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Loose Canons
Romney’s Only Option
Who else but Paul Ryan for veep?
Mitt Romney’s likely win in tomorrow’s Wisconsin primary (he’s up by more than seven points in yesterday’s RealClearPolitics poll average) won’t lock up the Republican nomination for him, but it will be another long step toward it. And the closer the nomination becomes, the more speculation there will be about whom Romney should — or shouldn’t — choose as his running mate.
Romney is a cautious man. The idea that one of his former rivals for the nomination would be his choice is risible. Their words will be fodder for a long series of Obama campaign ads that will run through Election Day. Romney won’t fail to vet his running mate thoroughly, as McCain failed to do four years ago.
He could choose Ohio Sen. Rob Portman, former OMB director, as a team-strengthening economic expert but Portman — who served under George W. Bush — would play directly into Obama’s meme that voting for Romney would return us to the bad old days. Portman is out.
Many conservatives clamor for Florida Sen. Marco Rubio who is clearly chary of the idea. Rubio is, we must hope, on another presidential track. We need him to take the time to get more experience on the national stage and help him groom himself for the presidency. Rubio, from everything we’ve seen so far, belongs in the top job. Just not yet. And he’s smart enough to realize that.
Which leaves an almost endless list of other possibilities. Vice Presidential candidates can’t win you an election, but they can help you lose as Fritz Mondale would be the first to tell you. Romney needs someone who can help him win.
Romney has, from the outset, focused his campaign on the economy, which he is wise to do. Poll after poll says that the economy is the top issue for voters. Gallup’s most recent poll (March 28) found that over 70 percent of Americans worried more about the economy than anything else followed, in order, by gas prices, federal spending, and the budget deficit. A Rasmussen poll released yesterday found that 49 percent of Americans trusted Republicans on the economy and only 38 percent trusted Democrats.
Which delivers us, inexorably, to the best and most fact-driven running mate choice for Mitt Romney: House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan of Wisconsin. There are strong reasons for this conclusion, each of which justify the choice. When taken together, the case for Ryan appears too compelling to avoid.
The first reason for Ryan to be on Romney’s ticket is that the Ryan Budget will be a major issue in the campaign regardless of who Romney’s running mate is. Who better to defend it — clearly and strongly — and attack Obama’s reckless, feckless spending than its author? Ryan, as The Almanac of American Politics says, is “…regarded as an intellectual leader in the GOP for his unrivaled influence on fiscal matters.” And he uses that influence courageously, taking on the whole budget mess from taxes to the Medicare entitlement program in a way that is both fiscally responsible and reasonable.
The Ryan Budget cuts the deficit, reforms Medicare, and includes a whole host of tax reductions resulting in a balanced budget by 2040, which is too far in the future to satisfy those of us who want to roll back Obama’s spending spree. But it has the advantage of being more likely to be achieved.
After the House passed Ryan’s budget, White House flak Jay Carney issued a statement characterizing it as Republican action to “… shower millionaires and billionaires with a massive tax cut paid for by ending Medicare as we know it and making extremely deep cuts to critical programs needed to create jobs and strengthen the middle class.” Which is false, and exactly what you’d expect from Obama’s White House.
The calumnies are coming thick and fast. Obama said of the Ryan Budget, “I will not allow Medicare to become a voucher program,” which Ryan’s plan doesn’t make it. The hyperliberal New York Times called the Ryan Budget “cruel,” insisting it would “leave millions of struggling American families desperate for food, shelter and health care.” That it would do none of those things is of no matter to the Dems or the Times.
Romney’s business credentials are strong, but his economic policy pronouncements — as good as they are — are a lackluster list of tax cuts and a bit more. In the day-to-day windsprints through the primaries, Romney hasn’t taken the time to explain them. He will be busy doing that during the post-nomination campaign and trying to draw contrasts with Obama. Now that Romney has endorsed Ryan’s plan, Ryan can be an enormous help.
The second big reason for Ryan to be the choice is that he’s more than up to the task. If you listened to Paul Ryan three or four years ago, his intelligence and command of the issues were clear but he was less so. The man used to talk as if he were reading a spreadsheet. In the succeeding years, as House Budget Chairman, he’s become used to the national spotlight and seems comfortable speaking in terms people use at their kitchen table. He’s likeable, young (at 42, only two years older than Rubio), and will be good at the convention and on the stump. He can speak to younger voters in terms they’ll identify with: this is your money Obama is spending, folks, and if you elect us we’ll make sure you can keep it and enjoy a better life than your parents have had.
The third big reason is that Ryan can compensate for Romney’s weakness on Obamacare. We learned last week, thanks to Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-Ala), that Obamacare will add about $17 trillion in new unfunded budget liability — debt — over the next 75 years. While Romney must continue his promise to repeal Obamacare (assuming that the Supreme Court will sustain it, which seems unlikely) Ryan can add an attack from a different angle. Like Medicare, this nation cannot — and should not — sustain the cost of Obamacare, and Ryan can make that case.
It’s not often that the cautious and safe choice of a running mate can bring with it the added strength of star power that can capture voters’ attention and loyalty. Ryan has an unusual sort of star power, which is the fourth big reason to choose him.
About the Author
Jed Babbin served as a Deputy Undersecretary of Defense under George H.W. Bush. He is the author of several bestselling books including Inside the Asylum and In the Words of Our Enemies. You can follow him on Twitter @jedbabbin.
Letter to the Editor View all comments (209) | Leave a comment
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Jack in Wi.| 4.2.12 @ 7:46AM
Romey is a failed, one term, liberal governor of Mass. and a nice guy. Ryan is from my state and another nice guy. To quote Leo quote Leo Durocher. " Nice guys finish last. " These 2 guys are soft as mush Bush clones. No thank you.
George Z| 4.2.12 @ 7:55AM
Ryan would be OK...We've never had a Catholic VP. He's be even better as Speaker, if we could
get rid of the worthless Boehner.
The Founding fathers saw the VP as president of the Senate...similar to the Speaker in power. If Romney appointed Rubio as VP with the understanding that he would spend all his time
in the Senate, Rubio would bring alot to the ticket.
Florida, Tea Party, Hispanic, youth...Hard to pass him up.
Jack in Wi.| 4.2.12 @ 8:06AM
Biden claims to be a Catholic. The Bush, eastern banker wing, will sink the party once again. Romney and Ryan are a perfect match for the elites and their agendas. They both love wars and bailouts. The election is Obama's to lose. Even if if Romney wins what is gained?
JP| 4.2.12 @ 8:37AM
What is gained? Another Democratic victory in 2016.
Doorgunner| 4.2.12 @ 11:28AM
How about two SCOTUS seats, geniuses?
JP| 4.2.12 @ 2:23PM
Yes, another Souter and Stevens!
Occam's Tool| 4.9.12 @ 1:28PM
Well, we all know that the presidential candidate for the Dems will be Anthony Weiner, 'cause he's perfect. His VEEP choice HAS to be Eric Holder, 'cause he's perfect.
Yup: Weiner/Holder. I can see it now.
DTOM| 4.2.12 @ 1:45PM
Jack;
Why are you wasting your time here? Huffington Post needs thinking like yours - it'd straighten them out a little.
Jack in Wi.| 4.2.12 @ 3:17PM
The Milwaukee Journal has just endorsed Mitt Romney in the Wi. primary. I don't vote for people endorsed by that local red rag. Like Romney it is liberal to the core.
WWTJDO| 4.3.12 @ 11:01AM
You sound just like a liberal..Mitt is more moderate than liberal. Get your facts straight. It doesn't matter who the nominee is, Obozo must go.
Seek| 4.2.12 @ 4:47PM
What Rubio would bring to the ticket is advocacy of amnesty for illegal immigrants. No thanks.
JP| 4.2.12 @ 8:36AM
I agree with Jack on this one. Ryan, for all of his wonkish publicity, doesn't impress me one bit. Wonks do not belong in high office.
Pete| 4.2.12 @ 11:10AM
He comes off as boring and like Romney will fail to fire up the base. At Least McCain had Palin. The GOP should be beating Obama by a mile, but by picking an out of touch Romney and bean counter in Ryan they will fail to get the vote of 80 percent of the public school crowd who unfortunately control the election.
scotchieguy| 4.2.12 @ 12:50PM
"At least McCain had Palin." You say that as if it is a good thing. Surely, you jest.
