Who will Romney choose for Vice President?

[TypeO]

I mentioned this in another thread, but I honestly believe Condoleezza Rice would be a game-changer.

Not only would her vast experience be a huge plus, as a Black woman her selection would make the race card much more difficult to play, as well as the silly War on Women accusation.

Besides Condi, I like Marco Rubio.

He's really smart, and would help pull the Latino vote.

What I think would be a big mistake is choosing one of the guys from swing states (Rob Portman from Ohio, for instance) in order to try and win that state.

Ryan would be an obvious choice and create a strong ticket, but then it's the 2 white men - not good at this point in time.

The Obama slime machine would have a field day with that.

Also, how soon do you think it will be until an announcement is made?

Yeah, I downloaded the app, just so I'd know as soon as possible.

[DAS]

I agree with your assessment. The VP pick is almost completely about campaigning. Rice would hurt the propaganda machine against Romney but like Palin she would get it hard because she is both a woman and black and the Democrat's attack machine won't tolerate that. The truth of the matter was that Palin was accomplished and experienced and a very legitimate candidate but they feared her so they tried to make her look stupid and insane. They'll do the same to Rice. I personally am not in favor of either of the two but they are both more legit than half the people running for president. I also think Obama is helping him a lot. If he weren't so crazy Romney would likely have to pick an evangelical VP to impress the Republican base. Now he is free to pick someone to prevent the bigot charge.

[swandown]

I think Romney will pick a running mate based solely on whether the person will help him win Ohio or Florida (the two swing states that he desperately needs to win if he wants to win the election). That's why I think Rob Portman (from Ohio) has the edge.

Romney won't pick Condoleezza Rice due to her prior statements about abortion. It has nothing to do with a fear of the Democratic attack machine.

[mstork]

I don't have a problem with Portman, he's serious, competent, and qualified. The fact that he's from Ohio is a bonus. I like Rice for all the reasons stated, although I'm concerned the dems would beat her over the head with Iraq. Also a bonus that she's a Zeppelin fan!

Being from NJ Chris Christie intrigues me. Who wouldn't want to see him tangle with Biden? Frankly when the primaries started and everyone was trying to convince him to run I was hoping he'd do it. Would have loved to have seen him debate Obama!

I like Rubio a lot but he's awfully green, I say give him a few more years...

[DavidZoso]

Is he allowed to choose Michelle Bachman? She's pretty hot, for an old-timer.

Yeah she is hot. I would say Joe Walsh should be his runnin' mate.

[DE12]

It doesn't matter who he picks because Romney is not going to win. Obama will be re-elected.

And for the record, women aren't so stupid that they go for a candidate just because he chooses a female running mate. We actually look at a candidate's position on the issues.

Re: the comments about Palin "so they tried to make her look stupid and insane..." Um, she did that all by herself. On Fox News, she regularly embarrasses herself with her total lack of understanding of almost every issue.

At the same time, I do think she was judged during the campaign -by both by sides- in ways a man is never judged. It was especially ridiculous when the Right went after her for the amount of money from the RNC's coffers that was spent on clothes for her and her family during the campaign. So stupid. It was also disgusting how people made fun of her family - but then again, they did that to Chelsea Clinton, the Bush twins, and of course, now the Obama girls.

It's also true that Obama wasn't experienced or accomplished but at least he has enough intellect to speak coherently on a variety of topics. I disagree with many, many things he has done because he's essentially a moderate Republican like Clinton (without any of Clinton's brilliance) except he is to the right of George W Bush on civil liberties.

Palin's level of intelligence doesn't allow critical analysis or thoughtful decision-making. She is a media phenomena -because like Reagan she can spit out the sound bites that a vastly ill informed (on both sides) republic can swallow.

As for "silly war on women" - Had a transvaginal probe lately?

[FunkyPhantom]

It doesn't matter who he picks because Romney is not going to win. Obama will be re-elected.

And for the record, women aren't so stupid that they go for a candidate just because he chooses a female running mate. We actually look at a candidate's position on the issues.

Re: the comments about Palin "so they tried to make her look stupid and insane..." Um, she did that all by herself. On Fox News, she regularly embarrasses herself with her total lack of understanding of almost every issue.

At the same time, I do think she was judged during the campaign -by both by sides- in ways a man is never judged. It was especially ridiculous when the Right went after her for the amount of money from the RNC's coffers that was spent on clothes for her and her family during the campaign. So stupid. It was also disgusting how people made fun of her family - but then again, they did that to Chelsea Clinton, the Bush twins, and of course, now the Obama girls.

