You’ve just been contacted by the Romney campaign. Confident that they’ll wrap up the nomination shortly, they’re asking for your help selecting a running mate.
Recognizing the need to harness the base’s enthusiasm beyond the general anti-Obama spirit (which they concede Romney can’t do alone, nor can surrogate spokespeople), they want to choose someone who will engage the base and motivate legions of tea-partiers to support the candidate.
They are, however, wary of pulling a Palin. Too extreme or politically unsophisticated and they fear they’ll repeat 2004.
I’d probably say Santorum. He’s got good conservative credentials, and although he is abhorred by the left for this, I don’t recall him saying anything that is outright insane. He also seems to have his ego in check so he is unlikely to outshine Romney, and will be willing to take his position as second banana, unlike say Gingrich or Paul. Of course if he viciously attacks Romney in the primary that could rule him out.
I’m not a student of politics, but I think the VP candidate is most often someone that balances the ticket geographically, not so much ideologically. So, I’d go with a Southerner (Southernor? neither looks right). The OP warns of picking someone politically unsophisticated, so that probably rules out Rick Perry.
Gingrich is a southerner (more or less), but has too much corporate involvement, and you already have a lot of that with Romney.
I’ll second Rubio. Might also help with the Latino vote.
It will be offered to Huntsman, as a sop to the sane. If he’s as smart as I think he is, he will refuse, and continue to set himself in position for the next go-around.
They won’t pick Rubio. Many Hispanic Americans resent Cubans for the special privileges they have enjoyed over the years. The belief that he will appeal to Hispanics simply because he comes from a Spanish speaking background reflects more of our Anglo ignorance than anything else. Also, he has several solidly closed doors in his life, a number of which may have the rustlings of skeletons behind them. I frankly doubt he would survive a severe vetting.
Ron Paul doesn’t work as a Vice President. He’s popular with independents, but he’d have to reverse course of most of his major issues to work with Romney, and that takes away his appeal with independents.
No, the geography thing seems to be dead these days. Neither Biden nor Cheney added important states or real geographical balance.
When the GOP strategists sit down to make this decision, it’s precisely with that ignorance they will make that sort of decision. That’s the point about ignorance, you don’t know what you don’t know.
That may well be. I don’t know enough about him to say.
No way. He’s smart enough to know that a 2-Mormon ticket won’t fly.
Agree it has to be a southerner. Haley Barbar, maybe. Someone with charisma, and solidly conservative credentials. Palin won’t even be considered. Marco Rubio would be a good choice, too, but supposedly he’s not interested (yeah, right!).
Barbour is another somewhat interesting thought, but I think he burned his bridges by pardoning 4 murderers yesterday (including one that shot his wife in the head while she was holding their baby).
I kind of like Haley as another woman/minority/Tea Party pick. Not sure if her non-Christian past would have an impact or not. Also she would need careful vetting, as some indications are that she’s not quite ready for prime-time - I’m sure the investigating committee will be very wary of another Palin situation.
Senators
Kay Bailey Hutchison (TX) - Certainly not an old white guy. Practically guarantied to be replaced by a Republican in the Senate. It’s also a way to pick a woman without having a Palin taste in the mouth.
Richard Burr (NC) - If using Standard VP candidate criteria, I would go with someone from the South as well. Fundamentalist enough to counter Romney’s Mormonism. Someone the TeaPartiers would like. Someone that can deliver Florida as well. Charlie Crist is way to liberal for that and I think the only way Rick Scott would carry Florida is if the voters realize that if he is VP of the US then hes not governor of Fla. Mitch McConnell wouldn’t give up his power in the Senate would he? David Vitter may be an interesting choice but how much of the South outside Louisiana could he deliver? Ultimately, I’d go with Richard Burr out of North Carolina.
Governors
Jan Brewer (AZ) - Could definately run as an outsider which may balance Romney’s establishment issue. Problem is that she is anti-illegal immigration and her state is viewed by the other 49 as racist. Overall, more harm than good.
Tom Corbett (PA) - Lock up Pennsylvania’s 20 EV and from there focus on NY (29), Ohio (18), Maryland (14) and New Jersey (15). Is he too new to have any influence beyond his state’s borders?
Nikki Haley (SC) - Perfect for Romney. A non-old non-white non-male conservative. Problem is, she isn’t Christian either. If Romney were not Mormon that may have been a non-issue.
Bob McDonnell (VA) = Remember that Virginia (13) went for Obama in 2008. What he has done in his state make good talking points in juxtaposition to Obama’s presidency.
Final Recomendation: Bob McDonnell, Richard Burr (2nd choice), Nikki Haley (if polling poorly and need a despirate pick and religion is not an issue)
Romney’s going to need a social conservative to boost enthusiasm among the base. Among other current candidates, Santorum or Perry would fit. Single issue conservatives will stay home if the running-mate is pro-choice. I think Rubio and Haley are both too inexperienced. Jeb Bush, maybe? Wouldn’t that be something?