Charlie Crist, Bobby Jindal and Mitt Romney better hope John McCain isn't banking on Tony Blankley for guidance on his Veep pick. Newt's former press secretary is blah—at best—on all three.
Blankley, also the former editorial page editor of the Washington Times and who continues to write a column there, made his remarks on MSNBC's "Race for the White House" this evening as part of a panel reacting to the news that McCain has invited the three governors—past and present—to meet with him over the Memorial Day weekend.
ON CRIST
DAVID GREGORY: What would Governor Crist bring to McCain's ticket?TONY BLANKLEY: I don't think he brings much. I think if McCain can't carry Florida on his own, he's not going to carry it. He needs to carry something else. I doubt, I don't think he brings much to the ticket.
View video here.
ON JINDAL
GREGORY: Is this the kind of flyer, the kind of bold choice that you think McCain needs?
BLANKLEY: No. This would be a quirky choice, not a bold choice. I think McCain needs to play to his strength. He's playing as the experienced man. He should have an experienced ticket. Like Clinton picked Gore, similar kind of a person, to emphasize his strength. Jindals's a remarkable guy, he's very smart. And in the future he may well be a presidential candidate. But I think this time out, it would be a mistake for McCain to go with him.
ON ROMNEY
BLANKLEY: I think McCain has got to put everything in getting someone who will help him get elected. Worry about governing if he's lucky to get elected. And Romney's problem is that he seems inauthentic. And that's inconsistent with the theme of McCain, which is the straightshooter. And also, his Mormonism isn't going to help him amongst conservatives, unfortunately. So I don't see him as an asset.
So who does Tony like? Said Blankley in his opening remarks: "I think this is such a weird election season that McCain needs to do something different, maybe go with someone like a Governor Ridge or even a Lieberman, rather than trying to do a sort of a classic carry-a-state deal."
Note that both Blankley's suggestions are pro-choice, whereas McCain has already effectively ruled out the possibility of a pro-choice running mate.
FWIW, of the three potential Veep picks, Gregory spoke most highly of Romney: "Tony, when I look at Mitt Romney, I see somebody who is potentially a very good administrator in a McCain administration. Somebody who helps him really govern, and shores up that weakness in McCain, whereas McCain is principled, and has values, and has a real sense of direction and leadership for the administration."
Aside: Tony was the sole conservative on a panel otherwise composed of WaPo's Gene Robinson, Jay Carney of Time and Air America's Rachel Maddow. Even so, the 1:3 ratio was better than the 1:6 panel Morning Joe offered up yesterday.
—Mark Finkelstein is a NewsBusters contributing editor and host of Right Angle. Contact him at mark@gunhill.net.
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Pick Christ
May 21, 2008 - 19:40 ET by 10ksnookerFlorida needs a new governor, Christ was a huge mistake.
You ain't kidding
May 21, 2008 - 20:29 ET by doug1950Man, you are reading my mail. Crist is such a huge disappointment, but then I knew he would be. Our last governors election is a lot like the general election coming up in November. Like trying to pick a disease you would least like to have. You don't really want any of the choices but if you have to pick one, you at least want one that won't leave you broke, disfigured and have a chance of recovering from.
doug 1950, You are very
May 21, 2008 - 21:31 ET by msh1973doug 1950,
You are very clever and funny and I couldn't agree more.
That "broke and disfigured" thing
May 22, 2008 - 04:42 ET by sarcasmoIs now a time bomb waiting for the next serious hurricane, thanks to Crist's socialist insurance "reforms." Taxpayers will once again pick up the costs, rather than those who refuse to plan, and sadly, bloggers have covered the coming scandal better than our moronic media. Especially in some coastal areas, it's literally welfare for the rich that will be paid-for by all of us, including the poor. The stupidity is breathtaking (and when people wonder why I'm so disrespectful when it comes to obese government -- think about this!)
It's sickening, but because it's inevitable, I keep cheering for the disaster to happen DURING Crist's own term, because otherwise our short-sighted and factually-challenged voters will not blame the correct socialist politician, and that's Crist. Even then, the blogger is probably right, the tax-increase due to the socialism will be delayed and said delay will exonerate the guilty socialist, but I'm still pro-disaster when it comes to this RINO just because I'm vindictive. It's not often you find a Floridian wanting to see a hurricane sooner rather than later, but I'm him.
