Welcome to VP Watch
May 16, 2008
Around the Web
Nachama Soloveichik
The Capitol Times thinks Tim Pawlenty or Rep. Paul Ryan could help McCain win Wisconsin.
Romney jumps to McCain's defense, attacks Obama
Huckabee makes a bad joke about Obama in his speech before the NRA (video included). Ouch.
- Newsweek talks with Huckabee. The Huck on all the VP rumors: "That's again just pure speculation that I don't want to be a part of. No one has contacted me or indicated any of that to me. I'm just focused on getting him elected."
Posted at 7:18 PM, May 16, 2008 | Trackback | Print | #
Keeping Busy
Nachama Soloveichik
From Real Clear Politics: Pawlenty and Crist are keeping themselves in the limelight. Pawlenty will give the keynote speech tonight at a Wisconsin GOP get-together and Crist will be hosting two invitation-only events in June to discuss ways for the GOP to get its groove back.
Posted at 6:43 PM, May 16, 2008 | Trackback | Print | #
Obama's 5 Options
Nachama Soloveichik
First Read has the scoop on National Journal's breakdown of Obama's VP options:
- The Dream Ticket: Hillary Clinton
- The Targeted Pick: Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland, New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, Virginia Sen. Jim Webb, Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine
- Reinforce the Message: Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius
- Balancing the Ticket (experience): Delaware Sen. Joe Biden, former Georgia Sen. Sam Nunn
- Out of the Box: GOP Sen. Chuck Hagel
Posted at 3:44 PM, May 16, 2008 | Trackback | Print | #
A New Idea
Nachama Soloveichik
Michael Sean Winters has a new VP suggestion for Barack Obama--wait for it--Republican Senator Olympia Snowe of Maine. This is a better idea than Chuck Hagel in the sense that Snowe is pretty much a Democrat. Snowe was the lowest scoring Republican in the Senate on the Club's 2007 Congressional Scorecard, scoring lower than a number of Democrats. I have one question though: When pundits start throwing Snowe's name out as a possible Democratic VP, you have to wonder, why in the world is she a Republican?
Posted at 3:29 PM, May 16, 2008 | Trackback | Print | #
Who Is Carly Fiorina?
Nachama Soloveichik
The Houston Chronicle has an article on the advantages and disadvantages of a vice-president Fiorina.
Posted at 3:13 PM, May 16, 2008 | Trackback | Print | #
Sanford Interview
Nachama Soloveichik
CATO has an interview with SC Gov. and possible VP candidate Mark Sanford on his opposition to Real ID.
Posted at 11:32 AM, May 16, 2008 | Trackback | Print | #
Obama-Hagel? Don't Hold Your Breath
Nachama Soloveichik
David Ignatius has an op-ed urging Obama to reach across the aisle in making his VP pick to demonstrate that he really believes in the change message he's been peddling. He offers two suggestions: Republican Senator Chuck Hagel or former Democrat, former Republican, turned Independent Michael Bloomberg.
Chuck Hagel would be a thoroughly unacceptable pick for Barack Obama's Democratic Party and Barack Obama himself. Can you imagine Obama picking a staunchly pro-life, economic conservative (Hagel is from a farm state and he votes against the Farm Bill--that's hard core)? The problem with this suggestion is that it assumes Barack Obama actually wants to act like the candidate he sounds like. Obama talks about bridging the partisan divide, but his every action, his every vote have been liberal across the board. There is a very simple explanation for that: That is who he is. In this election, Obama is not the change candidate; McCain is. McCain is the candidate who has time and again, for better and for worse, ticked off his own party. Obama's short political career reads like it was compiled by the top five Democratic interest groups.
As for NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg--there is nothing particularly bipartisan about him. The media loves to describe the NYC mogul as a moderate, but Bloomberg's positions are that of a knee-jerk liberal, regardless of what he calls himself. Recall that Bloomberg only became a Republican to avoid a contentious Democratic primary in 2001. On social issues, he is a dyed-in-blue liberal and his fiscal policies have been far from conservative--replete with tax increase, bloated budgets, and nanny-state regulations.
Posted at 11:28 AM, May 16, 2008 | Trackback | Print | #
Edwards Rules Out Veep
Nachama Soloveichik
From Reuters: "Former presidential contender John Edwards said on Friday he would not be Democratic front-runner Barack Obama's running mate, but did not rule out taking a role in an Obama administration. 'Won't happen,' Edwards told NBC's Today program when asked if he would be Obama's vice presidential pick. 'This is not something I'm interested in.'
Posted at 10:46 AM, May 16, 2008 | Trackback | Print | #
Final Four
Nachama Soloveichik
CQ's VP Madness is down to the final four: Mike Huckabee vs. Tim Pawlenty and Sarah Palin vs. Rob Portman
Posted at 1:47 AM, May 16, 2008 | Trackback | Print | #
Let the Vetting Begin!
Nachama Soloveichik
Marc Ambinder on what he knows and doesn't know
Posted at 1:44 AM, May 16, 2008 | Trackback | Print | #
George Will on Obama-Clinton
Nachama Soloveichik
George Will on the Dream Ticket: Hillary Clinton isn't Owed No. 2 Spot
Posted at 1:34 AM, May 16, 2008 | Trackback | Print | #
Minimum Wage Politics
Nachama Soloveichik
Gov. Pawlenty vetoed a minimum wage bill passed by the Minnesota State Legislature. The author of the bill, DFL Rep. Tom Rukavina, suspects Pawlenty's veto has something to do with the governor's national aspirations:
Rukavina said Pawlenty vetoed the measure to put him in the good graces of conservatives as he is a top contender to be presidential candidate John McCain’s running mate.
“Maybe this helps with the conservative wing of the party, which he seems to be courting,” Rukavina said.
In 2005, Pawlenty signed a minimum wage increase even though he didn't like the bill.
Posted at 12:41 AM, May 16, 2008 | Trackback | Print | #
May 15, 2008
Another List
Nachama Soloveichik
Not sure if this will help Sarah Palin in the veepstakes game. Playboy Radio has rated the former beauty queen number 8 on its sexiest governors list. Much talked about Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty did not make the list. Schwarzenegger took first place.
Posted at 12:17 PM, May 15, 2008 | Trackback | Print | #
Like That's Going to Happen
Nachama Soloveichik
The Indianapolis Star has an op-ed suggesting an Obama-Hagel fusion ticket. Unlikely. People tend to think of Hagel as a moderate because he is so opposed to the Iraq war, but on social and fiscal issues, the Nebraska senator is pretty right-wing.
Posted at 12:01 PM, May 15, 2008 | Trackback | Print | #
Elmo for VP
Nachama Soloveichik
Some unconventional VP picks.
Posted at 11:39 AM, May 15, 2008 | Trackback | Print | #
Stupid Article of the Day
Nachama Soloveichik
I'm sorry, this guy is on crack. John Nichols at the Capitol Times says: "Obama should consider Republican for running mate."
Posted at 11:28 AM, May 15, 2008 | Trackback | Print | #
Former Republican for Dem Veep?
Nachama Soloveichik
VA Sen. Jim Webb has a new book coming out today, called "A Time to Fight: Reclaiming a Just and Fair America." Marc Ambinder thinks the timing is perfect for vice-presidential speculation. Slate has all the blog talk on the potential veep.
