Since I'm primarily a neoconservative, it doesn't break my heart to see the kind of thrashing that elements of the GOP are going through right now in their disaffectations over Senator McCain. I have picked up a few more herrings at American Digest which I'll add to the list. But first, my monkey wrench that should stop all conversations dead in their tracks and force a recalculation of the entire campaign.
Condoleeza Rice as Vice President.
I know that ideologues in the party, such as Viguerie, Limbaugh and other notably shrill harpies who shall remain nameless, have suggested radical 'solutions' for the lack of 'true' heirs to Reagan. It is as if Reagan planted a sword in the rock and no prince has yet been able to pull it free. These ideologues are in search of perfection and have become the enemies of good. Yet the answer is staring everyone in the face and in all of this accelerating madness before Super Tuesday I'm telling you now that Rice matters.
There are, essentially, no more superstars in the GOP but Condoleeza Rice. Giuliani could certainly make and excellent VP choice for any candidate, and so could Duncan Hunter as far as I'm concerned. Quite frankly I'm hoping Hunter takes a handoff from Arnold here in California so he can have that vaunted Governorship as a quill in his cap. On the other hand, California is headed for financial ruin right now and the next Gov could really bite it. Except for the fact that ideologues are ready to trash any and everyone who is not Reagan, Rice stands alone.
You know and I know and we all know but won't say that Rice does and does not solve the race and gender issues that are the subtext of 'change' this campaign season. She has been and has not been the 'twofer' ace in the hole for the Republican Party. Anyone can say what they want with regard to identity politics, but Dr. Rice has never been elected because she is black or because she is female. She may symbolize that but has never had to bank on it or deny banking on it. All that ambiguity could disappear if she is courted as a Veep, but I think history would be kind to the Republicans. This is, after all, the Secretary of State - not some empty suit.
I say Romney Rice beats any combination of Clinton Obama AND satisfies (or at least shuts up) the enemies of good within the party. I say McCain Rice beats any combination of Clinton Obama and garners more independent votes.
Now. I said it. Let's talk about it.
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