JMR
The tax & spend drug war looks racist in the real world.
Late Update
May 21, 2008 - 19:45 ET by Del DolemonteJoe Lieberman will also be at Johnny Mac's this weekend.
I would love to see Joe get picked. It would drive the Kos Kids right off the cliff.
I don't get this love for Lieberman
May 21, 2008 - 20:28 ET by jefflebowskiJoe Lieberman is the consumate politician. He drank the lib kool-aid when running for VP with the Tennessee 2 X 4. He has a voting record of voting with the far left the vast majority of the time. The only thing that he has in line with Bush is support for the Iraq war. That's because he knows Israel is in deep crap if we abandon that war. When he was thrown under the bus in the primaries by his beloved libs, he went back to caucus with them after he won the election when he could have been an independent.
I don't get why conservatives like Sean Hannity are so in love with this little creep. I'm onto him and hold him in the lowest of esteem...right down there with McPain!
We don't need politicians! We need leaders and statesmen!
-
May 21, 2008 - 23:11 ET by dahliatraversLieberman won (got reelected) and gets props for that.
But he decidedly is a politician. He spend 45 minutes on the Senate floor during Bill Clinton's impeachment proceedings scolding the president for all of the bad things he had done. But then he turned around and voted against impeachment. So he gets points on the nightly news for being stern with the president yet stands by him on the substantive action. ["I'm still your pal, Bill."] No. He needed to walk the talk.
dahlia... I remember that
May 21, 2008 - 23:22 ET by bigtimerdahlia...
I remember that speech well...I kept waiting for him to say the words I will not support him with the upcoming impeachment votes or some-such...I was really disappointed...but heck the majority of the Senate disappointed me after all the hard butt breaking work the House did and the Gang of Thirteen that took hell from the msm everyday for their investigation....which could of even went further...Henry Hyde leading the way with nothing but class.
"Never murder your opponent when he is committing suicide." ~ W. Churchill
Does it really matter?
May 21, 2008 - 20:24 ET by fitzfongDoes it really matter? We've got dead weight at the top of the ticket. If Jack Kemp is anything to go by (and I think he is), a dynamic running mate saddled with a dismal frontrunner will effectively kill his own political career. If I were Mitt, Jindal or Crist, I would consider my political future before lacing up the cement shoes that come with joining the McCain ticket.
That said, John McCain has gotten this far with his "who cares what my party thinks...but they better vote for me in November" attitude, so he's not about change now. He'll probably pick Lieberman, Goober Graham, Chuck Hagel or Mike DeWine (thinking that "maverick" can help him win Ohio...cough, chuckle, cough).
"Government's view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it." -Ronald Reagan
God give Romney the intelligence
May 21, 2008 - 20:30 ET by jefflebowskito tell Juan McPain to walk east until his hat floats if Romney is offered the VP position. Romney has the chance over the next 4 years to clarify and strengthen his conservative credentials. He could be a good leader if he can keep away from McPain.
Here, here
May 21, 2008 - 21:01 ET by jay_1975Couldn't have said it better. Romney is what this country needs. I just wish he could have given the speech he gave in February a few months earlier. Could have been a different ball game. However I will not live in the past like most liberals (Gore was robbed comes to mind) and focus on what may be the worst choice I will have to make as far as voting this November.
Does anyone still care
May 21, 2008 - 20:29 ET by tracheostomyDoes anyone still care about the classic "carrot-stick" approach to Veep campaignery here?
Other than the lone selling point to the voter, I don't understand why a candidate would choose a "polar opposite for appearance's sake" for such a position.
-PJ
"Trake: Your lofty convictions are another blemish on the rump of congregational sectarianism." -Tumbler 5/15/07
Any "real" conservative approached for VP by McCain...
May 21, 2008 - 20:35 ET by R D Helm...should say not just no, but hell no, then run away as fast as they possibly can.
Perhaps even faster than that.
We are being smothered by government in this country. - Neal Boortz
To paraphrase Tyler Durden,
May 21, 2008 - 20:47 ET by jay_1975To paraphrase Tyler Durden, "[Anyone running with McCain] is polishing the brass on the Titanic. It's all going down man".
