GOP veepstakes: Is there an echo in here?
June 30th, 2008 – 5:00 PM by Bob von SternbergIt’s either an amazing coincidence, or the talking points have been going out to some of the presumptive short-listers being considered by John McCain as his vice-presidential running mate.
Over the weekend, Rob Portman, a former member of Congress from Ohio, said flatly of his prospects, “I don’t expect to be asked, honestly.”
Back on June 18, Gov. Tim Pawlenty, offered his own version of the demurral: “The fact is, I haven’t been asked, and I don’t expect to be asked.”
And Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal, asked about his vice-presidential prospects in May, offered up “Let me be clear — I do not think the senator is going to ask.”
Beating all three to the punch was former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, who made many of the initial short lists, but whose name has since faded. Back in April, after he had dropped his presidential bid, Huckabee called the vice presidential position a job that no one could refuse but also one he does not expect to be offered.
Perhaps notably (or not), Google and Nexis searches don’t turn up any such modest statements by former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, who remains fully in the mix of vice-presidential speculation. In fact, one report published Monday placed Romney at the top of McCain’s list.
The nutgraf:
“Romney as favorite” is the hot buzz in Republican circles, and top party advisers said the case is compelling.
Meanwhile, Pawlenty’s prospects simultaneously took a whack in the New York Observer, concluding that Pawlenty wouldn’t be all that much help to the Republican ticket.
30 Responses to "GOP veepstakes: Is there an echo in here?"
Star Tribune withholds some pay to lenders
The company declined to make regular quarterly payment to junior debt holders.
By NEAL ST. ANTHONY, Star Tribune
Last update: July 1, 2008 - 5:29 AM
Oops!
Dispatch the lifeboats.
Here’s today’s “fair and balanced” political topics for discussion. Some are so good, they’re listed twice.
Do you know what Al Franken and the Strib have in common?
It has something to do with not paying monies owed.
Politically Connected
Obama to expand Bush’s faith based programs
Obama to expand Bush’s faith based programs
Obama’s sister helps reach out to Asian-Americans
McCain to talk free trade in Latin America
Obama and Bill Clinton end mutual silent treatment
Obama, Bill Clinton end mutual silent treatment with first conversation since end of primary
By NEDRA PICKLER , Associated Press
Last update: July 1, 2008 - 5:34 AM
Bob,
I have a question for you, considering you are the political expert.
Wouldn’t it be wise for the Democratic party to try and distance the Clintons from Obama now that he’s their man?
What do you think?
Bring the Clintons in real close like
Yeah, Closer the better
ME SO SORRY!!!!
I AM THE ULTIMATE BLOGGER
ME SO SORRY!!!!!
Stop deleting my comments Trib!!!!
Regarding the Republican VP pick. McCain has only one chance of being elected, and that’s by recruiting Ron Paul for the VP slot.
Do I expect it - to be offered and accepted? Cold day in hell.
So Michael,
You’re saying McCain has no chance?
I disagree. How many other charcter flaws will be revealed in the coming months about Obama? I’d say quite a few.
Poll: Pet owners side with critter-keeping John McCain over petless Barack Obama
By RANDOLPH E. SCHMID, Associated Press
Last update: July 8, 2008 - 8:24 AM
Are you people serious?
Your paper has become a complete joke, and I sincerely hope someone has the balls to clean house.
I am the ultimate blogger!!!! Bow down before my superior ability to tell people how to live!!!
Robert Grant is a tool
Here’s a smart young man whom will contribute much to our society.
I’m sorry. I do not contribute anything to society myself, in fact I live with my parents.
Bob,
How about a new topic?
I prefer topics involving nascar racing, hunting, wars, rock music (Van Halen Rules!!!), and parties
I am the ultimate blogger!!!! Bow down before my superior ability to tell people how to live!!! I am perfect!!!!
Bob,
A political post every ten days is pretty weak, especially considering we usually have interesting topics to discuss every day.
How about the good Rev. and Obama?
Tehran test-fires more missiles; French energy giant Total says too risky to invest in Iran
By NASSER KARIMI, Associated Press
Last update: July 10, 2008 - 9:02 AM
TEHRAN, Iran - Iran test-fired more long-range missiles overnight in a second round of exercises meant to show that the country can defend itself against any attack by the U.S. or Israel, state television reported Thursday.
These are serious issues that should be considered when deciding on presidential candidates.
Robert,
Please stop spamming this blog with outrageous comments. You are not the best blogger ever, you are the most annoying. However your ability to copy and paste other peoples’ words into your comments is far superior to most.
Bob
Obama
“Obama” Would you please elaborate?
Bob,
The spam is not me just like I’m not certain you posted the latest comment with your name attached.
I bring up issues that people I associate with discuss. Your paper leans so far left, you probably can’t have a civil debate, or your editors, whom are responsible for your papers fate, choose to not tackle those issues.
I think you can tell which comments are from me.
How about a new topic? Perhaps we could discuss Obama’s latest comments concerning Afghanistan and our troops.
Robert,
I apologize for any confusion on your comments. It is easy to see the difference between yours and others. As for the new topic, how about you write something? I am interested to see some of your insights on politics. If you send it to me at bvsternberg@gmail.com it will be posted on The Prez Fight blog under your name as a Guest Opinion letter. Obviously a political topic is necessary although I have no doubts that you will write something of value. Thanks in advance for your input.
Best,
Bob von Sternberg
Bob,
I appreciate your kind offer, but I’ve attempted that very suggestion in the past to Ms. Parry and members of your editorial board. If you happen to notice the last post on the editors site, you will understand that it’s impossible to offer any kind of topic that isn’t in agreement with you management, so I will continue to offer my opinion as long as this forum is available.
It’s your blog, so you choose the topics, but it would be nice to have new topics on a more timely basis. I’m sure your busy, but when you hit on interesting topics, the volume of responses shows.
Good luck.
You’re. Sorry.
Coward
Bob,
That’s not you, is it?
Anything but a coward. Spent too much time fighting too many fights to ever be considered a coward, but if it is you, you’re entitled to your opinion. I’d say you have about six months left to post it. You know, job security and all.
Best,
Robert Grant
Minneapolis mayor is plugged in
Rybak paved the way for car owners to convert to batteries
By Rodrigo Zamith, Star Tribune
Last update: July 15, 2008 - 2:24 PM
When Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak decided to convert his gas-electric Toyota Prius to a plug-in, he found that Canada was the closest place to get it done. Having to drive so far didn’t sit easy with Rybak, and he vowed to make a local option available.
Is this the Mayor who was driving illegally, and didn’t remember if he had driven to his office per his response to the Fox reporter?
Isn’t he also “plugged in” regarding drinking fountains?
How are the violent crime stats in Minneapolis since he’s taken office?
What does R.T. Rybak have to do with the “Prez Fight” Mr. Grant?