The Veepstakes Game

By Zach W On May 27, 2008 · 3 Comments · In Election 2008, National Politics

It’s like an NCAA tournament bracket, only for politics!

I think it’s an interesting idea, and I’m obviously going to be very interested to see the Democratic “contenders” as chosen by MSNBC. While some of the names in the Republican bracket were obvious, several were just a little surprising to me. I didn’t expect to see Jeb Bush on the list, simply because I think Jeb is tainted by “Bush fatigue,” and I was a little surprised by the inclusion of Wisconsin Congresman Paul Ryan, because while there’s little doubt he seems to be on the rise within the Republican Party, I just don’t see him being ready for the national stage as John McCain’s Vice President. Sure, Ryan’s youth would somewhat balance out John McCain’s advanced age as a campaign issue, but I think that’s the only reason Paul Ryan would be picked at this stage in his political career. I think there are other VP possibilities from within the Republican Party that are both youthful in comparison to John McCain and who bring more to the table as a Vice Presidential candidate, with someone like Bobby Jindal being one name that comes to mind.

At any rate, I’ll be interested to see who makes it to the end of MSNBC’s veepstakes, and I can’t wait for the Democratic veepstakes to start.

Tagged with: John McCain

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3 Responses to The Veepstakes Game

Ted says:

May 27, 2008 at 11:41 pm

Here’s an important piece of advice: If it looks like it’s going to be McCain/Palin anyway (and that should be a “no brainer” for Team McCain), McCain should announce NOW or VERY SOON, rather than later towards the convention. There’s currently a growing chorus for Obama/Hillary (as VP) ticket (in fact the Dems are likely aware of the Palin phenomenon). If the GOP waits while movement for Hillary as VP grows — even worse until after it is solidified that Hillary will/could be VP pick — selecting Palin will be portrayed by Dems/liberal media more as a reaction by GOP selecting its own female (overshawdoing Palin’s own remarkable assets), rather than McCain taking the lead on this. Selecting Palin now or early (contrary to the punditocracy) will mean McCain will be seen as driving the course of this campaign overwhelmingly, and the DEMS will be seen as merely reacting. And, there’s absoultely no down-side to this because even if Hillary is a no-go as VP for Obama, the GOP gains by acting early. McCain the maverick. Palin the maverick. Do it now!

There’s no reason, and actually substantial negative, in McCain waiting to see what the Dems do first insofar as his picking Palin as VP, because, no matter who Obama picks, Palin is by far (and I mean far) the best pick for McCain and the GOP, especially in this time of GOP woes. The GOP can be seen as the party of real ‘change’ (albeit I hate that mantra, change, change, bla bla), while not really having to change from GOP core conservative values, which Palin more than represents.

In light of the current oil/energy situation, as well as the disaffected female Hillary voters situation, and growing focus on McCain’s age and health, Palin is more than perfect — now.

(Perhaps Team McCain is already on to this.)
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Zachary says:

May 28, 2008 at 8:09 pm

Ted, I think you’re right on the money about the timing of this all. If Palin is the pick – and she’d be a smart pick – then Team McCain wants to get her on the ticket before Obama (assuming he’s the Democratic nominee) has a chance to even think about picking Clinton. If Obama beats McCain to the punch, then as you said McCain’s choice will be viewed as a reaction to Obama’s choice, rather than being a groundbreaking choice on its own.
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The Takeaway says:

June 21, 2008 at 10:02 pm

There’s also a veepstakes game on Facebook (http://apps.facebook.com/veepstakes). It’s a different idea though… It’s a stock-trading game based on coverage from the blogs and mainstream media. Even if your favorite potential running mate doesn’t end up on the ticket, you can still blog about it and boost your score.
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