Posted at 11:24 AM, May 15, 2008 | Trackback | Print | #
Phenom Palin
Nachama Soloveichik
While some Republicans around the country suffer from low approval ratings, one Republican governor is still soaring--and soaring high. According to a poll last week, Sarah Palin of Alaska, sometimes mentioned as a VP candidate for McCain, has a favorability rating of 86%. A year and a half after taking office, Palin's ratings have been consistently high. Will these numbers increase her chances of McCain picking Palin? Despite her inexperience, it might make McCain take a closer look. Here's an excerpt of the article and you can watch the video here:
Pollster Dave Dittman says that Palin has connected with Alaskans on a personal level much more so than on a policy level.
"I think they like her youthfulness, the fact that she's a woman, that she's a mother, that she stands up to the big boys kind of a thing," Dittman said. "There's the populist air of it. And she hasn't done anything really wrong."
Palin had the advantage of following Alaska's least-popular governor, Frank Murkowski. She says the reason for her rating is simple.
"I think you just can't go wrong when your intentions are good in terms of providing that service to Alaskans -- open, honest, transparent government; clean up some of the ethical lapses that Alaskans had been getting tired of," she said.
HT: PalinforVP.com
Posted at 10:26 AM, May 15, 2008 | Trackback | Print | #
May 14, 2008
McCain Talks Portman
Nachama Soloveichik
When asked about Rob Portman today, McCain had only nice things to say, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer: “I have the greatest respect for Rob Portman. He has a credible resume and is a great.” McCain also said “I still believe Ohio will be a battleground state. We have real challenges to energize our base.”
As I pointed out previously, Portman's NTU scores over his twelve years in Congress were not always great, but he was staunchly pro-free trade as Bush's U.S. Trade Rep. and fought against pork as director of the OMB.
Posted at 11:39 PM, May 14, 2008 | Trackback | Print | #
Haley Barbour
Nachama Soloveichik
The Wall Street Journal's Stephen Moore is a fan of Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour for VP--or even president. In today's Political Diary:
Haley's Comment
JACKSON, Miss. -- Haley Barbour has quickly gained a reputation as one of America's most effective governors. Liberals and conservatives give him near straight As for his handling of the Katrina hurricane disaster. He passed one of the most sweeping tort reform bills in the nation four years ago. And he has held budget growth to below the inflation rate, so Mississippi is not in dire fiscal shape like many states today. Mr. Barbour is also considered to be a shortlist candidate for a John McCain vice presidential slot.
When I asked him about these rumors, he was charmingly modest and guffawed with his thick southern drawl: "Why would he take me? If John McCain can't win Mississippi, he's going to lose 40 states." Mr. Barbour also concedes that his background as a "former tobacco lobbyist in Washington" would make him a dart board for the left.
But the right wing of the GOP is demanding a conservative on the ticket to keep a check on Mr. McCain's penchant for compromise and leftward drift on issues. Mr. Barbour is clearly a favorite of conservatives. "Haley has rock solid conservative credentials," says Grover Norquist of Americans for Tax Reform.
More than that, Mr. Barbour is one of the most insightful political strategists of modern times. As chairman of the Republican National Committee, he was right alongside Newt Gingrich in 1993 and 1994 during the Contract with America period of Republican ascendancy. If Newt was the brains of the GOP takeover, Haley was the field marshal.
I asked the governor whether he thought John McCain could win in this tough anti-Republican environment. "Because he is a maverick, McCain was the best Republican we could have nominated in this political cycle with voter hostility towards Bush and Republicans in Congress," Mr. Barbour says. "The key to winning this year is to take the opposite course of the 2004 election. In '04 Bush won by getting out more of our base than the Democrats did of theirs," he continues. "This election will be decided by which party gets more crossover votes from the other party. John McCain must win the Reagan Democrats -- a group Barack Obama has big problems with."
One of the knocks against Haley in the past has been his weight. He once had a "John Engler problem" of being too pudgy to climb on the national stage. But now Mr. Barbour is as trim as I've ever seen him, with at least a 25-pound weight loss. He looks to me to be tanned, rested and ready. If not for the No. 2 slot in 2008, then certainly for the top of the ticket in 2012.
Posted at 1:43 PM, May 14, 2008 | Trackback | Print | #
Gotta Love Sanford
Nachama Soloveichik
Sometimes it's the small things that make a difference. Today, SC Governor (and possible VP candidate) Mark Sanford signed a state law removing the legal requirement for shampooers to receive the same state-mandated 1,500 hours of training that cosmetologists receive. While this may seem insignificant to some, Sanford is highlighting the problem of overregulation in South Carolina. In his press release, the governor listed the state's top 10 crazy laws or proposals:
Top 10 Crazy Laws or Proposals - Whatever happened to common sense?
1. State law requires an individual to complete 1,500 hours of instruction to become a cosmetologist. It takes more hours of licensing to become a cosmetologist in SC than it does to become a police officer (396 hours) or carry a concealed weapon (8 hours).
2. Caskets and Stones, a retail funeral store in Greenwood, submitted their license application, paid their fee, were scheduled to go before the Board of Funeral Directors, and were told they could open. But then the Board gave them a "cease and desist" order * essentially telling them to stop selling caskets. The Board fined them $1,500 for "opening before their Board appointment." They had to pay it before they could get their license.
3. Fortune Tellers are required to obtain a special permit in order to operate in South Carolina.
4. A proposed bill would require high school football and basketball playoff games to have replay for officials to use during these games.
5. Barbering schools are required by law to have at least ten instructional chairs *and those chairs are required by law to be upholstered and finished exactly the same way.
6. In 2003, a bill was introduced that would have required all drinking straws in South Carolina be sold in individual wrappers. The bill almost led to a fist fight on the House floor.
7. The fourth Friday in October in each year is designated by law in public schools as Frances Willard Day, and each public school is required "to prepare and render a suitable program on the day to the end that the children of the state may be taught the evils of intemperance."
8. Circuses cannot exceed 48 hours at one place in any one year.
9. If a menu or advertisement states "frozen dessert," it must correctly state the specific frozen dessert that is offered for sale so as not to mislead the consumer.
10. Musical instruments are not allowed to be sold on Sunday.
Posted at 11:43 AM, May 14, 2008 | Trackback | Print | #
Another Young, Charismatic Rep.
Nachama Soloveichik
CNSNEWS makes the case for WI Rep. Paul Ryan. The Capital Times in Madison, WI thinks Ryan remains a long-shot.
Posted at 10:03 AM, May 14, 2008 | Trackback | Print | #
May 13, 2008
No Means No
Nachama Soloveichik
Ohio Governor Ted Strickland didn't beat around the bush when asked what he would say if asked to be Obama or Clinton's VP: "No."
Posted at 11:53 PM, May 13, 2008 | Trackback | Print | #
This Should Make Chris Matthews Happy
Nachama Soloveichik
Senator John Thune (R-SD) will be the keynote speaker at Iowa's GOP Lincoln Day dinner May 30. Is this a sign of Thune's rising national profile?
Posted at 11:43 PM, May 13, 2008 | Trackback | Print | #
Ten Things You Didn't Know About Rob Portman
Nachama Soloveichik
U.S. News and World Report has a profile on former Ohio Congressman Rob Portman whose name is often mentioned as a possible VP candidate for McCain.