Since McCain started to
May 21, 2008 - 20:42 ET by jay_1975Since McCain started to switch his stance on many issues and started to follow the party line without question to up his "Conservative creds" he has lost my support. His being against the new GI Bill pushed me over the edge. He said that it was too expensive. I love how he claims to be for the troops then pulls a stunt like this. Of course I shouldn't have expected too much from him. The McCain of 2008 is not the McCain of 2000. He needs to pick a VP that is newer to the scene and definately younger. I would pick Jindal because he is a fresh face and brings some much needed diversity to the party. Unfortunately the party is losing its way by picking the party over the people. I am afraid that a butt kicking is needed to get the GOP back on course, but then we will be stuck with Obama and I really cannot afford that either. This November is gonna suck a**.
If you think November 2008
May 21, 2008 - 21:42 ET by NL207If you think November 2008 is going to suck a**, then consider what February 2009 is going be like if Obama is elected.
I hear ya. I may have to
May 21, 2008 - 22:12 ET by jay_1975I hear ya. I may have to start a "Carbon Offset" scam... I mean company, just to get by. I will plant a $10 tree for $100 to let the econuts feel good about themselves just so I can keep the lights on at my house.
The Democrap GI Bill is a fraud.
May 21, 2008 - 22:19 ET by CTMcCain was correct in opposing the Democrap 'Empty the Ranks GI Bill'. It is no different than their attempt to bring back the draft thereby fomenting rabid protests at home in order get back control of the government. The plan offers great and deserved benefits to our vets, but only after three years service. This does not provide for a sufficient number of experienced troops to protect our country. It isn't the money; it's the availability of recruit volunteers.
Never under estimate the perfidy of the Marxist enemy within.
You can get the current GI
May 22, 2008 - 07:20 ET by jay_1975You can get the current GI Bill after only three years of service. The current plan offers around $1200 a month for a full time student (more if they add extra money into the program for the "kicker") after three years of service. The biggest drawback is that the Soldier/student must pay all costs (tuition, books, etc...) up front then get their payments after the first month of school. McCain's argument that this will drive troops out sooner is baseless and just an excuse to not give vets the benefits we deserve. I served 11 years active and am now in the Guard and going to college. I could have left at four years and have gone to school then but I liked the Army and stayed in. If the leadership is fair and the Soldier is treated right, they will stay. Believe it or not, there are some people who only join for the college money and leave at the end of their contract. Offering better benefits for service will not only bring more people in, but it will also give a little more back to those who put their lives on the line for their country. McCain has proven that he supports the troops in words only.
Romney won't help with
May 21, 2008 - 20:58 ET by ckc1227Romney won't help with Conservatives, but Lieberman, who is left of McCain, will, lol?
Alrighty then.
In my opinion, none of these 5 candidates help the ticket, and a couple actually hurt it.
As a resident of Florida, I
May 21, 2008 - 21:27 ET by msh1973As a resident of Florida, I must agree about Crist. What a disappointment he has been to me. I am especially alarmed about his stance on global warming...give me a break.
That makes two of us
May 21, 2008 - 23:28 ET by Britcom---
Communist vs. Statist '08
Q. Is Panamanian born John McCain a "Natural Born Citizen"
I quit caring who McCain
May 21, 2008 - 21:54 ET by bigtimerI quit caring who McCain picks.
"Never murder your opponent when he is committing suicide." ~ W. Churchill
I quit caring
May 21, 2008 - 22:04 ET by Free StinkerI quit caring who McCain picks.
Because you were going to vote for McCain anyway?
"Don't forget to vote this fall. Not for McCain, not ever, but there might be a Conservative Rep or Senator that Needs Your Vote" --Free Stinker
Why do you say that
May 21, 2008 - 22:08 ET by bigtimerWhy do you say that Free?
I would appreciate an answer too.
"Never murder your opponent when he is committing suicide." ~ W. Churchill
BT
May 21, 2008 - 22:10 ET by Free StinkerBecause I thought you were one of those here that said they have no choice, but to vote for McCain.
Am I mistaken?
"Don't forget to vote this fall. Not for McCain, not ever, but there might be a Conservative Rep or Senator that Needs Your Vote" --Free Stinker
Free...yes you
May 21, 2008 - 22:14 ET by bigtimerFree...yes you are.
btw...I have written about McCain way before I ever knew he was going to be a candidate and what he has done behind the scenes in the Senate that has hurt the conservatives over time here on NBs...where have you been?
