McCain to meet with possible veep picks

Posted: Wednesday, May 21, 2008 5:10 PM by Mark Murray
Filed Under: 2008, McCain

From NBC's Mark Murray
Breaking news from the New York Times, confirmed by NBC's Kelly O'Donnell: "McCain ... on Friday is scheduled to meet with two Republican governors who have been prominently mentioned as potential running mates, according to Republicans familiar with Mr. McCain's plan. Charlie Crist, the governor of Florida, and Bobby Jindal the governor of Louisiana, have both accepted invitations to meet with Mr. McCain at his home in Arizona, according to Republican familiars with the decision. One Republican said that Mitt Romney, a former rival of Mr. McCain for the presidential nomination - is also expected to visit him this weekend. Mr. Romney's advisers declined to comment."

More from the Times: "Another governor who has been prominently mentioned as a strong contender to run with Mr. McCain, Governor Tim Pawlenty of Minnesota, is not going to Arizona; his associates said he had a wedding on Saturday."

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Comments

yaaaawwwwwwwwwnnn!!! McHacks, they'll never perservere!

Matthew, newark nj (Sent Wednesday, May 21, 2008 5:18 PM)

It's going to be Mitt Romney. You watch.

http://thepajamapundit.com/

the Pajama Pundit (Sent Wednesday, May 21, 2008 5:20 PM)

Bobby Jindel needs to stay where he is if he wants to stay in politics, cause McCain isn't going to win. Besides parts of Louisiana aren't happy with him anyway!

Sue in La (Sent Wednesday, May 21, 2008 5:22 PM)

hey just choose hillary, she will deliver the hard working, hard working white voters.

jeff D evanston IL (Sent Wednesday, May 21, 2008 5:23 PM)

wow -- why not just ask Jeb Bush? Let's REALLY get the dynasties in play!

sara, mesa, az (Sent Wednesday, May 21, 2008 5:26 PM)

I didn't think Romney would be a serious consideration at this point. The only explanation I can think of is if McCain forsees the economy tanking even more by November, Romney could save him on that issue.

Wilson, Seattle (Sent Wednesday, May 21, 2008 5:27 PM)

Hillary would be a great VP for McSame. Get her and most of her "Klan" out of the Democratic party, asap!

OBAMA/BIDEN, 2008!

KJ, Dallas, TX (Sent Wednesday, May 21, 2008 5:29 PM)

McCain is in deep stuff, no matter his choice of Veep, and here is why:

Barack Obama is the man who will hand him his head in November.

Why? Because he is smarter, purer, better intentioned, stronger, more trusted, has a cooler head, clearer vision, is not cynical, is more respectful, and the whole world is praying for his Presidency to become reality.

I think this anecdote says it all.

Gov. Bill Richardson said that during a debate, he was caught flat footed when he was called upon for a response. He said he had'nt been paying attention, and therefore could not give an answer, having lost track of the question. He said Obama refreshed his memory, quite on the sly. He believed anybody else would have left him twisting in the wind, in the wretched hope he would, of course, lose points in the debate.

That, and many other points of electability have McCain in a sorry position as the repub candiate this fall.

donna (Sent Wednesday, May 21, 2008 5:31 PM)

Crist is McCain's ace in the hole. Hillary can talk all she wants about FL, but no democrat will win FL. Crist is so popular & they are doing well.

Without FL, she would be unelectable.

Obama's map is much more realistic.

Obama needs Strickland to guarantee OH. Then with MI & PA Governors, southern states (VA) & western states like OR & WA in play, it will be a landslide.

A Charles, LA, CA (Sent Wednesday, May 21, 2008 5:34 PM)

For us Dems, let's hope it's not Bobby Jindal of LA. He's extremely well liked and respected on both sides and could, quite frankly give some credibility to McSame's ticket.

Hopefully he'll go with McRomney or McHuckabee cause they won't help him!

McCrist would deliver FL which could be a problem...

