In actuality, I doubt that many of the readers of The Nation are nearly as interested in who McCain chooses as his running mate as they are in who Obama might choose.

There's Obama-Richardson which is a rock solid multicultural and charm offensive combo. It also goes a long way toward solidifying the thus far tepid support of Obama by Latino voters.

There's Obama-Edwards which I think is highly unlikely since John Edwards may well have bigger fish to fry --literally-- as the new AG of the US.

And then a personal favorite that has huge potential as media hurricane generator:

Obama waits and waits to let the suspense build while giving subtle clues that he's got a Richardson or Edwards figure in the works. Then at the last moment he rolls out his final selection..........

...........................................................

...........................................................

Al Gore as VP and chief architect of the new Green Initiative. Green R&D including big-time investment into clean renewable energy, An entire slew of Green incentives for industry, A broad-based Carbon tax, and Green jobs galore.

And along with this an innovative strategy to pay for so much that has gone wrong with US infrastructure --a massive slashing of the so-called Defense budget. Yep, that bloated and stinking beached whale that hangs around the neck of the nation like a prehistoric albatross the size of pterodactyl.

And then I woke up.

;-)

Posted by b_kool_66 at 02/12/2008

lecondel - Hebrew slang, meaning to do nothing, a derivative of Condoleezza Rice's name and uncanny ability to do nothing.

Posted by anarchy at 02/12/2008

Dumb Q.

If anyone cares re GOP VP (& perhaps more should, if HRC is Dem "choice," as McC's VP statisically has good shot at taking over), it has to be someone who upsets no one, is an approved conservative, has youth & exec experience. Check out the current MN guv.

Posted by sloper at 02/13/2008

Nice Dream, B_Kool...!

Posted by lewwelge at 02/13/2008

I chose Condi as the most fearsome McCain running mate because she slickly exudes competence while sub- or inverting effectiveness and thereby reciprocating unintended negative consequences, viz our unprovoked and pre-emptive "wehr" for which she shares much odious responsibility.

Posted by lewwelge at 02/13/2008

Condi as a slam-dunk. After all, she's learned everything she needs to know for the job as an understudy to Dick Cheney. Let the Pubs run on that-- more clandestine adbuctions, torture dungeons, wire taps, black ops, etc. If you liked Bush/Cheney, you'll love McCain/Rice. They're compassionate conservatism all over again-- without the compassion and like a pitbull on steroids.

Posted by goyadad at 02/13/2008

One story in particular completely invalidates Ms. Rice's excuse, for it directly concerns a warning received by her employer. In July 2001, a few weeks before Bush received the "Bin Laden" PDB, Italian authorities warned the U.S. Secret Service that terrorists connected to al-Qaeda were planning to hijack a plane and crash it into George W. Bush's hotel at that month's Genoa summit of the G-8 nations. As a result of these warnings, the Italians shut down the Genoa airport and airspace and installed anti-aircraft batteries to protect the summit (also see LA Times, Sept. 27, 2001). George W. Bush and his entourage - presumably including Condoleeza Rice - spent a night on a U.S. aircraft carrier for protection, even as the other G-8 leaders boarded a luxury ship to go on an Adriatic pleasure cruise.

"Why does the White House refuse to release the PDB of Aug. 6, 2001 in any form? Does this document warn specifically of the possibility of kamikaze attacks using hijacked airliners, contrary to Condoleeza Rice's incredible denial that "no one ever imagined" this? Is it based on specific warnings from foreign or domestic intelligence services .

Posted by Rese at 02/13/2008

If it seems to be going that way, the Democrat should choose Oprah.

Posted by JFHill at 02/13/2008

Posted by RESE 02/13/2008 @ 4:24pm

Amazing grace, how sweet the sound. If anything qualifies Condela as McC's VP, this does.

But it's a HUGE insult to the intelligence of women & AAs to claim that she'd be a big threat as McC's 2nd banana. Not on your nellie, Mr. NVHoffman. Shame on you.

