Ladies and gentlemen…introducing the next vice president of the United States: Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty.
Although he is not yet appearing on media shortlists for likely Republican running mates, Governor Pawlenty is an obvious choice. Here’s why.
For one thing, Republicans still have a good shot to win next year. Consider the enormous disapproval rating for the Democratic Congress, some signs of progress in Iraq, and above all — the strong economy. Much of the calculus in the Electoral College will be involved in seeing whether the Republicans can win key battleground states in the Midwest. In 2004, President Bush won Ohio, and consequently reelection, by less than 120,000 votes. This time around, Ohio looks much stronger for the Democrats , which will require a new strategy on the part of Republicans.
One strategy proposed, is to look to the south in selecting a Republican nominee’s running mate. However, this makes little sense, given that the South is occupied largely by the Republican base, which ought to already be secured (and if it is not, then the Republican nominee is already in serious trouble). Even Mayor Giuliani, the most moderate of the leading Republican candidates, runs well in the south. This is, of course, in part because of his strong stance on national security and his public persona as a leader. Nonetheless, a Republican candidate, even a moderate Republican candidate, can reasonably rely on the votes of his southern base.
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