Posted on 05/25/2008 12:53:14 PM PDT by The_Republican
With perfect timing, John McCain has signaled the opening of the vice presidential speculation season, just as the last dregs of suspense are being drained from the marathon presidential contest.
By inviting three of the hot prospects for his running mate to his Sedona, Ariz., ranch for a weekend barbecue-cum-audition, the Republican standard-bearer has given official sanction for journalists and politicians to start calculating who will occupy the second lines on all the ballots come November.
Conventional wisdom is that the winners of this guessing game hold only the briefest of interest to voters. Until the night of the traditional vice presidential debate, they receive almost no coverage in the campaign. Except for Lyndon Johnson in 1960 bringing comfort to Dixie, vice presidential candidates have almost no impact on the election.
So why bother?
In part, it's because everything else at this stage of the race seems so scripted. And it's also that in an era of remarkably close presidential contests, there is always a chance that an inspired -- or disastrous -- choice by the nominee will tip the balance.
I am permanently disqualified from attempting to guess the running mates. The only time I have ever been right was Spiro Agnew, and no one wants to risk a repetition of that calamity.
It was in an interview during the Oregon primary in 1968 that Richard Nixon floated the Maryland governor's name in a typically heavy-handed way, solely to nudge Agnew into an endorsement. Nixon then reminded other reporters at the GOP convention that he had made me the recipient of that leak.
Despite that sordid history, I am as addicted to the speculation as anyone. So, when the McCain campaign announced last week that he would be entertaining former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney...............................................................................................................................................................................................................
(Excerpt) Read more at realclearpolitics.com ...
Rushing to the finish line in his wheel chair.. LOL
With all the hair pulling and consternation about the VP pick and wanting the guessing to end soon, I will accept and do what I can to advance the ticket to the WH. I know what a guy but considering McCain and his ability to organize he could do worse.
I’m starting to hope for Pawlenty. Does anyone think he could help deliver Minnesota, therefore tipping the race? What do y’all think of Pawlenty as a politician?
And was he invited to Cornville?
“Looking for a Running Mate”
Well rumor has it that Ted Kennedy is out.
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