Here's a few thoughts of mine on the BBQ-Friday that governors Crist, Jindal and Romney (among others such as senators Lieberman, Graham, and Brownback) spent at McCain's place in Sendona, Arizona. First, this article from TIME:
http://www.time.com/time/politics/article/0,8599,1808816,00.html?imw=Y
First, this could indeed be just a BBQ-weekend. But why would that not be McCain's way of looking at his potential veep picks? Indeed, he's been giving these BBQ-weekends for a while now. It's probably his way of finding out the character of his nearest allies. Seem pretty smart to me.
Also Huckabee (hat tip: Nachama Solveichek at Veep Watch) WAS invited to the BBQ but had a more pressing date to keep, his 35th anniversary. Could be that, or it could be that he didn't want to be in the same place as Romney.
One thing about these two other guys though ( Crist and Jindal). I can't imagine McCain seriously considers them. For several reasons. Jindal is just TOO new. I like his resume, but picking him will look really convenient. It'll also amp up the issue of McCain's age. He's admitting defeat on age if he chooses someone that young. It'll also bring up the "inexperience" issue as the Democrats try to make Jindal the Republican double-standard on inexperience.
Charlie Crist is more likely, but not by much. Like McCain, he is known for being very moderate on some things and openly leftist on issues like Global Warming (meaning: government solutions). He's also pro-choice ( but anti-abortion---the Giuliani trick).
About Me
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- Ardent admirer of Berlioz and his music! I love classical music, but especially the music and writings of this great French composer. I first "found" Berlioz in 2002. I have gone on to find nearly all his music (as much as is possible) on CD.
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.)
Good point. Choosing Palin as VP now will reverse any criticisms by the Dems.
One the other hand, when do the Dems ever think logically?
Jindal (and Crist) are good Governors, but it’s a no-brainer that Alaska Governor Sarah Palin is the best Veep pick for McCain.
She's definitely on my top five list. Romney, Pawlenty, Palin, Steele, Portman.
In any case, she's very good-looking. It's about time we had a good-looking VP.
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