CUB FANS FOR OBAMA

Bill, Honolulu, HI (Sent Wednesday, May 21, 2008 5:41 PM)

Better be good and qualified...there is a big chance that they will be president.

Democrat (Sent Wednesday, May 21, 2008 5:42 PM)

Charlie Crist could win over the Florida vote.

I wish the Democrat primary was over so the democrats can get seriously started on the primary. It looks like McCain is going to the jump on the democrats.

Vote democrat 08!!

Louis, Mo (Sent Wednesday, May 21, 2008 5:43 PM)

Regardless of what appears that most readers of First Read think, the are many viable conversative leaders in this country. Sen. McCain is a very VIABLE human being who deserves respect regardless of your political leanings.

After this Democratic Party campaign is over, maybe everyone should step back and take a breath. Afterall, we are talking about our country not the drama that is being played out with Senators Obama and Clinton.

As Americans, we should be proud of our process and, more importantly, informed as to the candidates. This should not be a "gut feeling" but based on informed decisions.

Let's all be adults here and put aside emotions.

Sharon in CT (Sent Wednesday, May 21, 2008 5:44 PM)

Make it Tom Coburn and I might bother to vote

Dave, Tn (Sent Wednesday, May 21, 2008 5:45 PM)

Hope he takes Romney. That'll guarantee a Dem victory.

Ian (Sent Wednesday, May 21, 2008 5:46 PM)

Someone please remind Senator Clinton of her "early in the campaign process" statement that "It's clear the FL & MI elections won't count for anything".

Why does she now feel these elections are so important to the process. What are the primary voters so important now, and not so important then?

I hate politics, especially the ClintonPolitics.

Michael Huppman (Folsom, PA) (Sent Wednesday, May 21, 2008 5:47 PM)

A total win for McSame: Machiavelli, aka D.Cheney himself! Then he would have the power of Halliburton and hundreds of billions of OUR tax dollars behind him! He could set up his election committee in Dubai as well. Once done, no mere American laws could touch them, and they could move right on into an unstated Monarchy. God, eight yrs of Bush really develops one's cynacism!

PMc in Dallas (Sent Wednesday, May 21, 2008 5:51 PM)

Of course it will be Romney. McCain knows nothing about the economy and will try and cover that lack of knowledge with Romney as his running mate who also has some background with Michigan. But it will not work. Romney is dry, boring, easily distracted in debates and just plain does not have it.

C A, Tuscaloosa, AL (Sent Wednesday, May 21, 2008 5:52 PM)

He could run with Jesus Christ and stil not win. I hope he selects someone with foreign policy experience because his "expertise" is wearing a little thin these days.

Julie, Houston, TX (Sent Wednesday, May 21, 2008 5:52 PM)

What about Joke Lieberman?

Nuanced (Sent Wednesday, May 21, 2008 5:55 PM)

The party needs a new direction; pick Arnold.

Who's Sane (Sent Wednesday, May 21, 2008 6:00 PM)

McCain, the pretend Republican, will miss a great opportunity if he doesn't try to persuade Condi Rice to join his ticket.

She is popular with Republicans, She is female. She is black. She has a great deal more actual political service experience than the other female candidate who somehow expects us to believe she has 35 years experience under her belt.

With Condi aboard, there would be at least one 'real' Republican on the ticket.

James Lee Chatsworth, GA (Sent Wednesday, May 21, 2008 6:04 PM)

Gee, I'm going to have to study the Repubs. Having voted Democrat for 40 yrs, I don't know the Repubs that well. Hey, though, with as little as we know about Obambi, won't make much difference voting for an unknown Repub.

anybody but obambi (Sent Wednesday, May 21, 2008 6:11 PM)

I can't see him picking the 'bachelor' governor from Florida... The guys a total hunk... He'll want to keep his trophy bride away from that guy...

Another White House Scandal in the making??? (Sent Wednesday, May 21, 2008 6:38 PM)

When's his meeting with Hillary? Or did that happen 6 weeks ago?

