# If Romney wins the GOP nomination, who will be his running mate? **URL:** \ **Category:** Politics & Elections\ **Created:** [October 7, 2011, 7:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-romney-wins-the-gop-nomination-who-will-be-his-running-mate/598928 "2011-10-07T19:56:47Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![Simplicio](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/c37758/32.png) [@Simplicio](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Simplicio)\ **Post date:** [October 8, 2011, 8:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-romney-wins-the-gop-nomination-who-will-be-his-running-mate/598928/41 "2011-10-08T20:20:08Z")
> [@John\_Mace](#): > > I’m tempted to think Chris Christy, but he’s not from the south. Rubio seems best, and I know he’s ruled it out, but I doubt he’s REALLY ruled it out. Recent candidates seem to have used the VP slot to pick someone whose portfolio is different then their own. The relatively inexperience Bush II and Obama picked elder statesmen with foreign policy experience, while Bush I, McCain and Kerry all picked relatively freshfaced, exciting candidates with a lot of partisan cred. Christy (or Pawlenty) would just be another moderate governor on the ticket, they don’t really bring anything Romney doesn’t already have. Mitt Romney will pick some up and coming doctrinaire conservative with at least some foreign policy experience. Googling, DeMint and Rubio are both on the Foreign relations commitee and seem likely choices (heh, also, poor DeMint got stuck on the subcommittee for “International Operations and Organizations, Human Rights, Democracy and Global Women’s Issues”, I can’t really picture GOP members fighting to be on that one, he must’ve cut McConnell off in traffic or something the day they were making assignments.) > [@](#): > > How much is Indiana going to be in play? I don’t think anyone really picks candidates to help in their homestates anymore. McCain didn’t need help in Alaska, Obama didn’t need help in Deleware, Bush II sure as hell didn’t need help in Wyoming, Gore didn’t need help in Conneticut and Kerry wasn’t going to win in South Carolina unless he was going to win the election anyways. ---
**Author:** ![Chronos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chronos/32/134_2.png) [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Post date:** [October 8, 2011, 8:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-romney-wins-the-gop-nomination-who-will-be-his-running-mate/598928/42 "2011-10-08T20:22:43Z")
It was right on the razor’s edge last time. Now, yes, national sentiment has shifted somewhat righter since then, but it’s still hardly a state either party can take for granted. ---
**Author:** ![Simplicio](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/c37758/32.png) [@Simplicio](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Simplicio)\ **Post date:** [October 8, 2011, 8:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-romney-wins-the-gop-nomination-who-will-be-his-running-mate/598928/43 "2011-10-08T20:28:26Z")
> [@Chronos](#): > > It was right on the razor’s edge last time. Now, yes, national sentiment has shifted somewhat righter since then, but it’s still hardly a state either party can take for granted. Actually, I mistyped, Edwards was from North Carolina, which did go blue last time. But my point stands, Kerry wasn’t going to win N Carolina unless he did well enough to win enough other states that it was irrelevant. So I think its pretty clear Edwards was picked for reasons other then his helping pick up his homestate. ---
**Author:** ![Boyo\_Jim](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/87869e/32.png) [@Boyo\_Jim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Boyo_Jim)\ **Post date:** [October 8, 2011, 9:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-romney-wins-the-gop-nomination-who-will-be-his-running-mate/598928/44 "2011-10-08T21:23:10Z")
Ronald Reagan. Sure he’s dead, but AFAIK there is no specific rule against it. ---
**Author:** ![jayjay](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jayjay/32/6765_2.png) [@jayjay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jayjay)\ **Post date:** [October 8, 2011, 10:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-romney-wins-the-gop-nomination-who-will-be-his-running-mate/598928/45 "2011-10-08T22:46:45Z")
> [@AbloyProtec](#): > > Oh ok. > > And that’s any worse than attending sermons where Jeremiah Wright says “Goddamn America” or attending rallies with Malik Zulu Shabazz or Najee Muhammed? > > We don’t live perfect lives, Gonzo. It’s a good thing I’ve long given up on any right-winger actually knowing the context of any sound bites propagated by Faux Snooze, otherwise I’d be upset right now… ---
**Author:** ![The\_wind\_of\_my\_soul](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ecc23a/32.png) [@The\_wind\_of\_my\_soul](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_wind_of_my_soul)\ **Post date:** [October 9, 2011, 12:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-romney-wins-the-gop-nomination-who-will-be-his-running-mate/598928/46 "2011-10-09T00:35:46Z")
> [@Simplicio](#): > > Christy (or Pawlenty) would just be another moderate governor on the ticket, they don’t really bring anything Romney doesn’t already have. How is Pawlenty moderate? ---
