Posted on 08/06/2008 8:44:00 AM PDT by MeanWestTexan
House Chief Deputy Minority Whip Eric Cantor, Virginia Republican, is reportedly on John McCain's short list for vice president. Mr. Cantor, 45, would bring a number of strengths to the Republican ticket. If Mr. McCain were to select Mr. Cantor, who has a lifetime American Conservative Union rating of 97 percent, it would send a clear message to the conservative Republican base that has had a difficult, uneasy relationship with Mr. McCain. It also would do so without alienating non-conservatives who might be inclined to support the nominee.
There are any number of objections that can be raised to a Cantor candidacy. No Jew has served as president or vice president (although Sen. Joe Lieberman was the Democratic vice-presidential nominee eight years ago). While the United States has come a long way in improving ethnic and race relations in recent decades, it is unquestionably true that religious bigotry exists and must be factored in. Mr. Cantor was elected to the Virginia House of Delegates in 1991 and to Congress nine years later representing a Richmond-area district. As the only Jewish Republican in the U.S. House of Representatives, Mr. Cantor "is a natural nexus between the party's Christian conservatives and traditionally Democratic Jewish campaign donors that they court with their hawkish support for Israel. Despite his short congressional tenure, Cantor ranks among the top beneficiaries of pro-Israel campaign dollars and is a spokesman for the party on Israel," according to Congressional Quarterly's Politics in America.
(Excerpt) Read more at washingtontimes.com ...
Cantor Ping (deeper article than most).
97% ACU rating! Holy crap!
Holy Moley, the guy is more conservative than I am. Beautiful.
A Cantor selection could help reassure conservative Republicans who have disagreed with Mr. McCain on some important issues. For example, on illegal immigration, Mr. Cantor has consistently opposed legislation pushed by Mr. McCain that would provide amnesty to millions of illegal aliens. Mr. Cantor is opposed to climate-change legislation pushed by Mr. McCain and Mr. Lieberman that would impose draconian, job-killing regulations on the private sector and he opposed the McCain-Feingold restrictions on political free speech. Of course, as president, Mr. McCain would have the final say on all of these issues. But Cantor supporters say that putting him on the ticket would ensure that conservatives have a place at the highest levels of a McCain administration. It should also be noted that putting Mr. Cantor on the ticket might help Mr. McCain fight for votes in Virginia, now a “purple” state.
To be certain, there are any number of objections that can be raised to a Cantor candidacy, and there will doubtless be objections that Mr. Cantor, as a conservative, might alienate centrists that Mr. McCain needs to “reach out” to. On the other hand, giving the back of the hand to conservatives would guarantee that a good number of McCain voters stay home on election day.
let’s go!
I could get behind the ticket if Cantor is on it. But, is this too good to be true? Will have to stat tuned.
I'm curious...is it possible that Cantor on the Republican ticket might neutralize some of the racism that's been introduced into the race in the eyes of these "centrists"?
The link didn’t work, so I didn’t read the whole article. Is the fact that he’s Jewish really an issue for that many people? In surveys by the ADL, the African-American community has the highest rate of anti-semitism and their vote will be over 90% for Obama.
I like the way Cantor has stepped up onto the national stage. Solid and representative without being self-promotional, he’s ready for prime time. At 45, VP or not, he’s got a great future.
I think he sounds absolutely great. A social conservative, strongly pro-life and family. A fiscal conservative. A supporter of American security against external threats. A fighter. An experienced politician with leadership abilities.
On the negative side, he is not widely known. FWIW, I never heard of him before this. But running as VP is the perfect way to introduce an unknown to the public. Much as I admire Bush’s sticking with the magnificent Cheney, one reason we are where we are today is that no young, coming conservative candidate was groomed during Bushs eight years in office. (I suspect that was deliberate, but never mind.)
This would make me feel much better about voting for McCain. MUCH better.
On a side note but related, and mentioned by this author, frankly Leiberman has been a great disappointment. He is a religious Jew, I suppose, but he is a pro-abortion liberal first and foremost, no better as a religious Jew than Teddy Kennedy is as a Catholic. It looks as if Cantor is a REAL religious Jew.
I am a regular subscriber to First Things. The political coalition between orthodox Catholics and conservative Evangelicals is vitally important for our country’s future. It is the necessary foundation of the conservative vote. I think a third element is needed: a leaven of orthodox Jews. I don’t capitalize “orthodox,’ because I mean it in the sense of being true to the Covenenant of God with Israel, and not all self-named Orthodox Jews are really true to the biblical covenant, any more than all Catholics are true to the Church. But I agree with Fr. Neuhaus at First Things: a third leg is needed in this social conservative coalition—Catholic, Evangelical, and Jewish.
I say welcome, and I believe real Evangelicals will say the same if they are given the chance to know him.
I do worry only in one area that of how our "moderate" Muslim "friends" would react to any Jew of any stripe being second in command at U.S. Presidency, since they refer to non-Jews as "Crusaders" and Jews as "dogs and pigs," I'm certain that they are pushing for Obama rather anyone Repuplicans will choose.
It's now time to put up or shut up! I say put Cantor on the ticket and the name recognition will soon follow.
1. Sorry about the link; it’s right. I think the Washington Times website is having trouble. Try again later. If still no workee, ping me and I will try to find another path.
2. You know, the only anti-semites I see an issue with are the Pat Buchanon types.
15 seconds after named VP candidate, Cantor would have 100% name recognition.
AUH20 picked Bill Miller for VP, a failure. Mondale picked Ferraro, a failure. House reps are not good draws for voters. If not Cantor, and John sticks to the House, how bout Mike Pence of Indiana? Would have the same appeal and with little drawbacks except he is a House unknown. Except to some conservatives.
That's a ringing endorsement not a drag. I'm sick to death of 'known' republicans who give the finger to their constituents. Being a 'nobody' might just mean he doesn't cave to the Washington beltway and will stay true to his principles of real conservatism. Exactly what I want!!!!!!!
Cantor is solid as a rock, and is liked by many people in Virginia. A cousin of his was murdered by Amalekstinian terrorists, which is one reason why Cantor is a tiger on anti-terrorism and the security of the USA. From all that I’ve researched on him he is genuinely observant. I wish he represented my district in Virginia, I’d vote for him in a heart beat.
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