Poll: Who should be Mitt Romney’s running mate?
Consider this either a bonus “2012 Tuesday” or an extra “Poll Position” this week: Who should be Mitt Romney’s running mate?
With almost six weeks to go before the Republican National Convention, this feels too early for the “veepstakes” to be winding down and shortened to three serious candidates. But that’s what Reuters reported yesterday, saying Romney’s short list comprises Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal, former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty and Sen. Rob Portman of Ohio.
That means no Chris Christie, Mike Huckabee, Marco Rubio or Paul Ryan — bona fide GOP rock stars who would charge up the base but also draw heavy Democratic fire for various reasons.
Loading ...Here’s a quick pro and con list for each of the three:
JINDAL — Pros: In his second term as governor and has extensive experience for someone so young (he just turned 41); particular knowledge and policy success in the important areas of health care, energy and education reform; strongly identified as a social conservative who could pump up enthusiasm in that part of the Republican base; could attract voters in the fast-growing Asian-American community. Cons: Much-publicized flop in delivering GOP response to President Obama’s 2009 address to Congress is still the No. 1 thing many people know about him; can veer off into the weeds or wonkishness in discussing policy; Louisiana is already a sure thing for Romney in November.
PAWLENTY — Pros: Served two terms as governor; already vetted somewhat by the media due to his own short-lived presidential campaign; personal story appeals strongly to blue-collar workers (credited with coining the phrase “Sam’s Club Republicans”) and critical Midwest swing states; probably the safest pick Romney could make. Cons: His campaign was short-lived in large part because he didn’t connect with GOP voters (we also now know from the way the primary went that he bailed out too soon, before he had a chance to be given the “second look” everyone else got); his record as governor didn’t help Minnesota Republicans build on his electoral success; it’s far from clear Romney could win Minnesota even with him on the ballot.
PORTMAN — Pros: For a first-term senator, he has extensive experience in Washington (12 years in the House, stints as U.S. trade representative and director of Management and Budget) and could be “Mr. Inside” to Romney’s “Mr. Outside”; makes Ohio more winnable for Romney; on a personal note, I dealt with Portman a good bit while he was the U.S. trade representative and always found him one of the more genuinely impressive people in public office. Cons: His experience at USTR and OMB came during the Bush administration and would make it easier for Obama to campaign against George W. Bush (not that he won’t try anyway); just as vanilla as Pawlenty.
Any of the three would be more believable than, say, Joe Biden as someone who could be elevated to the presidency in an emergency. Any of the three strike me as more likely to help Romney’s chances than to hurt them, which is pretty much the whole ballgame. Jindal and Pawlenty strike me as more comfortable than Portman in the “attack dog” role the running mate traditionally fills — although the advent of super PACs and the negative tone we’ve already seen from both sides makes me wonder whether that tradition still holds up very well here in 2012. If picking from this group, and maybe even from the entire veepstakes field, I’m fairly certain I would go with Bobby Jindal.
But what about y’all? What’s your take: Should it be Jindal, Pawlenty, Portman — or someone else? If it’s the latter choice, let us know in the comments thread. In any event, vote in the nearby poll as well.
– By Kyle Wingfield
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285 comments Add your comment
Tiberius - pulling the tail of the left AND right when needed
July 18th, 2012
11:32 am
Off to do some much needed commerce.
Bruno
July 18th, 2012
11:32 am
Btw, I find it absolutely hilarious that all the liberals are out in force this morning
Somehow they couldn’t find their way to the blog on Monday when the topic was Obama’s statement “You didn’t build your business”. I can only wonder why……
JDW
July 18th, 2012
11:33 am
@Tiberius…”Alas, in the real world, they don’t.”
Only if you want to WIN.
JDW
July 18th, 2012
11:34 am
@Bruno…”Somehow they couldn’t find their way to the blog on Monday when the topic was Obama’s statement “You didn’t build your business”. I can only wonder why”
I and plenty of others had no problem calling Kyle to task for his obtuse rendering of the Presidents obvious remarks…it’s all still there.