Posted at 11:38 PM, May 13, 2008 | Trackback | Print | #
Can We Put this to Rest Now?
Nachama Soloveichik
Condoleezza Rice spoke to Maggie Rodriguez on CBS's Early Show today. Of course, the VP question came up:
QUESTION: People talk about a dream ticket in Democratic politics, Obama-Clinton, Clinton-Obama. And when they talk about a dream ticket in Republican politics, they say McCain-Rice. Would you consider it?
SECRETARY RICE: Well, that’s very nice, but this isn’t for me. I don’t know how many ways I can make clear that I’m going back to California. I belong west of the Mississippi. No offense to the East Coast, but I belong west of the Mississippi. And John McCain will find a fantastic running mate. I’m sure of that. He is a great man, who is a great patriot. But it’s time for me to move on.
QUESTION: Even if it would increase the chance that your party could stay in office for four more years?
SECRETARY RICE: We’ll have many people who will be the perfect running mate for John, and they’ll get it done. But it’s time for me to move on. It’s been a long seven and a half, soon to be eight years. I think we’ve achieved a lot. We’ve made our share of accomplishments. We’ve made our share of mistakes. That’s the way that it is.
Posted at 11:34 PM, May 13, 2008 | Trackback | Print | #
Can Pawlenty Handle the Limelight?
Nachama Soloveichik
The problem with being the media's number one VP pick is stories like this.
Posted at 11:23 PM, May 13, 2008 | Trackback | Print | #
Will Lightning Strike?
Nachama Soloveichik
ABC in Augusta, Georgia asked Mark Sanford whether he'll soon be busy with a Presidential campaign. His answer: "We've said, consistently, flattering, surreal, but not particularly waiting on that lightning strike to come." Watch the video here.
Posted at 11:14 PM, May 13, 2008 | Trackback | Print | #
Tim Kaine's Bright Idea
Nachama Soloveichik
Note to VA Guv Tim Kaine: When you're being mentioned as a possible VP candidate for Barack Obama, it's probably a bad idea to propose a $1.1 billion tax increase.
Posted at 12:40 PM, May 13, 2008 | Trackback | Print | #
Pretty Funny
Nachama Soloveichik
Daniel Drezner (who I had as a professor back when I was at UChicago) has a great reaction to speculation that Huckabee is at the top of McCain's VP shortlist:
Posted at 12:29 PM, May 13, 2008 | Trackback | Print | #
McCain-Hoeven?
Nachama Soloveichik
The Grand Forks Herald in North Dakota is not enamored with a McCain-Pawlenty ticket. They have another suggestion: Their own governor John Hoeven, who has "a proven and authentic bipartisan — not partisan — appeal."
Posted at 10:55 AM, May 13, 2008 | Trackback | Print | #
McCain Questionnaire
Nachama Soloveichik
Salon has its pick-a-vice-president questionnaire up for McCain.
Posted at 10:35 AM, May 13, 2008 | Trackback | Print | #
Prove it in Minnesota First
Nachama Soloveichik
The Minnesota Post-Bulletin isn't exactly turning cartwheels over the idea of VP Pawlenty. First, the editorial board wants to see Pawlenty prove his worth in the final days of the legislative session this week:
The way we see it, anyone who aspires to the presidency needs a running mate who, at the very least, can deliver a win at home in November. McCain can't afford to have Pawlenty by his side, then lose Minnesota's electoral votes.
That's where this gets tricky. Minnesota hasn't backed a Republican presidential candidate since 1972. Even if Minnesotans feel good about their governor in November, having his name on the GOP ticket wouldn't guarantee a McCain victory here.
So, for the next six days, Pawlenty must walk a very thin line. He must appear strong, yet willing to make reasonable compromises. He must lead, while acknowledging the will of the people who put the DFL in control of the Legislature. And most importantly, he must demonstrate the ability to close the deal.
In short, he must convince Minnesota's voters that he's worthy of their support in November if he's on the ticket. In the next six days, he has a chance to show just how "presidential" he can be.
Posted at 10:03 AM, May 13, 2008 | Trackback | Print | #
Round 3
Nachama Soloveichik
Round 3 of CQ's VP Madness is up. It's down to eight candidates: Huckabee vs. Sanford; Pawlenty vs. Hutchison; Palin vs. Jindal; and Portman vs. Crist.
Posted at 9:59 AM, May 13, 2008 | Trackback | Print | #
May 12, 2008
Veepstakes Poll
Nachama Soloveichik
The Washington Post/ABC News have a new presidential poll out, conducted May 8-11, 2008. Here are the VP-related questions. Keep in mind, most of these answers have a lot to do with name ID.
17. (ASKED OF LEANED DEMOCRATS) If Obama is the Democratic nominee for president, who would you like him to choose as his vice presidential running-mate?
|
Hillary Clinton
|
39%
|
|
John Edwards
|
10%
|
|
Bill Richardson
|
3%
|
|
Al Gore
|
2%
|
|
Jim Webb
|
1%
|
|
Other
|
4%
|
|
Up to him
|
4%
|
|
No opinion
|
36%
|
18. If Obama is the presidential nominee, would having Hillary Clinton as his vice presidential running-mate make you more likely to vote for the Democratic ticket in November, more likely to vote for the Republican ticket, or wouldn't it make much difference in your vote?
|
Dem ticket
|
GOP ticket
|
Wouldn't make much difference
|
Would not vote
|
No opinion
|
|
25%
|
18%
|
54%
|
3%
|
1%
|
19. (ASKED OF LEANED REPUBLICANS) Who would you like McCain to choose as his vice presidential running-mate?
|
Mitt Romney
|
12%
|
|
Mike Huckabee
|
7%
|
|
Condoleezza Rice
|
5%
|
|
Colin Powell
|
3%
|
|
Rudy Giuliani
|
2%
|
|
Fred Thompson
|
1%
|
|
Jeb Bush
|
1%
|
|
Joe Lieberman
|
1%
|
|
Ron Paul
|
1%
|
|
Other
|
9%
|
|
Up to him
|
7%
|
|
No opinion
|
47%
|
Posted at 7:25 PM, May 12, 2008 | Trackback | Print | #
Putting Senators on the Spot
Nachama Soloveichik
The Hill asked all 97 senators who are not running for President what they would say if they were asked to join the presidential ticket as VP. Some of the responses are serious, others funny.
Sen. Tom Coburn has the best quote: “If I were asked I’d probably have to get a divorce, so the answer would probably be no. But I won’t be asked if he [McCain] wants to win.”
Sen. Norm Coleman endorses his home state governor, Tim Pawlenty, for McCain's VP, while David Vitter endorses his home state governor, Bobby Jindal.
Posted at 7:09 PM, May 12, 2008 | Trackback | Print | #
Calling Ted Strickland
Nachama Soloveichik
Newsweek profiles OH governor Ted Strickland as a possible veep choice for Obama. The obvious drawback? His lack of foreign policy credentials.
Since Obama will pick his VP before McCain, picking Ted Strickland might make someone like former OH Congressman Rob Portman less palatable to McCain. Hands down, Strickland will have an easier time carrying OH for Obama than Portman will for McCain.