Nick| 4.2.12 @ 2:36PM
Scotchieguy,
If it wasn't for Governor Palin, McLame would only have won 12-15 states in '08.
Even if O'Romney could find a combination of Sarah Palin, Chris Christie, and Rush, and he would still loose to O'Bama.
O'Romney is McLame 2.o.
scotchieguy| 4.2.12 @ 4:24PM
I don't disagree with you about Romney being similar to "McLame." However, "McLame" made a huge mistake in choosing Palin because he took away his ace in the hole--"Obozo's" youth and inexperience. Palin did attract huge crowds and added some fervor to his lame candidacy, but her inexperience and lack of depth were exposed. She wasn't ready then, and she isn't ready now.
Mike Hawk| 4.2.12 @ 4:49PM
Sarah Palin was far more qualified than Obozo and a few others for that matter and far more articulate on issues that Capt. McQueeg.
Nick| 4.2.12 @ 5:17PM
Quit trying to rewrite history, Scotchieguy.
Governor Palin saved McShame's campaign. After a month of relentless, disgusting attacks (including questioning whether Trig was really her baby, and that she caused his Downs by flying after her water broke) Mrs. Palin was still keeping McShamnesty's campaign alive.
It was only after McLame's pitiful "I will suspend my campaign" announcement that his poll numbers tanked. Get your facts straight.
Sarah Palin would still make a fine candidate. Preferably, for POTUS.
MM| 4.3.12 @ 7:34AM
Not ready? You couldn't more wrong about Sarah. Maybe you should start charging the left dominated media rent because they're living for nothing in your head now.
Pete| 4.3.12 @ 11:45AM
Hillary tried to ping Obama on inexperience and failed. Mc Cain failed because he failed to show just how radical Obama was. He refused to vet the man, and look what happened.
Palin nearly won the election despite Mc Cain, the stodgy old white man.
Now the GOP establishment insists on sending another stodgy old white man to beat Obama.
DTOM| 4.2.12 @ 1:46PM
Ever heard him live?
Sounds like you haven't. He's actually very good.
Timothy L. Pennell| 4.2.12 @ 8:55AM
Wow. That was some picture of Paul Ryan shaking hands with Frankenstein. I'm just kidding. I know that he endorsed Mitt Romney, and I know that he's really shaking hands with one of the Wax Figures at Marie Toussaint's.
Seriously. Are you as excited about this front runner as I am? I mean, who WOULDN'T want to go after a Big Government Liberal, with a Government Health Care Takeover Plan, with a Big Government Liberal, who CREATED the Government Health Care Takeover Plan?
Am I right?
I am down right giddy that we have a guy who's Resume consists of Running the Olympics 100 years ago, and being Governor of Taxachusetts. That, and being a Corporate Raider. (At least, that's what we used to call them.)
Not only that, but a guy who's already said, that he's "Not gonna set my head on fire Criticizing the President".
Gasoline has MORE than doubled under Herr Hussein. Food Prices are through the roof. He pissed through just shy of a TRILLION DOLLARS, keeping his Public Union Thugs, flush with Cash that he told everyone was for (Cue the laugh track) "Shovel Ready Infrastructure Jobs.' (Everybody laughs)
He won't Drill. He won't Build. He won't Mine, and he won't let Canada pipe their Oil in to our Country. What he WILL DO, is Blame George Bush, Dick Cheney, Japan and Mother Gaea, for the Gas Prices. He'll blame it on an Arab Spring that he facilitated by throwing Mubarak to the Dogs, and Kinectikizing Khaddafi with Kinetic Activity from behind. (I know it's confusing. Perhaps Alan can help you with that last part?)
He's been Running Guns to the Drug Cartels, in Mexico. We know that. He has the Blood of a thousand dead Mexican men, women, and CHILDREN, on his hands. We know that, too. He's whispering "Side Deals" for a Fellow Traveler in Moscow. He seeks to SELL US OUT. We know this, as well.
We know that he blames China for all of his Big Donors' bankrupt Solar Panel Companies despite him giving them MILLIONS of our tax Dollars. And, thank God that he was able to give them all of that money. Otherwise, they might not be able to be BIG DONORS this Election.
He's a Liar and a Thief. Everything out of his Lying Muslim Mouth, is a Lie. Every number that comes out of his Lying Administration, is a LIE. Every Stat. Every Opinion. Every word from that Lying Weasel little MFer - Carney, is BULLSH*T and everybody knows it.
But our Wax Figure/Frankenstein looking Front Runner, who knows all of the OWNERS of the Cars on Sundays at Daytona and Martinsville, and Dover, and who's wife has 2 Cadillacs, and is looking around in Wisconsin, as we speak, to find someplace where he can "Gets me a Hunting Licence", isn't going to "Set my head on Fire, blaming the President for everything that's going wrong in the Country".
Can ANYONE explain to the rest of us, how Frankenstein is any different than that FAT SLUT - Meghan McCain's - Father?
And, did I mention that he's a Mormon?
We are gonna hear all of the Ghost Stories about Mormons. It doesn't matter that Harry Reid is a Mormon. It doesn't matter that Mo Udall was a Mormon. They're not Republicans, and they're not running against THE ONE that the Left has been waiting for.
I don't care what his Religion is. I don't care what he Worships when he's on his knees, any more that I care what Alan worships, on similar occasions.
To save our Village, he has to Destroy it, even more. Believers in any Religion, are difficult to dissuade. Black Unemployment is 17%, with Black Youth Unemployment over 50%. Violence in their "Hoods" has grown exponentially under President Black Liberation Theology. Their Schools have gotten worse, and the life span of a young Black Male in the Muslim's base of Operations - Chicago and D.C. is getting shorter and shorter.
With our Muslim President's BETRAYEL of our only Ally in the Middle East - Israel - in its Leaking of ULTRA CLASSIFIED Information to a Magazine, about the options that Israel might take advantage of in a Raid against Iran, he has finally crossed the Last Rubicon.
"Woe unto any Nation that would stand against Israel."
But, Candidate Wax Figure Frankenstein wants to play it cool. He doesn't want to set his head on fire, and I guess that shouldn't really surprise anyone.
As I recall, Frankensteins are deathly afraid of fire.
Pete| 4.2.12 @ 11:13AM
And the same leftists on wall street that gave us Obama in 2008 are making sure Romney gets the GOP nomination.
Dmac | 4.2.12 @ 4:54PM
Don't ever stop Tim.
Doctor Right| 4.2.12 @ 5:37PM
zzzzz...ZZZZZZZZZ..zzzzzz..
Timothy L. Pennell| 4.2.12 @ 6:57PM
That's the best comment I've ever seen from you.
Doctor Right.
More like: Dr. Douche Bag, Dumb Ass, Nothing worth Reading.
Doctor Right| 4.2.12 @ 10:25PM
Insight, Timmy...get acquainted with it.
Otherwise, you sound like a wind-up monkey endlessly banging out the same tired rhythm...
Evny O' Mine| 4.2.12 @ 10:57PM
Jealous, Dr. Self-Righteous?
Occam's Tool| 4.9.12 @ 1:30PM
That doesn't sound like the TLP I know. The caps and name calling TYPE sound more like Clint....hmmmm.
My comment, although below, is NOT a slap at Dr. Right. Check out the timing, sir. Tim, what did Dr. R do to piss you off?
Occam's Tool| 4.2.12 @ 5:40PM
What can I say, Tim. Brilliance and a cruel wit.
I'm not wild about Mitt, but he ain't a traitor like Hussein.
The American Hitman| 4.2.12 @ 10:38AM
Why not double down on Bush-iness again in '12 and pick Jeb or Condi?
Vern Crisler| 4.2.12 @ 11:24AM
Great! Two guys who have about as much charisma as a sore thumb.
Mac Jehoff| 4.2.12 @ 4:26PM
As far as nice guys are concerned Jack, Ronald Reagan and William F. Buckley were considered nice guys as well.
Norm Klevens| 4.2.12 @ 11:47PM
Take you BS and shove it. Got to be a Democrat; my way or no way.
Joellen| 4.2.12 @ 8:09AM
George, not sure if you are being funny; however it should be noted Biden is a CINO - Catholic in name only. So, if Rubio or Ryan were picked you mean it would be good to have a true follower of the Catholic Doctrine be VP. Personally, I am still rooting for Congressman Allen West. In him we have a real fighter, military, morally and constitutionally.
