Why Mitt Romney Shouldn't Choose a Female Running Mate

by Jenny Erikson July 19, 2012 at 9:12 AM in News & Views

sarah palin Republican Presidential nominee Mitt Romney has made his choice regarding his VP pick, if you believe the rumors circulating from his “friends” to The New York Times. Regardless, a decision will be made and announced within the coming weeks, which leaves us wondering in the meantime ... who’s it going to be?

Let me preface what I’m going to say next with I believe that women are strong, capable, and just as competent as any man in almost any job. I’ll give sumo wrestling to the boys, but other than that, women can hold their own against the men folk. There are a number of lovely, intelligent, proven women in politics that I believe would make excellent candidates on the 2012 presidential ticket. Governor Nikki Haley and Representative Cathy McMorris-Rodgers come to mind.

Now that that’s out of the way, I can tell you that I think putting a woman on the ticket with Mitt Romney is a bad idea. Any woman, no matter her credentials or background, would be Sarah Palin-ized by the press immediately. Governor Palin was a conservative darling when she was chosen as John McCain’s running mate in 2008. She had a 90 percent approval rating as Governor of Alaska, for Pete’s sake!

She was absolutely marginalized by the press, and I predict that it will happen again if Romney picks another female. It sucks, I don’t like it, but don’t hate the player, hate the game. Romney needs to play to win.

Who’s left on the short list for veepstakes? There are some thoughts that it might be Tim Pawlenty, the former governor of Minnesota. Bless his heart, but please no. I know we’re not supposed to care if a candidate is exciting, but Pawlenty lacks the presence and magnetism to get people to donate or otherwise volunteer for the campaign. Like I said, don’t hate the player ...

Florida Senator Marco Rubio is still a strong contender, as is Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal, both of whom I believe make excellent choices. Proven records, “ah-shucks” good looks, and immigrant backgrounds (both are first generation natural born citizens) that bespeak of overcoming obstacles to achieve the American dream.

Senators John Thune (South Dakota) and Rob Portman (Ohio) are also theoretically being vetted for the VP spot. Both of these men are skilled orators that exude confidence that lacks cockiness, a welcome contrast to Barack “the oceans will recede” Obama. Besides, Ohio is a coveted swing state, so point in Portman’s favor.

My guess is that Governor Romney will pick from this list, but we’ve been surprised before. Please choose carefully, Mitt. This election is yours so long as you don’t “John McCain” us. Think about it.

This post is part of a weekly conversation with our Moms Matter 2012 political bloggers. To see the original question and what the other writers have to say, see Who Is Your Republican VP Pick?

Who would you pick for Mitt Romney’s Vice President?

Image via david_shankbone/Flickr

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Comments 23

Nonmember comment from Guest

July 19, 2012 at 1:23 PM

@miamarrow, Palin was "marginalized" because she is a Republican.

This was achieved by the democrats and the liberal media waging a sexist propaganda campaign to portray her as a "little girl, and not a very bright one". The mindless sheep of the left eagerly drank the Kool-Aid.

The hypocrisy is breathtaking.

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Nonmember comment from nome

July 19, 2012 at 1:30 PM

It doesn't matter. America won't put a momo in office.

Facebook comment from Dana E Armstrong

July 19, 2012 at 1:43 PM

Sarah Palin and her clone Michelle (the Muslims are coming, the Muslims are coming) Bachman have been a disaster for any woman in politics. Then Jenny's fav Nikki Haley comes out and says sexual assault victims are a "special interest group", her other hero, McMorris Rogers? Well of course Jenny loves her, she never met a progressive idea she didn't hate. She and her other GOP puppets have tried to devastate education in my state, not to mention what she would do to women's reproductive choices. Gay marriage ? Nope nope and nope. My point? "Conservative" female candidates are their own worst enemies, they have followed the religious right so far down the bat crap crazy path, that they've painted any moderate republican women with the same dirty bruch.

Nonmember comment from kevobx

July 19, 2012 at 2:08 PM

What is happening to Assyria, it has come to past, in this generation *Isaiah 7:5 Because Syria, Ephraim, and the son of Remaliah, have taken evil counsel against thee, saying,... *Isaiah 7:8 For the head of Syria is Damascus, and the head of Damascus is Rezin;

tbrucemom

July 19, 2012 at 2:13 PM

I think the only acceptable woman for him to choose would be Condoleeza Rice. I don't think he'll pick a woman but if he did I think she'd be a good choice. I hope he picks Rubio, he'd really help win Florida.

Nonmember comment from meghan

July 19, 2012 at 2:56 PM

Palin was marginalized because when you get down to it, all she brought to the table were highly quotable and inflammatory soundbites and no solutions to the problems this country has. I want leaders to be above average intelligence. Mrs. Palin is barely average.

July 19, 2012 at 2:57 PM

The white man, Esau's descendants are still dividing up the twelve tribes for himself, they have the land, and us the word of God. Tribe of Ephraim is Puerto Ricans and tribe of Judah is Black, Negros, Colored (Esau red) & now called Africans, why? Do native Africans despise American Blacks. Arts and culture, replaced heritage. You people means Blackface go back to where you came from, that would be God, the Father. Those Jews, (John 8:31) means they are of the synagogue of Satan. White people are always saying they are Jews constantly, why? (Revelation 2:9)

Bendana

July 19, 2012 at 3:11 PM

Kevobx, you need to check the dosage on your meds.

July 19, 2012 at 4:05 PM

Do unto to others as others do you? When one speaks truth, what can the world say to that, but hate it.

Nonmember comment from John Gulino

July 19, 2012 at 4:17 PM

"She was absolutely marginalized by the press" I agree that the press very often used Ms. Pailin for cheap humor, as in political cartoons, "top ten silly things Sarah Pailin said," etcetera. But all of the available evidence shows that she is a not very bright woman, who is very skillful at setting goals for herself, and who hungers for media attention. And she quit her governor job, leaving the state in the lurch. Personally, I believe Ms. Palin is mean spirited: she uses her handicapped child for the media spotlight, and she rides around in a helicopter, cruelly gunning down helpless wolves. She is not genuine in the least as a wilderness person. I'd love to see her in a debate with a woman who truly loves the wilderness, a genuine hunter and fisherwoman. Ms. Palin was marginalized by the press, but she also marginalized herself. How can ANYONE even consider the possibility of her as VP? She barely has the intelligence to be governor. I do not see her as one whit smarter than the average high school teacher.