Biden (and not
Hillary) may equal Palin
by Trevor Thomas
August 24, 2008
The fact that Barack Obama chose Joe Biden and not
Hillary Clinton as his running mate opens up an interesting scenario for John
McCain’s choice for Vice President. Also, the fact that McCain has chosen to
run attack ads using Biden’s own words against Obama, along with running an attack ad highlighting the
fact that Obama did not choose
First of all, as Morris points out, the fact that Obama did not choose Hillary (not even vetting her, as if she needed it), nor any other woman, opens up a great opportunity for McCain to pick off a significant amount of the female vote (those who are shallow enough to vote for someone solely based on their gender, anyway). Morris mentions only Kay Hutchinson, but I think that Alaska Governor Sarah Palin is at least as likely, if not more likely, with Condoleezza Rice a long shot choice.
Second, the fact that McCain is choosing to run an ad (click here to see) pointing out that Obama did not choose Hillary, makes the scenario of McCain picking a woman seem all the more likely.
Third, McCain’s ads using Biden’s words against Obama and for McCain make it unlikely, to me anyway, that McCain would give the Obama campaign a similar opportunity by choosing Romney as his running mate. Romney and McCain had many harsh words during the primary season, and it seems foolish to me to stress Biden’s criticisms of Obama and not expect the same in return with the choice of Romney. I would like to think the McCain campaign realizes this and has already decided against Romney.
I’m not dead-set against Romney, although I don’t think he would be the best choice, regardless of gender. Governor Pawlenty still seems to be a real possibility now as well. Either way, we should know in a few days.
Copyright 2008, Trevor Grant Thomas