Rich on the Road

I've been asked to pontificate a bit on the ongoing Veepstakes for John McCain and Barack Obama  -- to pick five candidates for each.  Something the web team is working on.  I tried to have a little fun with it.  Do not try this on TV.

Democrat Veep Stakes -- Five Candidates

Senator Hillary Clinton
Pro
I wrote weeks ago that, in the end, Senator Obama will swallow hard and put Senator Clinton on the ticket.  It's all about uniting the party and securing Democratic women who've invested so much in Hillary.  They probably won't vote for John McCain.  But, they might stay home and not vote at all.
Con
You'd certainly have to keep Hillary and Michelle on separate schedules. 

Governor Bill Richardson of New Mexico
Pro
This might solidify Hispanic support for Obama, which still looks a little shaky.  Richardson is experienced and well liked (except by the Clintons who see him as traitorous).
Con
Richardson is not  well known and does not have an Hispanic surname so for voters who aren't plugged in it may not make much difference.  And, he doesn't solve the disappointed-that-Hillary-isn't-on-the-ticket problem.

Governor Janet Napolitano of Arizona
Pro
She's a woman.
Con
She's not Hillary

Governor Kathleen Sebelius of Kansas
Pro
She's a woman.
Con
She's not Hillary and Kansas has a lot less electoral votes than Arizona.

Virginia Sen. Jim Webb
Pro
War hero.  Conservative democrat.
Con
Not a woman.  See above.

Republican Veepstakes - Five Candidates

Mike Huckabee
Pro
Could get Evangelicals excited, the folks who helped elect George Bush.  He and McCain genuinely like each other. 
Con
Most of America (see President Bush's approval ratings) is pretty gun shy about the last Evangelical they elected.   And, Presidential candidates almost never choose somebody they actually like.

Mitt Romney
Pro
Conservatives like him even if McCain really doesn't.
Con
He's changed positions so many times on issues like Gay rights and abortion that he might be vulnerable to flip-flop attacks.

Condoleezza Rice
Pro
She's not Hillary
Con
Her first name is really hard to spell and, well, you got that people-want-change problem.  She's been hanging around Dick Cheney a lot.

Florida Governor Charlie Christ
Pro
Florida is a crucial swing state.
Con
Charlie Who?

Ron Paul
Pro
Hey, he would be interesting!  He can raise a lot of money.
Con
The rest of the GOP would vote for the Libertarian candidate. 

Rich