Posted by sloper at 02/13/2008

I disagree with the notion that Condi would help McCain and the entire tenor of the Von Hoffman article. It would be easy to remind voters of her gaffes and poor management at the NSC and her role as an architect of the rush to war with Iraq. Remember her "mushroom cloud" statements during the debate on Iraqi WMDs? Most books that discussed her tenure at NSC slammed her performance. It would also be easier for Democrats to portray her as Bush's lap dog than it was for Tony Blair's opponents to do the same.

Posted by RPK at 02/13/2008

First, I thought Whoopi Goldberg, but then remember General Colin Powell's patriotic service to American when he lied his @#^& off at the UN about WMD in Iraq. Yes, my pick is the man who could have save some many lives and trillions of deficit dollars IF he had told the truth.

Posted by x32792 at 02/13/2008

Rice as Vice President is a frightening thought... but so is a hundred year war in the Middle East... The Republican architects of dumbing down America can only now be defeated by a will to intelligence -- not by cultivating either fear or hate (even of McCain or Rice). The times require of us both vision and conviction, with "will do" feet on the ground.

Posted by rumitime at 02/13/2008

Rice as Vice President is a frightening thought... but so is a hundred year war in the Middle East...

~Rumi Time @ 8:38pm

A hundred years in Iraq? How about 100x100?

Yep, he said it.

I beggars belief that this buffoon will get elected prez, and I've heard somewhere recently that Republican insiders are whispering their fears that he'll become the Republican McGovern, or a Goldwater '64 redux.

I suspect that they're correct.

Posted by b_kool_66 at 02/13/2008

None of these candidates seem likely. He might pick Rice, although it'd be a bit of a surprise choice for a number of reasons, but I don't think she'll help him much in the general election. Every candidate running, including McCain, is running on a critique of the Bush foreign policy as a "failed policy". Even McCain's support for the war in Iraq is prefaced with the idea that it was started in an inept and foolish way. Picking someone who is that deeply associated with the Bush administration makes almost no sense. Bush himself, and by extension his administration have a 30% approval rating right now.

Taking anyone associated with the Bush administration is like tying that 30% around your neck like an anchor. Geez, look at Obama's remarks about McCain today... "Bush may not be on the ballot, but [with McCain] his economic policies are." Would McCain really want to put Bush's foreign policy on the ballot as well?

Posted by Fred_C at 02/13/2008

McCain's choice is irrelevant. The Democratic nominee will be elected president and in addition I would be surprised if the Democrats did not achieve rather large pluralities in the Senate and the House. There will be an immediate timetable for retreat from Iraq but not soon enough to satisfy Liberals, a health care plan that will never be wide enough to satisfy Liberals, a partial rollback of Bush's tax cuts but not enough to satisfy Liberals, and in general a program that will satisfy most Democrats, upset Wall Street and be a complete disaster for most Liberals.

Posted by bean22 at 02/13/2008

J.C. Watts - Highly respected Republican African-American who left the House a few years ago - would also make a good candidate for President after McCain's presidency, which I suspect would only be one term if he gets in.

Posted by selgin at 02/13/2008

Another one to fear - Michael Steele - JC Watt's successor to GOPAC, former Lieutenant Governor of Maryland, who ran an unsuccessful but very competitive race in that highly Democratic state.

Side note - J.C. is also known to be on good terms with McCain.

Posted by selgin at 02/13/2008

Rice, the teflon Bushie.

I understand the appeal on a superficial level, but Rice has not distinguished herself in either of her high-level jobs so far. And she's never had to run for any office. Even Dick Cheney was a former congressman, so he had some experience. I would definitely have many very hard questions for Rice about her performance as National Security Advisor. And what can she point to as an accomplishment?

Posted by Tim_G at 02/13/2008

Is it possible to delay the Dem pick for VP?