Posted at 5:33 PM, May 12, 2008 | Trackback | Print | #
Pitching Pawlenty
Nachama Soloveichik
The Wall Street Journal's Political Diary offers a more-or-less positive take on Pawlenty:
Pitching Pawlenty
Not entirely oblivious to the talk of his possible future as John McCain's running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty recently launched in his state what he calls a "21st Century Tax Reform Commission." The idea is to rewrite the state's tax code to reflect changes in its more diversified and modern economy -- though one reporter jokingly asked if it should have been called the "Pawlenty No New Taxes Commission."
No wonder the Minnesota governor is on almost everyone's shortlist of potential GOP VP candidates. Karl Rove floated his name on Fox News recently. Mr. Pawlenty has managed to win election twice in a swing state that Republicans would love to win in November. President Bush ran well in the Twin Cities suburbs in 2004. The GOP hopes to build on the momentum by holding the party's national convention in Minneapolis late this summer. Picking Mr. Pawlenty, the thinking goes, would give Mr. McCain a solid foundation in the upper Midwest.
But vice presidential contenders need to bring more to the table than possibly winning a state. Not since John F. Kennedy tapped Lyndon Johnson has a running mate tipped a state to a presidential ticket (though some credit Al Gore with helping Bill Clinton in Tennessee in 1992). For a more complete case for Pawlenty, we spoke recently with former Rep. Mark Kennedy, who's close to the governor and knows the ins and outs of Minnesota politics (he lost a hard fought Senate campaign two years ago). His case for his Minnesota colleague goes as follows: In a liberal state with a profligate legislature, Mr. Pawlenty has amassed a respectable record as a fiscal conservative. He's fought against spending hikes and closed a multi-billion-dollar hole in the budget (15% of state spending) without raising taxes. He's now looking to reform the state's tax code. Gov. Pawlenty has presided over "the smallest government growth in 40 years," Mr. Kennedy says, and been a champion of performance pay for teachers, eminent domain reform and tort reform.
That impressive record hasn't stopped certain GOP conservatives from criticizing Mr. Pawlenty for months, hoping to quash a potential McCain/Pawlenty ticket. One red flag is Mr. Pawlenty's statement in 2006 that "the era of small government is over. . . Government has to be more proactive, more aggressive." But Mr. Kennedy brushes the conservative worries aside. Looking at the totality of the governor's record, he says, "Pawlenty would be a great vice presidential candidate."
Some things, WSJ does not mention: Pawlenty's cigarette tax hike; his statewide smoking ban; his 2005 minimum wage increase; his aggressive energy mandates; his support for health insurance mandates; and expansion of government-run health care.
Posted at 1:10 PM, May 12, 2008 | Trackback | Print | #
Go Young
Nachama Soloveichik
Time Magazine offers McCain 7 steps to beating Barack Obama. Number five is:
5. Use A Vice President to Temper The Age Issue: McCain's campaign is resigned to the fact that late night comics are foaming at the prospect of six more months worth of old man McCain jokes. And polls show that the Republican's age — he will be 72 by Election Day — could have an impact at the ballot box. But both McCain and his advisers have been pointing to a prospect they hope will neutralize the issue: a relatively youthful vice president, who might lesson the fear of, gulp, McCain's death in office. "I'm aware of enhanced importance of this issue given my age," McCain told Don Imus recently, when asked about his vice presidential pick. A few weeks later, campaign adviser Charlie Black elaborated on the assumed power of a solid vice presidential candidate. Back in 1980, Black recounted, Ronald Reagan was running for president as an older man at 69. "The day he picked George Bush to be vice president, the age issue pretty much went away," Black recalled. "If [McCain] makes a good choice, that might alleviate the issue."
Posted at 12:57 PM, May 12, 2008 | Trackback | Print | #
Ugh
Nachama Soloveichik
Jim Pethokoukis says a top fundraiser for John McCain is putting Mike Huckabee at the top of McCain's VP shortlist. Pethokoukis says that "Economic conservatives and supply-siders may balk, but the threat of four years of Obamanomics and higher investment, income, and corporate taxes might be enough to keep them on board." But it was not just economic conservatives who had problems with Huckabee, but across the board conservatives who thought Huckabee looked more like a social conservative Democrat than anything else. The list of Huckabee detractors was very long, and you can count on all of these folks to protest if Huck starts looking like a real possibility.
Posted at 12:52 PM, May 12, 2008 | Trackback | Print | #
Around the Web
Nachama Soloveichik
NBC in Minneapolis has a video discussing a McCain-Pawlenty ticket.
Ted Kennedy's rejection of a Clinton vice-presidency resulted in a counter attack from Democratic Rep. Rahm Emanuel.
The Chicago Tribune has an editorial arguing the most important question when picking a VP is: "Would you trust this person with life-and-death decisions in a moment of crisis?"
The Wilkes-Barre Citizens Voice discusses Sen. Bob Casey's (D-PA) VP chances.
Dick Polman at the Philadelphia Inquirer says don't rule out an Obama-Clinton ticket.
A different side of Tim Pawlenty.
The New Republic on Mark Sanford's chances.
Posted at 12:45 PM, May 12, 2008 | Trackback | Print | #
May 11, 2008
Around the Web
Nachama Soloveichik
A silly article from the Palm Beach Post on Charlie Crist.
McCain declines to answer a question about Mark Sanford for VP.
Salena Zito at the Pittsburgh Tribune Review on a Democratic Dream Ticket.
Colin McNickle at the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review responds to Fred Barnes' column suggesting Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell as the perfect running mate for Obama.
The New Republic has a roundtable discussion on a Obama-Clinton unity ticket.
According to Robert Novak, Michelle Obama does not want Hillary Clinton on the ticket and Ohio Governor Ted Strickland is getting a lot of buzz.
Ted Kennedy throws cold water on an Obama-Clinton ticket, saying the Democrats need "real leadership." Ouch. [HT: Ed Morrissey]
Posted at 1:46 AM, May 11, 2008 | Trackback | Print | #
May 9, 2008
More on Carcieri
Nachama Soloveichik
Ed Achorn at the Providence Journal had a great column on Carcieri's slumping approval ratings back in September. The column gives you a sense for how dire the economic situation is in Rhode Island. To be sure, not all of Rhode Island's problems are Carcieri's making. But Carcieri has never shown the necessary leadership to take on the state's entrenched politicians and special interests, and the baggage of or RI's economic woes will not make him a very attractive VP candidate.
In February, a Brown University poll had Carcieri with his lowest approval rating to date--40 percent, with 74% or respondents said they thought the state was heading in the wrong direction. The state hasn't seen such high dissatisfaction since its banking crisis in 1991.
Posted at 5:44 PM, May 9, 2008 | Trackback | Print | #
Around the Web
Nachama Soloveichik
Gerald Pomper argues Obama should pick Virginia Senator Jim Webb to be his running mate.
The panel on Fox News' Special Report last night thinks Clinton's VP chances are slim to none. Only Charles Krauthammer gave her a 10% chance.
Ed Morrissey mentions Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano for Obama's VP. Interestingly, Napolitano have a very high approval rating in Arizona.
The St. Louis Post-Dispatch throws out Carly Fiorina's name.
The Arizona Republic goes through a bunch of VP options for Obama.
