Posted on 07/06/2016 7:51:10 AM PDT by xzins
It goes without saying that Senator Jeff Sessions is popular with a huge number of Americans. It is also true that Joni Ernst, a war veteran, is a rising star in Republican ranks. Either would make wonderful Vice Presidents for different reasons.
However, the trade-off is unacceptable. In the case of Ernst, she is sitting as senator in Iowa, at best a purple state. There is absolutely no guarantee that her seat would be won by a Republican.
Why is that so crucial? The Republican majority in the Senate is only 4 senators. And this year the Republicans have 24 senator seats up for grabs while the Democrats have only 10. Why make that 25 and in a state where holding the seat is unlikely?
The same argument can be applied to Tennessee's Bob Corker to some degree. It applies less so to Jeff Sessions. Alabama would likely elect a conservative.
However, both Sessions and Corker are senior senators. Each would be in line to chair powerful committees in the next congress. In the case of Sessions, the most America-first senator now sitting, a President Trump would want his expertise in charge of a recalcitrant group of establishmentarian republicans who yearn to open our borders to floods of cheap labor regardless of terroristic threats. It is even possible that a Senator Sessions could become Senate Majority Leader. That is a far more important position than VP in the day to day running of the U.S. government.
So, Donald Trump should be encouraged to steer clear of any senatorial running mate in this 2016 election. The price is too steep. Lose the Senate, and everything will grind to a standstill.
There will be zero hope of appointing a conservative replacement for Justice Scalia, of controlling illegal immigration, of fixing our military, or of changing our trade pacts. Losing the Senate will put everything on the back burner.
Messing with the Senate — other than in primary elections — is a mistake.
Frankly, there aren’t any time proven senators whom I would trust. Some newcomers may hold some promise but they have not been battle tested, IMO.
I trust Sessions, but I want him in the Senate.
Have been saying that since the beginning. Probably why Rubio decided to run again. He has the best shot at winning his seat. I agree with his decision. He will help carry Trump in Florida.
We need the BOTH houses and the presidency for anything to get done.
I concur
military man - Michael Flynn ...
Joni Ernst might be great for determination, fire, demographics, for photo ops, for veteran affairs, etc., but there is absolutely no guarantee that a republican would win her seat in Iowa. Of all the potential veeps, she is the worst choice...not because of anything about her...but because of the uncertainty of winning her seat in Iowa.
Yep....that’s who I want as V.P....he is a person like Trump, take no prisoners...say it like it is, and he would scare these spineless sissy ball less boys right out of their skin...
I don’t think she’s even really a consideration. IMHO
About now, he would be the only one I would trust.
I agree with this. Sessions and Ernst are too valuable where they are to be stuck in a do-nothing no-power job for four years.
Corker, on the other hand, is a problem where he is and deserves to be stuck in a do-nothing no-power job for four years.
Newt is not in office anywhere at the moment, so if he wants it, why not?
So, those are my picks: Corker or Newt.
I like general Flynn, but he has no legislative experience.
I like Gingrich, but also has baggage.
There’s probably no perfect candidate.
I’d sort of like to see Trump stick a finger in everyone’s eye and pick someone like Herman Cain. I doubt it will happen — the baggage/legislative experience thing again — but I’d like 2 businessmen outsiders to be running.
Individual politics are a different matter. I've got issues with all three.
I agree that Sessions needs to stay in the Senate. He’s far too valuable to be trotted around for 3rd world funeral duty.
Corker wasn’t really on my list, and I wouldn’t put him there.
Tennessee, which has a viable democrat party presence, is not a guaranteed win for a republican replacement for Corker.
I wouldn’t risk it. It’s just not worth it.
Gingrich is a great idea.
Pence is not a bad idea...he is a acceptable to many, he has legislative experience, and he is smart.
The VP should be someone strong tested vetted and capable of running this nation from day 1. No Joni Ernst she does not have experience. Senators run nothing except their staffs. LTC are not high level military strategists. Get real and stop using the vp office as a pandering post or a affirmative action job training position. I expect better from trump. People who advise trump he “ needs” a female vp are flawed analysts who should be fired.
Congressman Marsha Blackburn.
If Trump wins, the Senate will be o.k. We’ll retain FL, NH, OH and PA. Probably lose IL. Might lose WI. Might pick-up CO and NV. Figure break-even, though maybe a small change either way.
But if Trump loses, we’ll probably lose our majority.
So, this one’s for the Presidency, the Supreme Court and the Senate.
Regarding Iowa - a vacancy would be filled by appointment by the Governor (who is a Republican). The appointee will serve until the next regularly-scheduled statewide election (which would be 2018).
I am not a Christie fan by any means, but I will tolerate a Christie in order to win.
Christie makes a win in New Jersey much more likely.
Huckabee will enable a win in states that are already going to vote for Trump. I don’t think he helps anyplace else.
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