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.
You’re not as tacky as I am...
You just described me.
He is very smart, yes.
I mean can we be assured of no Dan Quayle gaffs? Does he know the names of world leaders?
He isn't just smart, he is seamless in his presentation. It isn't dogma for the goobers. Personally, I think his style would benefit us more in House leadership but if VP is open to him, I am perfectly happy to see him go that route. This is the intellectual basis of Conservatism.
Wait, he’s Jewish, so he must be smart.
“Probably cant find an older one”
No such assurances can be made. All coverage of Republicans is negative.
But, no I don’t expect them to paint him stupid. The MSM stereotype of Jews is that they are “clever.” Expect that type of coverage. “Too clever; can he related to the common man?”
Actually, I think that does mean something. Being Jewish he has been exposed to the full plethora of liberal arguments and has held steadfastly conservative. His view is always being tested and his responses are based of real reflection and thought.
Cantor Whips Rahm Emanuel In Interview
Chris Matthews grilling Rep. Eric Cantor (R-VA)
Rep. Cantor slams Obama for letting Bin Laden off easy
Ways & Means Member Eric Cantor on CNBC's Power Lunch
Eric Cantor on Democrats Raising Your Taxes
What do you consider "middle class"?
What do you consider "middle class"?
Eric Cantor: Democrats Are Irresponsible on the AMT Tax
House GOP to Dems: Finish Your Work, Before Recess
McCain's last chance to get any enthusiasm from the base is if he picks a relatively young conservative--someone under 55. That will give us hope for the future. Jindal is probably a little too young--they will Quayle him. Cantor sounds good, but he is too unknown. The MN governor is too liberal for the base.
The pickings are slim, and many of the people I like, such as DeMint, have had issues with McCain.
One possibility: The MO governor is good, and would help in Iowa, Kansas, Oklahoma and Nebraska. Pence from Indiana would be ok, but, like Cantor, a little bit of an unknown. Still pissed at him about the immigration compromise he tried to broker.
How about thinking outside the box? Laura Ingraham. THAT would be a winner, in multiple ways.
I like this guy already.
Max7 ~ Won't it be a delightful day for us if that happens?
No. Quite the opposite. McCain and his handlers will view that as nothing more or less than a MANDATE OF THE PEOPLE to keep the borders open, repeal the Bush tax cut, extend McCain-Feingold suspension of freedom of speech, etc., etc., ...
He needs to win by a razor thin margin, with it very clear that he's holding on to power by a cobweb, and that conservatives are eyeing that cobweb very closely...
null and void to sickoflibs
Love it. Thats all he and his supporters have.
He has supporters?
I don't know of any. All he really has is people who will vote against his opponent.
Do you know anyone who is voting for McCain?
The sad thing his McCain will think that every vote he gets means that the voter has WILD ENTHUSIASTIC SUPPORT FOR everything he stands for - ankle grabbing "bipartisanship", higher taxes, no freedom of political speech right before elections, unfettered immigration, OPEC driven energy policies, McCain(Kennedy) healthcare, etc...
We can vote against an initiative or proposition. Occasionally they will even let us vote against a local judge.
But we can never vote against a politician.
We can only vote for an opponent, and that is NOT the same thing, is it?
Ooooookay...
He wants someone who will make him look like a moderate
Someone who will appeal to women voters
Someone who can steal democrat votes from Obama
He wants to be bi-partisain, and "reach across the aisle"
(And if he really DID pick the Hildabeast for a running mate we'd STILL have people here trying to convince us it would be better than voting for Obama)...
I wonder what will happen if he doesn't get tapped? Will he suddenly have a change of heart and drop this girl like a hot potato?
Munching my popcorn and watching the show...
Thanks for gathering all that together!
That would describe all of the voters I know, including myself.
Now, I believe I could vote FOR Cantor if he were on the ticket.
I disagree with that ... I believe the most important need for McCain is to choose someone with acceptable conservative, but not reactionary, credentials.
Can you say Trifecta VeeP+?
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.
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WOO WOO
CONSERVATIVE Eric Cantor...
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