Could the pro-choice McCain VP candidate be Meg Whitman?

Verity

I don't think Mr McCain and his advisors will pick anyone controversial.

In my view, the ideal candidate would be Sarah Palin, Republican Governor of Alaska. Attractive, young middle-age, three grown children and one young 'un and a husband who still works the same job he's had for years, despite the fact that his wife rides around in a limousine with a flag on the hood and runs Alaska. In other words, he's an independent spirit, and so is she, which is what Republicanism is all about.

A lot of the legislation she's put through has been truly progressive and useful.

I can see her as the Republican VP nominee. She's a person a lot of Republicans who are lukewarm about Senator McCain could warm to.

http://gov.state.ak.us/bio.php

Verity

Another thing about Sarah Palin is, she has put through some strong legislation to protect the indigenous peoples of Alaska.

And I don't think that she would be a heartbeat away from the presidency would frighten the horses. She's stable and level-headed.

James, obviously, I could be wrong, but I don't think McCain's following is strong enough to bring in anyone controversial.

Governor Palin has four children, which is a much stronger position from an American point of view.

Austin Barry

Since his 'Ich bein ein raving egomaniac' moment and risible hand-flapping at Russia's retro activities, Obama has been becalmed in the polls. McCain just has to select as running mate some reasonable and reasonably obscure character from fly-over America and that will be enough to win. In these testing times the Yanks will go for someone who knows real pain, rather than a supercilious feather-weight who looks as though he would faint at a paper cut, particularly if the blood marked his Armani suit.

Craig Strachan

Verity,

You really think McCain wants to focus the attention of the national media on Alaska Republican corruption by picking Palin?

And, right, Republicanism is about independence - except when it's about conformity and deference.

Scott Redding

I'd be shocked if he chose a pro-choice running mate. He'd gift the election to Obama, since the evangelical vote would just stay home.

Verity

Scott Redding - Yes. It's a bizarre notion. He'll choose a competent, family-friendly governor with successful chief executive experience. Someone from an oil rich state that will not fall about with environmental concerns about more drilling.

And she looks to be in her mid-40s. He cannot choose another old guy to complement him. I wanted the 40-year old Jindal, but he has declined. I think Sarah would be a fine running mate. Women will be comfortable with her as she has raised four children, three of them lovely adults. She has also consistently shown an interest in helping minorities which, in Alaska's case, are the indigenous peoples.

I have my fingers crossed it's Sarah for the ticket.

David Gerard

McCain could always run Jimmy Wales.

Scott Redding

Well. Just revisiting this, and 5 points to Verity for highlighting Palin when no one else was. It's not working out, though.