"Never murder your opponent when he is committing suicide." ~ W. Churchill
BT - I apologize.
May 21, 2008 - 22:20 ET by Free StinkerBT - I appologize.
I do recall you were no fan of his before he clinched the nomination, but afterwards I thought you were with the "now we have no choice" crowd. I was wrong.
"Don't forget to vote this fall. Not for McCain, not ever, but there might be a Conservative Rep or Senator that Needs Your Vote" --Free Stinker
Free...thank you. I will
May 21, 2008 - 22:26 ET by bigtimerFree...thank you.
I will say one thing though, there was a very brief time I did say maybe, just maybe if he picked a real conservative I may consider holding my nose and pulling the lever....it lasted until he opened his mouth again and shoved the conservatives under the bus once again...which was about a day later...lol...know what I mean?
"Never murder your opponent when he is committing suicide." ~ W. Churchill
Everyone knows you're
May 21, 2008 - 22:23 ET by ckc1227Everyone knows you're McCain's biggest supporter here, BT. ;)
ckc, LOL-
May 21, 2008 - 22:27 ET by R D HelmAhh, me thinks you owe my friend bt here an engraved apology for that slander. :-^)
We are being smothered by government in this country. - Neal Boortz
R D - I kid, I kid
May 21, 2008 - 22:31 ET by ckc1227I kid, I kid, R D.
Besides, everyone knows CLEAR is really the #1 McCain supporter here. :)
It's not like he'd listen
May 21, 2008 - 22:11 ET by fitzfongIt's not like he'd listen to us anyway. Right, bigtimer? :-) Besides, if I were Mitt Romney or Bobby Jindal, I'd avoid John McCain like warm death.
Why do I get the impression that The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald will be the convention's theme song this year?
"Government's view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it." -Ronald Reagan
Evening fitz, ckc, and RD
May 21, 2008 - 22:34 ET by bigtimerEvening fitz, ckc, and RD too..it is going to be an agonizing four years no matter who gets in to me...only thing I can hope for is real conservatives get in after that.
"Never murder your opponent when he is committing suicide." ~ W. Churchill
Evenin' bt et. al. I think it's safe to say, come November...
May 21, 2008 - 23:00 ET by R D Helm...we conservatives is forked.
-Just like this.
LOL-and believe me, that is something I know about. :-)
We are being smothered by government in this country. - Neal Boortz
As someone with a soft spot
May 21, 2008 - 23:06 ET by fitzfongAs someone with a soft spot for pigs, I had to turn away. :-(
"Government's view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it." -Ronald Reagan
NB friends, as well as detractors, my disgust for John McCain,
May 21, 2008 - 23:36 ET by R D Helmnot to mention my derision for the spineless republicans, has reached a level that, if it came down to Joe Lieberman vs. John McCain, I would pull the lever, punch out the chad, or push the button (or even bribe somebody were I residing in Chicago) to see that my vote went for Joe.
I have more respect for Joe Lieberman than I do for John McCain, who is nothing more than a liberal pretending to be a conservative.
If, as a true conservative, you have not seen through McCain's subterfuge to this point, then, by all means, PLEASE cast your vote for McCain.
As all you will be doing is hastening the day when either the RINOs are finally ex-communicated from the GOP, or a new party, one that is truly conservative and holds the values that we all hold dear, arises to take the place of the center-left republicans.
I will be voting straight Libertarian in November, as that is the only viable political party left that truly is concerned for the concept of individual freedom.
Good luck to each and every one of you.
We are being smothered by government in this country. - Neal Boortz
My desiding factor to vote or not for Juan McCain
May 22, 2008 - 01:52 ET by CTIf the Marxists gain veto proof majorities in the House and Senate a McCain presidency and the Republican Party will be blamed for the inevitable collapse. If on the other hand the Democraps can't override a McCain veto (pray that there would be many) there is a chance of avoiding the disaster of the 21st century, a Pelosi Polooza with her boy Obama.
Late Edit: Just occurred to me how wonderful it would be to watch the moonbats go stark raving nuts over a McCain victory. Decisions, decisions, decisions…
Why would the left really "go nuts"?