MikeB
July 18th, 2012
11:36 am
Secretary Rice would be appropriate, but distance from Bush is a must for this campaign…….
Rudy Gulianni, Senator Marco Rubio or Rep. Allen West would be my picks…..
Bruno
July 18th, 2012
11:36 am
If people aren’t excited about his candidacy, how do you expect him to get folks out to knock on doors for him, and ultimately go to the polls to support him?
Just a guess, SBinF, but I think the frightening prospect of a second Obama term may be enough to mobilize the base. ObamaCare must go, one way or the other.
SBinF
July 18th, 2012
11:40 am
“Just a guess, SBinF, but I think the frightening prospect of a second Obama term may be enough to mobilize the base. ObamaCare must go, one way or the other.”
Unfortunately history doesn’t really support this conclusion. The side with the most excitement is going to be the side that wins. And you may find this difficult to believe, but a good number of people (probably around 50%) don’t find the prospect of a second Obama term “frightening.”
the cat
July 18th, 2012
11:42 am
Bruno-no. Obamacare is just the latest wonderful thing to come with the help of President Obama. Law of the land, deal with it and enjoy its many benefits instead of condeming it just because of who is in the WH. Do you even know what is in it and how you and your family will benefit from it? Do some research
Uh Oh
July 18th, 2012
11:43 am
“second Obama term may be enough to mobilize the base”
Polling showed that the base came out for McCain. See the number of votes and demographic polling as factual and direct data for support.
stands for decibels
July 18th, 2012
11:44 am
Joe Biden is a walking gaffe machine.
I feel I must link to this piece, which makes a good point about this term in current usage.
(not picking on Kyle’s usage, mind you–I just think the Cracked.com (!) author is on to something.)
stands for decibels
July 18th, 2012
11:47 am
I can only wonder why……
Shrug. In my case, it’s certainly not for lack of an opinion over how the right wing jumped on that statement–although in Kyle’s defense, I think he formulated a decent piece based around it.
Truth to tell, I didn’t see Kyle’s post until it was well past its sell-by date. I doubt anyone cares about what I have to say about it now.
Jefferson
July 18th, 2012
11:48 am
Opposing the ACA will COST Romney votes. Many of those with pre-existing conditions like it.
Rafe Hollister, suffering through Oblamer's ineptocracy
July 18th, 2012
11:48 am
SBinF
Obama is said to have few friends or ties among his former challengers or elsewhere (excluding Chicago Mobsters)
Don’t think we have ever found anyone that claims to have known Obama in his youth, other than maybe the Choom Gang.
stands for decibels
July 18th, 2012
11:49 am
(probably around 50%) don’t find the prospect of a second Obama term “frightening.”
This is where his personal approval rating — which is higher than his job-approval rating — comes into play, yep.
Bruno
July 18th, 2012
11:50 am
I am still for Rubio. Mitt has to win Florida and the only demographic he really needs help with is Latinos. Rubio does both of these and more. He will definitely be a great attack dog, practically already is. Additionally, he sits on the foreign affairs committee and has the foreign experience that Romney could use in debating what Obama has not done to help America internationally. Lastly, Rubio is a rock star with a strong connection to the tea party. He will fire up that base across the country where the three you mentioned won’t as much. Just my thinking.
Arcos @ 10:47–Great point. It seems a shame that the two best VP choices, Christie and Rubio, aren’t even being considered.
Of course, even as a person who generally isn’t interested in politics, I’ve disagreed strongly with much of Romney’s campaign tactics. Given the weakness of the Obama Presidency, it should be a slam dunk for the Republicans this time around. With Romney as the nominee, we’ll be lucky to eke out a small win.
I Report (-: You Whine )-: mmm, mmmm, mmmmm! Just sayin...
July 18th, 2012
11:51 am
hahahahaha, Romney paid a higher tax rate than obozo’s whole entire white house staff did, hahahaha, aahhh, does it git any better dan dis?