It's also true that Obama wasn't experienced or accomplished but at least he has enough intellect to speak coherently on a variety of topics. I disagree with many, many things he has done because he's essentially a moderate Republican like Clinton (without any of Clinton's brilliance) except he is to the right of George W Bush on civil liberties.

Palin's level of intelligence doesn't allow critical analysis or thoughtful decision-making. She is a media phenomena -because like Reagan she can spit out the sound bites that a vastly ill informed (on both sides) republic can swallow.

As for "silly war on women" - Had a transvaginal probe lately?

[mstork]

It doesn't matter who he picks because Romney is not going to win. Obama will be re-elected.

And for the record, women aren't so stupid that they go for a candidate just because he chooses a female running mate. We actually look at a candidate's position on the issues.

Re: the comments about Palin "so they tried to make her look stupid and insane..." Um, she did that all by herself. On Fox News, she regularly embarrasses herself with her total lack of understanding of almost every issue.

At the same time, I do think she was judged during the campaign -by both by sides- in ways a man is never judged. It was especially ridiculous when the Right went after her for the amount of money from the RNC's coffers that was spent on clothes for her and her family during the campaign. So stupid. It was also disgusting how people made fun of her family - but then again, they did that to Chelsea Clinton, the Bush twins, and of course, now the Obama girls.

It's also true that Obama wasn't experienced or accomplished but at least he has enough intellect to speak coherently on a variety of topics. I disagree with many, many things he has done because he's essentially a moderate Republican like Clinton (without any of Clinton's brilliance) except he is to the right of George W Bush on civil liberties.

Palin's level of intelligence doesn't allow critical analysis or thoughtful decision-making. She is a media phenomena -because like Reagan she can spit out the sound bites that a vastly ill informed (on both sides) republic can swallow.

As for "silly war on women" - Had a transvaginal probe lately?

So, uh, who do you think the veep should be?

Love the idea that Obama is not far enough to the left, that's a goodie.

[DE12]

About the veep - whatever. It's not like Biden is an intellectual giant - all that BS about his "foreign policy" experience. Please, Hillary runs circles around his ass. Even though she's too much of a hawk for me, she was an awesome NY senator.

I think the real problem with Romney is that the GOP base doesn't like him - as was obvious during the primaries. No one will satisfy the base because the base is in total chaos! (Similar to the Dems in 68 which is why Nixon won.)

I think the voter turnout will be very low. The youth vote (always overestimated) will not turn out for Obama. Women will though because they are pissed. Don't let the media fool you with "there's no war on women."

My 83-year old Catholic mother (of 10 kids I might add) who lives in Kansas is BEYOND furious at how these men who pretend they don't benefit from birth control are trying to take over the conversation. When women vote, women win - and I don't mean women candidates because we aren't that evolved as a nation but candidates that while they may not support women they don't actively work against them.

Obama is not Left by almost any traditional definition of Left . Although -big sigh- political definitions have been dumbed/watered down for the masses to such a ridiculous degree, it's difficult to even have a dialogue for the shouting. The most hilarious and ignorant thing ever is the "socialist" tag. As if.

For f's sake, Richard Nixon was MORE left on universal health care.

[mstork]

About the veep - whatever. It's not like Biden is an intellectual giant - all that BS about his "foreign policy" experience. Please, Hillary runs circles around his ass. Even though she's too much of a hawk for me, she was an awesome NY senator.

I think the real problem with Romney is that the GOP base doesn't like him - as was obvious during the primaries. No one will satisfy the base because the base is in total chaos! (Similar to the Dems in 68 which is why Nixon won.)

I think the voter turnout will be very low. The youth vote (always overestimated) will not turn out for Obama. Women will though because they are pissed. Don't let the media fool you with "there's no war on women."

My 83-year old Catholic mother (of 10 kids I might add) who lives in Kansas is BEYOND furious at how these men who pretend they don't benefit from birth control are trying to take over the conversation. When women vote, women win - and I don't mean women candidates because we aren't that evolved as a nation but candidates that while they may not support women they don't actively work against them.

Obama is not Left by almost any traditional definition of Left . Although -big sigh- political definitions have been dumbed/watered down for the masses to such a ridiculous degree, it's difficult to even have a dialogue for the shouting. The most hilarious and ignorant thing ever is the "socialist" tag. As if.

For f's sake, Richard Nixon was MORE left on universal health care.

