Centerfield

I love this stuff. I think this is a very clear and calculated move by McCain, whether planned or not, to indicate that he feels that Kerry is a man who the American People can trust. To even consider such a thing should warm the heart of centrists everywhere. Is McCain pulling away from BushCo and their wreckless radical agenda, jumping ship, and sitting firmly in the center? Looks so to me. That is huge. Already, Kerry's pulling 2-1 among undecided Moderates/Centrists, because people already know Bush is anything But. Democrats have a history of governing from the center, where as we all Know Bush Governs right of Nixon's Tomb.

This isn't actually going to happen. But here's an intriguing analysis and commentary on the whole thing by someone who posts at DailyKos.

Bush is right of Nixon? Since when are spending programs for prisoners rehabilitation, steroid use and other such ideas cherished ideas of the right? His stance on marriage is supported by 60% of the population. His spending has consistently increased, even if you take defense out, throughout his presidency. He's got an environmental plan, that if ever enacted, would actually improve pollution and air quality and reduce lengthy litigation in the process. These are not ideas of the Religious Right.

I just don't see how Kerry can be trusted when he doesn't stand for anything. Granted, Bush has moved a little right to shore up the support of his base but I'd bet that happens during every election year. McCain is interesting. He likes to talk about being from the center but when you see his voting record, you realize it's just talk. This link, http://voteview.uh.edu/sen108.htm, details the voting of the 108th Congress and McCain has the fourth most conservative voting record.

I don't see how this could ever come about, given McCain's very conservative views. If anything, this is just paybacks for Bush beating him in 2000. Sounds like an ego play to me.

Oh sure, I'm not expecting thisto happen at all, although I think if Kerry and the democrats were smart enough to let it happen, they'd win in a cakewalk. I mean think of the rhetoric: "This shows how serious we are about healing the rifts between left and right that the divisive Bush presidency has widened." Not to mention that the 2 war-veteran ticket would have to blunt Bush's selling of war leadership superiority: "John and I both have personal knowledge of the painfully high price of war, and so we want to lead the country by stressing diplomacy that is back by the credible threat of force that is, nevertheless, a last resort. We want to bring our boys home."

But Kerry is too insecure and aware of his lack of charm to invite the cocksure and gregarious, homepsun, very well liked McCain to be number two. McCain as VP on a ticket with Kerry is almost as stupid as getting ARod and asking him to play 3rd base.

I do know that McCain has serious animosity towards Bush, but I think he has a basic loyalty to the GOP that makes this nonstarter.

This is one of those dream tickets that seldom materialize. If it did happen, it'd probably result in a net gain more than a net loss. McCain had passionate followers in 2000 who still consider him one of the country's great resources and among those were people who did NOT agree with all of his stands on issues such as abortion, etc. But I don't think it's going to happen. Now if you want to talk about a "dream" ticket it would be Kerry-Kucinich...WAIT! That's an "are you dreaming" ticket (or nightmare ticket).

I've been thinking about this whole VP question over the past few days, with all the media articles discussing various lists and all the discussions in the blogosphere.

I've come to a tentative conclusion that is somewhat unconventional, but more realistic than a McCain pick, and more palatable to the party base.

This is, I think, a similar idea to a McCain pick. I get the sense the guy has a lot in common with McCain.

Take yourself on a little tour through a few articles about Anthony Zinni, retired Marine general.

Profile: Anthony Zinni

Slate Interview

Washington Post Article

You'll see the following things about him:

1. He's remarkably experienced in the juncture of military affairs and diplomacy. He really has an impressive combination of command experience and diplomatic experience -- perhaps second only to Colin Powell in that regard.

2. His foreign policy is in the moderate Republican internationalist mode. He cites Hagel, Lugar, and Powell as his influences, and he's supposedly close friends with Powell.

3. He has that direct, informed, authoritative demeanor we often associate with military guys. He comes accross as the guy next door who happens to be a career military guy.

4. He was probably a Republican, given all the above plus the fact that he supported the Bush ticket in 2000. But he has mucho credibility now with Democrats due to his vocal opposition to the Iraq war.

5. He's exceptionally bright, a quick study, with a dynamic leadership style and a desire for innovation and reform.

This kind of pick sends a clear message, I think, that Kerry is serious about putting together a strong wartime leadership team. It counterbalances that impression of him that some of us here have, and that the Bush folks will continue to highlight, that he's not decisive or serious enough on foreign affairs or defense issues.

I'm just not sure how "straight-talk express" John McCain and John "nuance" Kerry would get along on the campaign trail.

It'd be hell of an entertaining election season, though.

Guess McCain is kind of enjoying sticking it to Bush in '04 since Bush unleashed the attack dogs of the social conservatives on him in 2000.