Who Will Be Fred Thompson’s VP?

Who Will Be Fred Thompson’s VP? ^ | 6/04/2007 | The New Pundit

[TommyDale]

It ain't gonna be Rudy!

[dirtboy]

Gawd, could we, like, wait until he actually wins the nomination?

[jaydubya2]

!Fred/Duncan!

[mnehring]

ZELL!!!

[steve8714]

Tancredo or J.C. Watts?

[kevkrom]

As much as I hate repeating myself...

I'm going to reiterate my previous sentiment -- it's WAY too early to be seriously discussing this.

Disclaimer aside... there are several factors that go into this choice, and the weighting of those factors is very likely to change between now and the convention. The generic (i.e., not Thompson-specific) factors I can think of (and all should feel free to add) include, in no particular order:

• Geographical balance - appeal to a more broad section of the country, or at least a specific "battleground" state who might vote for a "favorite son"

• Demographic balance - enough voters are shallow that picking a running mate based on -- in part -- looks, youth, race, and/or gender isn't out of the question

• Ideological balance - chosen to mollify a wing of the party (or in some case, targeted independents) as a champion of an issue the lead candidate does not share positions with the group

• Stylistic counterpoint role - whereas the President has to be a bit statesmanlike at all times, having a VP that can serve as a "cheerleader" or "attack dog" on his behalf can be useful

• "Healing the rift" - in the event of a hard-fought, close campaign along an ideological fault line, the winner accepting the loser as running mate may be used to try to re-unify the party

• Cover an apparent weakness - if the lead candidate is perceived as weak or incapable on a particular issue, the running mate can be chosen specifically to cover those weaknesses

• Capable backup - More important in cases where the candidate might be perceived to have potential age or health issues, the running mate needs to be perceived as someone who can "do the job" in the event that the candidate is incapacitated or worse

• Heir apparent - simply put, the VP choice is someone who is being groomed for a future run at the #1 spot

• Capable organizer/fundraiser - generally a former competitor; being able to convert a solid organization that formerly ran against the candidate to the candidate's favor can only be considered a plus

Now, we're a long way away from this point yet, because we don't know which factors would be most important, but in Thompson's case, the most likely factors from the above list seem to be (again, in no particular order): geographical balance, demographic balance, capable backup, and heir apparent.

[The Ghost of FReepers Past]

Hunter or Brownback. Thompson doesn’t need some overpowering personality that will try to dominate things. And who he chooses will reflect on who he is. He had better pick a real conservative.

[randog]

Ted Nugent.

[rob777]

J.C. Watts

[SoKatt]

I like that idea!

[MattinNJ]

We need someone who can carry a Blue State-How about Pawlenty?

[Atlas Sneezed]

I think that the bold choice that maximizes votes is Condi Rice.

Fred is so good that he doesn’t desperately need any particular state or region. But Condi would be a interesting pick for an old southern fella.

Of course, the easy choice is Mitt, because his youth, vigor, and executive experience compensate for Fred’s supposed deficiencies in these areas. (Of course, since those supposed deficiencies are actually being touted by the Mitt crowd, maybe we want to hold off a bit on that!)

[Atlas Sneezed]

If a candidate should pick a VP to compensate for perceived weaknesses (either personally or geographically) it makes sense to wait until one learns what those weaknesses might actually be before making the pick.

[xzins]

He will have to include either a liberal, conservative, ethnic, gender, or “moderate” on his ticket to build bridges.

Since Fred is primarily a conservative, he will have to reach out to a moderate. Any true “conservative” does not accept liberalism as a viable alternative for our nation.

Thompson/Rice would perhaps be a formidable ticket. Rice is a minority, a female, and a moderate. And she has no aspirations (yet) for the presidency. She might be interested in a powerful VP role similar to Cheney’s.

[SE Mom]

This is the first time I’ve disagreed with you!

I think it would be wise -politically- to stay away from the previous administration - for the general election in particular the country is not going to want reminders.

[hardback]

Zell would be awesome

[napscoordinator]

Somebody young!!! Fred is a great guy but he is getting up there and it would be nice to have a Vice President who has youth on his/her side.

[Pippin]

You mean Duncau Hunter?

I'm with you on that! :o)

[randog]

Fred n’ Ted ‘08.