Mitt Romney's speech last night at the Beckett Fund for Religious Liberty's Canterbury dinner where Romney and his wife were honored. KLO at NRO has a very positive article on Romney's speech last night.
Posted at 1:56 PM, May 9, 2008 | Trackback | Print | #
Where's Sanford?
Nachama Soloveichik
Via CNN, McCain will be holding a press conference in Columbia, SC today before his fundraiser tonight. One key player won't be there: SC Governor Mark Sanford. Sanford is a member of the Air Force Reserves and has reserve duty today.
Posted at 1:29 PM, May 9, 2008 | Trackback | Print | #
Obama Discusess a "Dream Ticket"
Nachama Soloveichik
Obama spoke to Brian Williams about the possibility of having Clinton on the ticket.
Posted at 12:04 PM, May 9, 2008 | Trackback | Print | #
Forget Carcieri
Nachama Soloveichik
Red State offers another roundtable on the McCain veepstakes and Dan McLaughlin continues to push for RI governor, Don Carcieri. Having lived in RI for a year and still mildly in touch with what is happening in the state, I think Don Carcieri's economic record will be me more of a liability than a plus. If McCain is looking to bolster his economic credentials, he might not want to go with a governor who oversaw the state's economic downfall. This is from a Tuesday column by the Providence Journal's Ed Achorn:
That is happening in Rhode Island. Revenues are falling, despite some of America’s steepest taxes, and the economy is in the tank. Last week, economic analysts revealed that Rhode Island is the only state in the Northeast actually in recession, and one of only nine in the nation. Its employment figures, foreclosure rates and personal-income growth lag behind those of its neighbors and the country. Meanwhile, Massachusetts (which just added 6,000 jobs), Connecticut and New Hampshire keep growing.
Posted at 11:53 AM, May 9, 2008 | Trackback | Print | #
The Fix Veepstakes
Nachama Soloveichik
Chris Cillizza has his list of top five most likely VP picks for McCain and Obama. His list for McCain, from most likely to least is: Tim Pawlenty, John Thune, Rob Portman, Charlie Crist, and Mitt Romney. For Obama: Kathleen Sebelius, Ted Strickland, Hillary Clinton, Tim Kaine, and Sam Nunn.
I agree with Cillizza on most of these. Pawlenty is certainly the most likely, but I don't think he can carry Minnesota for McCain (and Daily Kos agrees with me!). Two, I know I have a special partiality for Mark Sanford, but I'm not sure what John Thune offers McCain that Sanford doesn't. Three, Charlie Crist is never going to happen. The main reason is that Crist is just not conservative enough for the base--particularly on abortion. He is pro-choice and McCain has already ruled out a pro-choice VP. Fourth, I would move Mitt Romney up to number 2 on the list. While he and McCain certainly have some chemistry issues, he offers more to the ticket than anyone else from a political standpoint. Finally, on the Democratic side, I think Sebelius' lack of foreign policy experience (which Cillizza mentions) would doom her chances.
Posted at 11:26 AM, May 9, 2008 | Trackback | Print | #
May 8, 2008
Dream Ticket Discussion
Nachama Soloveichik
ABC News reports there is growing discussion between the two Democratic campaigns on the possibility of a "Dream Ticket."
UPDATE: You can watch George Stephanopoulos talk to Charles Gibson about whether Hillary would take the veep slot here.
Posted at 12:28 PM, May 8, 2008 | Trackback | Print | #
Steele for Veep? Unlikely
Nachama Soloveichik
John Gizzi at Human Events writes his sixth piece on the veepstakes, this time on former MD Lt. Governor Michael Steele. Steele's name has been tossed around a lot despite his lack of experience and his loss to Ben Cardin in last cycle's Maryland Senate race.
The advantages of a Steele pick are few. He isn't particularly known for economic experience; his highest office held was Lt. Governor; and he clearly can't carry Maryland for McCain.
Gizzi admits that Steele for VP probably won't happen but I am less enamored than he is by the idea. Steele has developed a conservative reputation for himself, but he has chosen to associate himself with the the party left-wing, a fact few conservatives know. After losing his Senate race in 2006, he joined up with Christine Todd Whitman in creating the Republican Leadership Council (RLC)--the reincarnation of It's My Party Too--known primarily for its support of liberal Republicans. To be sure, I'm somewhat biased since the old Club's PAC and RLC have been on opposite sides in many a race, but you can learn a lot about a guy and his political philosophy from the kind of people he consistently supports for political office. This kind of thing ought to raise some red flags.
Posted at 10:54 AM, May 8, 2008 | Trackback | Print | #
KLO: Mitt Romney for VP
Nachama Soloveichik
KLO from NRO has a guest column Larry Sabato's Crystal Ball website pushing Mitt Romney for VP:
Mitt Romney's greatest asset for McCain -- who has been in Congress for almost a quarter of a century -- is, therefore, his executive experience, most of it in the business world, most notably as vice president of Bain & Company, Inc. from 1978 to 1984, and as founder of Bain Capital, venture-capital savior of the likes of Staples, Domino's Pizza, and Sports Authority. Romney famously turned around the corrupt and broke ($379 million in debt) Salt Lake City Olympics and cleaned up a Massachusetts budget running $3 billion in the red without raising taxes. At a time when the country may be in a wartime recession, Romney emanates a confident competence (and he would do it, as veep nominee, alongside a GOP presidential nominee with a mixed tax-cutting record). Choosing Romney, then, could be as practical as politics gets. When in the voting booth, partisan preferences may pale in comparison to the attraction of a guarantee of competence in the executive.
This analysis is spot-on in terms of the politics. Romney is already vetted, appears presidential, brings economic gravitas, is probably conservative enough for most Republicans, and the notion of Romney carrying Michigan is interesting--and certainly makes more sense than the idea of Romney carrying Massachusetts. The animosity between the two during the campaign is almost immaterial at this point.
Posted at 10:32 AM, May 8, 2008 | Trackback | Print | #
May 7, 2008
Quiz Time
Nachama Soloveichik
Salon has a VP quiz for Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton. It is not so insightful but it's kind of fun, especially if you have nothing better to do.
Posted at 11:22 PM, May 7, 2008 | Trackback | Print | #
McCain Picks a Running Mate
Nachama Soloveichik
It's Dwight Schrute from The Office. Then again, McCain was talking to Jon Stewart.
Posted at 10:17 PM, May 7, 2008 | Trackback | Print | #
Mark Sanford vs. Ed Rendell
Nachama Soloveichik
Nathan Benefield at Pennsylvania's Commonwealth Foundation adds to my defense of Sanford's record. He takes particular offense at Time Magazine's declaration of Sanford as one of America's worst governors. He compares Sanford's record to Rendell's in Pennsylvania and finds Sanford's record preferable.
Posted at 6:50 PM, May 7, 2008 | Trackback | Print | #
Crist in DC
Nachama Soloveichik
Charlie Crist is spending an awful amount of time in DC. Or at least trying to.
Posted at 2:45 PM, May 7, 2008 | Trackback | Print | #
Sorry Hillary
Nachama Soloveichik
Fred Barnes at the Weekly Standard makes the case for an Obama-Rendell ticket:
What would Rendell, 64, bring to the ticket? As governor of a major state, he's automatically a national political figure. He's also a former general chairman of the Democratic national committee, which means he's a party man who gets along with Democrats of all types. Though he backed Clinton, he's not identified with any Democratic faction or constituency group.