Moe Blotz| 4.2.12 @ 8:37AM
Vice President is a stepping stone to the end of a political career, so Marco Rubio and Paul Ryan are not good choices for the office. Keep the senator and congressman where they can do the most good. George Allen and Rick Santorum would be good running mates to fill the VP slot.
JayDick| 4.2.12 @ 9:22AM
I see VP more as a step to the Presidency. Nixon, Bush I, and almost Gore show that. Johnson probably shouldn't be counted.
Moe Blotz| 4.2.12 @ 10:48AM
When Richard Nixon ran from his VP position, he lost to Jack Kennedy in 1960. That one should not count in your tally, either. Going back to the founding of our country, very few vice presidents have risen to the top job by being elected. More governors than any other elected official have become president.
Mike Hawk| 4.2.12 @ 4:35PM
Bush 41 is the only Veep in history to succeed his same party (one ticket) elected President to the Oval office by being elected on his own right. All others failed got there by having the president croak, or in Nixon's case 8 years later after losing. VP is a stepping stone to retirement or oblivion. John Nance Garnwer knew that Losers are Humphrey, Gore and Mondull. Johnson doesn't count. The Senate is not a waiting room for the POTUS either. It only happened in '08 because both candidates were Senators and third rate candidates as well.
Mike Hawk| 4.2.12 @ 4:50PM
George Allen is going to reclaim the Senate seat from Jim Webb in VA.
Patricia Teel| 4.2.12 @ 3:36PM
Next time. And when he runs for president, he has my vote.
Nite| 4.2.12 @ 8:48PM
I agree with you. Florida is a swing state and Col. West would give Romney military expertise that he does not have. Col. West is willing to serve if asked. So I agree with you, Col. West would be the best choice.
Clint| 4.2.12 @ 8:21AM
The Obama And Biden Are TARPSTERS, Where Romney And Ryan Are TARPSTERS.
The Tea Party Rebellion Heads To An Open Convention.
Rob| 4.2.12 @ 8:57AM
You keep advocating for an open convention. Who do you expect to emerge with the nomination Gingrich, Santorum? Gingrich is a white version of Obama ie.. arrogant and conceited. Santorum is a preachy holier than thou Catholic. An open convention hand the election to Obama for sure. Be careful what you wish for.
JayDick| 4.2.12 @ 9:23AM
An open convention would result in Romney as the nominee. Why bother?
Doctor Right| 4.2.12 @ 5:39PM
Clint keeps holding out hope that somehow, someway, Ron Paul would get the nomination at a brokered convention.
The fantasy world Clint inhabits is rich, indeed...
Occam's Tool| 4.2.12 @ 5:43PM
Well, Doctor Right, in California it is very hard to medicate against the patient's will. Reese versus St. Mary's. It's one of the things RCV and I agree on---a very bad decision.
Clint| 4.2.12 @ 9:42PM
On The Other Hand, Tool Job's The Screwball Israel Firster Smear Bund Maniac, Who Also Said He'll Vote For The Ruling Elites' RINO-CINO Fop Frontman, Mittens Romney.
These Are Your Plastic RINO-CINO Flunkie Stooges, Who Gave Us The Serial Traitor To Conservatism, John McCain Of McCain-Feingold, McCain-Kennedy,McCain-Lieberman,Gang Of 14, Opposing Bush Tax Cuts Of 2001 & 2003,TARP.
Now They Are Trying To Give Us RomneyCare,TARP, Cynical Flip-Flops On Abortion, Gays, Refuses to Sign Pro-Life Pledge, Illegal Immigrants, "Little Chain Saw Al" At Bain, Crony Capitalism Campaign Money Trail.....
The Tea Party Rebellion Heads To An Open Convention.
Judith| 4.3.12 @ 1:47AM
Clint....Get Lost!
Clint| 4.2.12 @ 9:36PM
Dr.Reich's The RINO-CINO Flunkie Stooge,Who Said He'll Vote For The Ruling Elities' RINO-CINO Fop Frontman, Mittens Romney.
We Are Being Set Up By RINO-CINO Flunkie Stooges For The Ruling Elites' Frontman Mittens Romney.
These Are The RINO-CINO Flunkie Stooges Who Gave Us The Serial Traitor To Conservatism, John McCain Of McCain-Feingold, McCain-Kennedy,McCain-Lieberman,Gang Of 14, Opposing Bush Tax Cuts Of 2001 & 2003,TARP.
Now They Are Trying To Give Us RomneyCare,TARP, Cynical Flip-Flops On Abortion, Gays, Refuses to Sign Pro-Life Pledge, Illegal Immigrants, "Little Chain Saw Al" At Bain, Crony Capitalism Campaign Money Trail.....
The Tea Party Rebellion Heads To An Open Convention.
Doctor Right| 4.2.12 @ 10:26PM
Clint Air.
Occam's Tool| 4.9.12 @ 1:33PM
Yeah, I think Romney is a better choice than Obama. For lots of reasons. I wanted santorum, but I'm OK with Mitt. Just to piss of Clint further, Dr. R, did you know that Mitt and Bibi are personal friends, with a friendship going back to the 1970s when they both worked for Boston Consulting Group, took each other's measure, and liked what they saw?
Occam's Tool| 4.9.12 @ 1:36PM
Sorry---"Piss off Clint." Dr. R, a belated Happy Easter.
Bob K.| 4.2.12 @ 9:54AM
It doesn't necessarily have to be anybody who ran in the Republican Primaries if it becomes an open convention. It could be someone like Jindal or Rubio. Even dropouts like Perry become options again.
JayDick| 4.2.12 @ 12:09PM
I wouldn't have to be Romney, but probably it would be.
DTOM| 4.2.12 @ 1:51PM
Big advantage against Obama is to be had from waiting until the convention to identify our candidate. Waiting until the convention will prevent Obama and the mainstream media from doing the slow drip of push polling, planted stories, and trick questions, and malicious edits to destroy our candidate.
If they can't start that until after the convention, they will have to do it a lot more actively and will be seen by the oh-so-precious independents as "going negative." Negative is Obama's only possible campaign strategy - there is NOTHING for him to run on.
So wait for the convention and deprive them of four months of insidious, dirty campaign tactics...
DTOM
Romney gaffes, and gaffes often.
Patricia Teel| 4.2.12 @ 3:25PM
I like Newt. He could run circles around both Obama and Biden in a debate. Obama is not scared of Romney and who can blame him but Newt would scare the pants off him.
Nelson H.| 4.2.12 @ 4:29PM
There's more to winning a general election than winning a debate. There's basic likeability too. As unlikeable as Obama is, Newt is even worse. The best debate performance in history couldn't change that.
JayDick| 4.2.12 @ 5:28PM
Right. And his marital problems don't help any.
fiscal| 4.2.12 @ 9:09AM
Have any of you actually been through the Ryan plan? It sounds good ideologically, but the numbers don't add up. It does gut Medicare and leaves virtually no money to run the government at all including no money for such agencies as the FBI. The growth assumptions have absolutely no relation to any historical fact. In addition, while Obamacare creates a large Medicare unfunded liability, it is actually less than the unfunded Medicare liability if nothing were done.
I like Paul Ryan a lot, but there are so many holes in his budget that the amount of political ammunition it gives would hurt the Republican nominee. Romney needs to maintain "plausible deniability" when someone actually adds up Ryan's numbers. Therefore, he needs to maintain a bit of distance from Ryan while still backing the concept.
The Dems realize that there is no realistic budget that will solve our problems so they've determined that it is far better politically to be called on the carpet for having no budget than to be specific about their downfall.
Now I'd like to see a REAL budget in the vein of Simpson-Bowles. The real opportunity for conservatives is to adopt Simpson-Bowles and claim to be the adult in the room. The President called this commission and then didn't like the result. I've been through their numbers, they actually make sense.
As far as VP goes, you need someone with executive experience to make the point that Obama never had any (and still doesn't). Therefore, a governor makes sense. In addition, Romney lacks any personality -- therefore, you need personality as VP. I'm for Christie because he has what Romney lacks personally and Romney has what Christie lacks from a business perspective. Rubio is just not "heavy" enough -- he is currently a lightweight. In 4-8 years, he might well be excellent -- but right now, no one would trust him.
