I think the running mate can have a significant impact on whether or not the presidential candidate gets elected, and to me, that's one of the most important roles of the Vice President before they're even in office: to help get the presidential candidate to the White House. So it usually comes down to a matter of strategy when choosing a running mate, and therefore my picks for the V.P. candidates are mostly strategic. Here they are:

2) John McCain. Sigh. I'm going to be shocked if he defeats Obama. I don't think his running mate, no matter how good, will be able to overcome the odds McCain is facing. You all know that I was a Mitt Romney supporter when he was running. I'm still disappointed that he didn't get the nomination because it's very clear to me that he was definitely the best in the field from both parties. I think he would be brilliant as V.P., and from a strategic standpoint he would be great on the ticket when it comes to the economy, which is a major source of concern right now for Americans. But there are too many people who don't like or trust him or know him well enough, plus it would be two white men running together, which would be a direct contrast to the historic matter of Obama running. Though I've heard that McCain and Romney have been getting along well now that they're not competing with each other, I don't think it's very likely that McCain will choose him.

There are some drawbacks to Condi. She's strongly associated with President Bush, which isn't a good thing given his low approval ratings. Some would say that she doesn't have enough experience, but I think she has better experience than Obama. However, it's pretty unlikely that Rice is going to be chosen. She has said she's not interested in the job, and she and McCain don't seem all that "tight." It's unfortunate, but apparently true.
As for me, I'm still undecided as to who to vote for in November. I'm really interested in how things will turn out in the next few months. I could be swayed either way. I don't really like either man all that much, although there are things that I do like about each of them. I might still just write in Mitt Romney's name. Hey, I live in Connecticut, which is going to go Democratic anyway, so it doesn't really matter. If I lived in a swing state, then maybe I'd vote more responsibly.
What do you think? Agree, disagree? Who are your V.P. picks? Don't be shy; leave a comment and let your voice be heard (er, read)!
8 comments:
i like your analysis on the McCain/Condi ticket. It would probably bring in more moderate voters that McCain might not already have. I do think that it is kind of a shame that people would vote for someone based on their color of skin or gender. Ability is all I really care about. I am also with you on the fact that I thought Romney was the best candidate overall but he is out and I honestly think the nation is ready for a Democratic president and that Obama will win. We'll just have to see what arises out of the next few months. :)
I agree, I think Obama will win it too. With everything that's been going on in the country I think that overall America wants a Democrat in power again. Not that I necessarily agree with that, but I think that's how it will turn out.
The problem with Hiliary is that I would be less likely to vote for Obama if she were his running mate. Although it's true that a lot of women like her, I also think a lot of women hate her.
Anyway, I'm just unhappy with how this thing has ended up in general. There are things I don't like about both men. McCain gives me the creeps though. There is some sort of dirty old man quality about him that gives me the willies.
Russ has also said that about Rice. He thinks she should have run for president, but I don't think she's interested in being the president or vice-president.
My cousin, who has lived in the South most of her adult life, doesn't think most southern states would vote for a black man (even the old southern democrats). Kind of a sad commentary, but I wonder how that will factor into all of this.
It's a very interesting possibility about the South not voting for Obama. That could be a big problem for him. It's a shame that it's even a possibility, and I'm curious to see how that will work out.
I feel the same way about McCain. He kind of creeps me out. For me I think it's because he left his first wife for a young, rich woman, and from what I repeatedly hear he has a very bad temper, swears, holds grudges, and has bad nutrition (which can equal poor health). Those things on their own may not be terrible (well, except for the adultery), and after all, he's a human being like the rest of us, but all together in one person who happens to be running for President? Not so good.
You're right about McCain. Plus, he once called his wife a truly disgusting word in frustration in front of press several years ago. He seems to have issues with self-control.
I truly don't know what I'm going to do come election time, but I'm sure you are correct in saying that one of the main purposes of vp's is to manipulate getting certain votes. I guess I'll wait and see.
Hey, Donna - I have strong thoughts about this topic, but unfortunately not much time to post today (Josh has gastroenteritis, ick). I'll comment soon. And, unless I forget, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! How old will you be on Thursday?
I've been wanting to hear your opinion on this Katie because I know how much you and Andy like Obama and dislike Clinton and I want to know who you think Obama's V.P. should be. So when Josh gets all better (poor kid! I hope he's well again soon for all of your sakes) leave a comment, even if I have new posts up by then.
Thanks for remembering my birthday! I'm going to be 28, which is weird.
I normally wouldnt care about this stuff since I am a kid, but i heard from other people that the compition is really heating up.
Post a Comment