Why Not Romney; Why Not Huckabee

Written by: Alan Willis on Aug 29, 2008 2:07 PM EDT

Almost as soon as Obama named his vice-presidential choice (a person well qualified to hold the job of VP and reliable for holding the job of President should something disastrous befall Obama) McCain attacked with ads asking "Why not Clinton." Other people may have wondered why Obama selected Biden over Clinton, but no one could question--realistically--Biden's qualifications.

If Obama really decided against Hillary Clinton because she questioned some of his positions in the primaries, would the exact same question apply to why McCain refused to select Mitt Romney or Mike Huckabee? Clearly, it would. So, Senator McCain, why not Romney? Why not Huckabee? Is that you didn't pick Romney because he highlighted your ignorance about the economy? Did you not pick Huckabee because he through your inconsistencies into sharp relief? (However much I disagree with Governor Huckabee on almost every point, he has demonstrated both consistency and integrity).

But the question is even bigger. Joe Biden is qualified to be VP. Joe Biden could--if needed--fill the office of President. Gov. Palin? I don't think so... and I would suspect that a even a number of normally Republicans voters would feel the same way.

How much difference will it make? It would seem to be the worst VP choice since... well, ok, it's not been that long since Dan Quayle. 

I realize people tend to vote the top of the ticket, not the bottom. Head to head, Obama is clearly the better choice than McCain. Biden is clearly the better choice than Palin. Biden, indeed, would be a far better choice than McCain.

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