Clint| 4.2.12 @ 9:13AM
In An Open Convention Delegates Are Freed To Select A Candidate Other Than Those Already Running.
The Tea Party Rebellion Heads To An Open Convention.
JayDick| 4.2.12 @ 9:28AM
The most important criterion for a VP is how much he/she will assist in winning. By that standard, Rubio is the best choice. And, after 8 years as VP, he would be well-positioned for the presidency.
Ryan would also be high on my list, but I don't think he would add quite as much to the ticket as Rubio.
Mimi| 4.2.12 @ 10:46AM
He would add....all the years he spent in the U.S. Congress. Look into all his speeches at the Heritage Assoc. Paul Ryan is a remarkable American...He has a WONDERFUL way about him....an excellant pick for V.P.....Where as Rubio "MAY" have eligibility problems for a future Presidency. Both men are a good asset to the Republican Party...Who itself has a danger of a Conservative SPLIT on the horizon. There is a limit to the extent the RINO domination wins out..The rancor felt ...The hurt of giving them there WAY...again is REAL!
idalily| 4.2.12 @ 2:42PM
Rubio has said he doesn't want the job. Please, people, give it up. Besides, we need him in the Senate.
I think Ryan would be a great VP. Also, in 8 years, he'd make a fine president and he can pick Rubio as his VP. Play this right (assuming Romney/Ryan/Rubio go along and we get Congress), we could actually get conservative governance and conservative SCOTUS justices for sixteen years. Long enough to actually cut the budget, show people how much government we DON'T need, and save our country from total disaster.
Ryan is a good, solid moderate who will bring in indies, who we desperately need to defeat Obama.
JayDick| 4.2.12 @ 5:31PM
Good analysis. Rubio may have said he doesn't want it, but he's getting things all lined up nevertheless. And, recently, he has not been as adamant about not wanting it.
I like your idea for 24 years of Romney then Ryan then Rubio. I really like Rubio, but he has time.
JimH| 4.2.12 @ 9:46AM
The question then becomes in an open convention who are these delegates likely to go for. As most of them are local party apparatchiks, it would seem unlikely that they would go for a Tea Party endorsed candidate.
Occam's Tool| 4.2.12 @ 5:43PM
Cool. Then we get Tom Tancredo/Allen West. That ticket would kick serious ass.
JohnM| 4.2.12 @ 9:28AM
Please drop the Rubio talk. He is not a Natural Born Citizen of the USA.
Anthony| 4.2.12 @ 10:03AM
Neither is Obozo, but the LSM would not be able to keep Obozo's past under wraps if they took off after Rubio.
It would be fun watching Obozo and his media whores scramble to keep the lid on Obozo' past while they went after Rubio.
Maybe Romney would even manage to make a comment about the double standard, of course, without upsetting Obozo and the left. Can't get to tough with Obozo, just ask McLame.
How did the Muslim Marxist get a Connecticut Social Security card, eh, Tom Brokaw?
scotchieguy| 4.2.12 @ 12:57PM
What is with "Obozo?" What, are we still in third grade? That's something a lib would say. Why can't you just call him Obama? We all know he is a total failure.
Anthony| 4.2.12 @ 4:02PM
What's the problem? Surely the man who we've been waiting for, who can lower the oceans, heal the planet, raise America's prestige across the globe, and who has brought us to the nirvana of post racial America can handle a little jab, no?
After all, I didn't call him Hitler, like the left did to Bush, did I?
He's a clown, just like you.
scotchieguy| 4.2.12 @ 4:28PM
Why am I a clown? For all you know, I might agree 100% with you. I just don't think you are going to convince people when you say things like "Obozo," "McLame," "Obummer," "MSLSD," "regressive," etc. What is wrong with trashing his policies?
Anthony| 4.2.12 @ 4:58PM
I do trash his policies, constantly, however, I also believe in the power of sarcasm and ridicule when dealing with the sanctimonious high and mighty elites.
If Obama can call certain Americans gun loving, Bible readers, "bitter clingers", and McCain can call Rush a "clown", and Chris Matthews, MSNBC, calling us every pejoritive name in the book 24/7, why I can't I slap them upside the head a bit?
I don't play by the Marquiss of Queensbury's rules.
Occam's Tool| 4.2.12 @ 5:44PM
Scotchie: I also hate him as a human being, and have no respect for him as a human being. It is not his policies alone I dislike---he and his wife are assholes on a personal level.
Occam's Tool| 4.9.12 @ 1:35PM
scotchieguy: right.
He is Obama, the documented friend of Communists (Van Jones) and terrorists (Bill Ayers).
Obama FOCT. Or, O FOCT. I like that.
JayDick| 4.2.12 @ 12:11PM
He was born in the US, was he not? That makes him a natural born US citizen.
Tim the Enchanter| 4.2.12 @ 12:35PM
For the umpteenth time, a "Natural Born Citizen" is someone who was born in the United States of parents who themselves are both citizens. Ear Leader is not and can NEVER be a "Natural Born Citizen" because his father was NOT a Citizen of the USA.
Mike Hawk| 4.2.12 @ 4:54PM
Not according to the law under 8 US Code Sec 1401. Rubio is a natural born citizen as his parents were legal residents.
JohnM| 4.2.12 @ 5:38PM
That makes Rubio a US citizen or a "national" but not a "natural born" citizen as required in the US Constitution. Natural born citizens are born of 2 US citizens.
JayDick| 4.2.12 @ 5:32PM
Says who?
Doctor Right| 4.2.12 @ 5:40PM
Wrong.
PattyMor| 4.2.12 @ 9:39AM
No, Romney needs someone from either Florida or Virginia. My pick would be someone from Florida as its a must win State and its not necessarily Rubio.
Bob| 4.2.12 @ 11:06AM
Then who, Mel Martinez?
Doctor Right| 4.2.12 @ 5:40PM
Charlie Crist!
Scorpio51| 4.2.12 @ 9:42AM
Rubio knows he needs to stay put in the Senate. We need him there. Paul Ryan is a nice man, but he did the wrong thing by endorsing Romney. I do believe he caved to establishment pressure. But never fear, Ryan and Rubio's campaign coffers are now full with Romney money.
I'm one of a lot of people who want the open, contested convention. The people will have their say then. Romney won't be the nominee.
JayDick| 4.2.12 @ 12:13PM
Why not? He has won the most votes in primaries. He has the most delegates. He has the most endorsements. Who do you think the delegates are? Why would they not vote for Romney?
Anthony| 4.2.12 @ 9:51AM
So Jed, what's with the smarmy comment, "Romney won't fail to vet his running mate throughly, as McCain failed to do".
What alternative universe does that anti-Palin bull**** come from?
Palin was the best thing to happen to the pathetic, lackluster, and timid McCain choo-choo. I guess you've been watching too much HBO, eh Jed?
Ryan is an excellent choice, but even Ryan can't save the clumsy, "severely" conservative Romney.
Romney had better wake the hell up, campaign like a conservative, take it to Obozo and stop listening to D.C. insiders like you.
Palin would do Romney a whole world of good. She's got the balls he's missing, and she doesn't have to get "severely" conservative, she's already there, way ahead of Romney, per usual.
Mimi| 4.2.12 @ 10:50AM
Wow... I like the sound of that scenario!
JayDick| 4.2.12 @ 12:15PM
Romney needs someone who will help him win. Palin would not fill that requirement. She would turn off more people than she would turn on.
scotchieguy| 4.2.12 @ 1:02PM
All they would have to do is play the Couric video as their campaign ad. How a lightweight like Couric could make Palin look so hopeless I will never understand.
Seek| 4.2.12 @ 4:50PM
Here's the explanation: Katie Couric is a lightweight, but Sarah Palin is a featherweight. That's why Palin looked hopeless. There is no way Romney even would consider putting her on the ticket.
artinocala| 4.2.12 @ 9:55AM
Not a bad article. Except for the reference to McCain's running mate not being vetted. I see this guy worked for Bush 41 so naturally he's been told by Barbara to smear Palin. The vetting mistake made in 2008 was this: Sarah Palin should have vetted the person SHE was running with. Mr. Babbin, Sarah boosted McCain's chances, which he screwed up with his campaign shut down and his fear of alienating the wonderful independents by saying exactly what the truth was about his opponent. When will you Bushies get off the Palin critique? 2008 is history and McCain will be remembered as one of our worst nominees.
fiscal| 4.2.12 @ 10:11AM
Actually, the numbers show that after an initial gain of 6 points, after the disastrous interviews with Couric and Gibson, there was a loss of about 7 points which shows that from an objective perspective, Palin was a net negative -- but certainly, not a positive. Just go to the RCP graph of the general election and put in the dates of the Couric and Gibson interviews and you'll see what I mean. The correlation is extremely strong.
