Wolf Blitzer for one apparently doesn't think Tom Ridge's pro-choice position should disqualify him as John McCain's VP pick. The former Pennsylvania congressman and governor was a guest on this afternoon's Situation Room, and Blitzer began by playing a clip of Rush Limbaugh urging McCain not to pick a pro-choice running mate, saying it would "obliterate all the progress that he experienced" at the Saddleback forum.
Ridge surmised that "Rush and everybody else hopefully can see that there's a clear choice regardless of the vice-presidential candidate. A choice that says that John McCain is needed now as president of the United States in this perilous time."
That's when Wolf made a more muscular case on Ridge's behalf.
WOLF BLITZER: And if he did pick you, he, the president, he'd be calling the shots. You'd be the vice-president. You'd be doing whatever the president asks you to do.
Ridge was only too happy to agree.
View video here.
WOLF BLITZER: And if he did pick you, he, the president, he'd be calling the shots. You'd be the vice-president. You'd be doing whatever the president asks you to do.
Ridge was only too happy to agree.
TOM RIDGE: Well, you know, it's an interesting situation. Everybody would be proud to serve as vice-president, but at the end of the day, you're only a private, independent voice giving your opinion and counsel to the president in a private way. But at the end of the day, publicly, you echo the president's position, and I think every vice-president understands that, and appreciates that's the rule.
Ridge is right: that is the normal rule. But this might not be a normal situation. Given the prospect that McCain might well serve only one term, his choice of veep takes on unusual importance. It could be a pro-choice President Ridge "calling the shots."
—Mark Finkelstein is a NewsBusters contributing editor and host of Right Angle. Contact him at mark@gunhill.net.
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Comments Policy
Not to pick a fight with
August 19, 2008 - 16:43 ET by Chris NormanNot to pick a fight with friends, but so many conservatives, especially here, have already announced their absolute refusal to vote for McCain, he probably doesn't feel as answerable to us as he should. Me, I dislike Obama politically, so intensely, McCain would have to do a lot worse to alter my decision to vote for him as a vote to keep to Obama and his cronies out.
runnin' on empty
August 19, 2008 - 16:57 ET by tejanodiabloMcCain would have to choose hillary before i wouldn't vote for him .. potus is above obambi's pay grade ..
never look a gift skunk in the tail ..
It's an indiction of how
August 19, 2008 - 17:02 ET by Chris NormanIt's an indiction of how scary Obama is to me that I was rooting for Hillary to defeat him. I actually was thinking (shudder) I could live with her as president (with Bill back in) - just to keep him out. I don't want to sound overwrought, but the thoughts of the permanent damage Obama could do is absolutely terrifying.
McNotObama '08
al-Rushbo speaks with forked tongue.
August 19, 2008 - 16:44 ET by Biff McCainWhere does four wives Rush Limbaugh get the right to judge anybody?
I mean four wives and no kids, Ridge has a bunch of kids.
I know how to win wars!
Is that a Biff comment I
August 19, 2008 - 16:48 ET by Chris NormanIs that a Biff comment I smell?
McNotObama '08
Biff
August 19, 2008 - 16:48 ET by BlondeDo you ever have anything worthwhile to contribute here?
We need a better class of troll, here.
David Gregory, do you know which damn network you lie for? ~ Uncle Jimbo, @Blackfive
"We need a better class of
August 19, 2008 - 16:54 ET by Mark Finkelstein"We need a better class of troll, here. "
LOL. My nominee for Comment 'o the Day.
Thanks, Mark
August 19, 2008 - 17:00 ET by BlondeIt's one of my favorites....I may have to trademark it.
David Gregory, do you know which damn network you lie for? ~ Uncle Jimbo, @Blackfive
It's MR ElRushbo to you
August 19, 2008 - 16:49 ET by JTP"I need more cowbell!" SNL
Biff, your comments are
August 19, 2008 - 16:53 ET by Mark FinkelsteinBiff, your comments are welcome, but how about keeping them on point? What possible connection can Rush's personal history have with the issue at hand?
ahem, excuse me Mark - I
August 19, 2008 - 17:02 ET by TruthMongerahem, excuse me Mark - I speak jive...
