree with her politics, Condi is brilliant. Her presence would shore up McCain's street cred with the conservative wing of the party. If we assume people are voting along race/gender lines this year, Condi would give them a reason to vote for McCain.
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Ms Rice would immediately realize why she would be added to the ticket, her race!
I think her integrity and personal acomplishments would prevent her from stooping to the tactics of using race to divide and hopefully conquer a Republican win.
I think she's too much of a Lady to fall into this trap!
Comment by Bert Boyd — February 13, 2008 @ 12:39 pm
When it comes to past accomplishments, Secretary Rice has had many successes, but her tenure as Secretary of State has been a complete disaster. Being as close to the President as she is keeps her from being effective on foreign policy. Also, she doesn't completely grasp the world events of today. Her expertise was in US/Russia relations, but she been a failure in navigating the world stage at this point.
Having said that, she isn't a good choice because it would be seen as an extension of the Bush administration. That's what the majority of the American people want to rid themselves of. Also, with Ms. Rice, the race angle won't work, because an overwhelming majority of Black people don't respect her in the same way they had respected Colin Powell.
Comment by Henry Hale — February 13, 2008 @ 1:10 pm
Condi might make the vote a bit more palatable, but there aren't many people McCain could choose as a running mate that would really make me want to vote for him. Knowing McCain, he wouldn't choose any of them.
Do tell, Ed. I'm curious at names you'd pair with the maverick senator.---s
Comment by Ed S. — February 13, 2008 @ 1:29 pm
Imagine my tickled surprise when the first name that sprung to mind was "John Bolton". I guess mainly just to get a rise out of the Roanoke valley (and my current home of northern VA).
But I'll put some serious thought into it and get back to you. And hey, if he actually picks one of the people I come up with, I'll even treat you to some Chico and Billy's. (if they're still around)
Comment by Ed S. — February 13, 2008 @ 4:56 pm
Unfortunately, I believe conservatism (aka paranoia) combined with corporate greed has all but cut off America at her economic knees. Corporate greed dismissed the needs of the American auto market and thus hello Toyota. Conservatism overlooked the Savings and Loans debacle during the Reagan Administration and thus hello to the oil money from the Middle East. Corporate greed and conservatism allowed the Sub Prime Mortgage issue and thus hello China and more Middle East money. Is there a pattern here that will allow any Conservative ticket, be it white and black, plug this unplugged drain? I think not. Obama's brilliance and leadership can break up this "old boy's" strangle hold and give America a new lease on life, as well as reclaiming the moral high ground. For those with a military bacground, this is optimum when having to defend your position.
Comment by Bobby Buck — February 14, 2008 @ 8:50 am
Okay, Shanna, here are my picks. I almost guarantee they won't come true...
1. State Sen. Ken Cuccinelli (VA-37)
I like Cuccinelli's limited government and personal responsibility approach. He's a good guy and from what I've seen puts his issues out to see. He is a strong right-to-life advocate where I tend to lean more pro-choice, but that is not one of my major issues and I'm still largely undecided on it. Chances of being selected? About the same as me being on the RT editorial board.
2. Fred Thompson
I like his stances on many issues including national defense, immigration/illegal aliens, and most of his "principles". If he'd take a "back-seat" (VP) role, he'd likely be one of the more noticed (publicly) VPs. Not sure he and McCain would get along.
I can't think of a third one at the moment to round it out. For a "more serious" pick, and one that someone already mentioned: John Edwards. He's pretty charismatic and I wouldn't be surprised if McCain "reached across the aisle" (he's arguably already on the "other side"). Not that I agree with John Edwards, which is why it wasn't "my" pick.
I wouldn't be surprised if he chose a Democrat running mate. As someone said before, I highly doubt he'd choose Condi.
Comment by Ed S. — February 14, 2008 @ 2:28 pm
why not huckabee as vp?
Comment by barry p — February 15, 2008 @ 9:43 am
John McCain should pick Bobby Jindal, governor of Louisiana, the man has a 100% pro-life record, fought waste, cut taxes, has charisma, an “A” rating from “Gun Owners of America”, Rush Limbaugh has called him the next Ronald Reagan, the guy has potential
Comment by Jesse L — February 15, 2008 @ 11:06 pm
Barry--
Huckabee would serve better as President.
But I'd vote for him as VP.
Comment by Ed S. — February 16, 2008 @ 11:13 am
Condolezza Rice would be an excellent choice to run with John McCain. However, I doubt he will choose her and I doubt she would accept if asked. I think she needs to distance herself from the Bush administration before running for VP . . . or President. In the meantime, she can be of greater service to our country in other capacities.
I think McCain may choose Mike Huckabee as his VP. Although I do not agree with every issue Huckabee stands for, I do admire and like the man and believe he is honest. I just don't think any VP choice can do enough to help McCain win.
I do not believe John McCain is the right man for the Presidency. And I seriously doubt the country will elect another Republican this time.
Right now, I am an "Obamacan" --Republican voting for Barack -- but I will not under any circumstances vote for Hillary, even if she ends up on the same ticket. I will not vote for McCain either. If that happens, I will just be another disillusioned American for 4 more years.
I hope that Barack Obama will win and seek advice from Condoleeza Rice and another honorable Republican, Colin Powell. Yes, I expect Obama to actually do what he says he will do and unite people rather than divide along party lines. THAT is the kind of change I would like to see in my lifetime!
Join the movement at http://www.barackobama.com.
Comment by Goldenwillow — February 16, 2008 @ 10:19 pm
I would hope the Republicans are too smart to attach anyone from the Bush administration (and its 33% approval rating) to the ticket.
On second thought, I hope they will. I'm voting for Obama.
Comment by Dave — February 17, 2008 @ 7:03 am
McCain is already about as much of a centrist as he's going to get. I'd look for him to pick someone more conservative, rather than a democrat.
How about Mark Sanford, the current SC governor?
Comment by Ed (the other one) — February 17, 2008 @ 7:26 am
Condoleeza Rice...brillant??? I beg to differ. She was imposed on the American people as this individual who supposedley had all of this expertise when it came to Russia. However, Putin blew her off when she went there. This woman has no credibility, in my opinion, except to do the bidding of her boss...and we all know that's been a total disaster...from Iraq to Katrina (he's now pandering to some of the African nations, checkbook in hand, just to have some sort of positive spin on his legacy).
I find I must agree with an earlier poster, that if McCain did select Ms. Rice as a running mate, it would be because of her race...pure and simple...nothing more.
Comment by Patrica — February 17, 2008 @ 10:22 pm
Colin Powell - if he can stoop to being labeled as a Republican. I would vote for that ticket
Comment by Janet — February 19, 2008 @ 8:45 pm
Great 2008 ticket, McCain/Condi
She is a strong defender of our nation, and supports the second amendment. This is a key issue since McCain might be seen as vulnerable on the gun rights issue, and with Condi, she makes the ticket better with the NRA.
The people who really badmouth her are the liberals, and I find it very disgusting.
Comment by Dave — February 22, 2008 @ 2:10 pm