On the other hand, the drop in the numbers show that while Palin was a drain on the ticket, in the end she didn't really pulling McCain down as much as her detractors would like you to believe. But, if the purpose of a VP is to help the candidate, she was a failure, in the end, at doing that.
Anthony| 4.2.12 @ 10:39AM
fiscal, You're another denizen of the alternative universe. I've watched both the Couric and Gibson inverviews several times. Palin did more than hold her own to their smarmy "gotcha questions".
Which "Bush doctrine" was Gibson referencing, do you know?
The criticisms started immediately, and as per the LSM, were kept up, without response from the McLame team, until the big lie was cemented in people's heads.
And isn't it funny, all the Palin bashers fail to acknowledge how she took the "venerable elder statesman of the Senate", Joe Biteme, to the cleaners doing their one debate.
Sorry fiscal, to paraphrase foot'n mouth Bitme, HBO is a 4 letter word!!
fiscal| 4.2.12 @ 10:52AM
It doesn't matter what you watched -- the numbers are the numbers and they are fact. You can live in a dream world or you can live in the real world. The former is much more fun because you can neglect reality. This is what is wrong with letting ideology trump the truth.
Anthony| 4.2.12 @ 11:10AM
Reality?, who's kidding who, pal? Your "numbers" are as accurate as Joe Bitme's 3 letter "jobs" and Obozo's 57 states.
P.S. you gave yourself away with the "ideology trumping truth" line, oops!!!.
fiscal| 4.2.12 @ 11:40AM
If you want to live in Fantasyland, then you can join Obama and the Dems. Many times, ideology is a lie, whether it is on the left or the right. I suspect you are also a "birther" and don't believe in evolution. This is why our country is in trouble -- people don't deal with the REAL problems.
JayDick| 4.2.12 @ 12:17PM
fiscal: You were doing really well until you got into evolution. BTW, I think evolution is real to a point, but not totally random.
Anthony| 4.2.12 @ 12:49PM
Like I said, your smarmy leftism trips you up every time, "birther" and "evolution", two of the favorite cants of the left.
And of course I believe in evolution, afterall, humanity managed to evolve beyond leftist flat-earthers, like you.
I bet you believe the Supreme Court stole the election for Bush, and Anthropogenic Global Warming is real. Be honest.
scotchieguy| 4.2.12 @ 1:10PM
You are right about Gibson, but wrong about Couric. Gibson looked like an elitist with those silly glasses half down his nose, and NO ONE has even heard of the Bush Doctrine, plus there were 4 versions. I wish she responded with, "which version of the Bush Doctrine are you referring to, Charlie?
She really looked bad in responding to the Couric question about reading newspapers. And she looked totally vapid when she couldn't name one Supreme Ct. decision. Not even Dred Scott? Roe v Wade? Brown v. Board of Ed.? Hell, even Bush v Gore. She wasn't ready then, and she isn't ready now.
Anthony| 4.2.12 @ 11:56PM
Hell,I can't think of one newpaper that I still read, other than the WSJ and that's on-line. Palin didn't want to start her campaign telling Couric that all the national lefty newspaper suck!!
And she did cite Roe v. Wade.
You're 0 for 2 pal.
Judith| 4.3.12 @ 2:05AM
Really, how many newspapers have you read lately?
Anthony| 4.2.12 @ 10:20AM
You're right, Jed doesn't need to watch HBO for his anti-Palin cant, he gets his marching orders from the white haired former doyenne of the upper crust gentry of Greenwich, CT, Barbara, and her whimp of a husband, George.
George sure knew "how to fold'em" all right.
Funny how dashing young death defying war heros like Bush, Dole, and McCain turned into such whimpy, gutless pols.
The invincibility of youth quickly faded and age turned these heros into ham'en eggers.
Mike Hawk| 4.2.12 @ 12:00PM
Sarah Palin was quite well vetted. Had McCain selected Lieberman or one of his other rumored Liberal choiced he'd have been buried. Sarah saved his ass. His campaign was otherwise dull and unfocused as is was, especially during the October surprise economic 'crises' where he appeared to be stunned and clueless. Sarah drew bigger crowds that Capt. McQueeg and his handlers resented her for that.
JayDick| 4.2.12 @ 12:19PM
There were lots of conservatives McCain could have chosen that would have been clear additions to the ticket. I'm not sure he would have won, but he would have come closer.
Anthony| 4.2.12 @ 4:49PM
So Jay, please enlighten us as to who these conservatives are? I'm curious what your list consists of. I have a few in mind.
Yet none draw crowds in the thousands like Palin does.
JayDick| 4.2.12 @ 5:38PM
Huckabee is the main one; pretty conservative, very likeable, experience as a governor. I liked Fred Thompson too, but I'm not sure he would have added much because of his personality; I really liked his ideas, though. Those are just from presidential candidates. If he wanted to go beyond candidates, there were congressmen like Paul Ryan and some governors.
Anthony| 4.2.12 @ 6:08PM
Not crazy about Huckabee. Thompson was a dud from the get-go. I'm still wondering why Thompson even entered the race, he seemed to be play acting, like Trump.
I liked Bolton, a long shot for sure.
JayDick| 4.3.12 @ 12:50PM
I love Bolton, but I don't think he would be good at attracting voters, especially independents. He would make a dynamite Secretary of State.
Mike Hawk| 4.2.12 @ 4:55PM
McCain was a piss poor candidate from the start.
RJ| 4.2.12 @ 3:59PM
I agree that Palin helped McCain. The ticket moved into the lead the two times she was in the spotlight. The criticism of Palin usually overlooks the deficiencies of Obama, Biden and McCain. As I recall, John Fund said that the McCain campaign didn't put her to her most effective use. The October economic crisis was the end of the McCain campaign. McCain stumbled on the biggest issue of the campaign. If I recall correctly, he said he didn't know anything about economics. Well, we needed a candidate who did.
Anthony| 4.2.12 @ 4:37PM
RJ, What I find fascinating about this assessment of Palin's contribution to McCain's campaign, goes to your point about the total lack of acknowledgement by the Palin haters that McLame was responsible for his miserable campaign, not Palin.
Assuming arguendo that Palin was not properly "prepared", it was McCain's brain-trust that failed in that department, not Palin.
The McCain brain-trust threw Palin immediately to the leftist wolves, without an initial "sympathetic" first interview to get her feet wet.
Notice still how Obozo is carefully presented; scripted "press conferences" with few interviews, and those to friendly media who are told this will be your last access to Obozo if the interview gets too tough.
And to think, after 3 years of stumbling Obozo, who, when not on the teleprompter, puts his foot in his mouth big time, folks like Babbin are STILL FIXATED ON PALIN.
The disconnect from folks seemingly on "our side" is breathtaking to behold.
Seek| 4.2.12 @ 4:53PM
What exactly would have been the most effective use of Palin -- aside, that is, from staying out of everyone's way and staying sexy?
Anthony| 4.2.12 @ 5:58PM
For starters, allowing Palin to really take it to Obozo, seeing that McLame & his staff were too damn scared to do so, being the cautious D.C. insiders that they were/are.
It's had to win an election when you're more concerned about your status after losing the election. McLame had Palin on a short leash.
Sadly, I never believed McLame actually wanted to win, rather, he wanted to be seen as having run an "honorable" campaign, in order to stay in the good graces of the various power elites, upon his loss.
And given that Obozo's resume was razor thin, but for the color of his skin, Palin would have been a much better presidential candidate than McLame.
Imagine, if she had starting to run years before 08, like McCain had been doing.
She could not have run a worse campaign than McLame did.
Bill| 4.2.12 @ 10:10AM
Paul "Great" Ryan endorsed Romney, so do I endorse Romney. Who else?
Mike Hawk| 4.2.12 @ 12:01PM
So what??
