McCain should choose Condoleezza Rice as V.P.
gopdiva said 05/08, 04:32 PM
McCain will either be against an african american or a woman. Rice is both. Some people vote only on race or gender. Some liberals may call McCain a racist or sexist. Rice can counter that. Rice is not who i want him to choose, but it would be smart politics!!!
Ariyel said 05/08, 05:14 PM
I believe Rice is too connected to Bush to be a good VP for McCain and will harm his chances with Independents and wavering Dems. I completely agree that a woman or an african-american would be an excellent choice. In my opinion, Colin Powell would be excellent. He is a moderate conservative who has a good overall appeal with the American people and a reputation as a strong diplomat.
I believe McCain, while not solid with Conservatives, will get their vote simply because the only other option will be Obama or Hillary (whomever gets the nomination). McCain needs a running mate who can appeal across the spectrum of political thought. His only downside would be his age.
gopdiva said 05/10, 08:09 AM
I believe race will be made an issue in this election. If that were not the case, i would suggest a V.P. like Romney would is very strong in the areas where McCain is weak. Instead, whoever his oppenent will be, will play the race/gender card. He needs a way to counter it. He isn't going to turn in to an African American Woman anytime soon, so a V.P. is how he can make up for it!
Ariyel said 05/10, 07:13 PM
I agree that race/gender will probably be noted, which is why I recommended Powell; however, I do not believe it will be a deciding factor. The big issues are going to be Iraq and the economy. Not sure what can be done about economics unless McCain goes with a VP like Phil Gramm, but I would venture that it would be more a function of his cabinet than the President and VP directly anyways.
Powell's reputation in diplomacy would also be an asset that could be played up to counter the negative impact of Iraq on the Republicans and a way to soften the attacks on McCain "100 years in Iraq" rhetoric.
Again, Rice is too connected with Bush and is widely considered to have made a poor performance as Secretary of State. She will do far more harm than good for McCain's campaign. Any staunch conservative (while I would like to see a conservative VP) would probably drive away independents; the party needs a moderate (otherwise I would like to see DeMint).
Comments
Add Your Comment
Condi's too Bush to be any good for McCain. McCain is mostly a moderate with a little leberal thrown in. He needs someone more conservative, maybe not staunch conservative, but a moderate leaning there to reach those votes.
KittyCatRep | 05/12/08
Report Offensive Comment
Any of ya'all heard the phrase "she pulled a Condi?" It's a common joke outside the US that someone actually did "nothing". Puh-Leeze, she's history after W is gone. Time for the book deal and retirement with the rest of the Bush cronies.
SantaCruzer | 05/13/08
Report Offensive Comment
DonkeyDude proposes that we don't vote before the 6 arguments have been heard. I support him and would like everyone to join us. This will make sure that people complete their debates and not avoid finishing their debates when they are trailing in votes.
POST | 05/14/08
Report Offensive Comment
I vote for Ariyel. Also, to the extent that race is a factor, picking a black VP won't matter much when up against a black Prez candidate. Anyone who would vote for Obama because he's black is not going to be equally compelled to vote for a black VP, especially one like Rice or Powell, who are largely lampooned as "not really black." On the other side of the coin, there might be some conservative voters who would stay away from the polls rather than vote for a black GOP VP. I just don't see the benefit. I think McCain would do best to pick someone young, with conservative credentials and some star power, who does not undercut his brand of national security. I think Huckabee fits the bill.
DonkeyDude | 05/15/08
Report Offensive Comment
It's laughable to think of Obama as ''really black'' in the same world where Condoleezza Rice and Colin Powell are not. Thank you, DD, for also validating a point I made in my first debate here: http://www.elephant-donkey.com/elephantdonkey/show/6762
USA Pit Bull 63 | 05/15/08
Report Offensive Comment
PB, I agree on some level with the thesis/title of that debate, but found the verbosity a little daunting and didn't really read it all. But to call the Republicans the party that advances minority rights? Laughable. I'll debate you on that...
DonkeyDude | 05/16/08
Report Offensive Comment
DonkeyDude, do it. Not only advances, but has advanced historically, more than other parties. Do it, do it.
USA Pit Bull 63 | 05/17/08
Report Offensive CommentPost A Comment
Please keep it clean. Bad words will get filtered, and offensive comments will be removed.
CNN TOP POLITICAL STORIES
TOP STORIES on TIME.COM
TIME PHOTO ESSAYS
Pakistan's Vulnerable Northwest Passage
Armed militant groups push into Pakistan's Northwest Frontier Province and its principal city, Peshawar, threatening the stability of a key transit point in the American effort to fight the Taliban in Afghanistan
(Mohammad Sajjad / AP)
Mark Twain: Portraits
The celebrated author and humorist was feted in photographs his entire career
(Bettmann / Corbis)
Sorry, need to clarify my last statement. The age comment was pointed at Powell as McCain's age as already been addressed as a potential issue.
Ariyel | 05/09/08
Report Offensive Comment