Rush is referenced up above as pro-life - but since he has been married 4 times, has no children (not to mention a drug addict and probably a closet gay) - he can therefore never again have any moral opinions, in fact - he may as well be dead for all intents and purposes - again because he has been married 4 times, has no children (not to mention a drug addict and probably a closet gay)
Journalism is the opium of the liberals
Jive indeed
August 19, 2008 - 17:04 ET by bigtimerJive indeed TM...
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
Thanks, TM: I'll have to
August 19, 2008 - 17:05 ET by Mark FinkelsteinThanks, TM: I'll have to rent "Airplane" again tonight ;-)
That is great, TM!!
August 19, 2008 - 19:00 ET by motherbeltI love it!!
ROFL!!
i love to spread the
August 19, 2008 - 21:09 ET by TruthMongeri love to spread the joy:)
Journalism is the opium of the liberals
yes, and
August 19, 2008 - 17:02 ET by tejanodiabloclinton never had sex with any of those women !
never look a gift skunk in the tail ..
Why is it not clear to someone in this campaign that
August 19, 2008 - 16:47 ET by JTPone must hold their nose to vote Republican as it stands now? I am not going to put on a hazmat suit to enter the voting booth.
LISTEN to your base!!
"I need more cowbell!" SNL
Not acceptable
August 19, 2008 - 16:50 ET by nkviking75If the McCain/Ridge ticket is elected, there is always the possibility that something could happen to McCain and Ridge would become president. Give McCain's age, the possibility that McCain would die in office, God forbid, seems a little higher. I'm not trying to be mean, just stating the obvious. Also, Ridge's stature in the GOP would rise, possibly setting him up to succeed McCain in 2012 or 2016. In light of all that, pro-lifers would not want to see a pro-choice Republican in high office diminishing their influence.
When you put the clowns in charge, don't be surprised when a circus breaks out.
not acceptible??
August 19, 2008 - 17:09 ET by tejanodiabloif McCain could survive the hanoi hilton, he can survive the presidency far better than we can survive a caliphate if obama is elected ..
never look a gift skunk in the tail ..
No matter who gets in -
August 19, 2008 - 16:57 ET by Chris NormanNo matter who gets in - ever, I honestly just don't see any way that abortion will ever actually be declared illegal or even moved to a states issue. Because of this, I just can't worked up too much. The only way that abortion will ever decrease is if individuals are convinced that it's not the right option.
McNotObama '08
I'm with you. Abortion
August 19, 2008 - 17:24 ET by MidAmericaI'm with you. Abortion is already legal. It's not like a pro-choicer can make it even more legal. And the odds that it will be made illegal is pretty small no matter who the President is, especially with the likelyhood of a democrat led congress. If people want to reduce the legality of abortion they will have to start at the congressional level and support pro-life candidates.... in both parties.
But..... having said that, a pro-choice Republican VP takes the pressure off obama for his extreme views on abortion.
"a pro-choice Republican
August 19, 2008 - 17:44 ET by Chris Norman"a pro-choice Republican VP takes the pressure off obama for his extreme views on abortion"
Mid,
In a way, yes. From another angle, a Ridge can say, "Look, I support 'choice', but the views of Sen. Obama are way too extreme...". I think many moderate pro-choicers would agree.
McNotObama '08
"I'm with you. Abortion is
August 19, 2008 - 17:44 ET by ckc1227"I'm with you. Abortion is already legal. It's not like a pro-choicer can make it even more legal."
Yes, a pro-choicer can make it more legal. It is legal now with restrictions. A pro-choicer can push for legislation removing any and all restrictions, and can appoint judges who will find it Constitutional. A pro-choicer can push for federal funding of abortion on demand. A pro-choicer can can push for legalized partial birth abortion minutes before birth. A pro-choicer can push for legislation requiring doctors to not save babies that survived the abortion procedure. And much more....
Make no misake about it, there is a lot of damage a pro-choicer can do.
Most of the
August 19, 2008 - 17:59 ET by MidAmericaMost of the restrictions now in place are 'malleable' if you can see the correct doctor.
All this 'pushing' you mention has to happen in Congress.
I can't imagine any President so goulish that they make the destruction of babies the center piece of their administration.