I Report (-: You Whine )-: mmm, mmmm, mmmmm! Just sayin...
July 18th, 2012
11:56 am
As I was saying-
It turns out that Jonathan Lavine, current Obama bundler, was actually in charge, at Bain, during that period, when the layoffs occurred. …One of Obama’s top campaign financiers – Jonathan Lavine – is also managing director at Bain, bundling between $100,000 and $200,000 in contributions for the 2012 Obama Victory Fund, according to estimates released by the Obama campaign.
Insult your intelligence?
kelly
July 18th, 2012
12:00 pm
Republicans fielding the weakest line-up since Goldwater/Miller. Romney would be better off betting the farm on Palin; at least she excites somebody.
Rafe Hollister, suffering through Oblamer's ineptocracy
July 18th, 2012
12:01 pm
Bruno
With Romney as the nominee, we’ll be lucky to eke out a small win.
I agree with what Charles Krathamer (sp) said last night, if anyone wins with a small margin, it will be Obama, eking out a victory. He said if Romney wins, it will be a landslide. Just like Reagan and Carter, the last month it moved from a small Carter victory to a Reagan landslide. People finally decide that a change has to be made and do it decisively, momentum builds and polls shift and everyone joins in.
SBinF
July 18th, 2012
12:01 pm
“Don’t think we have ever found anyone that claims to have known Obama in his youth, other than maybe the Choom Gang.”
Who cares? Mitt is running for the job. It’s like refusing to answer certain questions at a job interview. How well would that work out if I told the recruiter, “that information isn’t important so I’m not going to share it….”
Rafe Hollister, suffering through Oblamer's ineptocracy
July 18th, 2012
12:04 pm
The laid off steel worker in the Obama/Bain negative ad, disparaging Romney, now says he will never vote for Obama. Bet, they remove that ad!
Goldie
July 18th, 2012
12:05 pm
Darth Vader Cheney — to show how The Mitt fully embraces the old W regime!
@@
July 18th, 2012
12:06 pm
Seen as arrogant and aloof by his rivals, Romney is said to have few friends or ties among his former challengers or elsewhere in the GOP and conservative ranks.
Funny! Many elected democrats have said the same thing about Obama.
the cat
July 18th, 2012
12:06 pm
SBinF
July 18th, 2012
12:01 pm
“Don’t think we have ever found anyone that claims to have known Obama in his youth, other than maybe the Choom Gang.”
On the other hand, we have met those that knew Romoney in his youth, you know, the bully that pushed a blind teacher through a door, knocked down the classmate and cut his hair, etc. Once a bully always a bully.
the cat
July 18th, 2012
12:07 pm
@@
July 18th, 2012
12:06 pm
Seen as arrogant and aloof by his rivals, Romney is said to have few friends or ties among his former challengers or elsewhere in the GOP and conservative ranks.
Funny! Many elected democrats have said the same thing about Obama
How many is many??? More than 6 less than 10?? You are cracking me up!
Uh Oh
July 18th, 2012
12:09 pm
Rafe
Great point about Carter / Reagan. With that said, I don’t think anyone on the right thinks Romney is a Reagan. So one must take into account all the variables that go into the equation and not just the ones that appear to lean the way we like.
Bruno
July 18th, 2012
12:09 pm
This is the point. Wealthy folks get into office and enact tax rules which allow them to keep more of their money while the rest of us who work jobs shoulder the burden of funding the government.
To recap: I understand that capital gains are taxed as income. The question is WHY? Why is his method of making money given more deference than my method of making money? It’s an apt question, and one that he doesn’t want to answer. That’s why he is refusing to release more tax returns. He is exactly what’s wrong with our tax code.
SBinF–You seem to have focused most of your vitriol on Republicans/conservatives this AM. The stark reality is that many, if not most, of rich people vote Democrat. And though the Democrats talk a mean game about the rich not paying their fair share, in the end they haven’t changed even one tax law to change the rules of the game since they’ve been in charge, as witnessed by the extension of the Bush tax cuts in Dec, 2009 when they had majorities in both the House and Senate.