Spee, iu (Sent Wednesday, May 21, 2008 6:41 PM)

I bet he picks Crist...and once again Florida will be our undoing. :-(

Sick of it all.... (Sent Wednesday, May 21, 2008 6:55 PM)

I would love it if he picked anyone of those three. Talk about going down in flames. The only person mentioned that any Dem should fear is Pawlenty. Please no Pawlenty.

CJ (Sent Wednesday, May 21, 2008 6:57 PM)

I think that McCain should choose Charlie Crist from Fl. He should try to get the Clinton supporters. I don't think many of us Dems are going to be too pleased if he chooses Romney. I almost trust Obama more than Romney. If McCain would really want to be brave then he would choose Hillary as his VP. She used to actually be Republican years ago, They both may be able to compromise on some issues and actually get something accomplished in the White House.

Suzanne (Sent Wednesday, May 21, 2008 6:57 PM)

Bobby Jindal of LA would be great for McCain but unfortunately for him he has to play to his base and his base is not going to go for such a big change.

Yola, CT (Sent Wednesday, May 21, 2008 7:10 PM)

I hope he picks Lil Piyush[Bobby Jindal].

That would be a match made in heaven. McBush III and a very confused man who thinks that because he watched The Brady Bunch, and wanted to be Bobby Brady, he is Bobby Brady.

Yes, Piyush is the way to go for Veep.

Smick (Sent Wednesday, May 21, 2008 7:13 PM)

It doesnt matter who McCain picks for VP....with the kind of organization Obama has coupled with his juggernaut of a million strong volunteers/50 state wide voting strategy McCain is going to get crushed

Wayne (Sent Wednesday, May 21, 2008 7:18 PM)

George W. Bush. John's best buddy.

R.Merrell (Sent Wednesday, May 21, 2008 7:49 PM)

I think McSame should pick Klanswoman Hillary. Then the Republicans could be the party for people who are "white and hardworking" only. The rest of us will just have to get in line and beg for handouts.

Then Hillary would hand out royal titles to her old, under-educated and under-employed followers in Kentucky and West Virginia. They will make her Queen and never have to work again.

jed (Sent Wednesday, May 21, 2008 7:50 PM)

Is it true he is putting Dick Cheney in charge of the search committee :)

Nuanced (Sent Wednesday, May 21, 2008 8:12 PM)

I am surpeised Charlie Crist is even considered by Mccaine. he is the the most opportunistic politician in the republican party, look at the endorsement job he did on Romney . His character is only good as a state governor , i wouldn't consider him as any federal material.

I tell you what the Democrates are going to lamblase Mccaine for picking him because of the endorsement he gave mccaine earlier, one favor in exchange for another it's the kind of typical washington back scratching deals that the Obama people trying to reform.

john ford OH (Sent Wednesday, May 21, 2008 8:17 PM)

Romney would provoke McCain to anger at least twice a day--because Romney want to lead. Not a fit. Huckaby would help solidify the Christian right vote--which McCain is unable to do. Professional econimic counsel can be obtained without having to involve the VP ticket.

Common sense perspective, Sarasota FL (Sent Wednesday, May 21, 2008 8:45 PM)

Great selection of VPs. First, the gay guy. He'll certainly bring the nutjob base in, right? Second, the 37 year old governor with a few months of experience on the job in the most corrupt state in the union. And McCain criticizes Obama for his youth, inexperience and Chicago connections? Third, is my favorite, the least popular politician with independents to run for president, and who is a member of a religion reviled by members of the Republican nutjob base.
Bring 'em on!

Demosthenes, Chicago IL (Sent Wednesday, May 21, 2008 8:46 PM)

I think McCain should take a shot with Huckabee.

Steve, California (Sent Wednesday, May 21, 2008 8:48 PM)

Joementum would be perfect as VP for McCain. Then, in a fit of pique, Obama can choose Hagel, and everyone can be confused forever.

Demosthenes (Sent Wednesday, May 21, 2008 8:59 PM)

I know one thing and that is it's going to be Jim Webb for Obama's number two man. It will be tough on the women (I know they'd like Hillary or another woman for the number 2 spot) but this is a gamble that Obama will have to take.

