McCain to tab Crist for VP?
Monday, March 03, 2008 at 7:48 am
- 2 Comments
Via Political Wire, Bob Novak is reporting an unsubstantiated rumor that presumptive Republican presidential nominee John McCain obtained the endorsement of Florida governor Charlie Crist by promising him a spot on the ticket. Of course, the rumor is allegedly coming from supporters of the defeated Mitt Romney…
“Spreading that rumor reflects the anger in the Romney camp over the late endorsements of McCain by Crist and Sen. Mel Martinez of Florida. Until then, the Romney insiders claim, their private polls showed a lead in the Jan. 29 Florida primary that in fact delivered a crushing victory for McCain.”
Crist’s name has been on several speculative lists focused on McCain’s yet-unnamed second banana, along with Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, but to wit, this is the first report connecting horse trading to the role. Crist was elected in 2006, succeeding Jeb Bush.
2 Comments
Comment posted March 3, 2008 @ 1:39 pm
More sensible When you pick a veep, you’re looking for someone who can deliver something to you. Pawlenty is largely unknown outside of Minnesota, and while his Boy Scout image plays well in Lake Wobegon it does not add much nationally where he’s better known as the guy whose bridge fell down. Pawlenty is not likely to be able to deliver his own state, and he’s angered conservatives at the national governor’s conference.
Crist is, by far, a better choice. He should be able to deliver Florida, and it’s hard to imagine McCain winning without Florida. He’s more articulate and while not well known nationally, either, has a much better presence.
The local media loves to play out the prospect of Pawlenty as veep, but Crist is by far a better choice – whether he was promised or not. Frankly, if I was in McCain’s position, I would have eagerly promised the veep slot to a man who I probably would have offered it to anyway.
Comment posted March 3, 2008 @ 7:39 am
More sensible When you pick a veep, you're looking for someone who can deliver something to you. Pawlenty is largely unknown outside of Minnesota, and while his Boy Scout image plays well in Lake Wobegon it does not add much nationally where he's better known as the guy whose bridge fell down. Pawlenty is not likely to be able to deliver his own state, and he's angered conservatives at the national governor's conference.
Crist is, by far, a better choice. He should be able to deliver Florida, and it's hard to imagine McCain winning without Florida. He's more articulate and while not well known nationally, either, has a much better presence.
The local media loves to play out the prospect of Pawlenty as veep, but Crist is by far a better choice – whether he was promised or not. Frankly, if I was in McCain's position, I would have eagerly promised the veep slot to a man who I probably would have offered it to anyway.
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