Chris Christie: VP Wannabe?
According to The Washington Post, there are a number of Republicans who are busy keeping themselves in the national spotlight by writing books, giving interviews, and coming out to publicly support one GOP candidate or another.
It’s a critical time where the Republicans have an honest shot at turning the tide their way and winning control of Government again — and they are not going to squander any opportunity to take pot shots against President Obama, spread their agenda on the campaign trail, or publish their vision in conveniently-timed book releases.
The VEEP hot list includes:
- Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels (wrote a book)
- Florida Senator Marco Rubio (wrote a book)
- South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley (wrote a book, invited Bachmann & Gingrich over)
- Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell (speaking out in NH)
- New Jersey Governor Chris Christie (hangs out at the Reagan Presidential Library)
- Former Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty (campaigning for Romney)
- Former Minnesota Governor Jesse Ventura (said it would “create excitement” to run with Paul)
- Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval (publicly supporting Perry)
- Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal (publicly supporting Perry)
- Businesswoman Meg Whitman (said she’d “do almost anything” Romney wants)
- South Dakota Senator John Thune (wants to “put his skill set to its highest and best use”)
Yet, Professor Joel Goldstein of the St. Louis University School of Law reminds us that there are other possible motives for spotlight seeking right now. He explains, “If you’re on the short list for vice president, it enhances your position in your state and maybe you end up in the Cabinet or in a position to run in 2016. It elevates your stature. If you’re left out of the discussion, then people wonder what’s wrong with you.”
Meanwhile…
- Perry says it’s “too soon to speculate” whether Bob McDonnell could be his running mate.
- McDonnell clarified “you don’t run for VP” and he’s “not thinking about it.”
- Bobby Jindal is acting like he doesn’t want it – a classic VP hopeful maneuver.
- Romney spoke highly of Chris Christie as “being a remarkable leader in the Republican Party, and he is a man of capacity and capability and a growing track record of success.”
I think someone in the mold of Maria Caruso-Cabrera from CNBC would be perfect: brilliant on economics, has mainstream appeal, doesn’t speak in phony-sounding platitudes; Someone who could give the GOP an invigorating face-lift and help to expand the size of the tent. If the nominee is Gingrich, a perfect veep choice would appeal to younger voters.
Maria Caruso-Cabrera is an interesting thought. I would venture to say that Republicans are going to pick a pretty standard VEEP this time around, since McCain rocked the boat, gambled and lost. Probably the most exotic choice that is at least plausible would be a Gingrich/Cain, since they have at least been friends for over a decade. (As you recall, McCain and Palin barely knew each other at all!) It would be nice to see a young, fresh face on the ticket — you are right about that!