Bill| 4.2.12 @ 1:21PM
Mathematically, Romney is unstoppable, and santorum is fading, and Gingrich and Ron Paul are "politically" dead.
Bob K.| 4.2.12 @ 10:16AM
Since the days of Lyndon Johnson the only successful Presidential candidates from small states have been Democrats. Clinton from Arkansas, and Carter from Georgia and Georgia is not really small. All the successful Republican candidates came from large states. Nixon, almost 2 complete terms. Reagan, 2 complete terms. and the two Bushes, 3 complete terms. When the Republicans ran candidates from small or medium sized states they lost. (Ford, from Michigan, does not count for obvious reasons.)
The people in charge of the Republican Party know this.
The people can come to their own conclusions why the Republican leadership is pushing Romney who is either from Massachusetts or Utah but maybe from Michigan. Who knows? The people who run the Democratic party love it. They have their man (ostensibly from Illinois out of Hawaii) running against another small state Republican and are breathing easy since Perry from Texas, a very large state, dropped out after entering the Republican circular firing squad known as a Primary.
Moe Blotz| 4.2.12 @ 10:52AM
George H.W. Bush is from Connecticut.
Bob K.| 4.2.12 @ 10:59AM
He was born in Mass. Went to Yale in Conn. Joined the Air Force. Moved to West Texas and went into the Oil business after the war.
Moe Blotz| 4.2.12 @ 4:22PM
Navy pilot, in the Pacific.
Occam's Tool| 4.2.12 @ 5:46PM
Youngest pilot in the USN, Bush was.
Mike Hawk| 4.2.12 @ 11:51AM
You have a funny idea of what large and small is. Ronald Reagan was from Tampico, IL , but lived his adult life in CA. Arkansas is hardly a small state except for population maybe. Small is Rhode Island.
Bob K.| 4.2.12 @ 12:04PM
Mike,
It's not a funny idea at all! All these guys were successful politicians, Senators and Governors from very large states. It doesn't matter where they were born before they went into politics.
And yes, I'm talking about states with large populations and many electoral votes when I say large and small. Why do I have to explain this to you?
Mike Hawk| 4.2.12 @ 8:56PM
Glad you clarified that. It still doesn't make sense.
Judith| 4.3.12 @ 2:11AM
Naw, Perry dropped out because he couldn't even remember why he was there.
Bob K.| 4.2.12 @ 10:54AM
He moved to Texas.
Bob K.| 4.2.12 @ 10:55AM
That would be George H. W. Bush.
Bob| 4.2.12 @ 11:01AM
I'm sorry, am I reading someone from the American Spectator, or the writings of George Stephanopoulos?
Tim| 4.2.12 @ 11:52AM
Many believed Reagan was a loose cannon.
As to all of this Catholic talk....
There ain't anyone more Orthodox in Catholic Doctrine than Santorum....
So much for the Majority of Catholics supporting one of their own..and especially..Not a politician who really walks the walk and talks the talk...thats asking a bit much.
But then Hats off to the 45% of Republican Catholics who do take their Faith Seriously.
There is hope!
Patricia Teel| 4.2.12 @ 3:31PM
Santorum is too far right for moderate voters.
Mimi| 4.2.12 @ 6:47PM
Santorum can be TRUSTED....for sure! That is the MOST IMPORTANT thing to consider....We have had enough of the likes of OBAMA we re desparate for a Commander - in Chief we can wholeheartedly TRUST.. the rest we can live with!
JimP| 4.2.12 @ 12:13PM
If Romney gets the nom and chooses Ryan and then announces he'll be a one term President so Ryan can run, then OK. Otherwise this hurts Ryan IMO, but doesn't do much for Romney because everyone knows VPs don't make policy. In other words, I will no longer have any trust in RYAN. This would make Ryan just another sellout to the likes of Boehner, Cantor & McConnell. For more evidence of selling out, his new plan IS further left isn't it? See why I'm getting that same old feeling we have all had so many, many times in the past?
Rita Dumais| 4.2.12 @ 12:22PM
Picking Paul Ryan as veep would be an incredible saving-the-country decision.
Ponder 8 years of a mostly conservative Romney presidency followed by 8 more years of an even more conservative Ryan era.
Yes, 16 years within which to appoint as many Supreme Court justices like Scalia or Thomas as possible!
This could be the way the death of the liberals takes place---after peaking with Obama, Pelosi and Reid, the slide down could be relatively speaking quite fast.
Hello, ash heap!
scotchieguy| 4.2.12 @ 1:21PM
Funny how history repeats itself. Like Reagan following Carter. Rom--wait a minute. Are you sure this guy is even a conservative? Just because he is a businessman doesn't make him a conservative. I want to like him because he seems like the most likely to win, but that silly fake smile reminds me more of another imposter, Clinton.
Dave Williams| 4.2.12 @ 1:37PM
What she said!
Mark Anderson| 4.2.12 @ 2:12PM
Better up your demographics.
idalily| 4.2.12 @ 2:44PM
Rita, I completely agree.
Nelson H.| 4.2.12 @ 4:25PM
Well, let's win this next election before we start counting the next three after that in our win column! Don't forget we need to defeat the Hildebeast in 2016!
RCV| 4.2.12 @ 12:30PM
Romney will wrap up the nomination on Tuesday, and will then have to begin to attract independents and disaffected Democrats to the GOP if he is to have any chance of winning the key swing states in November. Ryan will not help in that effort; Rubio will. Ryan will be of much greater assistance either in Congress or as Budget director.
Joseph| 4.2.12 @ 12:32PM
Except for Anthony, this has to be the stupidest collection of comments ever made. Looks like the Obama crowd is out in full force trying to make it appear that Republicans will not support Romney.
Patricia Teel| 4.2.12 @ 3:33PM
I will if I don't have another choice. I don't like Romney and I don't trust him.
Occam's Tool| 4.2.12 @ 5:47PM
Hey, I will support Romney---I DESPISE Obama.
JayDick| 4.3.12 @ 12:53PM
I agree. Looking at Obama makes all the Republican candidates look pretty good.
Thela Hun Ginjeet| 4.2.12 @ 12:32PM
Barack Obama is the stupidest politician in America today, possibly ever. He is the puppet of the Socialists. He is a colossal failure. Every measure is worse than when he started. This boob should be the easiest opponent to defeat in US history. Every time he opens his mouth he gives a wealth of material to use against him. WHY ARE REPUBLICANS FIGHTING OVER TRIVIALITIES AND PERSONALITIES? They should be focused on defeating Obama and his stupid, destructive policies, and on his brazen power grabs in open violation of the Supreme Law of the Land. Memo to Republicans: GET YOUR COLLECTIVE HEAD OUT OF YOUR COLLECTIVE @$$!!!
Patricia Teel| 4.2.12 @ 4:12PM
But there are a lot of people that will vote for Obama anyway. Shall I list them ?
#1 Socialists, Marxists and Communists
#2 Uber liberals
#3 Atheists
#4 Illegals
#5 Many blacks
#6 Brain washed seniors that think they will be
robbed of SS
#7 Unions
#8 College professors
#9 Tree Huggers
#10 Global Warming folks
#11 Gays
#12 Transgenders
#13 Occupy people
#14 People on welfare
#15 People that are scared of the far right wing
#16 Many women
#17 The very young voter
# 18 Anti Gun people
#19 Black Panthers
#20 Almost all the people in entertainment
#21 Most members of the media
#22 People that don't pay attention
#23 Most government employees because they believe Republicans might cut back their numbers.
#24 Social Workers
#25 Many College Students
And many more
Nelson H.| 4.2.12 @ 4:23PM
That sounds like a big majority of the population to me; the only thing working in our favor is that vast numbers of these people don't vote.
Riff Raff| 4.2.12 @ 10:37PM
This is why O'Bozo is pulling out all the stops to BUY their votes with taxpayer money through expanded "entitlement" programs and subsidies.
Seek| 4.2.12 @ 4:54PM
You've got every cliche covered.
Mimi| 4.2.12 @ 6:49PM
If any go to the POLLS!
Tim| 4.2.12 @ 12:48PM
Rita:
I am certain that you and I agrre that Obama care needs to be struck down in June.
If it is struck down...and we all hope it is....look for the Liberal Dem back lash to unleash a tidal wave of scare tactics and the %0 percent who pay no takes will go to the polls in droves.