Joe Biden is a great pick for an Obama pres. / or Russ Feingold. we need a truth teller to battle the bastards.

Posted by lenhoffcpa at 02/14/2008

"Is it possible to delay the Dem pick for VP?"

To when??

"Joe Biden is a great pick for an Obama pres."

He's Obama's Sec of State. Unless AIPAC forces him to to pick Holbrooke.

Posted by sloper at 02/14/2008

I dont see Condoleeza Rice being a problem for Obama. He is a clear contrast to the Republicans foreign policy. Condoleeza will be a problem for Hillary because she is NOT a clear contrast from McCain she is fuzzy and that would cause women particularly to go with McCain/Rice.

Posted by harriscrl3 at 02/14/2008

Too bad it wouldn't be Gore. It would give somewhere to place my size 9 carbon footprint.

Posted by CHIP THORNTON at 02/14/2008

McCain/Rice...a lose made in heaven...

Posted by rickgriffin at 02/15/2008

All these mentions of McCain wanting to fight a war in Iraq for 100 years are beyond idiotic. Did anyone actually bother to listen to the man's words or are you all just bent on fighting the GOP tooth in nail regardless of the truth? What McCain actually said was that he would not have a problem with keeping troops in Iraq for 100 years in a safe environment where we were not sustaining any casualties in order to keep the peace and as a strategic position. McCain analogized it to the U.S. keeping troops in Germany or Korea for the last 50 plus years. I don't hear any of you complaining about our troop presence there.

Its fine to critique McCain, but please do it honestly.

Posted by umichballer44 at 02/15/2008

"What McCain actually said was that he would not have a problem with keeping troops in Iraq for 100 years in a safe environment where we were not sustaining any casualties in order to keep the peace and as a strategic position."

That's almost funny. Rather raises the Qs: 1) why, why should Iraqis allow the US to occupy their country? 2) why, why should the US stay in Iraq with any bases at all?

Perhaps we should call AIPAC for the definitive answers, which might resemble why Israel has to occupy Palestine lands for ever & ever, minus, perhaps, the divine commands & land grants.

Posted by sloper at 02/15/2008

You must not understand the difference between an occupation and a military base. As far as I know the United States does not occupy Germany or S. Korea.

Posted by umichballer44 at 02/15/2008

Rice is a "yes woman" that simply does what she is told. A viable VP must be much more than a lapdog, and have real ability to step in and run the government if the president becomes ill or dies.

McCain will pick Romney as his VP.

Posted by Metteyya at 02/15/2008

"McCain will pick Romney as his VP." Posted by METTEYYA 02/15/2008 @ 1:37pm

That would be a gift from the gods to the Dems. Truthful, lovable Willard, the man of the people.

Would love to see Willard debate, say, bill Richardson. In any language.

Posted by sloper at 02/15/2008

Since my last post, I've had a conversion of sorts. Now I no longer perceive Rice's joining McCain's ticket as a threat. The Dems cannot lose, IMHO, cynical commentary notwithstanding, especially with the superticket of Billary as VP with B.H. Obama leading the way.

Posted by lewwelge at 02/16/2008

I really hate the Nation internet polls, or at least the ones they've been running for the last year or so. They always have this super-partisan push-poll slant. It's a great magazine, but this stuff is just annoying.

Posted by Leftroomer at 02/16/2008

Anyone who has researched the little known poor performance of Dr. Rice in the before, and after 9/11 tragedy should worry as to her being within one heartbeat away from the Presidency behind an elder McCain. This alone should be a major motivator to defeat at all costs McCain's possible victory in 2008 should she be the choice. Incompetence should not be tolerated, and we as a nation can do much better for ourselves, and for the rest of the world's citizens. Actually, everyone should be aware that whomever the vice presidential pick is for the G.O.P., the same scenario exists, and they must be vetted and evaluated with a very critical eye as well. This is not the time for our country to make another serious election mistake.

