|
Time to pick McCain sidekick
06/03/2008 17:08 - (SA)
Alain Jean-Robert
Washington - Newly anointed Republican White House nominee John McCain must now ponder whom to choose as his running mate, while Democrats wonder if Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama will drop their rivalry to form a Democratic "dream ticket".
Vice presidential picks are vitally important for any presidential candidate, not just to round out the ticket, but because should a president die or resign, the vice-president automatically takes his or her place.
If John McCain were elected president, he would be 72 on his inauguration day in January 2009, making him the oldest president to start a first mandate in US history.
McCain makes light of his age and points to his ever-alert 96-year-old mother, but the issue is likely to worry some voters. A former prisoner of war, McCain also carries the scars of torture he suffered in North Vietnam, and he was treated in 2000 for skin cancer.
McCain "should choose someone younger to help address the age issue", said Eric Davis, political science professor at Middlebury College in Vermont.
But others say McCain, who is not popular with the conservative base of his party, should prioritise finding a running mate who can reassure this key segment of the electorate.
Ideological balance
"I think some ideological balance might help. Perhaps he will choose someone who is more reliably conservative," said James Gimpel of the University of Maryland.
"You do not want a younger candidate if that candidate's inexperience will show through misstatements, mangled facts, poor debating skills, and various gaffes," he observed.
Names most frequently cited as possible Republican running mates include Florida Governor Charlie Crist, 51, and Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty, 47.
Also mentioned are South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford, Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour and Texas executive in chief Rick Perry.
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice might have been a choice for McCain but she has said she has no intention of running for office.
McCain's decision might also be influenced by the personality of his Democratic rival - although he will have to wait to find out who that is.
Democrat 'dream ticket'
A woman such as Texas Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison could be interesting if McCain is facing off with Clinton, Davis said.
The Democrats, whose deadlocked race risks dragging on for weeks if not months, must also contemplate a future running mate.
After primary victories in three states revived her campaign Clinton on Wednesday said maybe she and Obama could be running mates - something some Democrats have dubbed a "dream ticket".
"That may be where this is headed," Clinton told CBS television.
"But of course we have to decide who is on the top of the ticket," she stressed. "I think the people of Ohio very clearly said that it should be me."
Few political experts buy into the idea, exactly for the reason Clinton cited.
"Their egos are both much too large to take a back seat. The VP office would be a significant concession," Gimpel said.
Former Nato commander in chief General Wesley Clark, a Clinton supporter, is often mentioned as a potential Democratic running mate, seen as someone who could balance McCain's military credentials.
Possible mates
Democratic Senator Jim Webb of Virginia, a former Marine with a son fighting in Iraq, could also play that role.
Bill Richardson, the Hispanic governor of New Mexico who is a Clinton pal but has endorsed neither candidate, is also a possibility for the Democratic ticket. Richardson also has been a cabinet member and diplomat.
Other possible choices are Ohio Governor Ted Strickland; Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius; Washington state Governor Christine Gregoire; and Indiana Senator Evan Bayh.
|
News