**Author:** ![boytyperanma](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/4491bb/32.png) [@boytyperanma](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boytyperanma)\ **Post date:** [October 9, 2011, 12:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-romney-wins-the-gop-nomination-who-will-be-his-running-mate/598928/47 "2011-10-09T00:39:10Z")
> [@The\_wind\_of\_my\_soul](#): > > How is Pawlenty moderate? Even if his views are as far right as can be his net effect is moderate because anyone listening gets put to sleep rather then acting. Pawlenty is the exact opposite of what anyone would want as a running mate, he brings no enthusiasm to the table. ---
**Author:** ![Chronos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chronos/32/134_2.png) [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Post date:** [October 9, 2011, 1:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-romney-wins-the-gop-nomination-who-will-be-his-running-mate/598928/48 "2011-10-09T01:05:12Z")
**Simplicio** , my “razor’s edge” comment there was in reply to **John Mace** , about Indiana. Your post sort of snuck in between there. Sorry for the confusion. ---
**Author:** ![Voyager](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/voyager/32/133_2.png) [@Voyager](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Voyager)\ **Post date:** [October 9, 2011, 1:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-romney-wins-the-gop-nomination-who-will-be-his-running-mate/598928/49 "2011-10-09T01:08:56Z")
> [@Chimera](#): > > Actually, given that Romney professed a liking for a Cheney type as a VP and has issues with the ultra-conservatives in his own wing, I would not rule out Cain. How is Cain a Cheney type? Cheney had tons of experience in Washington, Cain has none. Romney doesn’t need a running mate with business cred, he’s got that himself. ---
**Author:** ![Bryan\_Ekers](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bryan_ekers/32/183_2.png) [@Bryan\_Ekers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bryan_Ekers)\ **Post date:** [October 9, 2011, 3:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-romney-wins-the-gop-nomination-who-will-be-his-running-mate/598928/50 "2011-10-09T03:57:38Z")
> [@Boyo\_Jim](#): > > Ronald Reagan. Sure he’s dead, but AFAIK there is no specific rule against it. Well, he was elected twice. Even if alive, he’s ineligible as per the 22nd Amendment. ---
**Author:** ![Boyo\_Jim](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/87869e/32.png) [@Boyo\_Jim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Boyo_Jim)\ **Post date:** [October 9, 2011, 4:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-romney-wins-the-gop-nomination-who-will-be-his-running-mate/598928/51 "2011-10-09T04:12:42Z")
I don’t think it precludes him from being elected as the Dead Vice President. ---
**Author:** ![gonzomax](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e8c25b/32.png) [@gonzomax](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gonzomax)\ **Post date:** [October 9, 2011, 4:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-romney-wins-the-gop-nomination-who-will-be-his-running-mate/598928/52 "2011-10-09T04:16:39Z")
> [@AbloyProtec](#): > > What the hell does this have to do with Herman Cain? > > You seriously need to keep the butthurt to a minimum - it’s now transcending threads. > > Stay mad liberal. I am never angry. I feel sorry for you. You saddle Obama with Wrights statements , in some twisted fashion. Yet feel it is wrong to blame Cain for what he says and does, himself. Does that really make sense to you? ---
**Author:** ![Folacin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/folacin/32/3195_2.png) [@Folacin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Folacin)\ **Post date:** [October 9, 2011, 5:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-romney-wins-the-gop-nomination-who-will-be-his-running-mate/598928/53 "2011-10-09T05:18:23Z")
> [@Frank](#): > > Good heavens. Why? From the World Net Daily (sorry, lost the link): > [@World Net Daily (sorry](#): > > Lewis explains the logic by citing a May 22 WND report examining the issue, which noted, “While the Constitution does not define ‘natural-born citizen,’ there is strong evidence that the Founding Fathers understood it to mean someone born of two American citizens.” > > That report examined both Rubio and Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal, both of whose parents were legal U.S. residents but not legal U.S. citizens when the future politicians were born. ---
**Author:** ![wonky](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wonky/32/393_2.png) [@wonky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wonky)\ **Post date:** [October 9, 2011, 6:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-romney-wins-the-gop-nomination-who-will-be-his-running-mate/598928/54 "2011-10-09T06:44:10Z")
I think this is the link: [ > [@](#): > > Are U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida and Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal natural-born citizens of the United States, and thus eligible for the presidency? > > It’s a simple question, but the answer may not be so easy. > > While the Constitution does not define “natural-born citizen,” there is strong evidence that the Founding Fathers understood it to mean someone born of two American citizens. ]([http://www.wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=297485](http://www.wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=297485)) Ah, World Nut Daily. ---
