Wednesday, July 30, 2008
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Kasich for VP?
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Posted by:
Matt Lewis at
5:02 PM
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Rich Lowry notes John Kasich has "working-class/populist" appeal -- something Mitt Romney lacks.
Clearly, the former Congressman from Ohio wasn't quite ready for prime time when he briefly ran for president in 2000, but since then his FOX gigs have dramatically increased his stature.
Here are a few thoughts about Kasich:
The Bad: Interestingly, Kasich was reported to have been considered as a running mate for Bob Dole in 1996. Few people remember this, so it probably won't hurt his chances with McCain. There have also been past rumors of personal peccadillos, but they seem to have faded away.
The Good: Kasich -- who has been positioning himself to run for governor of Ohio -- is not among the obvious choices for McCain, and he has not been frequently mentioned (he wasn't included in my "Conservative Guide to VP Picks"), but this could be a good thing if McCain is looking for the kind of buzz that might be generated by a "surprise" pick.
... What is more, he's in his mid-50s. In my estimation, this is the perfect age for a McCain running mate. Kasich is young enough to be hip -- but not so young that he looks like he's out with his grandfather. McCain doesn't need a young running mate to remind people of his age, but he does need a "youngish" running mate.
... Both philosophically and stylistically, Kasich seems to be a pretty good match for McCain, as well. A Kasich pick won't offend independent swing voters, nor will it offend conservatives.
The Mix: Obviously, it helps that Kasich hails from "THE" swing-state of Ohio. But it is not clear that he could "guarantee" the state -- a common problem among most of the potential "veep" picks for McCain. Still, considering the recent GOP scandals in Ohio, Kasich might be the only Republican who could immediately guarantee that Ohio is at least "in play" in 2008 -- and that's worth something ...
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Who is frustrating? Mormons or Romney supporters? I'm confused. |
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Way to apologize.
I know they are frustrating.
But when we engage them on issues and expose their own biases and give them questions they don't engage with, other readers of the blog who won't comment see the weakness of their position.
More flies with honey than vinegar, but rest assured your frustration is understood. |
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they never wish debate actual issues and unfortunatley i deal mormons on a daily basis some are great people, most are not at least in my expeirance . the more of a majority they become the nasterier they are to gentiles. idid get out of line i had been dealing the average smile to your face cut your throat mormons all day no excuse i was out of line. |
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I am an evangelical.
I am a conservative.
I like Mike Huckabee.
I think mormonism is a false religion.
Could I ask you something?
Would you please take your keyboard out to your driveway and drive over it with your car?
You are helping no one. You are way over the line. |
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Also, note the analysis of The American Spectator's Quin Hillyer (a known Huck hater):
'Choice #3, on an ascending rocket. Former Attorney General John Ashcroft: The Washington Post's Dana Milbank this week meant to be at least a little snarky when writing about Ashcroft, but his lead sentence actually had very much the ring of truth: "The rehabilitation of John David Ashcroft has been a wonder to behold."
A loyal footsoldier hung out to dry by the Bush administration after willingly acting as its chief spear-catcher, the former Missouri senator endured brutal treatment by an ignorant and horribly biased establishment media.
But the truth is now coming out, so that the same media, joined by liberal Democrats such as John Conyers, are rightly portraying Ashcroft in almost heroic terms, especially because of his now-famous hospital-bed refusal to be bullied into improper actions by Alberto Gonzales.
The fact is that Ashcroft's Justice Department was a model of professionalism and attention to constitutional detail, and his two-term governorship and term in the Senate were both impressive.
No single choice by McCain could so energize the religious right without turning off economic and foreign policy conservatives; nobody could boast a fuller resume; and very few are as smart or, frankly, as personable when allowed to make his own case rather than being forced to twist in the wind by White House overlords.