And though md and others adequately explained why capital gains taxes are taxed at a lower rate than ordinary income, keep in mind that the vast majority of investors are of middle and lower income. It’s a “tax break” that favors all of us. You need to take off your class warfare sunglasses once in a while.
Rafe Hollister, suffering through Oblamer's ineptocracy
July 18th, 2012
12:10 pm
SBinF
People refuse to answer questions is job interviews all the time and it is illegal to ask some questions. One one of my first, I asked a female if she had children and did she have reliable child care. A reasonable question I thought, since this person needed to be at the job on time and regularly. My boss had a conniption, called me out of the office, and said you just can’t ask that question, it is discrimination, you wouldn’t ask a man that question.
So, would you demand to see Mitt’s tax returns if he was poor?
SBinF
July 18th, 2012
12:11 pm
“Once a bully always a bully.”
Truer words were never spoken. It’s playing itself out in his behavior. He wants to be president, it’s his turn, and by God he’s gonna have it. Notice how he went to the NAACP then talked crap about them later that day in front of a friendly crowd in Montana. That’s the M.O. of a bully. They pick on people they can get away with. He wouldn’t dare go before the NAACP and tell them that they vote Democrat because they want free stuff.
SBinF
July 18th, 2012
12:12 pm
“So, would you demand to see Mitt’s tax returns if he was poor?”
The convention begun by his father, presidential candidates release tax returns. He’s built his campaign on his economic success. Surely we should know how he made his millions.
Bruno
July 18th, 2012
12:13 pm
Just catching up to the current page, sorry for any delays in responding.
I and plenty of others had no problem calling Kyle to task for his obtuse rendering of the Presidents obvious remarks…it’s all still there.
JDW–I read through almost all of the responses to Kyles’ column on Monday. What in the world qualifies Kyle’s response as “obtuse”.
Furthermore, what was “obvious” to me and others about Obama’s remark is that he places little to no value on individual effort, and instead gives full credit to societal contributions.
the cat
July 18th, 2012
12:14 pm
Bruno-explain to me how to grow a business on an island by yourself.
SBinF
July 18th, 2012
12:16 pm
Maybe he should pick a Latino/la. It would be a Hail Mary, but he’s gotta do something:
http://thehill.com/blogs/ballot-box/polls/238625-poll-obama-widens-lead-among-hispanic-voters
President Obama has widened his already substantial lead over Mitt Romney among Hispanics, according to a Latino Decisions poll released on Wednesday.
Obama takes 70 percent of the Hispanic vote, compared to Romney at 22. It’s the first time Obama has hit 70 percent in the poll, and the 48-point margin is the widest for the president so far, up from his June lead of 66 percent to 23.
I demand to see Cheesy Grits Birth Certificate- Long Form Please
July 18th, 2012
12:17 pm
So, would you demand to see Mitt’s tax returns if he was poor?
Yes if he were running for President.
@@
July 18th, 2012
12:22 pm
cat:
You’ll have to ask those in the know.
We can only imagine how many others see him as aloof or wrong in his policies but are afraid to speak out.
When they DO speak out, he and the DNC quickly start turning the screws.
@@
July 18th, 2012
12:23 pm
Oops! Too blue.
the cat
July 18th, 2012
12:24 pm
I posted this on Bookman’s blog.
I submit Oliver North to run as Romoney’s VP.
the cat
July 18th, 2012
12:26 pm
@@ why post crap you can’t back up?
@@
July 18th, 2012
12:26 pm
Question!