There will be huge turnout from Repubs as their dislike of Obama is way stronger than their reservations about Romney.

With all due respect to you and your mom, I know a lot of women who are very insulted by the idea that a college kid whining about the right to free contraceptives is supposed to be THE issue they'll vote on. Fact is, married women break for Romney by a pretty good margin.

As far as Obama being to the left, he openly said he wants to use the federal government to "spread the wealth around". He openly said he would raise capital gains taxes even if it lowers actual revenue because of "fairness". His administration has sued employers for daring to open a new plant and hire many new employees in a non-union state. I could go on.

He may not be far enough to the left for you, I've heard Bill Maher say the same thing. But the idea that he's a "moderate Republican" is laughable. He's not half the leader Clinton was, who at least realized he was the President of the United States and not the President of Certain Special Interests and Demographics.

[DE12]

She wasn't whining about free contraceptives- she was talking about insurance that covers birth control -which of course, men benefit from as well. Like they do VIAGRA which has always been covered by insurance.

If you understand anything about US history, you would understand - it's not even opinion - it's factual - that Obama being a "moderate Republican" is anything but laughable.

You would also understand that it is Wall Street who elected him and will re-elect him. That's America.

Yes, you could go on but you would still miss the big picture - which is exactly what those who tell you how to think (Fox News) want you to do.

But whatevs - at least we agree about Bubba! He's THE best.

A musician and an intellectual genius. Flawed but damn, the man can talk without notes and without a TelePrompTer and just blow the audience away-cos I've seen it. (like Jimmy on guitar -wonder if they've ever met? I know Jagger, Richards, and Wood have).

I don't know what he thinks about LZ but we do know how he feels about music, blues, Elvis, etc.

And yes, he is/was a MODERATE REPUBLICAN. That's how he got elected!

[mstork]

She wasn't whining about free contraceptives- she was talking about insurance that covers birth control -which of course, men benefit from as well. Like they do VIAGRA which has always been covered by insurance.

If you understand anything about US history, you would understand - it's not even opinion - it's factual - that Obama being a "moderate Republican" is anything but laughable.

You would also understand that it is Wall Street who elected him and will re-elect him. That's America.

Yes, you could go on but you would still miss the big picture - which is exactly what those who tell you how to think (Fox News) want you to do.

But whatevs - at least we agree about Bubba! He's THE best.

A musician and an intellectual genius. Flawed but damn, the man can talk without notes and without a TelePrompTer and just blow the audience away-cos I've seen it. (like Jimmy on guitar -wonder if they've ever met? I know Jagger, Richards, and Wood have).

I don't know what he thinks about LZ but we do know how he feels about music, blues, Elvis, etc.

And yes, he is/was a MODERATE REPUBLICAN. That's how he got elected!

You can't disagree without the snide comment about my grasp of American history? Obama is by no means a moderate Republican. JFK was a moderate Republican. Clinton was a Democrat who was smart and principled enough to work with Republicans after the dems got creamed in the midterms. And they accomplished some great things. Contrast that with the way Barry has handled the same situation.

As for your certainty about Obama's reelection, I'll refer you to 2010 and Wisconsin. There's no reason to be cocky about Obama's reelection prospects.

By the way, we should probably take this to the Presidential Election thread as we're way off topic...

[DE12]

Take me there! I have no idea where it is....

BTW, not cocky about Obama - it is an opinion based on historical precedence. Yes, I will vote for him again but that is outside my thoughts about the political process. I agree, he was clueless (and arrogant) about managing Congress - he has no legislative experience!

All the same, Wisconsin is not a state that matters on an national level.

Bubba (who I really do love -in a history/politics geek way) ... not sure principled is the word I would use to describe him. That's not a blast it's just that I see him as complicated, brilliant, flawed, and expedient.

Like LBJ, he understands the process of selling an idea - as a pragmatist. And he knows how to sell that pragmatism to his idealist audience! He never pretended to be anything than what he is...

He was never accepted by the "liberal" media because he was Southern white trash who overcame.

And worse, he NEVER apologized for it- reveled in it!

[Daniel]

I mentioned this in another thread, but I honestly believe Condoleezza Rice would be a game-changer.

Not only would her vast experience be a huge plus, as a Black woman her selection would make the race card much more difficult to play, as well as the silly War on Women accusation.

Besides Condi, I like Marco Rubio.

He's really smart, and would help pull the Latino vote.

What I think would be a big mistake is choosing one of the guys from swing states (Rob Portman from Ohio, for instance) in order to try and win that state.

