DeMint for Vice President
The Washington Times asks “Jim DeMint for vice president?”
We may be a tad bit bias, but our answer is YES, YES, YES!!
EDITORIAL: Jim DeMint for vice president?
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Much of the conservative Republican base distrusts Mr. McCain because
of his support for amnesty legislation in 2006 and 2007, and they are
skeptical of his claims to have “gotten the message” that border
security and enforcement must come first. On critical economic
matters, Mr. McCain has admitted he has more to learn. He needs a
running mate who broadly shares his philosophy on spending and foreign-
policy issues while counterbalancing his weaknesses on matters like
illegal immigration. Sen. Jim DeMint, South Carolina Republican, is
someone who might fit the bill.Mr. DeMint, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, was
first elected to the House in 1998 and to the Senate in 2004. He has
compiled a solid voting record on tax cuts and private Social Security
accounts. He took a leadership role in opposing the farm bill - in
sharp contrast to much of the Senate Republican leadership. “The way
this bloated wasteful bill was forced through is irresponsible and
sets a terrible precedent,” Mr. DeMint said. During last year’s debate
on an amnesty bill cosponsored by Mr. McCain, Mr. DeMint was tireless
in putting together a cogent case against it. He pointed out the many
loopholes that would permit millions of illegals to enter and remain
in the United States.In talking with Mr. DeMint, this much is clear: He is no pandering pol
who tells voters what they want to hear. In 2004, Mr. DeMint, then a
third-term congressman, was locked in a difficult Republican primary
battle with former South Carolina Gov. David Beasley, who had greater
name recognition. He was leading Mr. DeMint in the polls and
campaigning as an advocate of trade protection for the textile
industry. Mr. DeMint forthrightly stated his opposition, and came from
behind to win. Mr. DeMint is the kind of conservative who would enable
Mr. McCain to appeal to moderate voters who do not always support
Republicans without alienating the Republican base.
May 28th, 2008 at 3:01 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.)