And the Running Mate Will Be?

From the always reliable Robert Novak:

Close supporters of Mitt Romney have been injecting into the political rumor stream an unsubstantiated report that Sen. John McCain obtained the vital endorsement of Florida Gov. Charlie Crist by promising him the vice presidential nomination. Spreading that rumor reflects the anger in the Romney camp over the late endorsements of McCain by Crist and Sen. Mel Martinez of Florida. Until then, the Romney insiders claim, their private polls showed a lead in the Jan. 29 Florida primary that in fact delivered a crushing victory for McCain.

Of course, one must take this with a healthy dose of salt. Novak is the go-to guy for GOP slander and innuendo (see Plame, Valerie), so this is probably just a jab at Crist from a pissed-off Romney aide. Still, some other sources are taking the possibility of Crist as McCain's running mate seriously. But that merely brings up the "Question that None May Ask:"

Meanwhile, Crist needs to ask himself if he is ready for the intense scrutiny that comes with being a national candidate. He is a media darling these days, but the minute McCain gave him the nod, reporters would start fine-combing his record and his life for revealing political and personal nuggets.... As a candidate for governor, Crist, who is divorced, was the target of scurrilous rumors and personal smears in the blogosphere. In a national election, he could expect all of that garbage to be recycled and then some.

Translation: "scurrilous rumors" = he's gay.

real life wrote:

More likely the polls were just wrong.

Who votes for a candidate because the governor says so?

No endorsement means a thing to me, except as occasional humor.

Seriously, can anybody tell me that they have either made up their mind, or changed their mind based on an endorsement?

Ever?

If so, I'd love to hear why that made the difference. I just don't see it.

I was just reading about the little spikes in support for Hillary that pollsters were trying to connect to her recent "humanizing" appearances on SNL and John Stewart's show. Seemed totally plausible to me - the idea that people would tend to like a candidate more who showed a willingness to unclench their ass cheeks and laugh at themselves every so often.

So, reading the above quote, I naturally had to give some thought to whether or not it's a truism that no one "has either made up their mind, or changed their mind based on an endorsement."

"Hmmm", I said to myself, "at first whiff, that smells like some bull excrement to me." "Has anyone given second thought to an important decision like voting for a political candidate because of someone elses' endorsement?"

Well, I think probably so. It's totally natural for people to consider other opinions, and even moreso when that second opinion comes from someone who is much liked/loved/respected. If someone's best friend dislikes or distrusts someone or something, that person or thing is more likely to become suspect. It's human nature.

Those who have been granted the mantle of "expert" on ostensibly subjective entertainments like fine foods and movies influence audiences - simply because people think they know what they are talking about.

It's not a sign of daftness or a flaw in character for someone to be marginally influenced by the opinions of some "other" opinion they hold in regard. And in cases where the advice or critiques have proved to be reliable about something in the past - even more than marginally influenced.

To declare preemptively or make the suggestion that no one "has either made up their mind, or changed their mind based on an endorsement" is in my humble opinion the height of self-important, myopic, ignorant arrogance.

And by the way, completely in character with the person who made the statement.

No Edwards. He can't even carry his home state. Doesn't add anything to the ticket.

Cycloptichorn wrote:

No Edwards. He can't even carry his home state. Doesn't add anything to the ticket.

He adds a white southern man and many people would be happier to see him on the ticket than most other possibilities.

Green Witch wrote:

Cycloptichorn wrote:

No Edwards. He can't even carry his home state. Doesn't add anything to the ticket.

He adds a white southern man and many people would be happier to see him on the ticket than most other possibilities.

He won't be the one. It's too reminiscent of Kerry's failed bid. Edwards isn't a particularly attractive VP choice either; other then the fact he's a white guy, what does he bring?

Jim Webb would be about a million times more effective, and would flip Virginia instantly to the Dems.

Cycloptichorn

I'm thinking Edwards will be the man for Obama.

And the more I listen to Mike Huckabee on the talk show circuit, I'm beginning to think he is the probable running mate for McCain.

No Edwards. He can't even carry his home state. Doesn't add anything to the ticket.

Putting Huckabee on the ticket guarantees a Republican loss this Fall. There's no end to the amount of hay the Dems can make over a fellow who advocates changing our Constitution to reflect 'god's will.'

Cycloptichorn

Republicans no longer have a firm grip on religion in political discourse, Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama told Sunday worshippers.

The senator from Illinois delivered his campaign message to a multiracial evangelical congregation in traditionally conservative Greenville, South Carolina. "I think it's important, particularly for those of us in the Democratic Party, to not cede values and faith to any one party," Obama told reporters outside the Redemption World Outreach Center where he attended services.....

He finished his brief remarks by saying, "We're going to keep on praising together. I am confident that we can create a Kingdom right here on Earth.".....

No Edwards. He can't even carry his home state. Doesn't add anything to the ticket.

Putting Huckabee on the ticket guarantees a Republican loss this Fall. There's no end to the amount of hay the Dems can make over a fellow who advocates changing our Constitution to reflect 'god's will.'

Cycloptichorn

Cycloptichorn wrote:

No Edwards. He can't even carry his home state. Doesn't add anything to the ticket.

Putting Huckabee on the ticket guarantees a Republican loss this Fall. There's no end to the amount of hay the Dems can make over a fellow who advocates changing our Constitution to reflect 'god's will.'

Cycloptichorn

How 'bout Obama's promise to the congregation to 'build a Kingdom right here on Earth' ?

Any objection to that?

Quote:

Republicans no longer have a firm grip on religion in political discourse, Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama told Sunday worshippers.

The senator from Illinois delivered his campaign message to a multiracial evangelical congregation in traditionally conservative Greenville, South Carolina. "I think it's important, particularly for those of us in the Democratic Party, to not cede values and faith to any one party," Obama told reporters outside the Redemption World Outreach Center where he attended services.....

He finished his brief remarks by saying, "We're going to keep on praising together. I am confident that we can create a Kingdom right here on Earth.".....

from http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/10/08/obama.faith/index.html

Or how 'bout Obama's 'Committed Christian' mailer? Any objection to that?

http://tpmelectioncentral.talkingpointsmemo.com/2008/01/obama_lit_in_south_carolina_pushes_back_on_false_muslim_smears.php

Cycloptichorn wrote:

No Edwards. He can't even carry his home state. Doesn't add anything to the ticket.

Putting Huckabee on the ticket guarantees a Republican loss this Fall. There's no end to the amount of hay the Dems can make over a fellow who advocates changing our Constitution to reflect 'god's will.'

Cycloptichorn

I agree. I must admit that Huckabee IS sharp, but I would never vote for someone who thinks that the bible is more important than the Constitution.

I never could figure out why an obviously very intelligent person would leave his brains at the door when it comes to religion.

Foxfyre wrote:

I'm thinking Edwards will be the man for Obama.

And the more I listen to Mike Huckabee on the talk show circuit, I'm beginning to think he is the probable running mate for McCain.

I don't see McCain picking a conservative running mate.

His instincts don't go that direction.

He'll look for someone popular with the media, as he himself has tried to be.