Why Mitt Romney Shouldn't Choose a Female Running Mate
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!
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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.
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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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HockeyMomNJ
Kate
PonyChaser
I agree, too. And it's a sad commentary on our society that you can only be seen as a "strong" woman if you are on the D side. Pathetic. I loved Palin. I was aware of her before the whole VP debacle, and was thrilled when she was chosen. And it made me sick to see what the press did to her, and even sicker to watch the Republicans just sit back and let it happen. That said, though, I'm more in favor of men this time - I like Allen West first, and then Rubio.
As an aside... this is going to be an interesting conversation. Jenny, your haters are going to be tied up in knots, not knowing who to bash, you or Palin!!
HockeyMomNJ
rightside
your haters are going to be tied up in knots, not knowing who to bash, you or Palin!!
I know! I imagine they're all sitting in front of their screens with confused looks on their faces. Hate Jenny...Hate Palin....system overload!!!!
I agree with Jenny on Pawlenty, not only because he's boring, but because he quit the presidential race so early on - to me, that said he lacks the drive to hold office right now.
Of this list, Jindal is my favorite. I would like to see Rubio hold out for a Presidential run in the future, and I don't think being VP is a great stepping-stone, politically.
guest
brandspanknnew
I agree with you regarding the women VP point; but if you seriously think Romney is going to win; read that statistics, more people hate Romney than like him. More people love Obama than hate him.
XD Good luck wishing in the stars. A man that said condoms are bad, wanting to revoke women's rights. I can't believe so many Christian Reps think he's a good pick, being A MORMON is against everything that a Christian stands for, if you have studied the religion. Not to mention it's ALMOST as fake a scientology.
Procrastamom
@brandspanknnew - I think a lot of the Evangelicals will just stay home on election day and pray. It's their only hope really.
miamarrow
suebradley