Posted on 08/11/2008 9:22:16 AM PDT by MeanWestTexan
The vice presidential buzz in recent days has been all about a possible selection by Democratic presidential contender Barack Obama of Indiana Sen. Evan Bayh as his running mate.
But the real vice presidential courtship may be developing on the Republican side.
John McCain is reportedly getting very serious -- indeed, there is some talk that the Republican candidate's staff is already at the vetting stage -- about Virginia Congressman Eric Cantor.
It is true that Cantor is a virtual unknown nationally.
But Cantor, the Republican chief deputy whip in the House, is one of the rising stars of the party's conservative wing.
The fourth-term congressman is a leading voice in the party on economic issues -- expressing the Reaganite view on taxes and spending better than McCain ever has.
He's a former chair of the Congressional Task Force on Terrorism and Unconventional Warfare.
Cantor is, as well, from what is turning out to be a swing state.
He is Jewish, which could help McCain in several other swing states, including Florida.
And he's got something else that McCain lacks: youth.
At a boyish 45, Cantor is the better part of two generations younger than his party's presumptive presidential nominee.
Still, it should be pointed out that Wisconsin Congressman Paul Ryan, is younger and more experienced than Cantor.
The day after the annoucement of whoever it is, there will be 100% name recognition.
Just so it isn’t the same kind of courting That Silky has engaged in.
Not even here on FR will that happen.
Really now! Anyone McCain chooses will be younger.
Essentially that leave him with Romney, who I suppose I'd live with, none of the others in the are known beyond Republicans who follow politics or their own states. Ridge a possible exception in a small way.
One thing Cantor does bring, an aggressive, coherent issue based style.
The reach is far for the well when one is dying of thirst. We need a conservative, we want a conservative, and we have found one.
Ridge would also be a poor choice. He'll always be associated with Homeland security, and that's not a good thing.
None of the older Republicans is likely to be a help to the ticket—George H. W. Bush, Barbara Bush, Bob Dole, Elizabeth Dole, Jack Kemp, Dick Lugar...
I don't disagree, that's a disadvantage. But it leaves only Romney and to some extent Ridge, his higher profile not necessarily an asset. None of the mentioned candidates have a national recognition, and of the other Presidential candidates I don't see McCain going to Giuliani or Huckabee.
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I know. No matter what choice McCain makes, there are going to be large numbers of unhappy people. I am opposed to Giuliani and Huckabee, and I think they have too many negatives to help McCain.
Romney may be his best choice at this point. He certainly has name recognition, he's young, attractive, and has a nice family. He's been a governor and has extensive business experience. With him on the ticket, Obama's lack of experience and naivete are underscored.
He's not a perfect choice, either. Along with those who object to missteps he made while governor of MA, there are also those who won't vote for him simply because he is Mormon. Cantor would be much more acceptable to conservatives, but there are some who wouldn't vote for him simply because he's Jewish.
No matter what happens, there will be howls of outrage from at least one group of us who traditionally vote for the Republican candidate.
Two generations ?
Huh ?
That would make McCain at least 85.
There are many fourty-five year olds that have a parent as old as McCain.
Now that's funny right there, I don't care who you are!
Your post made me chuckle:)
I Love Darth Cheney!
Yeah. And standing next to her is the Hildabeast who has ‘the look’ of someone who thinks they are next to someone with whom they just might get laid...
Good post, but you’re wasting your time. There are some FRs here that won’t vote for McCain regardless who he chooses, saying that Canter is not conservative enough.
Oh gawsh, I had that thought as well, but didn’t want to admit to it!
A few, but mainly they are Romney people who spread lies and discontent in an effort to promote their Chosen One.
Me, I want an actual conservative, not merely one who plays one in the recent election.
then cantor is your man Is he smart?
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