Bush-McCain

Two weeks ago Citizen Smash posted that he had heard a rumor that Rudi Giuliani would replace Vice President Cheney. The rumor circulating in D.C. was that Cheney wouldn't run for a second term due to "health concerns."

More than a week later, MSNBC gossip columnist Jeannette Walls reported the same rumor. Walls' report stated that her source indicated there may be right wing opposition to Giuliani because of Giuliani's pro-choice, pro-gay rights and liberal stance on other social issues.

Today Marc Levin, at IntellectualConservative.com, posts that President Bush should choose Arizona Senator John McCain as a replacement for Vice President Cheney.

Levin lays out an interesting case as to why a Bush/McCain ticket makes sense. He offers a number reasons why Bush/McCain makes sense including:

First, and most obviously, not only does McCain's war heroism equal Kerry's, but he did not throw away his medals and side with Jane Fonda upon his return.

McCain would also shore up Bush's shaky support among fiscal conservatives. He voted against the massive Medicare bill, the bloated farm bill, and the pork-laden energy bill. With McCain, voters can be plausibly reassured that the administration will cut spending and reduce the deficit in its second term.

Even McCain's position on campaign finance will bolster Republicans' newfound religion on this issue in 2004.

[. . .]

While Cheney's home state of Wyoming is the nation's most reliable Republican state, McCain's presence on the ticket would lock up Arizona, which Bush narrowly won in 2000.

[. . .]

McCain's heroism, not to mention his white hair, will surely also play well among seniors in Florida.

Good political analysis.

I think Bush is too loyal to replace Cheney. If Cheney were to leave the ticket his replacement would more likely be younger than McCain. Giuliani is a better fit age wise, but I think he is more likely to run for U.S. Senator or Governor. New York Governor George Pataki would be an interesting choice. Pataki like Giuliani is a champion fundraiser, but also like Giuliani supports abortion and gay rights and tough gun-control laws. These positions make both Giuliani and Pataki less popular with the conservative Republican base but enable either one to add some compassion to President Bush's conservatism.

Comments

[Pds3n]

President Bush can't afford to carry Cheney’s baggage into this election. He would be a liability. Conversely, McCain would:
1. Boost Bush's credibility
2. Bring military experience and perspective in this crucial time of war
3. Bring fence sitters into the camp. Hell, even Hillary would vote for him
4. Reassure fiscal conservatives
5. If elected with Bush in 2004 he could run for president in 2008 against Hillary.

[Josh]

If Bush put McCain on his ticket, I would definately not vote for Kerry. If he keeps Cheney then it will not be worth it. McCain would have made a far better president than either Bush or Kerry.