Its how politics work....Politics 101.
I don't like it either but Obama wins and beats Romney if Obama Care is struck down.
This 16 year of conservative rule is a pipe dream
because you have about 50% of Americans on a free lunch and pay zero taxes.
Romney will legalize the Illegals for the cheap labor pool.
And the circle will start all over again.
History is a funny thing...but we need to read it and learn from it every once in a while.
Mark Anderson| 4.2.12 @ 2:19PM
Boy it's difficult to give a smart reply to a stupid comment. Everyone pays taxes in America, in Florida we have sales tax and property taxes. There are also taxes for Social Security and Medicare. If you are just talking about Income Tax then say so. Middle Class, Working Class, and the Poor pay a higher percentage of their income in taxes than any wealthy person.
Les| 4.2.12 @ 12:57PM
Not sure I agree on Mondale. Are you referring to his choice of Geraldine Ferraro? Really doubt it mattered who he chose,as Reagan won by 20%. Who would he have chosen,Jesse JAckson?
Also,Mondale himself actually helped Carter quite a bit in the midwest and getting the liberal and black vote.
Kingofthenet| 4.2.12 @ 1:06PM
Mr. 'Make believe budget'?, I REALLY hope so, maybe he can explain how a budget that takes in FAR LESS than the current one, makes deficit creating tax cuts permanent, Lowers the marginal rates is going to close a HUGE current account deficit?
Les| 4.2.12 @ 1:45PM
I would love to have it be Ryan. Portman's Bush connections will hurt him I think. Rubio shouldn't be the guy,he should focus on doing his job and maybe going for the bigger job someday.
DeMint would be a good choice,but no way he leaves his position of power.
Mark Anderson| 4.2.12 @ 2:10PM
Jed, you left out the best reason for Ryan, Rand. Gosh what a wonderful world we are facing.
JP| 4.2.12 @ 2:24PM
Vote for Ryan! He promises to balance the budget in 40 years!
JimP| 4.2.12 @ 2:32PM
LOL Touche!
idalily| 4.2.12 @ 2:46PM
You will never get the American people to accept anything but a gradual reduction. Get too Draconian and they will be voted out. Freebies are hard for the American people to resist for long. The change has to be gradual and consistent. Otherwise, it won't happen.
JayDick| 4.3.12 @ 12:56PM
Only if you believe the Congressional Budget Office estimate which uses static analysis. If you use dynamic analysis, which is more realistic, it's much quicker.
Ira| 4.2.12 @ 2:25PM
I like to claim Paul Ryan as my congressman(Ilive in Madison,WI and have crazed leftwing lesbian Tammy Baldwin representing me. His district borders mineto the south and east.
Anyways,I am saddened that he and Sen.Johnson have publicly endorsed Mitt. I think they should stay out of it.
As for Jack in Wi,not sure where you live. Must be up north in militia country. You would really hate me,a Wisconsin Republican Jew.
Occam's Tool| 4.2.12 @ 5:48PM
Ira---Jack will say he loves everybody, but his maggot ridden soul betrays him over and over. He thinks Isabella was right to expell the Jews from Spain in 1492.
Ron| 4.2.12 @ 2:26PM
So...If Mittens decides on a "Romney/Santorum" ticket, he cannot possible lose, right?
He keeps his backing and picks up Santorum's not inconsiderable vote getting power, based on Mr. Santorum's performance thus far. Mr. Santorum might get bashed as a "sellout" briefly, but all he has to do is state he is looking at the lesser position to help the country, and he can still come out smelling like a rose.
Win-Win all the way around, except for poor old Clint who still thinks, for some reason. Dr. Paul is even in the running.
Patricia Teel| 4.2.12 @ 4:28PM
No way is that a wining ticket. If Romney wins, he won't need Santorum. He is too far right and scares moderate voters and many women. Republicans have the far right in their pocket already. He needs someone with a strong personality because his is as exciting as Tofu. He needs someone who can stand up and fight back when the stuff hits the fan and it will because all Obama needs to do is use YouTube to make adds against Romney. I would want Newt but if not him then someone else with guts.
JayDick| 4.3.12 @ 1:01PM
It's not so much that Santorum is too far right, it's that he picks the most unpopular parts of conservatism and speaks of them in the worst possible way. He would be a poor choice for VP.
Need someone who is will be effective with the independents in expressing conservative ideas. Rubio is best at this, but Ryan and Christie are also good. Newt would also be OK, but he does turn some people off.
Ron| 4.2.12 @ 2:28PM
Sorry...I should have added that picking Rand Paul while being a salve to Dr. Paul's supporters really does not gain nearly as much as picking Mr. Santorum. Let's face it: Dr. Paul's little 7% here and maybe 15% there to a steady 20% to 40% for Mr. Santroum is basic math, even for die-hards like Clint.
idalily| 4.2.12 @ 2:47PM
Santorum is HATED by indies. He scares the crap out of them. They will not vote for him. Look at the polls, for heaven's sake. Give up Santorum, people. Please.
Ken| 4.2.12 @ 10:49PM
And Romney is HATED by the conservative base. He sacres the crap out of us. Many of us will not vote for him. Look at the polls in swing states. For heaven's sake, give up Romney, please, for the sake of the party and the country.
JayDick| 4.3.12 @ 1:03PM
Romney just about has the nomination locked up. Conservatives will, by and large, see that it's either Romney or Obama and they will vote for Romney. If you decide not to vote, Mr. Obama will thank you.
Ken| 4.3.12 @ 3:48PM
You Romneybots forget that if the base is not enthused, the candidate will lose. If the only reason to vote is because the Democrat alternative is awful, that doens't translate into automatic votes for the Republican. Running RINOs like Dole and McCain have demonstrated this twice.
Romney hasn't gotten the nomination yet, and there is still time to pick a more suitable candidate. A vote for Romney now insures an Obama victory in November.
idalily| 4.3.12 @ 5:21PM
Much of the base is in ABO mode and will turn out for whoever is the nominee, even if they don't like him much. I am a perfect example of that principle, and so is every other conservative I know. It's the Indies that will decide this race. Santorum can't pull in Indies.
Crosscut| 4.2.12 @ 3:00PM
Compared to Obama, Sarah Palin was vetted out the wazzoo and back again. Obama wasn't vetted at all, and if he had been he would never have gotten out of the starting gate.
RJ| 4.2.12 @ 3:35PM
Paul Ryan looks like he would be a good choice, however, and I hate to be the first person to bring it up, I have a feeling that Romney would pick Jeb Bush as his VP. Jeb is a fellow member of the establishment; a successful governor of a key state; he can appeal to the suburban voters and Hispanic voters; and his presence on the ticket would be a big plus in fund raising because the Bush/Rove contributors are very likely to support him. I am sure we will have more surprises in this campaign, but right now I think the most likely GOP ticket is Romney-Bush.
JayDick| 4.3.12 @ 1:04PM
That is entirely possible. And, Romney could do worse, much worse.
MikeBee| 4.2.12 @ 4:06PM
No Republican presidential candidate can win without the South. Romney MUST choose a VP from the Southern states, to try to carry these. Newt makes sense, but I'm still waiting for him and Santorum to join forces and electoral votes. Romney had better not pick Haley Barbour.
Patricia Teel| 4.2.12 @ 4:34PM
I want Newt and he's from Ga. And I want to see this from YouTube run over and over again.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=qMpBBR.....plpp_video
Nelson H.| 4.2.12 @ 4:21PM
The most sensible column I've read in a while. Paul Ryan as a first choice; Mitch Daniels as a second choice. Rubio wouldn't be on my top ten list. It would give me a case of uncontrollable giggles if Palin were the choice again; we might lose the general election but it would be one hell of a fun ride.
Bill| 4.2.12 @ 5:17PM
R-Resolute
O-Organization
M-Money
N-Natural
E-Energetic
Y-You asked for me
You welcome!
Nick| 4.2.12 @ 5:26PM
"That nigger lover President Clinton had the pen and vetoed so many good bills passed by the Gingrich-led Congress."
- Written by Bill the Bigot, in the Time for Newt to Do the Honorable Thing thread:
http://spectator.org/archives/.....ent_749403
You're a moron and a racist, Bigot Bill.
GO AWAY!
Duke of Oil| 4.2.12 @ 11:03PM
So, what're you, the arbiter of who's a bigot or not? Sheesh, maybe you should get lost, bully.