Give Ashcroft free rein, and he'll soon dispel the caricature of him as a right-wing scold and recapture his true, middle-America persona.' |
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hate? i thought this is the way the book of mormon and the pearl of great price spelled it out? i'm just trying to follow the rules .
i mean don't you want to be just like your prophet? i mean really .i'm totally serious you win !!!!!! i'm even getting my haircut just like mitts . i just bought out a smaller buisness and he was right you can ship those jobs to mexico and cut your labor costs by 80% MITTS da man!!!!!!!!!! my investors will be so happy .and the people i laid off will find something else. that mitt sure knows how to run an economy . i can't wait till he gets to be vp . sooooooo exciting . now that i'm a mormon can i see the golden tablets ,i'm sure the prophet just hid them away and did'nt really lose them .do you have the hat he looked in with the seer stones he used to translate the tablets in a museum? i'll bet they are soooooo cool .
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PC writes: 'Are you going to vote for Mac if he chooses Romney?'
ME: I'm going to vote for McCain unless he picks an openly pro choice person like Ridge, Giuliani, Lieberman, or a few others.
Why?
Because, while I am not at all confident about McCain's sincerity on the pro life issue, I am hopeful that he believes (should he win) that he will be healthy enough to run for reelection.
If he does intend to run for reelection he cannot drop any David Souters on us or --that's it! I'll vote third party next time.
I'm not expecting an Alito, Thomas, or Scalia --but I am expecting a John Roberts.
One more John Roberts and the court will lean right on EVERY decision.
Think about that PasPhil, VPat, MC, and the anti_Macs. EVERY single decision would be in the conservative direction.
It won't be "perfectly" conservative, but it will have an always rightward lean.
Trading a John Roberts type for John Paul Stephens will be worth the vote, in my book, if nothing else noteworthy becomes of a McCain presidency.
Historians will say that John McCain appointed the deciding vote to overturn Roe v. Wade --and a number of lesser known cases.
If, however, he picks a Tom Ridge --that is problem. Why? Its not because I think Ridge will make the policy of this country with regard to abortion.
Its that McCain will be sending a signal to pro lifers that he is not all that serious about the issue, and that we shouldn't expect anything from him. It will be disillusioning.
So, yes that would include Mitt Romney because he takes the pro life "position", even if I doubt his conviction --as doubt McCain's. |
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You can't even get one wife, let alone seven! I'm wife one of one. You might want to ask Sen Obama how many wives his daddy has. He's polygamist, and yet, it's us (who do not practice polygamy) you want to undermine. Well, you can spew your hate and miss information all you want, but the bottom line is more folks come to take a look, and stay with us when you spew so much hate. We must be right. Otherwise, folks like you would not work so hard to lead folks astray! My sweet bishop was once a SBC member. |
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Zogby poll info:
"Among likely voters, 27% would be more likely to support McCain with Huckabee on the ticket, and 26% said the same if Romney were selected. A Huckabee pick would cause 13% of likely voters to be less likely to support McCain, while 11% would be less supportive of the presumptive Republican nominee if he were to choose Romney as his running mate. Among Republicans, 40% would be more likely to support a McCain/Huckabee ticket, while 11% would be less likely - a 29% net positive for the choice of Huckabee. If Romney were to be chosen, 41% of Republicans would be more inclined to vote for McCain, compared to 8% who would be less likely, for a net positive of 33%. Both fare well among political independents, with a 15% net positive for Huckabee and a 17% net positive for Romney if chosen as a running mate by McCain."
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i'm really excited cabout this . serious i've seen the lite you know the angel macaroni .my revalation said i should go forth and hither and yon ,and i shall find tin plated tabletshidden under a mcdonalds in salt lake . and they will be written in a strange language, maybe ancient B S , and i am to translate the tablets by putting them in a large pepsi bottle with 2 of brigham youngs kidney stones and the truth shall be made known .and all who hear the message shall come to follow howard, thats the big guys name from the tablets you know the secret prayer ,howard be thy name ,and i will gather winesses to this and maybe get a tv sitcom contract AND ALL WILL FOLLOW MINDLESSLY IN THE TIME HONORED TRADITION OF ALL CULTS |
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What a class act!
Seriously, you are a coward.
Pathetic jerk.
