McCain’s running mate

 My Sunday paper had an interesting article that asked the question who will be Senator John McCain’s running mate for the race to the White House.  A question a lot of us on the right, middle, and the left are starting to ask.

McCain’s choice of running mate is an important one especially with the perception in the party that McCain is not truly a conservative in the mold of Reagan instead a moderate (an image that he crafted throughout much of his political career).  One way is to pick a running mate that holds many of the ideas that are at the core of the conservative movement – pro-life, limited government, low taxes, immigration reform, and for the most part a Christian.  It would also help if his running mate hails from the south.

Robert Stacey, a professor at Regent University, has put together several scenarios that he sees potentially play out before the convention starts later this summer. 

Could Huckabee be Robin to McCain’s Batman?  He is from the south, a strong pro-lifer, and a “Christian” – all qualities that McCain might be looking for.  Then again Huckabee is a real flake and when  pressed about his views, he changes them quicker than Dolly Patron changes wigs.  So Huckabee is out.

Could his running mates be the Governors Haley Barbour of Mississippi, Mark Sanford of South Carolina, or Charlie Crist of Florida?  All have a good conservative base and can pull in the southern vote.  Well, Robert Stacey doesn’t think he needs them. 

This election is about change the moderate and the independent vote.  What better way to demonstrate change and to capture the moderate/independent vote is get a running mate that compliments your own position?  Rudy Giuliani could be the one, plus he’s good friend of McCain and is “America’s Mayor.”

Better yet, how bout his old, dear friend Senator Joe Lieberman!  Lieberman can not only bring quite a few Democratic votes to the table, but the independent vote as well which tends to shift most Presidential candidates into the wining column. 

Also, Lieberman could also tip the balance in historically blue states like Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, California, and parts of New England.  Victories in these could offset the lack of a Southern on the ticket.  McCain could also run with the tag line that he is truly looking at bring bi-partisan politics back to Washington.  What a novel approach!  The major drawback to this strategy is upsetting the base of the party. 

Will hard core Republicans still vote for McCain?  A question that is too early to determine.  Stay tune…

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