for VP i say giuliani or romney...

John McCain has an edge now. He can get his message out while the democrats are tearing each other apart. Cause let's face it, if you think its nasty now, wait til you see what happens before those two get to Pennsylvania. This is so exciting!

i wish that the demo race was as clear and that hilary was the winner - but at least one of the races has been decided. we'll just have to wait and see how things turn out - and hope that even if mccain gets backed by bush - that it doesn't affect things too much.

"Now that he's the nominee McCain has to balance the sum between malaise and scrutiny. It will be open season on John McCain — while whoever becomes the Democratic nominee gets to skate on by for a little longer. Adding to the protection of not yet being the nominee, is the excitement surrounding the Democratic race. How can John McCain compete with that?" - I honestly believe McCain is in a better spot because he has the nomination and the Democrats are still fighting a war within themselves.

Hillary and Obama are too focused on each other now, and pointing out how one of them is better tan the other, to spend time on McCain. McCain, on the other hand, can focus on why he is the right choice over either candidate.

I really don't see this as a negative spot for him, as presented, but this is a way better position to be in. The Democrats are hurting their own party by drawing this out.

"The Veep?" - I'll quote myself:

First and foremost, in case I haven't stated this before I really believe Fred Thompson is the ideal running mate:

1. He is very Conservative which McCain needs to balance his more moderate past.

2. Fred increased his name and image by running as a Presidential nominee, so he is recognizable.

3. He's strong in foreign affairs which will be very important in this election.

4. He is from the South, McCain will need help getting the southern vote which has mostly gone to Huckabee. Fred can get this.

5. Fred and McCain are friends. They get along, they know each other, how they work and can work together.

6. In the VP debates for the general election, I believe Fred will be able to whoop on any Democratic VP.

If we are to put Fred aside (please note I will not drop him out of the race, but I will "suspend" his nomination in the discussion of other possible nominees,) I believe it is a slightly harder pick.

1. Giuliani - I don't think he brings anything to the table besides "mayor of New York on 9/11" angle, which everyone seems to be sick of.

2. Huckabee - He has the south, but has come across, I believe, as "too" religious and he won't be picked up.

3. Romney - Great pick on the Economy angle, former Governor, is a dinstinct possibility, but my gut says he won't help gain any votes that would already be coming to McCain. (I say this because I believe many people who voted for Romney in the primaries will fall behind McCain because he's the nominee. i.e. I don't believe they will jump ship because he is not there.)

4. Ron Paul - His foreign policy stance knocks him out immediately.

5. The real additional list which, honestly, I do not know much about, but note that two on the list are from the South where McCain definitely needs support:

a. Governor of Minnesota, Tim Pawlenty
b. Governor of South Carolina, Mark Sanford
c. Governor of Florida, Charlie Crist

Oh, and Piper, well put!

Piper, I feel like I am floating on clouds this morning. I could not have asked for better news on the wins!

"Overall, 20% of white Democratic voters say they would vote for McCain if Obama is the Democratic nominee."

I am a member of a New York based group and they asked this questions, if Obama wins, will you support him or vote for another candidate. I could not believe the results. 70% of the people polled said they would vote for either Nader or McCain before they would vote for Obama. I regret that Bloomberg is not running, because if he had, then I think the Republicans would have won New York. What an election this is going to be!

As for nominee, there is no chance it will be Giuliani. I pray for Fred!

cine, I would have asked for winning the lottery, but this news ain't bad either.

3M, you have to be in it to win it!

I'm also very intrigued to hear what people think on the Bush/McCain on front.

It seems to me that Bush will endorse and McCain will somewhat ignore it (meaning that he's going to accept it, but isn't going to be touting how he got the support of the President.)

I also don't really see this becoming all that big of a deal. I think most people figure the President kind of has to endorse McCain and McCain kind of has to take it and that will be it.

I live in NJ, it's not easy for me to be in the NY lottery to win it.....

From what I hear, it is not difficult to get from NJ to NY.

I've been thinking all along that my governor Mark Sanford would make an excellent running mate for McCain. I would have actually loved to see him run for the big job. McCain's got serious ties here, Lindsay Graham is a die-hard McCain supporter. I think a SC running mate would be an excellent choice . However, Fred Thompson is definitely the IDEAL choice for all the reasons you mentioned 3M. But I can dream...

Cine, I stayed up as long as I could last night to see if Hillary took Texas. I woke up to a great news too - woo hoo!

"From what I hear, it is not difficult to get from NJ to NY." - Yeah, but that dollar and a dream turns into about 15 bucks round trip......

I really don't know a lot about Sanford, but I keep hearing promising things. I keep saying I need to research him more, but have been too tied up with the GMATs. I also keep hoping they'll make an announcement on the VP so I don't kill myself researching 50 different people, but I don't think they'll make any announcement as long as the Democrats are still trying to figure out who their nominee is.

I heard some mumblings yesterday about the Gov of Mississippi - Haley Barbour.. I don't know much about these govenors, maybe 3M will share some research with me

I don't think he will pick Romney, I don't think its a good choice. I think Huck is out too... Age is an important issue, most of the polling about hesitation in voting for McCain has been about age, so unforch I think that eeks out Fred.

I'd love for him to pick someone we've never heard of who is energetic and can really rally people.

Errghhh good convo today and I have to go get stuff done... darnit!

Since it says that Bush is "expected" to back John, I am wondering if he actually will.

Since the party knows this could turn some people off, maybe he will strategically just let it lie and not back anyone?

Does this happen?

But either way, maybe it wouldnt influence people that much anyway.

There's also talks about our Governor Charlie Crist. [sp?]