Ryan would be an obvious choice and create a strong ticket, but then it's the 2 white men - not good at this point in time.

The Obama slime machine would have a field day with that.

Also, how soon do you think it will be until an announcement is made?

Yeah, I downloaded the app, just so I'd know as soon as possible.

Not only is Condoleezza Rice a fine piano player in her own right, but she is a Led Zeppelin fan! But I can hear the smears starting already, "she likes Led Zeppelin and we heard it from a reliable but un-named source, that Jimmy Page is the Devil incarnate himself...she's an evil devil worshipper that wants dirty water!"

I hope that he does not choose Tim Pawlenty. I am from Minnesota, he was our states governer from 2003–2011 and does have some baggage that Governer Romney doesn't need to take on.

I think that Rubio would do Romney the most good as far as numbers go since he's from a swing state and he's also from a minority group. Plus who would people have more faith in as a possibly taking over the Office of the President, Rubio or Biden?! Today Rubio is my pick...but, I'm not Romney and only he seems to know.

I am hoping that he keeps it a secret until the Republican Convention because the less time that Obama and his campaign have to come up with / make up dirt the better. But the way that things have been going I would not be surprised if the Obama Campaign doesn't already have all the dirt they need ready and it's just a 'Fill in the VP Name' did this to seniors and wants dirty water, will explode a nuclear weapon that will only kill women and minorities, blah blah lies blah more lies blah blah lies lies lies.

[TypeO]

BTW, not cocky about Obama - it is an opinion based on historical precedence. Yes, I will vote for him again but that is outside my thoughts about the political process. I agree, he was clueless (and arrogant) about managing Congress - he has no legislative experience!

Your weighty opinion on historical precedence notwithstanding, if Romney sticks to a very simple plan - hammering Obama with his own words - Obama won't have a chance.

Obama rode a wave of emotion and white guilt into office in 2008 as the Anti-Bush, and that won't happen again.

He made too many assurances and predictions that reveal exactly what most people who voted against him in 2008 realized then - he's a manufactured candidate who simply fit the mold of what the Democratic machine needed to advance their agenda.

All the same, Wisconsin is not a state that matters on an national level.

The point isn't whether Wisconsin matters nationally, it's the point that it's an strong indication of how states that had once been easily counted to vote Democrat are going to be in play and may very well go Republican.

He was never accepted by the "liberal" media because he was Southern white trash who overcame.

And worse, he NEVER apologized for it- reveled in it!

I need to watch some TV up in New York, because you repeatedly make reference to the media somehow being conservative?

Clinton was the quintessential media darling.

They happily licked up every drop he squeezed from the washrag without so much as a sidelong glance.

And the only thing that could overpower that relationship is the one thing that tops everything when it comes to the media - sex.

And even then, he had pretty smooth sailing through the whole Lewinsky sticky mess (how can you resist? lulz) compared to what a conservative would have suffered.

[DE12]

Speak for yourself on white guilt.

Obama was indeed manufactured because one look at his record would show you he was actually not at all who he pretended to be.

But he is going to be re-elected, my weighty opinion on historical precedence very much standing.

Obama might use the very simple plan of hammering Romney with his own words. Two politicians play that game very well.

As for Bubba, I was living in Missouri during his first term, so it wasn't NY media that gave me that understanding; it's actually reading the press. And it all came back around during the 2008 campaign when Obama worked so hard to get under Bill's skin and he succeeded! I will say that the press has been ridiculously easy on Obama -until the last year or so.

Did I say the media was conservative? (except for Fox News because um... they are.) The media was definitely anti-Bill when he was President. What saved Bill's ass was that the American people like him so much! Still do! The media changed over time because they missed having a leader who could express himself intelligently (he was very well edumacated, our Bubba!) and had a deep understanding of -well, almost everything. They cheated on him with Obama during 2008 because they really didn't want Hillary to win.

Wisconsin - in all major polls (Quinnipac, Rasmussen, We Ask America) Obama is leading Romney. More important, Romney is getting his ass kicked by women everywhere. As I wrote earlier, when women vote, women win. Thank you, Emily's List!

A woman can be anti-choice (as are many of my friends) for herself but still believe women have the right to make choices about their own body. After all, Reagan and W were anti-choice and there's Roe v Wade still hanging strong. Note: every First Lady since Jackie Kennedy has been pro-choice and publicly stated it. And even, Palin admitted (bravely) she thought about aborting her last child but decided against it.

