Top McCain Running Mate Options
It looks like nothing short of death is going to prevent John McCain from becoming the GOP presidential candidate in 2008. McCain is going to be a lot more popular among independents and some Democrats than George W. Bush ever was, but there are still some questions that make his inauguration less than a sure thing: his apparent inability to win the trust of his party’s conservative base, his advanced age, his lack of support in the Bible Belt. Not to mention the fact that he may well be running against a strong, respected, young African-American candidate with a proven record of rallying support well beyond his own party faithful, in what’s considered to be a tough year for Republicans anyway. So how does John McCain most strategically select a running mate? I’ve listed what I wager to be his top 5 choices below, along with the key pros and cons of each.
1. Mike Huckabee (former Governor of Arkansas)
Pros: Obviously hugely popular among the key Evangelical Southern conservative demographic, a group that hasn’t exactly been gung-ho on John McCain so far
Cons: Currently really pissing off a lot of the Republican establishment by staying in the race for the presidential nomination; doesn’t help McCain win over economic conservatives, has been derided by Limbaugh’s crowd for being too liberal
2. Charlie Crist (Governor of Florida)
Pros: Guarantees a McCain win in the essential state of Florida (which, to be fair, neither Clinton or Obama will ever have a chance of winning anyway); counters many of McCain’s perceived shortcomings with his stance on guns and immigration
Cons: Perhaps not quite socially conservative enough to win over some of the Bible Belters who are against a McCain presidency; is sometimes blamed for refusing to intervene in the Schiavo right-to-die case as Florida’s Attorney General (though frankly this will be considered a pro among a majority of the country’s non-Evangelical voting population)
3. Mark Sanford (Governor of South Carolina)
Pros: At 47, young enough to counter the potential Obama v. McCain age debate; experienced Southern governor with strong economic libertarian views that should solidify McCain’s support among independents
Cons: Could be viewed as a little too Ron Paul-ish by some; may not help McCain win Evangelical support
4. Tim Pawlenty (Governor of Minnesota)
Pros: Like Sanford, has the benefit of relative youth (he’s also 47); successfully balanced state budget without raising taxes, meaning he wins all Romney’s supporters easily; recently has been pushing a strong immigration reform policy, undoubtedly to try and get a spot on this ticket
Cons: Little geographical benefit to McCain as Dems would still be very favored to win Minnesota in November; tax policies have been blamed in part for the Minneapolis bridge collapse; some controversies surrounding appointments to head state departments
5. Bobby Jindal (Governor of Louisiana)
Pros: Very young (36) and extremely charismatic; Rhodes scholar; not a white guy, thereby adding minority cred to a ticket likely to face Obama; adored by the Republican base, and called “the next Ronald Reagan” by Limbaugh
Cons: Huge lack of experience question, as he was only sworn in as Governor this year; Republicans may want to save this guy for 2012 or 2016