Truthfully, women will not vote for McSame as they are would be loathe to give back the advances made over the last generation. Also, Obama is a man for women's rights (and has always been - barring the 'sweetie' remark) so other than the disappointment of Hillary's loss there would be little reason not to vote for Obama (and actually he has been quite respectful and admiring of Hillary's pioneering run for the White House).

Senator Webb can act as a liason with the Ohioan, Pennsylvanian, West Virginian and even the Kentuckian voters of Appalachia. He will carry Virginia and put NC, SC, Georgia and Florida in play.

Also, could you see debate between Romney and Webb...rough on Romney I think. Jim Webb seems like a man of integrity...perfect complement to Obama. It'll be a genius pick.
Obama '08

Mitchell Feldman, Vestal, NY (Sent Wednesday, May 21, 2008 9:05 PM)

His VP pick are either those who he won't need to negotiate with or lobbyists for countries with whom he doesn't want to negotiate.

OLD MAN YELLS AT CLOUD

Texas (Sent Wednesday, May 21, 2008 9:13 PM)

Donna,
Is Obama going to wake up John McCain during the debates and repeat the questions for him? Now THAT would be priceless.

Heidi in Houston (Sent Wednesday, May 21, 2008 9:15 PM)

as long as it's not Huckabee.

jj (Sent Wednesday, May 21, 2008 10:02 PM)

Another vote for Hillary for VP here. (McCain / Clinton 08)

John, Alpharetta, GA (Sent Wednesday, May 21, 2008 10:39 PM)

If Arnold were eligible, HE'd be the Reps' Presidential candidate.

Eric, Jefferson State (Sent Wednesday, May 21, 2008 10:56 PM)

Sharon in CT: "Viable human being" suggests you aren't sure he's human but that it's still possible. Conservatives have held the balance of power in this nation for most of its existence. With the possible exception of Dick Cheney, I'm sure they've all been human to some degree. I'm just not sure your typical conservative leader is capable of bleating anything more inspiring than the same tired old rigid, doctrinaire tripe being constantly served up by the present administration.
I want change.

Ian (Sent Wednesday, May 21, 2008 11:53 PM)

I think Karl Rove or Dick Cheney, or how about Jeb Bush as VP? There wouldn't be any disagreement. They could just keep things going as they are. Hey, it's been a great 8 years. The economy is stronger than ever, we are in tip top military preparedness, we have great trade deals and no reason to really question any mega multinationals about their dealings. The banks can get a little more help and we have plenty of trees and oil waiting to be used up north. And, Texas could use a lot more federal money to build more bases and get another lane added to their super NAFTA trade highway. Gosh, MCCAIN doesn't need to get anyone who really isn't going to go along with his desire to continue this great 8 year run for the Republican agenda.

mexed, san antonio, texas (Sent Thursday, May 22, 2008 12:04 AM)

SurveyUSA released an election poll 5/20 and McCain/Huckabee beat Romney, Pawlenty or Lieberman when pitted against Obama and 4 choices for vp. Huck beat ALL the other 3 in helping McCain in every instance!!! Huckabee is winning every single vp poll on the internet (I've seen 8 running currently). I went to my Republican meeting 125 folks thee, mingled and the concensus was Huckabee is the man and boy were they pumped!! By the way, Mike was invited to the shindig at McCain's ranch, but it is his anniversay and he and Janet are on a cruise and could not attend. Pawlenty was also inited but had to attend a wedding. 24 people are attending.....

Linda (Sent Thursday, May 22, 2008 2:17 AM)

He might want to rethink C Crist, Here is Florida there are rumors abound about Miss Charile.( and yes in a national election, they will be proven) The right wing freaks of the rep party would rebell with the choice.

Jacksonville fl (Sent Thursday, May 22, 2008 6:11 AM)

John needs Mike, the joker, Huckabee.
That would cement the lunatic vote.

WDRussell, EL OH (Sent Thursday, May 22, 2008 8:30 AM)

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