Republican V.P.

I would like to say something about choosing the VP. There has been a lot of conversation lately about Condoleezza Rice being placed on the Republican ticket next to McCain. I do not believe this would be a wise decision. I first would like to state that I believe she is qualified, and would make an excellent VP, but she is just not a good choice for this year. One of the principles reasons Rice’s name is being suggested is that she might draw minority votes to the Republican party. I do not believe this is accurate. I am fairly certain Obama will make the Democratic nomination and with Obama as the Democratic candidate, no black voters will switch sides because of Rice. There will be some blacks who vote Republican, but they will vote Republican whether or not Rice is the VP. This is a separate issue, but unfortunately Rice, because of her success and connection to the Republicans, is not seen as black by much of the black community. Unfortunately there will also be some Democrats who vote Republican this year, because they will not want to vote for a black president, bringing in Rice will only deter those voters from voting at all. Lastly and most important, I do not think it is wise to bring in someone so closely associated with the Bush administration. I am not a Bush basher, but much of our country is, and Rice is not just part of the administration, but a leader of it. Basically, for as good and smart as Rice is, she offers many more negatives than positives.

McCain does need to sure up his conservative constituents, so his VP must be a strong conservative. He could go with either of the other two front runners, Romney or Huckabee. Romney has the economic expertise that McCain is lacking, but brings in the Mormon baggage. Not to mention the two seemed to hate each other during the campaign. Huckabee is a strong social conservative, but outside the South often looks preachy. He seemed to be a sure in until he keep his campaign going, to the annoyance of McCain. What is needed is a social conservative with a strong record with the economy, and not someone too connected with President Bush. Two strong names that could fit the bill are Senator Jim DeMint of South Carolina and Gov. Rick Perry of Texas. Both are strong southern conservatives with good fiscal policies. DeMint does not have much experience but is charismatic and a good speaker, he may be just what an old GOP is looking for. He was partly responsible in killing McCain’s immigration bill, which may not help their relationship, but at the same time McCain may need help from someone like DeMint to get conservative support on immigration. Perry is also a strong conservative and has done well in Texas, especially in courting the Hispanic vote, something McCain has done well with so may not need help there. Perry brings executive experience to the table, something McCain is lacking. Either choice would make for a good strong candidate.

I know there are loud voices within the GOP to diversify, which is not a bad idea, but for this election, up against either the first black or first women, diversity will not favor the Party. Instead Republicans should focus on courting middle America and fall back on the issues that has given them primary control of the White house since 1968 (28 out of 40 years), a DeMint or Perry will help, where as Rice might deter.