The political reality is that Alan Keyes is simply not electable. Senator, maybe. President, not a chance in hell. Vice-President? He would drag any ticket into oblivion.
The reason for this is very simple: Keyes has a very clear-cut, clearly articulated philosophy, which very clearly appeals to a minority of voters, but which does not appeal to the majority. In a very real sense, Keyes does not represent all Americans.
Highly talented, intelligent and articulate. Just not electable as President or VP.
Sounds like the Republican party really has some problems.
OK, want name recognition? Tom Selleck? Mel Gibson? Younger than the 65-75 yo crowd, and how could the soccer moms vote against them? They are better looking than El Rapist, and being decent actors, I bet they could even learn to bite their lower lip...
I'll tell you what won the election for GeoW, and it wasn't pro-life or pro-abortion (although it might have helped). That election was too close. The only thing that made me, and tens of thousands of other potential third-party voters, punch the hole next to Bush's name, was the strong support and campaign by the NRA. They frightened me but good over what might happen with Gore, and they kept telling me that Bush was from Texas, where the second amendment is sacred.
I can't say I've seen anything done to remove the 20,000+ infringements, but Ashcroft has resisted (so far) adding more.
If Dubya's running mate is not a STRONG, unquestionable supporter of RKBA, I'll have to look at that Republican Platform long and hard before I vote for dismantling the BOR, no matter how high the polls show his approval rating. And I don't care what colour, sex, or religion that running mate is, as long is it is not named Dole, McCain, or Pataki (or Ridge or a bunch of other wishy-washy anti-RKBA types)
Likewise for Buchanan.
As I stated, these are the only choices for VP that would make me consider voting for GW.
GW would not consider anyone who would take the 9th and 10th amendments seriously.