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McCain Veeps

By Matt Cooper

Who'd be a good vice presidential pick for McCain? On one hand, he needs to shore up his right flank. On the other hand, he needs to run a general election race against Clinton. A couple of thoughts:

Colin Powell. The right will go insane. But if it's Clinton, and Obama's African American supporters are disappointed, it could be a smart play. It plays the military card. I pitched this a few weeks ago and got a few laughs but he's very close to McCain.

Sam Brownback. Righter than right. Endorsed McCain after dropping out of presidential race. Foreign policy cred and a Catholic. Downside: If you're fighting for Kansas, it's pretty much over.

Charlie Crist. Fla. Gov is insanely popular and helped put McCain over the top in the Sunshine State. Too moderate for the right?

Mel Martinez. Sunshine State Senator could have some Hispanic pull but pro Bush immigration position and affinity for fellow trial lawyers could bum out the right.

Mark Sanford. Tax cuttting South Carolina Governor is a long time McCain ally. Doesn't get you much nationally.

Mike Huckabee.Southern appeal and perfect genial attack dog but talk-show radio right doesn't like him either because of Arkansas tax hikes and his not wanting to cut all social programs.

Richard Burr. Elected a Senator in 2004 so it undercuts an experience argument, but the North Carolinian is a solid conservative, a strong campaigner and an early McCain supporter.

Powell would be the most fun to cover. I'd watch Brownback.

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Full post as published by Portfolio.com: Capital on February 08, 2008 (boomark / email).