Very few politicians can run on an 'abortion any time anywhere' platform on a national level. Even 'The Chosen One' has a problem with his past statements and votes. The pro-choicers always have to express their 'sorrow' that abortions take place which means that even they can't morally justify abortion.
i disagree with this whole
August 19, 2008 - 19:07 ET by TruthMongeri disagree with this whole premise
murder has always been illegal
we got almost 50 million murders to prosecute now since roe v wade
Journalism is the opium of the liberals
ckc,When you think about
August 19, 2008 - 18:02 ET by Chris Normanckc,
When you think about it, just how much have our "pro-life" political leaders done? They give lip service to the cause, but really, have they done anything all that concrete? My theory is, they will not do anything to actually roll back abortion, legally or politically, outside of (maybe) government funding and the most extreme procedures. They do not want to upset the political status quo. They know the political war that will ensue and they don't want to deal with it.
McNotObama '08
I'll be darned I just
August 19, 2008 - 16:58 ET by bigtimerI'll be darned I just posted about this somewhat elsewhere...I heard the interview too...he also said at the end we will just have to wait (and see who he picks)....
I didn't exactly like the way he said that either...
Anyway I am going to put here a link I posted earlier....it has opinions from the RNC, or so title says...it has comments from David Limbaugh too.
McCain would be insane to do this after the gains he made from Saturday.
Rush is right...but anybody with a brain doesn't need Rush or anyone to tell them that this would make millions walk....the convention floor would be in chaos....
Denver would have nothing on us.
Rush also said McCain is polling delegates and high paying campaign contributors for naming Lieberman...he says he just got the info in from a very good source this was going on.
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
"I'll be darned I just
August 19, 2008 - 17:03 ET by Mark Finkelstein"I'll be darned I just posted about this somewhat elsewhere."
bt: don't you know you're my #1 source? ;-)
Hey Mark...I can't help if
August 19, 2008 - 17:10 ET by bigtimerHey Mark...I can't help if if we crossed paths time wise about same subject...my post wasn't just about Ridge or Rush, I was listening to Wolf/Ridge while getting some food prepared.
I have been meaning to ask you though...I know you are on the east coast...but just what in the heck time are you seeing Hardball and some other shows on msnbc that I have seen you post about...I may not get them here in my time zone...but I am curious.
thanks...
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
No criticism implied at all:
August 19, 2008 - 17:24 ET by Mark FinkelsteinNo criticism implied at all: to the contrary, one of those GMTA moments.
Hardball normally comes on at 5 PM ET, but it's airing at 7 PM during the Olympics.
Mark...Hey, I didn't take
August 19, 2008 - 17:32 ET by bigtimerMark...Hey, I didn't take it as criticism...I should of out inserted lol somewhere...
Thanks for the time...now I know why I haven't seen it...and most likely won't be able to, as my husband flips it to other stations like Dobbs and Beck...who I also enjoy...but I do miss hearing what the enemy is screeching about...lol.
I will just depend on you for the latest...which I am thankful for.
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
That's interesting, BT.
August 19, 2008 - 17:33 ET by sarcasmoCurrent overseas odds on Lieberman at six to one are a tad better than for Romney, Pawlenty, and Portman, but that may change over time if Rush's comments have an effect. Money says they're clearly the top 4, though, with all the others either behind or far behind.
I think McCain's best strategic choice, assuming Obama picks a male VP, is to pick Sarah Palin as VP. With her, McCain can try to lure the annoyed Hillary crowd and fiscal conservatives at the same time. Sadly, Sarah's not even a possible bet, though. Interestingly, Fred Thompson as VP pays a whopping 149 to one at the moment -- get that money back, Jack! :)
JMR
The tax & spend drug war looks racist in the real world.
Hi sarc... Well Palin is
August 19, 2008 - 17:53 ET by bigtimerHi sarc...
Well Palin is having troubles of her own at the moment...don't think it will amount to much...who knows though, he may not want to go there, the msm would have a hay day with it...plus Ak. only has three electoral votes I think...you would think he would want somebody that could bring more electoral votes from a state he picks...who knows though.
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
Hardball is on at 4 PM in
August 19, 2008 - 17:36 ET by motherbeltHardball is on at 4 PM in some places.
Regarding the link....both of you ;-)...I agree with David Limbaugh...he forfeits all his credibility, not only on abortion, but on his word. That's why I don't think he'll pick someone pro-choice.
Lowry said he thinks the safest choice for McCain is Minnesota Gov. Tim
Pawlenty, whom he described as “kind of dull” but a reliable choice to
satisfy the Republican base.
Kind of dull....reliable....Bob Dole, call your office!!