Posted at 2:42 PM, May 7, 2008 | Trackback | Print | #
Where is Pawlenty on the Minimum Wage?
Nachama Soloveichik
We should find out pretty soon. Minnesota lawmakers have settled on a plan to raise the state's minimum wage for big and small businesses. Pawlenty originally balked at a provision that would automatically raise the minimum wage in future years, but negotiators have removed that provision.
UPDATE: In 2005, Pawlenty signed a $1-an-hour increase in the minimum wage. I wonder what McCain thinks about that. He has generally been opposed to minimum wage increases.
Posted at 12:11 PM, May 7, 2008 | Trackback | Print | #
VP Madness-Round Two
Nachama Soloveichik
CQ's VP Madness has progressed to round two. Vote here.
Posted at 9:56 AM, May 7, 2008 | Trackback | Print | #
Who is Evan Bayh?
Nachama Soloveichik
The Chicago Tribune takes a closer look at a possible Dem VP, Indiana Senator Evan Bayh. With all the GOP focus on the young Louisiana governor, Bobby Jindal, age 36, it is interesting to note that Bayh was elected governor of Indiana at the age of 33 in 1989.
Posted at 12:29 AM, May 7, 2008 | Trackback | Print | #
What Does Sanford Bring to the Ticket?
Nachama Soloveichik
Lee Bandy at Southern Political Report asks "What does Sanford bring to the ticket?" His answer: Nothing. Let's consider his reasoning:
- South Carolina offers a mere eight electoral votes McCain can easily capture on his own
- Sanford's six-year record is mixed and controversial
- Time Magazine called Sanford one of America's "worst" governors
Let me tackle each of these points. First, electoral votes is only one reason to pick a VP, and a small one at that. Of the other big names mentioned, few offer a guaranteed electoral gain. Romney isn't going to win Massachusetts for McCain. Bobby Jindal--the latest VP favorite--isn't needed to win Louisiana. And even Tim Pawlenty's chances of winning Minnesota for McCain are slim.
Second, many people in and out of SC are rather pleased with Sanford's refusal to spend taxpayers' money willy-nilly. In fact, 55% of voters in South Carolina must disagree with Bandy because they reelected Sanford in a year when most Republicans lost or barely squeaked by.
Third, Time Magazine called Mike Huckabee one of America's best governors--enough said.
Then Bandy goes on to list the qualities one should look for in a VP nominee. These are: Scandal-free; able to win his home state; experience that compliments the presidential nominee; able to reunite the party; brings regional balance; chemistry; appears potentially presidential.
There are legitimate reasons why Sanford might not be picked, but it is hard to argue that Sanford would bring "nothing" to the ticket when he fulfills many of the essential qualities Bandy lists.
Posted at 12:19 AM, May 7, 2008 | Trackback | Print | #
May 6, 2008
McCain and Sanford Together Again
Nachama Soloveichik
McCain is heading to SC this Friday for a fundraiser at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center. Naturally, Sanford will be there.
Posted at 1:15 PM, May 6, 2008 | Trackback | Print | #
Around the Web
Nachama Soloveichik
As if we didn't know this already, Fred Thompson will not be McCain's VP. You can listen to his interview with Instapundit here.
Tim Pawlenty will be in Kansas tomorrow, co-chairing the bipartisan National Governors Association's Securing Clean Energy Future Task Force with Kansas governor Kathleen Sebelius. The governors will focus on renewable energy, energy efficiency, and the potential for clean power.
Someone is gunning for Tim Pawlenty's throat.
SC governor Mark Sanford vows to veto a proposed cigarette tax hike unless it is accompanied by an equivalent tax cut.
To his credit, Gov. Bobby Jindal is warning Louisiana lawmakers about pork-barrel projects.
Chris Cillizza on an Internet petition in support of a Democratic "Dream Ticket."
Ross Douthat on Jindal--again.
Newsweek's Andrew Romano on the Jindal craze.
Posted at 12:04 PM, May 6, 2008 | Trackback | Print | #
New Poll on McCain VP
Nachama Soloveichik
A new Fox News/Rasmussen poll asked the following question: "What is the most important attribute Republican presidential candidate John McCain should look for in a vice presidential nominee?" Here is how the answers broke down:
Respondents were evenly split when asked if picking Hillary as a running mate would hurt Obama in the general election:
Posted at 12:54 AM, May 6, 2008 | Trackback | Print | #
May 5, 2008
The Bobby Jindal Debate
Nachama Soloveichik
There has been a lot of discussion in the blogosphere about whether McCain should pick Jindal or not. Most of it focuses on whether Jindal has the necessary experience. National Review's Ramesh Ponnuru says "conservatives should see if he can turn his state around before anointing him the next Ronald Reagan." At NRO, Yual Levin disagrees, arguing that Jindal has more management and executive experience than Clinton, Obama, and McCain. James Antle counters, saying Jindal's experience or lack thereof isn't the key issue. What is important is to let Jindal prove himself in Louisiana, and thereby, help build the Republican brand.
I agree with the naysayers in that McCain-Jindal is not a good idea. But I seem to be alone in that I am not jumping on the Jindal 2012 or 2016 train just yet. I am certainly impressed with Bobby Jindal: He is smart, articulate, and has proven himself capable at everything he has set out to do. That said, I'm not convinced that Jindal will be the GOP's Ronald Reagan or conservatism's savior. He certainly wasn't while he served in the House of Representatives. And I'm not sure why the "next Ronald Reagan" is opposing tax cuts. Understandably, conservatives are desperate for a leader to revive the GOP as it faces what will probably be a second disappointing election cycle. But wishing won't make it so.
Posted at 9:11 PM, May 5, 2008 | Trackback | Print | #
Trouble in Jindal Paradise
Nachama Soloveichik
While national conservatives are talking up Bobby Jindal's record , not everything is so hunky-dory down in Louisiana. As budget negotiations move forward, Jindal is facing some opposition from his own party, according to the Times-Picayune.
The State Senate recently passed SB 87 unanimously, which would phase out the state income tax over 10 years, estimated to cost up to $4 billion. Proposed by freshman Senator Buddy Shaw, the bill started out as a more modest measure--an attempt to roll back the income-tax increases voters approved in 2002. Priced at $302 million, Jindal opposed even this more modest measure. Jindal has since changed his position, saying he would sign any tax cut measure so long as it is accompanied by corresponding spending cuts. This situation is complicated by the fact that Jindal's proposed $30.1 billion budget is viewed as too large by some Republicans and Jindal is loath to make program cuts to pay for the tax cuts.
UPDATE: Jindal is encountering criticism from local conservatives. A local blog, Bayou Buzz, says Jindal is not living up to his campaign promise to cut spending and reduce government spending:
In this session, a good common sense piece of legislation, Senate Bill 87 by State Senator Buddy Shaw (R-Shreveport), was introduced. It would have reduced state income tax rates to the levels that were in place before the Stelly plan was passed. The cost of this measure is approximately $300 million, a small price to pay for needed tax relief. Unfortunately, this popular bill was opposed by Governor Jindal. Eventually, a “poison pill” amendment was passed that was designed to torpedo Senate Bill 87. It was supported by liberal Democrats in the State Senate. Surprisingly, the amendment calls for the total elimination of the state income tax over ten years, costing approximately $4 billion.
