Now We Are Out Of The Box

Let's accept this story as demonstrating that John McCain won't be running as John Kerry's Vice-President. What are the prospects for McCain running as George Bush's Vice President?

OK, there are certain obvious negatives - McCain doesn't like Bush, Bush's side trashed McCain's reputation in South Carolina, and there are Reps don't care for McCain's grandstanding on issues like campaign finance reform, or on the current budget. Also, this scenario require some doctor to find a problem at a Cheney check-up, and soon.

But set aside these minor obstacles, and inhale the greater wisdom. McCain is 68, and (we still suspect) would like to be President someday. Has time passed him by, or can he run as a 72 year old in 2008? He probably can, and wouldn't his run be a lot easier if he were the Vice President and heir-apparent, backed by the Bush money machine?

From Karl Rove's perspective, there is only one relevant questions - does it make the election of George Bush more likely? My guess is that folks who like Cheney also like Bush, and won't be staying home because McCain is on the ticket. However, McCain's presence may enhance Bush's moderate appeal.

Bush may worry that McCain will not work well on the once-famously cohesive White House team. Jump off that bridge when you come to it! If the polls in August show that Bush's reelcetion is in doubt, Bush will want to consider all alternatives.

MORE: And could McCain be persuaded? Appeal to his sense of history, duty, and honor - this is about re-electing the man who has the vision to lead us in the War on Terror! It is also about getting McCain elected in 2008, the man who can re-unite the country under common-sense Republicanism. McCain would probably believe it, and it might even be true.

Comments

[Ursus]

McCain destroyed himself in S. Carolina by denouncing eevangelicals. As much as folks blame it on Rove, they just need to watch the debates and interviews -- trashing fundamentalist icons in the bible belt was just suicidal. I like McCain's views on things just fine, but c'mon, the guy has all the political savvy of a porn star.

Besides, if Cheney has to resign for health reasons, I want Powell in there instead.

[George]

Like McCain I'm retired military. McCain will never have my support because he is one of the infamous Keating Five. He claimed ignorance in that one, but anyone who retires at the rank of a Navy captain certainly knows what the limits are. He blythly rolled past the limits because he thought he could get away with it.

[Pat Curley]

If Cheney stays on the ticket it will indicate one thing. Jeb wants to run in 2008. I have met McCain on several occasions and while he can be quite charming at times, he can also be a jerk--petty, arrogant and vain. Not unusual qualities for a Senator, but not good ones for a President.

[Big D]

If Cheney drops out, I'd much rather see Condi as his replacement.

[Fred Boness]

I won't vote for any ticket that has McCain on it. Call it the McCain Mutiny.

[Harry Forbes]

George,

While I am not a big McCain fan, he was part of the Keating 5 because the Demos needed to have at least one Republican wrong-doer in order to support an investigation. Plain and simple.

[Gino]

This should shed some light on McCain's involvement in the Keating scandal...

http://www.azcentral.com/specials/special39/articles/1003mccainbook5.html

[Ron]

George W. Bush and Rudolph Giulianni would be the dream ticket for me.

[Pouncer]

I prefer Giulianni for Homeland Security.

Rice for VP would be nice. Or SecState.

I'd also love seeing Powell (Colin, not *ack*! Michael) on the ticket, but I think he won't.

[Ursus]

Rudy needs to stay on the sides for now so that he can knock Hillary out of her seat. Damaging Hillary would be useful preemption, and Rudy would make a good Senator.

Powell is the right choice for VP in '04. Most of the moderate democrats I know say that they would vote for Powell over Kerry.

Rice should be moved to head up State.