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i think i might like to be a mormon. where do you sign up ,and how many wives do they issue you? do they issue special underware with the viagra? when do you start getting revalations? how many celestial babies would i be allowed to make? do you get to pick your own planet to rule? let me know ,this is really, really exciting . oh and if you don't like your first wife can you trade up like joseph smith ? is there a point system to let you know where you stand? are there any secret handshakes to get into the clubhouse? what do your membership dues cost? are there any warranties or garruntees ? |
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i never would of thought of bundling the regions and averageing the results ,brilliant! pick mit the twit and enjoy watching the swing voters pick obama .i think i might even vote for obama he won't get a second term he's kind of a chocalate jimmy carter and the dems will have no one to blame but themselves. got us reagan the last time and it could clear mitt out at the same time or better yet mitt could be elected and screw up the country like he did in mass. either way win win oh goody |
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Are you going to vote for Mac if he chooses Romney? I think I've asked you many times, but I'm not sure you've ever answered.
Romney is sitting pretty for 2012 whether he becomes VP or not.
John Ashcroft, right or wrong would be a huge lightening rod for bad press. Horrible choice.
You're going to have to get over your disdain for Romney or you'll go crazy! You'll see, he will be great. |
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Ohio needs him to run for Governor --very badly. And, the GOP needs that as well.
He's probably the only Repub. which can win there at the moment.
Republicans are at there best when the GOP governors are on the tube all the time instead of members of congress. We need to rebuild the Govs.
Leave: Palin in AK, Jindal in LA, Pawlenty in MN. Sanford in S.C. and let Brownback run for KS Gov. in 2010, and let Kasich run for OH Gov. in 2010, as well.
And, I hope Thune runs for SD Gov. in 2010, and the sitting Gov. runs for Thune's Senate seat.
Let McCain pick someone out of government (not likely to run again) --like John Ashcroft. |
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Found this at the race42008 site (#75 Craig)you linked the other day, kind of interesting:
"1. There were 11,560,000 votes of which Romney got 36%, Huckabee got 21% and McCain got 43%
2. Regionally
SOUTH (Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Tennessee, S.Carolina and Florida)
Romney...30%
Huckabee...31%
McCain...39%
WEST (Arizona, California, Oklahoma, Utah)
Romney...42%
Huckabee...14%
McCain...44%
MIDWEST (Illinois, Missouri, Iowa, Michigan)
Romney...36%
Huckabee...24%
McCain...40%
NORTHEAST (Connesticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, N. Jersey, N.York, N. Hampshire)
Romney...38%
Huckabee...9%
McCain...53%
OK, after you have digested these FACTS, consider the following:
A. McCain had a minority of the votes in every region except the NE (53%). In a 2-person race, like Obama/Clinton, he would have lost everywhere except the NE.
B. Huckabee only got above 30% of the vote in one region - the South, at 31% and only edged out Romney in the South by 1%. In the West and NE, Huckabee was almost invisible in votes, despite the media.
C. If McCain needs to see how he can move his numbers above 43% with the Republican base, he only needs to look at these numbers. Even in the NE, Romney got 38% of the vote. In the WEST, he got 42% of the vote and that didn’t
include caucus states like CO, AK, WY and MT. Almost certainly his numbers would be greater than McCain’s, even INCLUDING CA."
Guess that blows for guys like cim who pretend that Huckabee appeals to voters and Romney doesn't. Choosing Romney is the best thing Mac can do to shore up the base.
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Your facts are totally off kilter! You only read what youwant, and skip the real facts.
You just hate it when you get caught. |
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"The Real America" vs. the bigots
That will advance your cause.
Pot, Kettle holding for you on line one. |
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been talking to ron paul supporters, it will be nasty at the convention, i don't have to tear romney down . if he gets the vp nod mcain will lose in an epic landslide and may anyway. the only poll that counts are at the ballot box romney found that out much to his chagrin .all polls had him winning several states(remember iowa )lots of money and time spent only to to lose at the ballot box. be careful the big bad baptist boogeyman man spoil your coranation again or it my be ron paul and his group .just because some talking head writes an opinion article you happen to like does'nt make it so |
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Why isn't Tom Coburn being considered more. He nd McCain seem to be good friends and he is definately a conservative's conservative. |
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I am not 'terrified' of huckles the clown. In fact, should Mac have a stupid attack and pick him, it proves to us (the real america) that Mac does not want to win. It also shows me that Mac can be blackmailed by the "religious" (read, Bigoted) right. Not a good trait for a president, if you ask me. Oh, and were you aware hundreds and thousands were e-mailing Mac telling him exactly that?