Good grief! McCain is no fireball, in spite of his reputation for temper. Could we have someone with a little life????
Rush today suggested Rick Santorum. I'd love to see McCain go for broke and pick him. Now THAT would stir the pot and create some excitement!!
I know it's late, but I wonder why he didn't consider John Kasich. A reliable, blue-collar conservative.
mb... Couldn't agree more
August 19, 2008 - 17:44 ET by bigtimermb...
Couldn't agree more about Santorum, I also mentioned him awhile back somewhere when we were all talking about this subject of VP...I was alone I think...so glad to know we feel the same, he is one of my favorite conservative men, ex-Senators and it made me sick to see him lose...he would be just what the party needs, he would bring lots of life to the party...in more ways than one.
I agree with Limbaugh too....that's why I thought it important to put the link in...it would be insanity to pick otherwise at this point, he made gains Saturday night...for once he was great!
Getting rid of Weaver and putting in Davis was the smartest things he has done behind the scenes in my opinion.
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
I love Rick Santorum too!
August 19, 2008 - 19:03 ET by motherbeltI love Rick Santorum too! He was my Senator and I nearly wept when he lost!
I'm Not Holding my Nose
August 19, 2008 - 17:04 ET by AndyRMcCain's biggest problem is he is 80% Conservative, which to Conservatives makes him a Liberal. To many Conservatives, 99% Conservative makes you a Liberal. However in saying that, if he is going to nominate Judges like Alito to SCOTUS, stay Pro-Life, fight to win the war on terror and give us a solid economic policy, where our taxes stay low, the rest can ride with the states.
We laugh at the Kos-monauts
August 19, 2008 - 17:14 ET by Chris NormanWe laugh at the Kos-monauts demand for ideological purity but sometimes, we turn around and demand it ourselves. McCain is McCain - he got the nomination without much support from us - it's highly unlikely he's going to turn into a pure conservative at this point.
McNotObama '08
True, Chris, we may have to
August 19, 2008 - 17:40 ET by motherbeltTrue, Chris, we may have to take him, warts and all.
Democrats win elections by holding their noses and voting for the D guy (or gal). A pro-life President can't do much other than SCOTUS picks. People need to think about the consequences of an Obama presidency before they decide they can't live with a pro-choice VP. A lot more is at stake.
You know, MB, back when I
August 19, 2008 - 17:52 ET by Chris NormanYou know, MB, back when I used to read and hear about the "rebel" activities of McCain, I couldn't stand him because he was the fly in the Republican ointment. But, after getting to see and hear him these last couple of months (and comparing him to Obama) I think, in many ways, his heart is in the right place. I confess (until the next time he ticks me off) I'm beginning to sort of, if not like, then not as much dislike the ol' codger. :)
McNotObama '08
covering your wife's nose
August 19, 2008 - 17:17 ET by tejanodiabloand if obami wins, we won't be able to tell the diference btween your wife and the kkk .. we'll be importing megatons of egypshine cotton ..
never look a gift skunk in the tail ..
never look a gift skunk in the tail ..
August 19, 2008 - 19:35 ET by kilrod"never look a gift skunk in the tail .." (grins) i like that t-diablo, and i guess ole Mac is the gift skunk. Still, sometimes you have to draw a line in the sand and stand up for your beleifs. After about 35 years and about 50,000,000 dead babies, the Reps., paying lip service to being the Pro-Life party, that kind of hypocracy is dam sure smelling like a skunk. I beleive the country is wide open to a decent third party,(because of the reps. refusing to take a stand and there pro-life hypocracy). If that decent party ever launches, it will split the reps. and the dims will have a field day for awhile. What does that have to do with this topic; If Mac picks a Pro-Death vp, it will ad fuel to that decent third party launch.
kilrod
Remember, only two defining forces have ever offered to die for you, Jesus Christ and the American Soldier
Well c'mon. He's just
August 19, 2008 - 17:39 ET by MidAmericaWell c'mon. He's just being a Wolf in sheeps clothing. Look at the screen capture ticker where it says 'Ridge VP prospects anger the Right'. That is the whole reason for this 'interview' and promotion of Ridge. Wolf is doing the Lords work. (Lord obama)
Me puttin words in Wolf's mouth:
August 19, 2008 - 17:43 ET by motherbeltOh, and did I mention he's pro-choice????