McCain's Veep?

Now that the laurel of the Republican nomination has settled rather firmly upon John McCain, the next dramatic event in the GOP universe (discounting Huckabee's imminent withdrawal and several pending McCain endorsements) will be McCain's selection of a running mate.

Naturally, the first instinct is to contemplate the losers of the GOP race. The thinking is that, by adding a former opponent to your ticket, you might thereby cull his voters to your ticket. Of course, it didn't work so well for John Kerry in 2004, or Al Gore in 2000....

Realistically, McCain must decide upon the effect he hopes to produce in the selection of his V-P. Should the selectee be chosen in a demographic calculation, in an attempt to secure a swing state by choosing one of their own for the ticket? Or, should the running mate compensate for a delinquency in McCain's credentials (i.e., bolstering his conservative merits)? Finally, will the V-P be expected to continue the "active" vice-presidency executed by Dick Cheney, or will we see a return to the behind-the-scenes, butler-style figure of Al Gore during the Clinton years.

This post takes an extended look at the current prospects whom McCain is likely pondering today.

Pat Toomey, writing in the Wall Street Journal, contends that only a "strong economically conservative message" will likely pave the way for a McCain victory in November. Viewing the V-P selection as a pivotal opportunity to project that message, Toomey takes a serious look at Mark Sanford (S. Carolina governor), Jim DeMint (S. Carolina Senator), Mike Pence (Indiana Rep.), Phil Gramm (former Texas Senator) and, interestingly, Forbes CEO Steve Forbes (who might better serve as Secretary of the Treasury).

In this same vein, the Weekly Standard suggests Tim Pawlenty (Minnesota Governor) and Rob Portman (former Ohio Rep. and U.S. Trade Rep.). The Guardian's Richard Adams adds Haley Barbour (Mississippi governor) to the list.

While most of the candidates mentioned so far are relatively unknown to the country at large, their introduction would enable McCain to focus voter attention upon his prescriptions for the economy.

Another consideration, though perhaps less savory, is the matter of political dividends. McCain received several boosts in his pursuit of the nomination, and the boosting individuals might have aspirations of seeing their name on the presidential ticket. Further, the ability to bolster a candidate's numbers usually entails a bit of star-power and a fair amount of name recognition.

Charlie Crist, Florida's conservative governor, lent McCain a fairly needed endorsement against Romney in the pivotal Sunshine State. Mike Huckabee, though technically still a rival candidate, has spoken so well of McCain recently that he has been accused of remaining in the race solely to help edge out Mitt Romney. Having succeeded in that task, the suspected McCain lackey may now anticipate a nice, meaty bone as his reward. And, let us not forget the magnanimous concession of Mitt Romney, as well as the early endorsement of Rudy Giuliani. (While Mel Martinez and Arnold Schwarzenegger also lent a helping hand, the Cuban and Austrian politicians are constitutionally barred from the office,)

While the big three (Huckabee, Romney and Giuliani) are still household names, they are the least likely to ascend to the V-P slot. Huckabee provides a salve for McCain with socially conservative voters, but lacks fiscal credentials. Romney has already declined the job (though during the campaign trail) and would perhaps strike the nation as an odd selection - particularly given the genuine animosity between the two former rivals. And New York moderate (liberal) Giuliani would send the GOP into a frenzied rage.

A "fusion ticket" with Joe Liebermann, the independent Democrat with whom McCain seems uncomfortably chummy, will likely receive a bit of chatter among the talking heads. Novel as the idea may seem, McCain could not be so foolish in the face of conservative distrust. McCain should utilize his friendship with Liebermann to its full potential, perhaps awarding the Senator a highly visible role in national security. The move would serve to cement McCain's perception as a "uniter" and represent a willingness to "reach across the aisle" - even if only symbolically (which is the most many Republicans would be willing to brook).

Tom Coburn, the unquestionably conservative Oklahoma Senator who introduced McCain at CPAC, also presents a viable option - though the fire-brand may be a bit controversial for McCain's taste. Venerable Fred Thompson would be a promising candidate on conservative credentials, but for his age. The senior citizens' ticket would be the fodder of late-night comedy for the next nine months, and would draw unwanted attention to McCain's own white hairs (McCain will be 72 on inauguration day).

Of course, if McCain feels that his age is a serious problem, and that he can stand on his own as far as experience and policy are concerned, there are always the options of Tom Brady (Patriot's Quarterback), Jessica Alba (silver screen sex kitten) or, in a surprise two for one clutch, The Beckams (David and Victoria, a.k.a., Posh Spice).

If you've got any other ideas, we're happy to hear them....