I've heard rumors and I've heard fables. Basically I'm just going to put my foot in it and say whom I think McCain should choose.
1. Tom Ridge
Ridge has been stuck in neutral politically for a long time, but this guy has all the right credentials and brings all the right personality to the ticket. He's the former Gov. of Penna and ran Homeland Security at the outset. All concerned say if it weren't for 9/11 he would have been a top candidate for '04. I've seen him. I like him. I say he's McCain's best choice.
2. Michael Steele
Only because I've heard a rumor do I say Steele. He is my model moderate Republican and he has a real touch of class. I think of him particularly as the head of the Congress - he would do a selfless and honorable job, and he's the perfect Old School demographic. I think the GOP is looking for the right place to put him.
3. Mitt Romney
Mitt was my number one choice at the outset for the nominee, but he personally rubs me the wrong way. He's super impressive and probably the smartest candidate out there, but his advantages were canceled out by two groups of wingnuts in our party who had a jones for Ron Paul or Huckabee. Unfortunately, the wingnuts all think that the GOP is just an organ of their moral evangelism, not a party for all Americans so they spoiled things. Bringing Mitt back could put everything in place.
On Sara Palin. Whatever. It's obvious to me that she's a demographic gimme. Not that she's not a good sharp stick in the eye of the Democrats being a sharp character herself, but I say she needs a bit more aging in the cellar. Besides, there's scandal afoot in Alaska and now is not the time.
On Condi Rice. I think she's way too tired to do anything more. There's no question that as an insider she could really do excellent things to coordinate policy. She's seen Cheney in action and I'm sure she took notes. But quite frankly I think she's burned out. We have lived through several massive geopolitical headaches - doesn't she deserve a vacation?
On Bobby Jindal. He's more obvious than Palin as a gimme. Everybody loves Jindal. He needs a lot more time in the cellar. Let him finish the job he started.
On Petraeus. No. Leave him where he can do the most good. CENTCOM.
On Giuliani. No. How could he possibly play second fiddle?
4. John Kyl
It'll never happen of course. Double AZ? But I love Kyl.
5. Duncan Hunter.
Outside chance. Hunter is great.
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