Posted on 08/28/2008 7:13:34 AM PDT by MeanWestTexan
That's true, but imo McCain needs a vp who can aggressively, factually address the issues. Particularly with the media. Which relates well to debate performance as well. I think most of the probable choices can handle that, though I haven't heard Pawlenty much.
My choice has always been Duncan Hunter. But I would have supported Cantor.
God forbid it is Kay Bailey. I think that would even break the promise McCain made to Duncan Hunter in regards to the border fence.
If he wants to win; he will pick a conservative. I know, I know; he thinks we are going to blindly vote for him because of Obama. I don’t think a lot of people are going to vote for Obama either.
I’m ok with Cantor, but it seems unlikely. He’d be a bold choice and why should McCain do this boldly? OTOH maybe a choice that will generate discussions and offend radical muslims is a smart move.
“Means it must be that McCain picked Pawlenty (OK, in a “who cares” sort of way) or my pro-abortion senator Kay Bailey. “
Didn’t McCain come out and say he wouldn’t pick a running mate with views on abortion different from his own?
That he does. Over and over and over again.
Cantor would be a great pick. But there are other selections who would also be great. And some who would be lousy. Like Tom Ridge.
Our morning local news advertises a John McCain rally tomorrow morning in Washington County, Pennsylvania. He's also supposed to announce his VP choice tomorrow and Tom Ridge will be with him. This does not necessarily mean that Ridge is the choice, but the choice of venue seems to point in that direction.
No Eric Cantor, no Michael Steele, no Duncan Hunter nor Tom Tancredo or even Rick Santorum...
It's why Mark levin calls him 'McLame'. All the conservatives are begging McCain to pick a winning pro-life true conservative... that is exactly why he will be the "maverick" and pick who we conservatives least want and who he believes the 'centrists' and 'independents' would like him to pick.
Do a keyword “Cantor” search on F.R. Lots of articles, with background and videos.
He’s a solid (100% ACU rating, 97% lifetime -— higher than Duncan Hunter 92%) conservative.
One tidbit, which I believe was very formative in Cantor is that his 16 year ild cousin was killed by Islamist terrorists at age 16.
This brought him on my radar recently, as my young nephew (whom I think of as a baby, but is a man) was shot in Israel. It really affects a person (more so than my being shot AT personally in Destert Storm/Shield).
Cantor promptly got involved in various counterterrorism unconventional warfare Congressional committes, and I thought to myself “THAT is a man who takes the threat to our survival seriously -— and PERSONALLY.”
If anyone wants to know why I am emotionally invested in Cantor -— that’s the reason.
Logic -— well, just look at his record. It speaks for itself.
Kay Bailey Hutchison is a female McCain. A trouble-making maverick who loves to undermine the party. And, as you say, a pro-abort. If she’s the pick, it will be a disaster.
I’ve met KBH on a number of occassions and shared a plane ride or two.
She’s votes according to who elected her, but power would go to her head in a milisecond. She’s a prima donna, surrounds herself with liberal flunkies, and thinks she is oh-so-special.
John Cornyn, in contrast, is smart, humble, and darn conservative. I give him $$ every year -— too cerebral for his own good and not a great campaigner -— but if I could select (as oppossed to elect) a President, it would be Cornyn.
McCain is promoting both Ridge and Hutchinson so that all factions of the party will be relieved when the choice is Romney.
Cantor would sure be interesting, though.
The only choice McCain could make that would be worse than Kay Bailey would be Romney.
Duncan Hunter hounded Romney throughout the primaries to stop his business dealings with China which was undermining our national security.
I really, REALLY, like what I see in Cantor. With that said, the downside is:
1. Since I like him, he is bound not to be the nominee.
2. McCain will most probably disappoint and discourage his base yet again - its what he does.
3. The pick will most likely be a pro-abort appeal to moderates, independents and Clinton supporters whoever that may be.
The upside is:
1. The word is getting out on Cantor and conservatives are getting to know him and what he believes.
2. Consequently, he will be a rising star to keep your eyes on.
3. I fully expect to be saying Cantor 2016!
“his 16 year (o)ld cousin was killed by Islamist terrorists at age 16.”
Is that when Cantor was 16, or the cousin?
The ultimate VP would be General Petraeus. Were it so, the race would be no contest, because Petraeus is a winner, healthy, young and utterly reassuring to everyone that he is competent. However, he probably doesn’t want the job, even if he would be a shoe-in to the presidency in eight years, or four if McCain’s health fails him. Every Republican candidate would be desperate to have his endorsement and a photo op.
But that being said, it would still be a grand idea for McCain to bring in a military leader instead of a politician. From an organizational and leadership standpoint, they are head over heels better than politicians and would have a huge draw. even if they were a relative no-name.
No matter who he chooses, McCain should have a Republican party purge, because they are burdened with deadwood and have a severe problem with party discipline. Ironic, because McCain himself “left the reservation” far more than most. But party loyalty and discipline both get your party elected and make them more effective in office.
Cantor’s cousin, Daniel Cantor Wultz, died as the result of a suicide bombing in Tel Aviv which was carried out by Islamic Jihad on April 17, 2006. Daniel was 16.
The General just re-reported to his post and cannot run for political office without resigning.
He’s more important in Iraq.
That’s a great review/bio!
The Republican Chet Edwards. Yet we waste hours of thread time talking about his non-existent chances.
Bit more detail:
When he discusses victims of terror, his sympathy is not just theoretical. In April 2006, his cousin, Daniel Cantor Wultz, a 16-year-old student at the David Posnack Hebrew Day School in Plantation, FL, was the victim of an Islamic Jihad suicide bombing in Tel Aviv.
Daniel was in Israel with his family for Passover. He was hospitalized for almost a month after the bombing, while thousands of Jews throughout the world prayed for him and 46 of his classmates traveled to be at his bedside. He died of his injuries on May 15.
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