Despite the intentions of those who supported the new version of Senate Bill 87, it is a great idea. Now that we have an opportunity to remove the state income tax, we should seize it. If passed, Louisiana will join seven other states with no income taxes: Alaska, Florida, Nevada, South Dakota, Texas, Washington and Wyoming. As noted by political journalist Chris Ingram, the seven states with no income taxes are all doing better than Louisiana. Why don’t we try to emulate them?
Again, Governor Jindal is not supporting this measure. Is Governor Jindal listening too much to former Governor Mike Foster? Has he become captive of the system which he is governing?
Posted at 2:11 PM, May 5, 2008 | Trackback | Print | #
Not Everyone is on the Jindal Bandwagon
Nachama Soloveichik
More conservatives chime in on the Jindal frenzy. James Antle at American Spectator says "stay in Baton Rouge." Ross Douthat at the Atlantic says "don't do it, Bobby."
Posted at 12:44 PM, May 5, 2008 | Trackback | Print | #
Pawlenty Who?
Nachama Soloveichik
According to Minnesota's Post-Bulletin, name recognition is not one of Pawlenty's strengths:
A recent Search ranking conducted by Yahoo suggested that Pawlenty has a ways to go in introducing himself to the nation - that is, if he is picked by Arizona Sen. John McCain to be his running mate. He ranked 19 out of the 20 most-searched Democratic and Republican veep possibilities in April, according to Yahoo's The Buzz Log.
Of course, some of them are still running for president. Barack Obama ranked first, followed by Hillary Clinton No. 2. Sen. Joe Lieberman ran just in front of Pawlenty at No. 18. South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford finished 20th, behind Pawlenty.
Posted at 10:50 AM, May 5, 2008 | Trackback | Print | #
Around the Web
Nachama Soloveichik
- Matt Lewis at Townhall on Kristol's column
- The Wash Times on Jindal
- American Spectator on Charlie Crist: "For long-time observers of Crist and Florida politics, imagining Charlie Crist in the Oval Office is a little like imagining an armadillo in a tuxedo. You guess it could be done, but what would be the point?"
- Ed Morrissey echoes my caution on the Jindal front
- Politico: Hispanics may put FL in play for Dems. Does this change the VP calculations?
- Politicker ME has a video interview with Mitt Romney on his future plans. I wonder what Romney thinks about McCain's acceptance of pubic financing.
Posted at 9:59 AM, May 5, 2008 | Trackback | Print | #
More on Bobby Jindal
Nachama Soloveichik
KLO at NRO likes the idea
Posted at 9:40 AM, May 5, 2008 | Trackback | Print | #
The Bobby Jindal Obsession
Nachama Soloveichik
In his New York Times column today, Bill Kristol stirs the Bobby Jindal pot:
Maybe that’s why, in separate conversations last week, no fewer than four McCain staffers and advisers mentioned as a possible vice-presidential pick the 36-year-old Louisiana governor, Bobby Jindal. They’re tempted by the idea of picking someone so young, with real accomplishments and a strong reformist streak.
It might also be a way to confront the issue of McCain’s age (71), which private polls and focus groups suggest could be a real problem. A Jindal pick would implicitly acknowledge the questions and raise the ante. The message would be: “You want generational change? You can get it with McCain-Jindal — without risking a liberal and inexperienced Obama as commander in chief.” I would add that it was after McCain spent considerable time with Jindal in New Orleans recently, and reportedly found him, as he has before, personally engaging and intellectually impressive, that the campaign’s informal name-dropping of Jindal began.
There are several problems with this increasingly popular ticket. For starters, Jindal doesn't quite pass the "ready to be President" test--yet. Yes, it is impressive that he won the governorship on a platform of reform, but he has been governor for a grand total of four months and a U.S. representative before that for a mere three years.
Second, young is good, too young is not so good. At 36 (Jindal will be 37 on June 10th), he is closer to the latter category than he is to the former.
Third, there is the matter of substance. I admit that Jindal's gubernatorial win was impressive and he has a compelling personal story, but I'm not sure the fan frenzy is proportional to his record. Bobby Jindal may very well be the next Ronald Reagan as Rush Limbaugh declared; then again, he may not be. Only time will tell. So far, his record doesn't quite stack up. Sure, Jindal's record is generally conservative, in that he can check off most of the major issues (he votes for tax cuts, is pro-life . . . etc.), but several of his votes demand explanation:
- Voted against CAFTA
- Voted to restrict 527's free speech
- Voted for the 2007 Farm Bill, which contained a tax increase (only 19 Republicans voted for it)
- Voted against the conservative Republican Study Committee budget in 2006 and 2007
- Voted against normal trade relations with Vietnam
- Voted to for the CEO pay bill
- Voted for Pelosi's minimum wage increase
The conservative movement is so desperate for a rising star, it is a little too quick to latch onto the latest political phenomenon, especially if the politician in question is not a white male. I just wish there would be a little more research, and a little less infatuation.
Posted at 1:57 AM, May 5, 2008 | Trackback | Print | #
May 4, 2008
Fiorina is the Power Player of the Week
Nachama Soloveichik
Former HP CEO and McCain economic adviser Carly Fiorina was the Power Player of the Week on Fox News Sunday this morning. Fiorina has gotten some VP buzz, partly because of her strong economic background. Check out the segment below. One thing is for sure--Fiorina makes a good impression.
Posted at 9:06 PM, May 4, 2008 | Trackback | Print | #
Crist and Nelson Not Very Likely
Nachama Soloveichik
The Orlando Sentinel discusses the possibility of either Florida's Bill Nelson or Charlie Crist being picked for VP. The verdict? Not very likely:
Nelson is the least likely of the two to be selected, because Hillary and Bill Clinton already have a very strong political base in Florida that would not likely be enhanced by having Nelson on the ticket. Although Nelson has twice been elected to the U.S. Senate, he is not a major player in it and is not well-known outside of Florida.
Crist is a more likely selection, but only just so. He remains popular with Florida voters, despite a troubling economy and growing concern about the effectiveness of his leadership in dealing with the state's budget crisis.
Moreover, if Obama secures the Democratic nomination, as he appears likely to do, McCain will be heavily favored to win Florida. To date, Obama has struggled to win support among seniors, Hispanics and working-class whites. And these are three very important voting blocs in Florida. Without their support, it is highly unlikely that Obama could challenge McCain in Florida and, thus, that McCain would need Crist on the ticket.
So while Florida will be pivotal in November, neither of its native sons is likely to appear on the presidential ballot.
Posted at 1:45 PM, May 4, 2008 | Trackback | Print | #
Romney Stumps for McCain
Nachama Soloveichik
At Maine's Republican convention over the weekend. Video is here.
Posted at 2:28 AM, May 4, 2008 | Trackback | Print | #
SC Dems for VP Sanford?
Nachama Soloveichik
Okay, so this resolution was tongue-in-cheek, but I guess even Democrats stumble across a good idea every once and awhile.
Posted at 1:15 AM, May 4, 2008 | Trackback | Print | #
Sarah Palin Goes Back to Work
Nachama Soloveichik
A pretty amazing article about Alaska Governor Sarah Palin.
