GOP Veep Sheet: McCain's turn (Pawlenty working hard in PA)

http://www.politico.com ^ | 8/23/08 | By ALEXANDER BURNS

[Maelstorm]

The weekend’s biggest GOP veep audition looks to be Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty’s campaign swing through Pennsylvania. The Wilkes-Barre Times Leader reports Pawlenty will visit the towns of Dallas, Factoryville, Tamaqua, Bethlehem, Allentown and the quaint hamlet of Philadelphia during his trip.

That’s a pretty extensive trail run for a politician believed to be near the top of McCain’s short list.

[Maelstorm]

I still think Pawlenty is one of the best possible choices. He brings youthful conservatism and doesn't bring a bunch of liabilities. He also won't overshadow McCain like choosing an also ran. Romney is a bad pick for several reasons, he is a political chameleon and for someone running on straight talk that is a problem, he has signed a law expanding state funded abortion services, he also has supported and signed into law state run health care. McCain needs to go with someone who is not risky and someone who is young and will support him without overshadowing him. Pawlenty is a perfect choice not the rich chiseled handsome choice but the right choice. Some in the political word do not know the difference. I thought Republicans were different. I believe McCain is different and if he is he won't pick the man he detested during the primaries. He doesn't need Romney he needs to keep his image clear and adding the Republican version of John Kerry to the ticket would be a disaster. Let Romney be a good surrogate and work in the administration.

[WilliamReading]

Pawlenty is very weak on his television appearances, he reminds me of Dan Quayle.

[Old Retired Army Guy]

I like him, but in a matchup with Biden, I would bet on Biden. I think if Mc Cain picked a woman, he could essentially take Bidens attack dog status away from him. What about Carly?

[moose2004]

Given the selection of an arrogant, loud mouthed D C know it all as Obambi’s running mate I would think the selection of Pawlenty would be an awesome counter. His mild mid-western manner, coupled with his youth and inviting personality (plus he’s well liked by unions and Christian conservatives) would make him an outstanding choice. For the record I suppport Palin, but I would be very happy with Pawlenty.

[Will88]

Pawlenty? There just haven’t been very many three syllable presidents or vice presidents in US history. The Roosevelts and Kennedy come to mind, but it’s usual for them to have more than two syllables in their last names. And besides being unusual, Obama has three syllables. I think the Republicans would be well advised to pick a VP nominee with only one or two syllables.

[Miss Didi]

What is Carly or the eBay woman going to say about foreign policy?

[NonValueAdded]

Patience! Patience, John. Nothing is locked in for the RATs yet. Don't fall for the rope-a-dope. Already the MSM is questioning the choice. Look at the headlines. The AP has "Analysis: Biden pick shows lack of confidence." The AP! for crying out loud! You better bet the superdelegates are getting an earful. It ain't over till the fat lady sits on Barack or Hillary.

Two men enter, one man leaves. Two men enter, one man leaves.

And we all know that Hillary is the stronger man.

[Old Retired Army Guy]

Not much. Their strength would be Economics/Private Enterprise. Mc Cain has enough of the foreign policy experience to balance things out. Compare this to Obama/Biden. Biden’s strength is Foreign Policy and Obama’s is reading teleprompters.

[rabscuttle385]

And we all know that Hillary is the stronger man.

Well, Hillary is a man...that part is not up for dispute.

[WilliamReading]

Pawlenty would be at a disadvantage.

The real question is whether McCain can win on his own, with an unknown running mate, or whether a high-profile person like Romney would help. On the campaign trail, Romney showed he could hammer opponents — generally without turning off voters. One pundit called him “the smiling assassin.

[WilliamReading]

“I think the Republicans would be well advised to pick a VP nominee with only one or two syllables.”

Ralph Nader fits the bill, in that case.

[Chet 99]

Romney would be great as Sec. of Treasury, not as VP. I agree with your analysis. My personal favorite is Eric Cantor.

[Miss Didi]

I'd rather see Mitt against old Joe Biden than Tim P. any day...he's a Cub Scout.

[popdonnelly]

No doubt about it, Biden was a weak choice. The kool-aid drinkers among the Dems may be enthusiastic, but I’ll bet there are a lot of professional pol types who are scratching their heads.

[sofaman]

"I like him, but in a matchup with Biden, I would bet on Biden."

Agree completely. McCain needs someone that will either take it to Biden or will force Biden to behave like an adult, something that is typically rather difficult for Democrats.

[no dems]

Wait a minute; I’ve watched Pawlenty for 30 minutes at the time on C-SPAN and he plays a crowd well and makes a doggone good, intelligent speech.

He is very Conservative, very witty, and very likeable. Cut the guy some slack.

[normy]

In all seriousness, I can think of no one better to smack Biden around than Fred Thompson.

I also think Mitt Romney is an excellent hard nosed debater who would crush Biden.

I like Haley Barbour too.

[no dems]

McCain needs someone that will either take it to Biden or will force Biden to behave like an adult

Then McCain needs to pick a lady to keep him from being a jerk in the Debates unless he wants to come across as "abusive" to a lady which is political suicide. I suggest Sarah Palin of AK or Kay Bailey Hutchinson of TX.

[johniegrad]

I think the Republicans would be well advised to pick a VP nominee with only one or two syllables.

I certainly hope you were kidding with this comment but, if not, just think of him as "T Paw".

[Cricket24]

Most of us have never even heard of Pawlenty before!