Monday, June 02, 2008

Updated Look at Possible Vice Presidents

On May 10, I posted this about possible Vice Presidents. Since then, I have made a few small changes. These are my final predictions.

Republicans (McCain)
1. Mitt Romney because he helps McCain keep Colorado and Nevada Republican, and he puts Minnesota, Michigan, and Massachusetts in play. Based on this alone, McCain would be silly not to offer the vice presidency to him. Hopefully, some Republicans can get over his Mormonism.

2. Mike Huckabee because McCain still has problems with the Religious Right. Additionally, Huckabee helps McCain retain Iowa and helps keep the Democrats out of the South. Will the Religious Right stay home if Huckabee's not on the ticket?

3. Mark Sanford of South Carolina drops slightly due to Huckabee's name recognition and religious appeal. Sanford's positives are his youth (for future of party) and his current status of being a Washington outsider.

4. Charlie Crist's stock has dropped considerably because McCain might very well be able to retain Florida for the Republicans without the current governor. And although Crist is only 51, he looks much older.

5. Joe Lieberman stays in his original position.

Will McCain choose someone he is more comfortable with or will he choose the candidate most likely to put states in play despite any real or perceived animosity? I suspect McCain is reasonable enough to overlook any ill feelings between himself and Romney. But will the Religious Right support a rebel and a Mormon? Not sure, but I believe the Religious Right might find more in common with McCain and Romney than they suspect. That is, if they take the time to look.

Other Possibilities:
Tim Pawlenty of Minnesota
Jim Gibbons of Nevada
Bobby Jindal of Louisiana
Rick Perry of Texas
JC Watts of Oklahoma
Condoleezza Rice
Colin Powell
Rudy Guiliani of New York

Democrats (Obama)
1. John Edwards has moved up because he helps bridge the gap between Obama, Clinton, and working class whites. Additionally, Edwards is a household name which helps the ticket overcome some worries about Obama's unknown elements. And Edwards totally fits Obama's theme of change because he has changed his view on the Iraq War.

2. Wesley Clark has moved up because he might help the ticket solidify the support of Clinton voters, and his military credentials alone are worthy of vice presidential consideration. But I'm still concerned about his political skills.

3. Tim Kaine of Virginia slips slightly because his unknowns coupled with those of Obama might be too much for America to accept at once. Nonetheless, I believe he is a highly qualified candidate.

4. Jim Webb has dropped considerably due to his views on women, which is not likely to sit well with many Clinton supporters, among others.

5. Hillary Clinton retains the 5th spot due to her political gravitas, but she certainly does not fit Obama's theme of change. And her own comments concerning Obama's presidential qualifications and his possible assassination may preclude her vice presidency.

Other Possibilities:
Al Gore of Tennessee
Evan Bayh of Indiana
Ted Strickland of Ohio
Ed Rendell of Pennsylvania
Joe Biden of Delaware
Chris Dodd of Connecticut
Mark Warner of Virginia
Kathleen Sebelius of Kansas
Bill Richardson of New Mexico
Chuck Hagel of Nebraska

In addition to selecting Edwards for VP, Obama should announce whom he would like to select for his cabinet. This would help calm concerns about what an Obama presidency would look like and generate excitement among the base.