Huckles the clown is a loser ticket. Unless your clapping your hands and passing the plate while caliming your the only true christians, he'll not get more votes than what he already got. Perhaps less, as some are turned off by the loser. |
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Here's the article you failed to actually read. Must have been 'go to anti mo meeting' night last night, as your 'talking points' are almost verbatim with about 6 others on blogs.
http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_10036449 |
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supporters out west are moving to bob barr enough to split the vote and sink mcain |
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supporters are terrified of huckabee,the man who derailed romneys overfunded bid for the presidency. thats why they slam him and anyone who does not drink their koolaid. romney will sink mcain's presidential run . all the mormons will blame it on bigotry , ignoring romneys disconnect with working class voters . thinking that because a few "conservitive" talking heads on the radio endorse him he should be venerated as some sort of demi god and we should all be so lucky to have him as vp and prophet in waiting .i've noticed that no matter whose name is is mentioned for vp the romneyiacs are out there trying to destroy them. yes i supported huckabee a good man ,my first pick was fred thompson . i liked guilliani better than romney, more liberal than i would prefer but seemed to be straight shooter . romney came across from the begining as kinda like one of those push ,push push oily too perfect car salesman that will sell you anything .not to be trusted |
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I know reading truth ain't your strong point. That report SAID without Romney, the West is lost. WITH him, mac has a chance.
As usual, selective fact finding. Pick out one line, and twist, twist, twist. |
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What are you talking about. |
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be able to deliver the western states ,looks like ron paul may sink that hope . |
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I don't want a president or vice president who 'plays nice'. I want one who kicks butt and takes names at the funeral. |
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If Romney brings 'nothing', why exactly are we having this conversation, and why is he on the top of the list?
Just wondering the perspective of the anti-romney's. Perhaps they are jelous of someone so successful in both his professional and personal life. |
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McCain needs a pitbull. Obama needs to be taken down effectively in the eyes of voters to where he really belongs--back in Chicago organizing communities. But McCain needs to remain above this fray.
There's a very good Real Clear Politics article advocating Romney. His downsides may not be as feared. Where are the conservatives and evangelicals going to go? Obama? Third party? Europe? Stay at home? Besides, Romney has a great way of smiling and looking great all the while he'll be shoving a two-by-four up Obama's a**. He's instantly recognizable around the country, and he does have a fair amount of credibility. I do think he'd help in Michigan and NV.
I could go for Kasich too--if he's even being considered. He was reared in PA (so of a postal worker), and he was a member of the House from Ohio. I think he'd be great campaigning in Ohio and PA. He's dynamite when he appears on Fox. He doesn't take s*** from anyone. He's a real regular guy who'd portray a great homespun warmth as he's cutting Obama off at the knees.
Ultimately, McCain needs a henchman, and he needs it quickly. Pawlenty is a wimp, and he just doesn't have the horsepower. He'll never turn MN to a red state, so there's no sense in weighing that as a factor. Heck, I feel so strongly against Pawlenty that I'd argue that Lieberman makes more sense. |
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You don't think Romney can bring a swing state?
Conservative evangelicals voted for Romney just about as much as for Huck.
So,
Fundraising - check
Economic knowledge - check
Conservatives - check
Evangelicals - check
Help in the battlegrounds MI, CO, NV, NH - check
Looks like Mitt does bring something, which is exactly why he's being considered.
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Romney brings nothing, except possibly fundraising to the mix and perhaps a little economic knowledge. McCain needs someone who will be an advantage to his campaign. Conservatives evangelicals won't accept Romney. Don't know enough about Kasich but he could possibly bring a swing state - Ohio to McCain's camp. |
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Don't hold your breath for Tom to respond.... Think that he's married to Eugene.... I'm guessing Politics around the dinner table in that family is a real "kick" and very informative... |
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Yeah, I know. But he's a Huck supporter, so he can't help it. The problem is that Kasich probably doesn't eat squirrel. |
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can't be any stiffer than the mittster , the original captain brittle , fake smile condescending demeanor, the perfect image of a back stabbing weasel of a corporate elitest . likeability factor of minus 50 |
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Pawlenty a future republican star? I don't see it. He's a big snore and doesn't cut it in interviews. I've seen him get taken to the cleaners while trying to defend McCain.