Plenty of Conservatives have been caught with their pants down (or with their toes tapping) and they got the same treatment as Liberals.

I don't care what people do in their private life. If I did, I could hardly be a Zep fan as a feminist, now could I?

Ok that's all for me - it's been fun. Now back to the music!

[docron]

[i think he should pick a very straight guy]

[cryingbluerain]

We'll find out in the morning. The Nuge perhaps? I'm guessing Portman.

[swandown]

Oddsmakers leaning towards Ryan.

[Daniel]

Oddsmakers leaning towards Ryan.

They seem to have hit it.

http://www.romneyryan,com

5:30AM and they are now reporting that it's official and looking at their website, I think that it's safe to say that Ryan it is.

Not the safest choice but probably the most qualified choice.

[jabe]

Word is out that Ryan listens to Led Zeppelin on his iPod.

[TypeO]

Speak for yourself on white guilt.

Sorry, unlike you, I didn't vote for him.

But just as many blacks voted for him simply because he was black, so also many white people voted for him simply because "it was time this country proved it's not a racist country by electing a black President."

Is he qualified? Who knows?

Was he properly vetted? Who cares?

He's definitely black, and by God, we aren't racists.

The irony being that voting on that basis in effect made him the "token" Black President, which isn't really much different than being racist.

Obama might use the very simple plan of hammering Romney with his own words. Two politicians play that game very well.

Obama is the one who made all the guarantees and assurances 4 years ago.

Digging up random bits of Romney quotes from the past aren't the same as Obama's assurances about how he'd get things fixed.

He even urged people not to vote him for a second term if he didn't do what he said he'd do.

Done and done.

Wisconsin - in all major polls (Quinnipac, Rasmussen, We Ask America) Obama is leading Romney.

Polls have recently been revealed to be notoriously skewed towards Democrats by as much as 8-10 points.

It's way closer than the polls let on.

Fox themselves are known to be skewing towards Obama in hopes of landing him on O'Reilly for an interview.

More important, Romney is getting his ass kicked by women everywhere. As I wrote earlier, when women vote, women win. Thank you, Emily's List!

I think what you mean is Romney is getting his ass kicked by feminists everywhere.

Not the same thing, nor very relevant number-wise, sorry, since most feminists are decidedly liberal and vote Democratic anyway.

With the selection of Ryan as VP, the real issue of this election - the economy - will re-emerge as what matters.

As it should.

Obama blew it by placing his partisan agenda ahead of the good of the nation.

You don't remodel your house when your income has become shaky and your credit-card debt is out of control.

You scale back, stabilize financially, and THEN address improvements.

By the same token you don't implement a massive government expenditure to totally overhaul healthcare (partisan agenda) when the economy (the good of the nation) is tanking.

It's good old, simple common sense.

But common sense is a scarce commodity among the almost cult-like Democratic party these days.

[DE12]

Thanks for posting Fox News/Limbaugh talking points but alas... big yawn.

Romney sealed his defeat today with his 1950s choice (who clearly doesn't listen to the lyrics of the music on his iPod.)

Women -Republican, Democrat, feminist or not- don't want Romney.

You don't cite any polls or source so I can only guess it's Fox News. One poll can be wrong but three? Not likely but good for you for positive thinking!

Both political parties have cultish elements but as is clear from my comments here - I'm not your typical liberal - but really back to the music now - thanks for the chat!

[TypeO]

I'm not your typical liberal

Despite your claims of uniqueness, you're a lot more so than you want to concede.

Thanks for posting Fox News/Limbaugh talking points but alas... big yawn.

VERY typical liberal - dismiss opposition as copy-pasta from Fox News / Limbaugh.

Also typical in thinking you speak for all women.

Speaking of how well your Cult of Personality Leader relates to women, here's a gem of an idea his campaign came up with...

I'm sure it went over really well with Brides-to-be everywhere! lulz.

I heard people are NOT signing up in droves! lulz

"What an awesome idea - I can't wait to sign up!" - said no one, ever.

http://www.barackoba...-event-registry

BIG surprise coming in November.

And lots of WOMEN will be applauding.

[Janvier]

"7 Fun Facts About Paul Ryan

by Matthew DeLuca

http://www.thedailyb...-paul-ryan.html

6. He Loves Led Zeppelin

Just because he likes to spend a lazy day out in nature doesn’t mean the Wisconsin native doesn’t have a bit of an edge. Ryan seems to has a taste for hard-rock bands like Rage Against the Machine, and one of his favorite groups is reportedly Led Zeppelin."