Posted at 12:33 AM, May 4, 2008 | Trackback | Print | #
May 2, 2008
No Need for Cheney
Nachama Soloveichik
McCain says he will head up his vice-presidential committee.
Posted at 7:35 PM, May 2, 2008 | Trackback | Print | #
Around the Web
Nachama Soloveichik
The Tampa Tribune says Gov. Crist might be the savior McCain needs as a new Quinnipiac poll shows McCain losing ground in the Sunshine State.
Former Ohio Rep. Rob Portman ups his national profile.
To veto or not to veto? The MN House of Representatives has passed a minimum wage increase. Pawlenty called the bill "overbaked" and said changes are needed before he will support it.
Bobby Jindal shows some mettle. In a letter to key committees in the state, Jindal establishes tough rules to rein in earmarks.
Only five percent of Indiana voters would switch from McCain to Clinton if Clinton picked Indiana Senator Evan Bayh to be her running mate.
Posted at 1:23 PM, May 2, 2008 | Trackback | Print | #
May 1, 2008
McCain-Romney in NH
Nachama Soloveichik
The latest Rasmussen poll in New Hampshire has numbers on a McCain-Romney ticket. 31% of New Hampshire voters say they're more likely to vote for McCain if he selects Romney as his running mate. 39% say they are less likely to vote for McCain.
Posted at 4:22 PM, May 1, 2008 | Trackback | Print | #
Will Pawlenty Serve Out his Term?
Nachama Soloveichik
Good question. The Star Tribune has the scoop:
When Pawlenty set off on his re-election campaign in 2006, he was definitive about his plans. He said then that "If I run for governor and win I will serve out my term for four years."
Asked Thursday if he stood by his pledge to serve a full four years, he said, "That is my intention."
Posted at 4:17 PM, May 1, 2008 | Trackback | Print | #
Paul Ryan Gets Some Play
Nachama Soloveichik
John Gizzi at Human Events on Rep. Paul Ryan for VP (WI-R).
Posted at 2:24 PM, May 1, 2008 | Trackback | Print | #
Dos and Don'ts
Nachama Soloveichik
Dan McLaughlin at Redstate has a good post on the dos and don'ts of VP picks. The list of don'ts is fairly long, including no senators, no Bushies, no old retired guys, no pro-choicers, no closeted gays, and no lobbyists. The one point I disagree with the most is the exclusion of people like Chris Cox and Rob Portman, who while appointed by Bush, are not perceived as being an extension of the administration.
More importantly is where this list leaves us. If you agree with most of the dont's--and I do--the process of elimination narrows the pool to very few candidates. McCain himself has ruled out picking a pro-choice candidate, which eliminates a lot of names you tend to hear bandied about--Condi Rice, Tom Ridge, Charlie Crist, Kay Baily Hutchinson, Joe Lieberman. The most logical choices left are: Tim Pawlenty, Mark Sanford, and Mitt Romney. Talk about a short shortlist.
Posted at 1:35 PM, May 1, 2008 | Trackback | Print | #
A Sign of Discord
Nachama Soloveichik
MN Gov. Tim Pawlenty disagreed with John McCain's explanation for the cause of the Minneapolis bridge collapse. Yesterday, McCain blamed the collapse on wasteful pork-barrel spending, which siphoned off crucial funds that should have been used for insuring the safety of the country's infrastructure.
Posted at 1:23 PM, May 1, 2008 | Trackback | Print | #
If It Smells Like Pork . . .
Nachama Soloveichik
How do local economic conservatives view Pawlenty in Minnesota? Here is one local blogger on Pawlenty's budget negotiations. In the coming weeks, I hope to explore this question in further depth. The Star Tribune has more on the MN budget and Pawlenty's simultaneous call for a cap on property taxes.
Posted at 12:03 PM, May 1, 2008 | Trackback | Print | #
Around the Web
Nachama Soloveichik
According to a new New York Times/CBS News poll, 60% of Democrats would like to see the eventual winner take the other candidate as a running mate.
The Minneapolis Star Tribune points out that Tim Pawlenty's health care plan looks very similar to that of another GOP politician who just happens to be running for president.
Charlie Crist dodges a bullet. An abortion bill that would have forced the Florida governor to take a position dies in the Florida Senate.
Via Politico, Romney will be appearing with McCain at a Michigan fundraiser. Michigan, you may recall, was a contentious battleground between the two during the GOP primary.
Posted at 11:06 AM, May 1, 2008 | Trackback | Print | #
Photo of the Day
Nachama Soloveichik
I love this photo of SEC Chairman Chris Cox, who is sometimes mentioned as a possible VP pick for McCain.
Posted at 10:39 AM, May 1, 2008 | Trackback | Print | #
Another Poll
Nachama Soloveichik
All the media outlets want in on the veepstakes. ABC News has an online GOP VP poll you can participate in. Since McCain says he is considering a list of about 20 names, ABC's Rick Klein has offered his own list. Mike Huckabee is currently winning. Needless to say, I have not contributed to his 2,171 votes.
Posted at 10:12 AM, May 1, 2008 | Trackback | Print | #
VP Madness!
Nachama Soloveichik
CQ Politics has posted a fun game for all those who can't stop thinking about VP picks, called VP Madness (GOP Edition). It offers a bracket system similar to college basketball's March Madness that lets you narrow down your VP favorites round by round. I have voted, using a mixture of who I think will win and who I want to win. The Round 2 results will be announced on May 7. For all those enterprising folks out there, it looks like you can vote more than once.
Posted at 10:07 AM, May 1, 2008 | Trackback | Print | #
April 30, 2008
VP Versus the Hill
Nachama Soloveichik
CQ asks the following question: Is being VP better than going back to the Hill?
Posted at 9:22 PM, April 30, 2008 | Trackback | Print | #
Fox News Poll
Nachama Soloveichik
A new Fox News poll tests an Obama-Clinton ticket against a McCain-Romney ticket. The Democrats win 47% to 41%.
Posted at 9:18 PM, April 30, 2008 | Trackback | Print | #
Another VP List
Nachama Soloveichik
Dave Freddoso at NRO has compiled his own list of VP choices. Mark Sanford is missing from his list and I like the addition of Chris Cox.
Posted at 9:15 PM, April 30, 2008 | Trackback | Print | #
Novak: Romney in the Lead
Nachama Soloveichik
Robert Novak says "a rumor running through the political community now puts former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney in the lead for VP."
Posted at 9:13 PM, April 30, 2008 | Trackback | Print | #
Quote of the Day
Nachama Soloveichik
Meghan McCain: "I wish I was as tan as Charlie Crist." HT: Truth Caucus
Posted at 1:05 PM, April 30, 2008 | Trackback | Print | #
The Abortion Politics of the VP Race
Nachama Soloveichik
Governor Crist may have to weigh in on the abortion issue soon. Given his previous pro-choice positions and the national spotlight shining down on him, Florida Senate Bill 2400 has the potential to become pretty interesting. If passed, the bill would require women to have an ultrasound before an abortion. The question is: If it passes, what will Charlie Crist do?
Posted at 1:03 PM, April 30, 2008 | Trackback | Print | #
Crist and McCain: Two Green Peas in a Pod
Nachama Soloveichik
The Florida House of Representatives passed and Governor Charlie Crist is expected to sign a massive