The nominees for the two major parties for US presidential election are all but settled. Most people are focused on their summer vacation plans - but political junkies continue to speculate on who Willard "Mitt" Romney might pick for vice presidential running mate. Here's some who I'm pretty sure won't get the nod.
Willard's good looks aren't sealing the deal with women voters. Polls consistently show a large gender gap with women, particularly unmarried; preferring Pres. Obama in head-to-head matchups. Potential Republican female Republican running mates include NH Senator Kelly Ayotte, NM Gov. Susana Martinez and SC Gov Niki Haley. Will Willard go this route to shore up his support among a rather significant voting bloc? Two words: Sarah Palin. Romney wants to win the presidency at all costs; including tailoring his "convictions" to suit whoever's listening. At least true to his Mormon background, he's unlikely to gamble.
Similarly, Romney also has a polling deficit among Hispanics- and FL Rep. Marco Rubio's name has been bandied about as the salsa to Romney's bland, saltless potato chip. However; in New Mexico, Arizona and other states where it could make the difference; Hispanics are mainly Mexican in origin and more socially liberal than Cuban American Rubio.
Could a former competitor add the missing ingredient: Tea Party approved Michelle Bachmann, social conservative favorite/large swing state former Sen. Rick Santorum or conservative firebrand Newt Gingrich? Their flaws were on display in the nominating process and Romney's slash and burn down opponents strategy may have made them hostile to the idea, or tepid supporters at best.
The weird hair, the ill advised resurrection of the birther issue, the big mouth.... need I say more? OK, I will. There's no way Romney's going to put up with this flamboyant huckster showman stealing the spotlight. That's definitely NOT the ticket.
As a young Indian-American, LA Gov. Bobby Jindal was once touted as the Republican answer to Barack Obama but the man who changed his first name that of a character from one of the most insipid TV shows ever has made enough gaffes to prove he's not ready (at best) for any type of higher office.
Upshot: it's going to be a boring, colorless, middle aged white guy like Ohio Sen. Rob Portman.
Mitt Romney will not be picking his VP, Bilderberg will be this weekend. Thank you for the interesting list.
select one here...