Pros and Cons of Crist as McCain VP choice
Posted by News Editor at 5/29/2008 1:21 PM and is filed under U.S. Politics,Greek-American politicians 
Townhall.com:
The GOP Veep List: Pros and Cons
By Michael Medved
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
CHARLIE CRIST:
PRO: Likeable, telegenic and young enough (he turns 52 a few weeks before the GOP convention) to provide the ticket with a much-needed spark of youthfulness. His popularity in Florida would help put that key state safely in the Republican column. His Greek Cypriot background (the original family name was Christodoulou) and Pennsylvania birth might help him connect with ethnic, blue collar voters in key states. As Florida Attorney General and a member of the state senate he earned an admirable tough-on-crime reputation and the nickname “Chain Gang Charlie” for his advocacy of chain gangs for prison inmates.
CON: LINK
By Michael Medved
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
CHARLIE CRIST:
PRO: Likeable, telegenic and young enough (he turns 52 a few weeks before the GOP convention) to provide the ticket with a much-needed spark of youthfulness. His popularity in Florida would help put that key state safely in the Republican column. His Greek Cypriot background (the original family name was Christodoulou) and Pennsylvania birth might help him connect with ethnic, blue collar voters in key states. As Florida Attorney General and a member of the state senate he earned an admirable tough-on-crime reputation and the nickname “Chain Gang Charlie” for his advocacy of chain gangs for prison inmates.
CON: LINK
Rather than Crist, Alaska Gov Sarah Palin’s got more real experience, qualfications and actual accomplishment then Obama and Hillary combined, so Palin’s selection as Veep won’t detract from hammering Obama’s lack of it.
If it looks like it’s going to be McCain/Palin anyway (and that should be a “no brainer” for Team McCain), McCain should announce NOW or VERY SOON, rather than later towards the convention. There’s currently a growing chorus for Obama/Hillary (as VP) ticket (in fact the Dems are likely aware of the Palin phenomenon). If the GOP waits while movement for Hillary as VP grows — even worse until after it is solidified that Hillary will/could be VP pick — selecting Palin will be portrayed by Dems/liberal media more as a reaction by GOP selecting its own female (overshawdoing Palin’s own remarkable assets), rather than McCain taking the lead on this. Selecting Palin now or early (contrary to the punditocracy) will mean McCain will be seen as driving the course of this campaign overwhelmingly, and the DEMS will be seen as merely reacting. And, there’s absoultely no down-side to this because even if Hillary is a no-go as VP for Obama, the GOP gains by acting early. McCain the maverick. Palin the maverick. Do it now!
There’s no reason, and actually substantial negative, in McCain waiting to see what the Dems do first insofar as his picking Palin as VP, because, no matter who Obama picks, Palin is by far (and I mean far) the best pick for McCain and the GOP, especially in this time of GOP woes. The GOP can be seen as the party of real ‘change’ (albeit I hate that mantra, change, change, bla bla), while not really having to change from GOP core conservative values, which Palin more than represents.
In light of the current oil/energy situation, as well as the disaffected female Hillary voters situation, and growing focus on McCain’s age and health, Palin is more than perfect — now.
(Perhaps Team McCain is already on to this.)
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Ted,
Read Maureen Dowd to understand why Hillary will not be picked as Obama VP choice.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/28/opinion/28dowd.html?ex=1369713600&en=43917f31058ae362&ei=5124&partner=permalink&exprod=permalink
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