Posted by TheShadow at 02/16/2008

McCain is going to pick the Newt, which would inspire the religious wackos and the conservs. And since Nader is going to run and take a lot of Hussain's young and elitest voters....McCain will win!

Posted by Blome at 02/16/2008

It doesn't matter who McC chooses. The GOP is saddled not only with Iraq, but with an economy in a serious downspiral. End of story.

The longer the campaign drags on, the worse it gets for oldies like McC & Billary. The imperial couple might have had more of a chance, with less exposure, less time for voters to do a bit of thinking.

But now it's getting out of hand, people have too much time to think, and that bodes not well for McC & Billary.

Posted by sloper at 02/16/2008

McCain does matter because Nader will siphon half the votes from Obama.

Posted by Blome at 02/17/2008

I heard that Nader endorsed Edwards, so I don't think he is running third party. If Obama rightly wins the nod, he will have a much more appealing list of VP candidates to select from. McCain's options are less advantagious. He will select none of the ones mentioned in this poll. He might go for younger blood, a Washington outsider, maybe a governator, fortunately not the Terminator.

I have gone over to the O side.

Posted by Jim Willingham at 02/17/2008

McC's vp will be someone like the current MN guv. Conservative, young, unobjectionable, no skeletons, not well known, nice. Watch.

But v. Obama, it won't matter who.

v. Billary is another story.

Posted by sloper at 02/17/2008

Yes Nader did endorse Edwards...and Edwards is out...and since, then Nader as put together an exploratory campaign team and he is taking donations. He is also bashing B.O. (checkout nader.org) and he is positioning himself as the only true change candidate!

Posted by Blome at 02/17/2008

Don't be too sure McC will not win. I wouldn't be surprised if some catastrophic event happened in Irag, Afghanistan or on our soil (between now and election time) -heaven forbid- that would make McC's military background look very compelling to voters. In which case, Rice's experience might also win her the VP spot. Just a thought.

Posted by malvaT at 02/17/2008

If they select Condi, here is what the dems should do. Show pictures of the devastation of New Orleans and then show the clip of her shopping for shoes. For McCain, show permanently injured vets and then his comment 'Bomb, bomb, bomb Iran' in the background. Caption reads, vote McCain for war that lasts 100 years or more. Let's play as dirty as Rove does. Negative ads work. Period. Let's Swift Boat him. Let's find a way for him to have a public meltdown.

Posted by Joe P. at 02/17/2008

If they select Condi, here is what the dems should do. Show pictures of the devastation of New Orleans and then show the clip of her shopping for shoes. For McCain, show permanently injured vets and then his comment 'Bomb, bomb, bomb Iran' in the background. Caption reads, vote McCain for war that lasts 100 years or more. Let's play as dirty as Rove does. Negative ads work. Period. Let's Swift Boat him. Let's find a way for him to have a public meltdown.

Posted by Joe P. at 02/17/2008

Tonight on MSNBC Chris Matthews and Keith Olberman were discussing Obama's victory in Wisconsin. They had on a Texas State Senator who is an Obama backer and when Matthews asked the guy to name one thing that Obama has done as a senator he could not name one accomplishment. Am I the only Democrat who is getting nauseous hearing Obama speak like he's reading from Hallmark cards or preaching to a Sunday morning TV congregation? "Change you can believe in"? "Hope for a better tomorrow"? "A world where our children need not be afraid"? "A smarter military"? "A president who won't make any of the mistakes that were made by the first 43"? Pure bullshit! By a freshman senator whose only accomplishment was an inspiring speech at the last Democratic convention. Are we the dumbest schmucks on the face of the earth or what?

Posted by bean22 at 02/19/2008

The reason that Condi Rice would be McC's scariest running mate is because he's 71 years old and she could be president. Her level of incompetence as Secretary of State is profound, and I'm guessing it's not going to improve any time soon.

Posted by cheech at 02/20/2008