**Author:** ![jayjay](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jayjay/32/6765_2.png) [@jayjay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jayjay)\ **Post date:** [October 9, 2011, 6:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-romney-wins-the-gop-nomination-who-will-be-his-running-mate/598928/55 "2011-10-09T06:48:25Z")
> [@jsgoddess](#): > > I think this is the link: > > [URL=“[http://www.wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=297485](http://www.wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=297485)”] > > Ah, World Nut Daily. I call it “Wingnut Daily”. ---
**Author:** ![Marley23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Marley23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marley23)\ **Post date:** [October 9, 2011, 1:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-romney-wins-the-gop-nomination-who-will-be-his-running-mate/598928/56 "2011-10-09T13:45:10Z")
> [@gonzomax](#): > > You are deluding yourself about Cain. He is a terrible choice for prez. > [@AbloyProtec](#): > > You seriously need to keep the butthurt to a minimum - it’s now transcending threads. > > Stay mad liberal. Both of you need to stop the personal commentary immediately. ---
**Author:** ![gonzomax](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e8c25b/32.png) [@gonzomax](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gonzomax)\ **Post date:** [October 9, 2011, 4:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-romney-wins-the-gop-nomination-who-will-be-his-running-mate/598928/57 "2011-10-09T16:41:41Z")
> [@Marley23](#): > > Both of you need to stop the personal commentary immediately. How is saying he is deluding himself about Cain, personal? Strictly observational. ---
**Author:** ![Procrustus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/procrustus/32/2994_2.png) [@Procrustus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Procrustus)\ **Post date:** [October 9, 2011, 11:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-romney-wins-the-gop-nomination-who-will-be-his-running-mate/598928/58 "2011-10-09T23:34:04Z")
> [@DigitalC](#): > > Cause he’s brown obviously. Not quite. Let me introduce you to the [mayor of crazytown:](http://www.wnd.com/?pageId=297485) > [@](#): > > “‘Natural-born citizen’ status requires not only birth on U.S. soil but also birth to parents who are both U.S. citizens,” said New Jersey-based attorney Mario Apuzzo, one of several lawyers filing lawsuits over Obama’s eligibility and who also says Rubio and Jindal are definitely not natural-born citizens. “The reason they use that is because of allegiance. The founding fathers wanted undivided allegiance.” ETA: I see I was beaten to it. ---
**Author:** ![AbloyProtec](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/9f8e36/32.png) [@AbloyProtec](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AbloyProtec)\ **Post date:** [October 10, 2011, 12:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-romney-wins-the-gop-nomination-who-will-be-his-running-mate/598928/59 "2011-10-10T00:21:33Z")
> [@gonzomax](#): > > How is saying he is deluding himself about Cain, personal? Strictly observational. Yeah I didn’t take it personally. I don’t give much attention or investment into anything you say, however, so, it’s nothing new. No harm, no foul. ---
**Author:** ![Frank](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/3d9bf3/32.png) [@Frank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frank)\ **Post date:** [October 10, 2011, 12:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-romney-wins-the-gop-nomination-who-will-be-his-running-mate/598928/60 "2011-10-10T00:27:41Z")
> [@Procrustus](#): > > ETA: I see I was beaten to it. The core of the argument seems to be this: > [@](#): > > The definition of natural-born citizen approved by the first U.S. Congress can be seen in the Naturalization Act of 1790, which regarded it as a child born of two American parents. The law, specifying that a natural-born citizen need not be born on U.S. soil, stated: “The children of citizens of the United States, that may be born beyond sea, or out of the limits of the United States shall be considered as natural born citizens: Provided, that the right of citizenship shall not descend to persons whose fathers have never been resident in the United States.” That law has been changed like ninety thousand times, including as early as five years after it was passed. And even if it hadn’t been changed, that quote is obviously intended to apply to the children of a U.S. citizen father who had never resided in the U.S. I’ll state, for the record, that both Jindal and Rubio are natural-born citizens of the U.S. and are eligible to be president. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-romney-wins-the-gop-nomination-who-will-be-his-running-mate/598928.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-romney-wins-the-gop-nomination-who-will-be-his-running-mate/598928.md?page=4)