VP Rundown

I've heard an argument that McCain needs to think outside the box.  Make an out-of-left field choice.  I strongly disagree with this way of thinking.  I fail to see how bringing in a novice for the second-highest office in the land would help anyone.

McCain needs a guy who is known.  I've supported Joe Lieberman for the spot but am starting to realize that McCain needs someone with name recognition who will mollify conservatives without alienating the independents and centrist.  Let's go through some names.

Mitt Romney:  A month ago, I would have Romney pegged as a front-runner.  But with Ted Kennedy likely to become worm food in the not-too-distant future, you know Mitt's gonna be angling for a shot at the Senate.

Condi Rice:  No, no, no!  The woman has proven herself to be an even bigger RINO than McCain.  You want to draw conservatives, not anger them further.  Plus, putting a black woman in the spot would be seen as pandering at its worst.

Joe Lieberman:  I've supported Joe based on his strong national security record and the fact that it would be extremely fun watching the Kos crowd howl with rage at the sight.  But, the best running mate is one who complements, not mirrors.

Duncan Hunter:  The darling of right-wing bloggers.  While it would go a long way towards helping McCain regain the favor of the LGF crowd, his poor showing indicates that he lacks mainstream appeal.  And his strong-anti-illegal immigration stance could hurt McCains chances with Latinos, something McCain is trying to avoid.

Rudy Giuliani:  No.  Aside from the fact that his f****d-up personal life would become media fodder, his conservative credentials are highly questionable and it is very difficult to see how he would help McCain.

Charlie Crist:  I don't think so.  Crist brings nothing to the table.  I know he's a front-runner, but he just got elected a couple of years ago.  It's too soon for him.  The only upside is that he is very popular among Florida's blacks and could help offset Obama's popularity, but I'm fishing at best.

Bobby Jindal:  Another top contender.  Like Crist, it's too soon.  I know Johnny's eager to offset the whole age thing, but placing a kitten in the wings to maybe take the place of a lion one day is a disaster waiting to happen.  Add in the fact that Jindal's effectiveness as governor has been questionable and it's a no-go.

Ann Coulter:  Yeah, I know the chance of this happening ranks right up there with the chances of George W. Bush winning the Nobel Peace Price, but it'd make for entertaining TV, wouldn't it.

I'm sure I'm overlooking a few people, but it's late and I'm tired.  Input, as always, is appreciated.