So, the current rumor is Pawlenty as McCain's VP pick? Sounds like it could be. But from what I know of politics, Veeps don't win states, the top candidates do. It may help garner more press in a state, or two. But when people walk into the booth, I'm unconvinced the name in the VP slot makes much difference at all. Where they matter is in getting out on the stump and doing a good job of selling number one, while chewing off the ankles of the opponent. Is Pawlenty the guy for that in this case? I have no idea.
Pawlenty has a strong base of personal and political support in Minnesota and the upper Midwest, and he could change the calculus in Minnesota and Wisconsin. He also helps defend the Midwest if Obama picks Sibelius, Gephardt, or Hagel.
If Pawlenty had chose to run with a guy with the last name of Good it would make a great campaign slogan:
You know; "Good and Pawlenty"!
Posted by: SacTownMan | Tuesday, July 29, 2008 at 03:48 AM
Or:
McCain is ancient. Do you think he has many years left?
He's got Pawlenty!
Posted by: BobInStamford | Tuesday, July 29, 2008 at 07:17 AM
It really is too bead that Bob Jindal turned down the opportunity to be VP. He would have been perfect, in terms of the particulars: bringing in the South, being a minority, and conservative enough to pull in the disaffected base while not being so ooverly conservative so as to risk alienating the Independents and non-Obama supporting Dems.
Tim Pawlenty would be a good choice for his youth and energy, but I think he wouldn't have the same potential draw.
Sarah Palin would also be a good choice as well, though she skews a bit left on some issues for my tastes.
Any of these would make fine VP's, and potential talent for the Big Chair a couple of terms later.
Posted by: seekeronos | Tuesday, July 29, 2008 at 08:37 AM
the guy is BORING.
Posted by: tk | Wednesday, July 30, 2008 at 09:28 AM