Posted on 08/07/2008 11:58:46 AM PDT by MeanWestTexan
So how is that any different than what Forbes and Goode would bring to the ticket? Aren't they both rock solid conservatives with lifetime ratings in the 90s? Aren't they both significantly younger than McCain? Forbes is in his 50s. Virgil Goode is 61, but according to the Mitt Romney crowd, Mitt is "youthful" when he's the same age.
It seems to me Cantor's name is only being floated because he's Jewish, and that bothers me whenever "conservatives" want to try to out-pander the Dems at affirmative action. Last we had the same problem with freepers who wanted Condi Rice a heartbeat away the presidently solely because she was a black woman with an "R" next to their name. Now we have people obesssing over elevating the only conservative Jew in Congress with an "R" next to his name. Those obsessed with winning the "Jewish voter" would do well to remember that a majority of Catholics voted against "fellow Catholic" John Kerry. The fact is most Jewish voters in the country are very socially liberal and would not agree with Cantor's policies. I hate to sterotype, but that's simply what the election results show.
I agree Virginia is likely to go GOP for President, as it has since 1964. That's why picking a Congressman from Virginia would not be in my top 10 veep list. If I HAD to pick a Congressman from Virginia, it certainly wouldn't be Cantor as I think Forbes could bring more to the ticket and might get more swing voters to Virginia to pull the "R" lever.
Bottom line is the GOP should be looking at who is the most qualified conservative PERSON who can WIN the electoral votes we need, period. Cantor's a good guy, but take away the jewish novelity and he brings as much to the ticket as putting Chip Pickering (young, solid-conservative, likeable white guy from district the GOP will win anyway) on the ticket would.
I do think his age is a factor, and like it or not the fact that he holds the #4 position in the House is a definite factor. That tend's to elevate one abover other House members.
Not to worry. The chosen one can always buy forgiveness. /s
Cantor is in the House Gop leadership and has been in Congress longer than Forbes and Goode. Both of them are great but would be easier targets for the left’s attack machine.
Just curious, are you opposed because Cantor's Jewish, or because you think he might be considered a token?
This is why Eric Cantor would be a history-making choice. A los of Jewish voters are becmoing mistrustful of the Democrats, as there has been growing evidence of anti-Semitism on the political left for the past 15 years or so.
Because it would be token. Norm Coleman's not as conservative as Cantor, but in terms of qualifications he's simply a better choice, and can swing the swing state of Minnesota. As such, there'd be more reason to put Norm on the ticket besides his religion. Candidates should be choosen on the basis of qualifiations, not on their race, ethnicity, or religion. One of my top choices is Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, but it's because of her outstanding popularity in the state and stunning victory over an incumbant Governor in her own party. It doesn't matter whether the Governor of Alaska is named Sarah Palin or Sam Palin, what matters is their record.
Take away Cantor's quirky "Jewish" factor and what do you get? Chip Pickering. Chip's a good guy, but he would make a good choice for veep? Hardly.
ClintonFatingue is simply wrong about the "history making factor". The media will ignore Cantor's Jewishness as he's not a liberal. We've had many candidates of Jewish origin on Presidential tickets. The GOP had one in 1964. His name was Barry Goldwater, and his share of the "Jewish vote" was extremely slim (Goldwater was not a PRACTING member of Judiasm faith, but he WAS a "Jewish candidate" the GOP nominated for President).
Not necessarily. Choosing running mates on the basis of attracting voters has always been done. Choosing someone in part due to his religion is no different than choosing someone in part because of his popularity in a swing state or reigon. Cantor would definitely attract Jewish voters, though how many remains to be seen.
There is also something different in these times. The Democrat Party is showing signs of anti-Semitism, which goes completely against its history. It’s a tragedy, but for Republicans, it’s an opportunity, as well.
It’s also a fact that Virginia is trending Democrat, largely because of government employees in the D.C suburbs. Eric Cantor would help counteract that trend, at least in the short term.
Just don’t think so. . .first Jewish Veep that is. . .
Repub ‘wisdom’ flies in the face of McCain. . .hope he recognizes it. . .and acts on it.
. . .perhaps you meant to say; they will NOT ignore his Jewishishness precisely because he is NOT a Liberal. If he was 'one of their own' they would not go there.
Of course, he is not; and sooooooo, we can look forward to the destructive MO being leveled against Cantor, should he be the VP nominee; which, personally, I hope, he is not.
. . .perhaps you meant to say; they will NOT ignore his Jewishishness precisely because he is NOT a Liberal. If he was 'one of their own' they would not go there.
Of course, he is not; and sooooooo, we can look forward to the destructive MO being leveled against Cantor, should he be the VP nominee; which, personally, I hope, he is not.
As to Norm Coleman over Cantor, what you get is 5 years experience with an American Conservative Union lifetime rating of 73, 68 in 2007, rather than 6 years experience for Cantor with ratings of 97 lifetime and 100% in 2007.
Coleman would clearly be the choice of the RINO wing of the GOP, who I think we should keep, Cantor the choice of conservatives.
If McCain picks him, you will see attacks on the Zionist candidate you can't imagine.
The difference is that if McCain chooses Cantor, I’d vote for him. If he picks Senator Liberalman, like many others, I won’t vote for 2 liberals.
You and me both, my FRiend.
However, I would sit on the sidelines rather than vote for Obamanation, which is a loss of one vote. If McLame gets someone who would have voted for Obamama to vote for him instead, that is a two vote swing.
McLame knows this, and therefore needs to take votes away from The Chosen One, not just curry votes to his right.
While Democrats will support a candidate because of religion, race, gender, or preferred sex partner
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