May 22, 2008 - 05:53 ET by sarcasmoSure, they'd prefer the Democrat, but of all the Republicans possible this time, McCain was their guy for any number of reasons. The big government side wins no matter which major party candidate wins, which is why I'm also likely to go third party (not sure which one just yet, though).
I'll be especially inclined to vote Libertarian or Constitution if, as in the past, the news media does a poor/biased job covering them. Sorry, guys, but C-Span can't carry all the journalistic water this time. People in the news media need to do your jobs, even when the non-sanctioned choice isn't someone like Jesse "The Body" Ventura.
JMR
The tax & spend drug war looks racist in the real world.
When you're right you're right sarcasmo
May 22, 2008 - 12:49 ET by CTThe only aspect of McCain's campaign that sets athwart BIG government is his pledge to cut spending, his opposition to pork barrel projects and pigs-earmarks. On the other hand Cap & Trade Carbon legislation would be the worst economic policy in American history.
The question is do we want Republicans to be in opposition to the Marxist Democrap take over of our country or trust in here-to-fore lily-livered Rinos to oppose McCain? It all comes down to control of the Congress so voting is very important this year, McCain maybe not so much.
The problem with McCain's
May 22, 2008 - 13:11 ET by fitzfongThe problem with McCain's pledge to cut spending is that it doesn't reconcile with the big government legislation he's proposing. The Cap & Trade policy and a commitment to cut spending are mutually exclusive. John McCain is not credible.
"Government's view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it." -Ronald Reagan
That was my point!
May 22, 2008 - 13:26 ET by CTCarbon Credits Smoke'em if you got'em!
I don’t think McCain will
May 22, 2008 - 01:37 ET by maggieqpublicI don’t think McCain will trade in a hawkish Senate vote in order to have Lieberman as his running mate.
I dont know....
May 22, 2008 - 10:03 ET by doug1950that Connecticut vote is mighty important.
Every Senate vote may take
May 23, 2008 - 01:08 ET by maggieqpublicEvery Senate vote may take on heightened meaning next year. If Joe Lieberman assumes the Vice Presidency, his hawkish foreign policy vote will be replaced by a more typical “vote with the party at all times” Connecticut Democrat. Lieberman’s greatest value to McCain may be as a Senate leader.
Maggiepublic
May 23, 2008 - 09:56 ET by doug1950And I agree with your assessement; a very good and asute point.
»→ Lieberman gets it
May 22, 2008 - 05:55 ET by Cool ArrowLieberman understands the Iraq war because as a Jewish American, it is his ox that is getting gored. (whatever that means). I'm with Lieberman on the protection of our friend Israel issue, but little else.
Blankley's analysis looks pretty well thought to me.
LYDSEXICS UNTIE!
Which is why
May 22, 2008 - 05:43 ET by BobAnthonyI am voting 3rd party this year. In this case The Constitution Party
I'm sick to death of the two-party system. Ain't sorry if this doesn't make me mainstream...but these days mainstream means selling your soul to communism, socialism, fascism, et al.
For the record, the People's Republic of CT-Stan does have a Constitution Party--The Concerned Citizens Party.
But also FTR, they need to update their site!
I'm leaning toward the
May 22, 2008 - 09:38 ET by misterbee241I'm leaning toward the Constitution Party too. Matter of fact, my mind is pretty much made up.
There is none so blind as they that won’t see. Jonathan Swift 1667-1745
I wouldnt be at all
May 22, 2008 - 09:36 ET by misterbee241I wouldnt be at all surprised if McCain picked a "moderate" democrat. You know, reaching across the aisle and all that sort of thing.
There is none so blind as they that won’t see. Jonathan Swift 1667-1745
If Bobby Jindal was offered
May 22, 2008 - 12:53 ET by Jack BauerIf Bobby Jindal was offered and accepted the McCain VP slot, wouldn't he have to LIE through his teeth through the campaign?
He's being "considered" so McCain will look good, but..
May 22, 2008 - 12:59 ET by sarcasmoYou listed only a few of the many reasons McCain's more likely to pick a RINO like Crist. And it's not like the Republicans don't NEED to feature Bobby as a possibility at the moment, whether or not anyone here wants to admit anything about why...
JMR
The tax & spend drug war looks racist in the real world.