I agree with M3 though. Fred would be the RIGHT choice.

Hey Piper! I used to live in SC!

I would love for him to pick Condi Rice. History making ticket on both sides. I don't think she has gotten the respect she deserves. She's a brilliant woman and she's hardly recognized for the strides she has made for women and especially for women of color.

I knew there was a reason I really like you, Shop! Other than your smart wit, of course!

I would love to see Condi, but I don't think she will go near the White House in a position like that (or as a Pres nom) until she has distanced herself a little from the current admin.

Condi Rice would be an amazing choice! She really is brilliant. I look up to her. Good point Piper!

"Age is an important issue, most of the polling about hesitation in voting for McCain has been about age, so unforch I think that eeks out Fred."

Cabaker I think this is the one thing that may deter him from choosing Fred. Haven't they ever heard, Age ain't nothing but a number?

Age is only important in wine and cheese!

Yep, not Condi's time. But someday...

I would love Condi! I have always admired her, but I agree with 3M. I think she needs to distance herself from Bush before she can run for office.

But I want to see Fred in the VP debates! I don't care how old he is (and I do believe he is younger than Ronnie Reagan was.) I think it would be great fun!

Cabaker you are always making me hungry. What is up with that?

A few people have mentioned that McCain might pick Texas Senator Kay Bailey Hutchinson as his VP.

Bush will def. back McCain today but I'm guessing McCains speech will be something like "although we often disagree, we have different styles of leadership, blah blah, its important to unite the party, blah blah"

Food is wayyyy too big a part of my life!

3M, it would be HILARIOUS!!!!! He is so intellegent and has such quick wit!

Nicely put Cabaker. That's why I don't think Bush's endorsement will have that much of an effect (positive or negative.)

I love food. And I can see his speech definitely going like that. There are so many people he may choose, it is hard to know them all.

I LOVE being here with you guys!

Group hug

I do worry about fundraising though, he didn't do well last month compared to the Dems. He's gotta step it up. Probably since he's clinched it now the money will start coming in more..

Good Point Cabaker. The dems are getting so much more money.

I think McCain could go several ways in picking his running mate. He could choose a conservative to "mobilize the base;" he could choose a moderate to capitalize on the fact that McCain himself has crossover appeal. He will also need to look at other factors, such as age. While he could choose someone older, he might also be inclined to choose someone younger to balance his own age. I personally am not worried about McCain's age, but a lot of voters will take it in to consideration. McCain will also need to look at where his running mate is coming from (geographically, that is). Someone from the South would help him where he's struggled. He would also do well to choose someone from a "battleground state," like Ohio or Pennsylvania. Depending on whom the Democrats eventually name as their nominee, McCain may want to look in to choosing either an African American or a female running mate. Taking that all in to consideration, here is my list of who he is probably considering (in no particular order):

1. Mark Sanford (governor of South Carolina)
He's from the South and he's conservative, so he could help with the Republican base. Also, since both candidates will be Senators for the first time in a long time, a governor could frame himself as not being a "beltway insider," which would help McCain's campaign.
2. Colin Powell
Powell has stated he would not accept the VP nomination, but that could change. Powell's age would work against him. Also, he and McCain are both perceived as being strong in military, so McCain wouldn't necessarily need that strength of Powell's. However, Powell is a respected, well-liked, well-known figure. His past visibility would certainly help the campaign. If Obama becomes the Democratic nominee, Powell's race could help McCain. (I'm not saying that people should vote based on race, just that some people do.)
3. Haley Barbour (governor of Mississippi)
Barbour would be a good choice for all of the same reasons Sanford would be a good choice.
4. Joe Lieberman
Yes, Joe Lieberman is a Democrat. However, he's also a McCain supporter. Lieberman would hurt McCain with the Republican base, but would help him prove he has broad appeal. Republicans who wind up voting would still vote for McCain, but Republican turnout could be low if he goes with Lieberman.
5. Charlie Crist (governor of Florida)
Crist is from Florida, plain and simple. His home state could be a big asset to McCain. While he doesn't have any glowing positives that would make him stand out, he doesn't have any glaring negatives, either.
6. Tim Pawlenty (governor of Minnesota)
Pawlenty is young, enthusiastic, a DC outsider, and comes from a blue collar family. McCain could use him to relate to blue collar families who are struggling right now.
7. Rob Portman (former Congressman from Ohio, former Director of Office of Management and Budget)
Like Crist, Portman could help bring a crucial state. Also, his background in economic issues would be a huge help, given this country's current economic situation.
8. Kay Bailey Hutchinson (senator from Texas)(my last one, I promise!)
Hutchinson could also help bring a big state. Being from Texas, she could also bring a lot of funding from oil and gas companies. Her name is more recognizable than a lot of other contenders, and her gender could help if Clinton becomes the presidential or vice presidential nominee on the Democratic side. The only downside would be that she is also a Senator, and the other side could frame this ticket as two Washington insiders who don't know what's best for our country. Oh, and she's said she doesn't want to run, but that could always change.

As far as McCain's past opponents go, I doubt he'll choose any of them. I would be utterly shocked if he chose Giuliani; he's shown that he really has very little pull with voters. I don't think McCain will choose Romney because their styles are too different and Romney wouldn't bring much to help McCain win. Huckabee is a possibility, but I don't think he's on McCain's short list at this time.

It's going to be interesting!

Thanks to anyone who actually read this to this point!

lil, why don't you think he will choose Fred?

Great points lilkimbo! I read it all! I see my governor on there. Let's say Mccain picks my governor [FL] for VP will he still be our governor?