MAC'S WING MAN (OR WOMAN)
Posted by: John Q. Duong | 08/28/2008 5:47 PM
(Alright...I've been meaning to provide some punditry on the presidential election, but haven't had time to jot things down. Here's my first practice round.)
Major news outlets are reporting that McCain will inform his apparent VP pick today, and could possibly leak the name by the time Obama hits the stage at the "Greek Temple on Mile High" Stadium tonight, with a formal roll-out tomorrow in Ohio.
First, leaking the name to the media tonight is a good, aggressive media move - to provide distractions from Obama's big night by minimizing the blanket coverage and replays of Obama's acceptance speech. Ultimate goal though, is to minimize Obama's convention bounce in the polls. Overall - good tactics. It shows that McCain is a fighter.
As for the VP selection - it won't be a surprise if McCain goes for a dark horse selection. But here are some strong names that would give credence to McCain's independence style.
An ideal and conventional choice for McCain should be Gov. Mitt Romney. Besides some bad blood during the primaries (one can argue the same between Obama and Biden/Hillary), Mitt comes with many benefits for a McCain-Romney ticket. First, he's been vetted by the national media. That's trial by fire in today's political arena - and he passed with flying colors. Secondly, in the policy department, Mitt comes with strong credentials as one who could go toe to toe with anyone in an economics debate. Surely, the Dems will claim that folks like Mitt are causes for layoffs and jobs being exported overseas - but this is a standard DNC talking point repeated every election. A new attack line from the Dems would be "how many homes" are owned between them?
As for debates, Mitt can hold his own against the always mouthful Biden. Mitt's hungry for the job and is fired up to be on the opposing podium against Biden. Although there wasn't a true traditional conservative contender in the GOP primaries, Mitt comes close and can do the job to bring the base supporters home. Further, picking Mitt would help put him next in line to tow the party's flag for the next cycle. After a dismal performance the past 4 years, Republicans desperately need to look at the future to build up a strong bench and to develop a solid farm team. They will need to work real hard on outreach, to better market themselves and to reach into new electorates as such the fast growing Hispanic and Asian American voting blocks. But I digress.
If McCain were to venture out and to be different - a Kay Bailey-Hutchison pick would be a wise pick. Polls shows that Obama doesn't have any tractions with the 45 and over women votes. Campaign and elections are about the middle 10-15% percent of the undecided. Sixteen years ago, it was the "bubba" votes that benefitted Bill Clinton. This cycle may boil down to the disenchanted supporters of Hillary's, those hoping to help make history by putting a first woman in the White House, regardless of partisan leaning. McCain's KBH pick would help him shored up this voting segment - leaving his limited time and resources to concentrate in the battleground states instead. Elected by Texans to the U.S. Senate since 1993, KBH has the backing of the conservative base and she can hold her own. This selection would help counter any notion of a "history-making" moment for Obama.
And if McCain were to go for a dark horse candidate - he should surprise the pundit world with the selection of former Congressman and football star from Oklahoma, J.C. Watts. Before retiring as the 4th highest ranking member of the GOP in the House, JC was considered a rising star, with strong and convincing oratory skills. As a minister, he would be able to bring the Christian conservative base home as well. And as an African American, his selection would help counter any notion of a "history-making" moment vote for Obama. JC will have no problem facing up with Joe Biden at their one and only scheduled TV debate. JC's five terms (10 years) in Congress is two and a half times longer than Obama's own congressional career of 4 years (2 of which he has spent on his presidential campaign). It also goes without saying, selecting JC will also indirectly help the GOP on minority outreach, an area where they are far behind the Dems. The only question with a JC Watt selection is JC Watt himself - would he be willing to leave the private sector and to return to a public servant's salary?
McCain can't go terribly wrong with these three names. Mitt is hungry and ready to serve. KBH can bring grace to the ticket, given McCain's stiff look on TV. JC can fire up the crowd and comes across as a strong leader.
Major news outlets are reporting that McCain will inform his apparent VP pick today, and could possibly leak the name by the time Obama hits the stage at the "Greek Temple on Mile High" Stadium tonight, with a formal roll-out tomorrow in Ohio.
First, leaking the name to the media tonight is a good, aggressive media move - to provide distractions from Obama's big night by minimizing the blanket coverage and replays of Obama's acceptance speech. Ultimate goal though, is to minimize Obama's convention bounce in the polls. Overall - good tactics. It shows that McCain is a fighter.
As for the VP selection - it won't be a surprise if McCain goes for a dark horse selection. But here are some strong names that would give credence to McCain's independence style.
An ideal and conventional choice for McCain should be Gov. Mitt Romney. Besides some bad blood during the primaries (one can argue the same between Obama and Biden/Hillary), Mitt comes with many benefits for a McCain-Romney ticket. First, he's been vetted by the national media. That's trial by fire in today's political arena - and he passed with flying colors. Secondly, in the policy department, Mitt comes with strong credentials as one who could go toe to toe with anyone in an economics debate. Surely, the Dems will claim that folks like Mitt are causes for layoffs and jobs being exported overseas - but this is a standard DNC talking point repeated every election. A new attack line from the Dems would be "how many homes" are owned between them?
As for debates, Mitt can hold his own against the always mouthful Biden. Mitt's hungry for the job and is fired up to be on the opposing podium against Biden. Although there wasn't a true traditional conservative contender in the GOP primaries, Mitt comes close and can do the job to bring the base supporters home. Further, picking Mitt would help put him next in line to tow the party's flag for the next cycle. After a dismal performance the past 4 years, Republicans desperately need to look at the future to build up a strong bench and to develop a solid farm team. They will need to work real hard on outreach, to better market themselves and to reach into new electorates as such the fast growing Hispanic and Asian American voting blocks. But I digress.
If McCain were to venture out and to be different - a Kay Bailey-Hutchison pick would be a wise pick. Polls shows that Obama doesn't have any tractions with the 45 and over women votes. Campaign and elections are about the middle 10-15% percent of the undecided. Sixteen years ago, it was the "bubba" votes that benefitted Bill Clinton. This cycle may boil down to the disenchanted supporters of Hillary's, those hoping to help make history by putting a first woman in the White House, regardless of partisan leaning. McCain's KBH pick would help him shored up this voting segment - leaving his limited time and resources to concentrate in the battleground states instead. Elected by Texans to the U.S. Senate since 1993, KBH has the backing of the conservative base and she can hold her own. This selection would help counter any notion of a "history-making" moment for Obama.
And if McCain were to go for a dark horse candidate - he should surprise the pundit world with the selection of former Congressman and football star from Oklahoma, J.C. Watts. Before retiring as the 4th highest ranking member of the GOP in the House, JC was considered a rising star, with strong and convincing oratory skills. As a minister, he would be able to bring the Christian conservative base home as well. And as an African American, his selection would help counter any notion of a "history-making" moment vote for Obama. JC will have no problem facing up with Joe Biden at their one and only scheduled TV debate. JC's five terms (10 years) in Congress is two and a half times longer than Obama's own congressional career of 4 years (2 of which he has spent on his presidential campaign). It also goes without saying, selecting JC will also indirectly help the GOP on minority outreach, an area where they are far behind the Dems. The only question with a JC Watt selection is JC Watt himself - would he be willing to leave the private sector and to return to a public servant's salary?
McCain can't go terribly wrong with these three names. Mitt is hungry and ready to serve. KBH can bring grace to the ticket, given McCain's stiff look on TV. JC can fire up the crowd and comes across as a strong leader.
John,
What if he chooses unknown Governor from Alaska, Sarah Palin ?
Then what?