A Veep for McCain

As I mentioned yesterday, rumors are swirling that Republican presidential nominee (in-waiting) Sen. John McCain, will name his vice presidential choice by the end of this week. There are 41 days before the Republican National Convention opens in Minneapolis, Minnesota, so it's not as if the nominee is racing to beat a deadline.

It used to be that vice presidential nominees were chosen during convention week. At times, it was the only story at a convention when the candidate had the nomination sewed up and there was little to do save guess who was going to be No. 2.

But with the Democratic Party presidential nominee (in waiting), Sen. Barack Obama, generating mega-headlines and photo ops on his foreign trip, it may that the McCain camp feels they have to make a big splash to dampen the coverage of Sen. Obama (an unplanned pun, pardon me).

Several commentators have said that it's a pretty big card to play at this stage in the race and any true public relations value of such a choice would be wasted away while, frankly, most Americans aren't paying that much attention now to the political race. It would be a big buzz for a day or two, be one of several topics on the weekend political talk shows, but for a major announcement and strategic plan, is it really worth it to do this now? I come down on the side that it isn't.

But if he does, whom will he pick? The most obvious choice is former Massachusetts Governor and defeated presidential candidate Mitt Romney. It is a good, safe pick but certainly not an "exciting" one. Gov. Romney had lots of advantages going into the presidential race in 2007 but failed to parlay them into the nomination. Plus he is a Mormon, and like it or not, it became enough of a campaign issue during the primaries that he felt compelled to give a speech on it.

Then there are the others: former congressman Rob Portman, who for awhile, headed President Bush's Office of Management and the Budget; Gov. Charlie Crist of Florida, a popular governor in a critical state who helped the nominee a great deal with a personal endorsement; former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee, another defeated candidate, but a guy with personality and an ability to connect with voters, especially conservatives; and former NY mayor and presidential candidate Rudy Giuliani, who would buttress support on the senator's national security credentials.

The surprise "exciting" choices would be: Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal, an Indian-American turned Catholic who is smart, beloved by conservatives, and brings diversity and youth to the ticket. But Jindal is only 37 which would point up Senator McCain's age at 71. On the distaff side, there is Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, a former beauty queen who has a great personal story, is pro-life, and appeals to so-called "swing" voters (who go back and forth among the two parties). Also there's Carly Fiorina, current McCain advisor, former chief of Hewlett-Packard, and someone who speaks in 21st century management buzz phrases.

One thing political analysts say the Republicans are noted for is order in their succession. The next guy (or gal) in line always gets the nod, no matter what. If that is the case, look for Mitt Romney. But if the Arizona senator wants to truly roll the dice in a race that seems stacked against him he could make a major splash and choose from Jindal, Palin, or Fiorina.

We'll see what he does if he does it....and sorry for all these liquid metaphors!