Is anyone here familiar with Lone Frank, neurobiologist?
jay
July 18th, 2012
12:29 pm
the palinator
Alphonso Bedoya
July 18th, 2012
12:33 pm
If not JIndal, Sarah Palin is the obvious choice. Romney is arrogant if he thinks he knows better than John McCain. Just four years ago, McCain determined after careful vetting that Sarah Palin was the most-qualified person in the nation for this position. Neither Portman for Pawlenty has done anything to raise themselves above Palin in that time, while Palin herself during that same period amassed an additional quarter-term as Governor of the Nation’s largest State. Jindal alone has gained ground on Palin during the last four years; indeed, Jindal is now in precisely the “part-way-through-a-first-term” status that so qualified Palin. Admittedly, you can’t see Russia from Lousiana, but you can see Mexico’s Gulf.
@@
July 18th, 2012
12:34 pm
cat:
@@ why post crap you can’t back up?
The comments are in the link. Diane Feinstein? Harry Reid? One of his own staffers? Cardoza out of CA? Several articles addressed his aloofness.
Who’s to blame….
President Obama blames the press for creating the image that he’s aloof and disconnected from the rest of Washington, insisting in a new interview that he’s just more interested in spending time with his family than in exchanging pleasantries with strangers.–Politico
the press and his family.
schnirt
the cat
July 18th, 2012
12:38 pm
So you say less than 5 @@? Do you read what you write?
JDW
July 18th, 2012
12:39 pm
@Bruno…”What in the world qualifies Kyle’s response as “obtuse”. ”
Kyle’e entire posting was obtuse….annoyingly insensitive or slow to understand.
It was clear from the beginning that the entire point of the President’s remarks was to note that entrepreneurship does not happen in a vacuum. Every successful business owes its very existence to a variety of factors including employees, government and customers. Businesses that exist here in the US take advantage of enormous government support in areas of stability, transportation, R&D, grants, tax incentives and so forth.
Kyle and many on the Right were unable to comprehend the meaning of those remarks and therefore chose to make comments like “Nope, my question is: Where’s mine?” therefore distorting the original message.
@@
July 18th, 2012
12:42 pm
cat:
If you’re just here to be an a$$, may I suggest you take the seat that best suits you…
at the back of the line?
tiredofIT
July 18th, 2012
12:45 pm
Joe the plumber
Mandingo
July 18th, 2012
12:46 pm
Pawlenty should get the nod. Voters have stopped taking the GOP ( minorities are with us bait ) years ago so Bobby Jindal has no upside like Hermain Cain, Clarence Thomas, Micheal Steel etc etc. Portman is on the verge of locking his pension in for life and has no reason to take the VP gamble… Pawlenty’s downside is he may not be Johnny Reb enough to suit the GOP base
the cat
July 18th, 2012
12:47 pm
@@oh punkin. your feelings all hurt because you got caught out in a lie?
Bruno
July 18th, 2012
12:48 pm
Bruno-no. Obamacare is just the latest wonderful thing to come with the help of President Obama. Law of the land, deal with it and enjoy its many benefits instead of condeming it just because of who is in the WH. Do you even know what is in it and how you and your family will benefit from it? Do some research
cat–In case you’re new to the blog, I’ve detailed time and again why Obamacare is a loser. You’re welcome to look back in the archives either here or on the Bookman Blog to see my detailed analysis. As per my qualifications to comment, I’m both a doctor and an actuary.
The short version is this: The number one problem in our healthcare system is cost, not access. One of the main drivers of the high costs is an over-reliance on the third party payment system. Because doctors don’t charge their patients directly, prices have outpaced inflation year after year. By increasing, rather than diminishing, the role of the third-party payment system, it is guaranteed that costs will go up, not down.
The bottom line is that if “universal coverage” was the goal, then using private insurance companies as the vehicle is the most costly, most problematic way of achieving it. There are many, many capitalistic solutions which would be better.
Finally, the other primary driver of costs in our health care system is the sorry state of our nation’s health. In case you were unaware, obesity is rampant, with an estimated 60+ % of our health care dollars spent on preventable conditions. ObamaCare does nothing to change this regrettable fact.
getalife
July 18th, 2012
12:50 pm
“Dems Propose Bill Requiring Presidential Candidates To Release Tax Returns” Aol.
Show us your papers willard. Now.
The gop are turning on willard.
Four more years!