Nick| 4.3.12 @ 1:14AM
Go away kid, ya' bother me!
Where do these newbies come from?
Mark in LA| 4.2.12 @ 5:35PM
What difference does it make when everybody knows Romney can't beat Obama. It doesn't matter who the VP is. The Bain stink on Romney is so bad, nobody but a die-hard Republican will vote for him.
Ron| 4.2.12 @ 7:08PM
I am no big fan of any political hack, but in reality, Romney is going to need all those people who favour Santorum. Make no mistake, there are a lot of folks out there who are not "scared" by Mr. Santorum...I think there are a lot less than everyone (including the LSM) seem to try and portray.
Mike Hawk| 4.2.12 @ 8:54PM
Why should I be 'scared ' of Rick Santorum. He was my Senator for 12 years and a damn good one too. I intend to vote for him on April 24th. Back in '08 it was all over long before our primary and there was no choice. Capt McQueeg, Huckaphoney, and Rube Paul. I left that part of the ballot open. This time I get to vote. All you boobs who want this to be over can stick it where the sun doesn't shine.
zombietimeshare| 4.2.12 @ 7:37PM
"Romney won't fail to vet his running mate thoroughly, as McCain failed to do four years ago."
The only reason I, and many others, voted for that over the hill RINO McCain is because of Sarah Palin.
Ira| 4.2.12 @ 8:17PM
Ryan is probably the best choice. He did vote for TARP though,as well as the GM bailout(in fairness,his district had a GM plant).
Osamas Pajamas| 4.2.12 @ 8:34PM
I'm already tired of the whining and diatribes of Sanctimonious Santorum --- I'm a Reaganaut while Santorum is not. I'll vote for Romney, if need be, and I'll bedevil him at every turn and in every venue on the internet, if necessary. I like the idea of Ryan as VP, and hope that Romney can manage that and give Ryan rein in his area of expertise. Ryan's plan is not perfect, but it is very good, and it points us in the right direction. If the House can sharpen its bite some and if Romney will sign it, then there's only the Senate to stand in the way unless we take a reasonable majority there, as well.
Ken| 4.2.12 @ 10:37PM
When I heard that Paul Ryan had endorsed Romney it was as if a respected pastor had been caught shacking up with the town whore. I can never look the same way at Ryan again. Same goes with Rubio.
If Romney is shoved down our throats, it will make no difference to me who he'd pick as his running mate as there's no way I'll vote for him in November. I'll not vote for a liberal RINO but if forced to chose between him and Obama I'll go for a third party.
Mimi| 4.2.12 @ 11:42PM
The People need your vote to not help Obama. People are ready to bring loads of clothes pins to hold the millions of noses held to elect Romney. Go and do the USA a good deed like all the rest of us are planning to do. If Mitt turns out to be better than we thought....lucky us...if not he's gone after one term!
Judith| 4.3.12 @ 3:43AM
Wah, wah! If I can't have my candidate, I won't vote. I'll show you. Wah, wah.
Ken| 4.3.12 @ 3:54PM
You can whine all you want about good solid conservatives refusing to support your liberal RINO, but that won't change the math in November. A dispirited base will not donate, volunteer, or perhaps even turn out to vote. If you are supporting Romney because you think he is "electable" you will receive a rude awakening in November.
Norm Klevens| 4.2.12 @ 11:45PM
Personally like the choice of Paul Ryan, too bad he is not ready for the top spot, but after 4 or 8, will be. Slightly disagree, the lying sacks of filth will lie some more; no matter who it is. They have an ad today blaming Romney for high gas prices &/or being favored by who else, Big Oil. A counter ad would read one word and last 60 seconds - SOLYNDRA ETC. sorry two words.
Orygun| 4.3.12 @ 1:54AM
I hope we make it to a convention so we can pick a real winner instead of the next McCain. How is it that being of strong faith and decency turns off women and independents? Sounds like this nation is turning into a giant cesspool if that is the case.
Romney has enough money to buy votes but I don't think he can generate enough interest with the independents to make them walk across the street to vote for him. The best thing to do is to wait to see what the convention brings. It would also create a lot of angst for the left trying to sort out who to focus their crap making leftist media smear machine on.
H Abdullah Shabazz| 4.3.12 @ 1:55AM
Sorry
A clothespin on the nose isnt enough.
After 55 million abortions, conservative Christians and Moslems are sick of being sold down the river.
And for the sake of Romney? A guy who's honesty is such that he can recognize a lie, even when he tells one. Like "Ive always been pro life"
Pro abortion, pro homosexual marriage pro global warming silliness, one of the elite boardroom types, who've sold out America. That is, until he needed the hicks, for a few months, to get the republican nomination.
If Romney gets it, forget it.
We're better off with 4 years of a weak Obama, second term, incompetent, and disliked on the hill. Instead of 8 years of a pro abortion phony, a liberal, selling us out to the liberals, so the liberals can say he's "moderate".
"Ive always been pro life". One sentence says it all.
Judith| 4.3.12 @ 3:46AM
Don't put Christians and Muslims in the same sentence, in fact, not on the same page. Ugh.
Orygun| 4.3.12 @ 5:45AM
No matter how this primary turns out I will vote for saving our Republic which is voting for who ever is running against the marxist. To do anything less is spitting on the graves of our ancestors.
afvallenineenweek | 4.3.12 @ 11:38AM
We can pick a real winner instead of the next McCain. How is it that being of strong faith and decency turns off women and independents? Sounds like this nation is turning into a giant cesspool if that is the case.
Romney has enough money to buy votes but I don't think he can generate enough interest with the independents to make them walk across the . The best thing to do is to wait to see what the convention brings. It would also create a lot of angst for the left trying to sort out who to focus their crap making leftist media smear machine on.
David Messick | 4.3.12 @ 11:53AM
No one can save Mitt. He is too weak and damaged. It's time for the Elites to see this reality or doom us in the fall.
mobielgeheimen | 4.3.12 @ 11:55AM
Ryan is probably the best choice.i quess
packeryman| 4.3.12 @ 3:56PM
If Romney picks a VP from the far right, be it a self righteous religious fanatic or a tea party lunatic and or a candidate supported by the same, he will lose more Independents. As he moved more to the right his polls of Independents have been on a steady decline. Paul Ryan is completely unacceptable to Independents, seniors, minorities, gays, and anyone that is fed up with the chaos created by the antics of the tea party in the House. Without Independents the GOP will lose the Presidency, House and Senate. We must have a moderate VP.
Orygun| 4.3.12 @ 4:56PM
If you continue to listen to the steady drum beat of the trolls, the only way to win the presidency is to pick a moderate vp and a moderate nominee. This will totally alienate the evangelicals and the conservatives and they know it. The left would like nothing better than to have an Obama lite and a sidekick to trash in the election. That would split the R vote and we would get another wonderfully enlightening four years of bottom up and top down destruction of the country.
idalily| 4.3.12 @ 5:24PM
I don't know any conservatives who are going to stay home if Romney is the nominee. Period. We will turn out to see Obama defeated because we HATE him, not because we love Romney. Please fellow conservatives, stop the in-fighting, I'm staying home crap. Whoever is the nominee against Obama, VOTE for that person.
Fred from NOLA| 4.3.12 @ 10:39PM
Paul Ryan will energize the Tea Party and Conservative Wing of the party - I would love him on the ticket - think of what he will do to joe biteme in the VP debate -
Byron Keith| 4.4.12 @ 12:23AM
Vice-president? Give the man a real job. Treasury secretary, or better yet, budget director.
Renverseur| 4.4.12 @ 4:46PM
Forget about that loser Romney. Let's go with Ryan for the top spot.
Ryan-Rice in 2012!
klr56| 4.4.12 @ 8:31PM
After hearing Ryan defend his budget plan, I'm all for him being the VP with Romney. They'd make a great team and finally get this country headed in the right direction.
Jerry Baustian| 4.5.12 @ 1:36AM
If there was a clean slate, and no Romney or Santorum fighting it out for delegates, my top choices would be Mitch Daniels and Paul Ryan. Either one of them on the ticket with Romney would be okay with me. And Ryan as a future president is a plus.
K.Hunter| 4.5.12 @ 11:45AM
Nearly anyone but Ryan; we need him and others like him in both houses of congress.