People aren't excited about him because he does absolutely nothing for McCain, and because they've seen him and he doesn't cut it.
I've been to a lot of other blogs and it's pretty clear that he draws a collective sigh of disappointment. |
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Kasich registers about as much as excitement as oatmeal. Also, if you Google back to the 80s, it was rumored extensively that Kasich might be gay. I don't know if this allegation is true or not, but if it were discovered to be true, that would go over like... well I won't use the punch bowl analogy - say a lead balloon. |
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Enlighten us about Romney's business practices. |
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I don't understand why people aren't excited on this site about him. There is buzz all over the internet for him. He's an exciting, conservative pick. So is Kasich, actually. I have a strong feeling this will be an obamaslide though, so I hope McCain picks flip-flop Mitt, so we don't have to sacrifice Pawlenty, who could a future Republican star. |
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would help mcain where he needs the help most. bluecollar working folks .that would be a big plus |
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I wonder if his name is being floated like Pawlenty's? Just making sure that eh country say's 'who'? I like Kasich. He'd be a good choice. FAR better than most, but not as good as some.
We'll see what happens... |
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Is Kasich a late comer like MCMitt or has he actually been a conservative for awhile?
I don't think we need another choice like Walter Mitty!!
By the way, chat with some businesses that have been steamrolled by Mitt and you may not think the same of him any more. He does not play nice from what I have been told.....
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I don't know much about the guy. What little I can find suggests he'd make for a good pick on the issues I most care about. Right on life, right on the death penalty, right on guns, right on term limits, right on balancing the budget, right on school choice, and right on drugs.
I have some reservations though.
The first thing that worries me is that he apparently supported the expansion of daycare, when I think parents should be raising their own children rather than outsourcing that responsibility.
Also, I'm a tad skeptical of just how much of a populist he is. He supported increased visas for immigrants, and wanted to sign on to free trade agreements, and likes our membership in the WTO. "Fast track" and "H1-B", thy names are Mud and Slime. Voting for sending money over to IMF so that they can give away our money to the third-world also doesn't strike me as particularly conservative.
All-in-all though, I need to see more about him before I come to even a semi-solid opinion about the man. He strikes me as generally good with some shortcomings -- the sort of compromise I'm accustomed to making when it comes to Republican candidates. |
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GUY THOMPSON, right on, took the words out of my mouth. Hell hath no fury like Clinton followers neglected! If Obama isn't swift enough to pick her then he will surely lose. McCain needs Mitt for obvious reasons, Romney has it all and John needs his business expertise and executive experience.(Brianbnc) McShame is heads above the Obama "Sham"paign. Give it up, your MCShame name isn't realistic, you should be ashamed to slan-der such a good, brave Senator Patriot! |
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At this point hoping for Kasich is a little late and pointless. Romney is more than likely it, all signs point to it especially MI.
Here's an article illustrating why Mac needs romney in the west, and especially in CO - another battleground.
http://www.denverpost.com/breakingnews/ci_10036449
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I contend McShame, win or lose, is a sinking ship because of his policies. Picking someone that is basically out of politics might be necessary. Anyone currently in politics would be ill-advised to run with McShame.
This might be a good fit. |
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Kasich would be perfect. Republicans could keep the hot rookies (Palin, Jindal, Cantor, and the like) on the sidelines for this election, and they wouldn't have to deal with the baggage and mediocrity that the others bring (Pawlenty, Romney, Crisp, and the like).
Kasich is a great pitbull, which Pawlenty isn't. He's working on Wall Street right now, so he might appeal to the well educated crowd. More important, he's got a great deal of appeal for the middle-class man and woman. I better he'd be dynamite from Michigan to Indiana to Ohio and on to Pennsylvania. |
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He's the only other VP pick besides Romney who would get me excited.
I agree with all your points, Matt. Not sure how many average voters are familiar with him, but he comes across as an instantly likable guy, so it wouldn't be a problem. Too bad he hasn't been mentioned. |
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Kasich would be a great VP choice. |
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