Posted on 08/01/2008 10:25:21 PM PDT by 2ndDivisionVet
Readers may recall that I'm a bit down on the prospect of John McCain finding a running mate who will do him more good than harm. However, one person who might fit this description is John Kasich. He was a popular nine-term Congressman from Ohio, a state Republicans desperately need to carry. And he's originally from western Pennsylvania, another key area.
Kasich seems to possess a blue collar appeal that his party desperately needs. To be sure, he was never a Senator or a Governor, but he held a leadership position in the House, serving as Chairman of the Budget Committee. He was also a key figure in passing welfare reform. Thus, Kasich would seem to possess credibility when it comes to economic issues.
Kasich has his own show, "Heartland," on Fox News. He's good on television and his performances reinforce my belief that, more than anyone else being mentioned on the Republican side, he projects an authenticity that will appeal to what we used to call "the common man."
I've been mentioning Kasich for months to folks who follow Republican politics. In a few cases, the reaction has been vaguely negative with the suggestion (as I interpret it) that Kasich is a bit flakey.
As with any potential running mate, Kasich would need to be vetted carefully. But assuming he passes that process, I see more plusses than minuses here.
But more importantly, I think we need less of SENATOR McCain and more of Potential-Prez McCain. Enough with this working-toward-consensus hooha, show us you can LEAD.
Good God NO! Kasich was horribly tainted in the Gary Condit / Chandra Levy thing that occupied the headlines before 9/11. He’s lucky he landed on his feet as a TV commentator!
I’ve always like Kasich but I think he would be better suited to pick someone with executive experience. Also the Dems would pick over everything John ever said on Fox News for something dumb they could use against him.
I would support Kasich. He’s got a bit of an independent streak, which would go along with McCain’s appeal of being a “maverick”, but is mostly conservative. He was well-liked, left rather than being voted out, and he was a smart guy.
He’s done some TV work since, and he seems presentable.
He wouldn’t be my first pick, but he wouldn’t hurt. Unless there’s some reason he left that nobody knows that we would learn about if he was chosen.
Does ANYONE vote for a President because of who his running mate is???
Lessee, Kennedy/Johnson?
Nope, and double nope!
Bush/Quayle?
Riiiiiight...
Gore/Liberalman?
Hardly!
“I’ve been mentioning Kasich for months to folks who follow Republican politics. In a few cases, the reaction has been vaguely negative with the suggestion (as I interpret it) that Kasich is a bit flakey.”
On the few occasions I have watched him on tv, I got the same impression; a bit flaky.
“Does ANYONE vote for a President because of who his running mate is???”
We have a 72 year old liberal in Republican clothing running for POTUS. This year may be the exception to the rule.
Back in the Congress days, posters on FR had John spending a lot of time in the DC pubs chasing tail.
EXACTLY
Not a great idea. He still has Gary Condit stink on him.
LLS
The Gag Me ticket that would require having your nose clamped in a vise grip, and emt’s standing by.
Kasich is just another ex-politican suffering from the “white guilt syndrome.”
The Chandra Levy case was one big coverup to protect the politico elitist.
Condit, should be in federal prison along with the then DC Police Chief.
One thing that perplexed me about the case, is Chandra’s family never appeared grief stricken. Normally in a homicide abduction case, the parent’s show a great amount of anxiety, grief and elevated emotion.
Jennyscool, you are absolutely right about Kasich.(unfit)
Reality Check,
NSNR
John Kasich... a popular nine-term Congressman from Ohio, a state Republicans desperately need to carry.Thanks 2ndDivisionVet.
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