Former Massachusetts Governor and successful business man Mitt Romney bowed out of the race for President today, handing the nomination essentially to front-runner John McCain. Romney was a clear second in the Republican race with 11 states and 4 million voters giving him the nod. Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee moves up from third to second rung in the home stretch of state primaries, including next weeks' Maryland, DC and Virginia votes.
Many, including myself, were surprised at the announcement from the conservative favorite who had pumped more than $40 million of his own money into his campaign over the past year. He said that he felt that McCain had pulled too far ahead in the delegate count, and he didn't want to stand in the way of a strong national campaign platform for the inevitable nominee. He went on to say that a prolonged primary race without a clear front-runner would only strengthen Clinton and Obama, potentially allowing more swing voters to go their way.
So, now, the question becomes did Romney back out of the race in hopes of rejoining the show as McCain's #2? Is Romney VP material? I don't think so.
It STRUCK me today after hearing the news in my car that Romney is at his best as the #1 - the go-to guy - the final decision-maker - the head honcho - the leader in charge - P.O.T.U.S. is his best and only option, in my opinion.
Don't get me wrong, if McCain asks and Romney accepts the VP role, it would be a strong combination and ticket. Romney's strengths are McCain's weaknesses. Mitt's experience as a successful Venture Capitalist, turn-around specialist, head of the Salt Lake City Olympics (post-scandal) and CEO experience would be hugely beneficial to a country in economic crisis, but...I still don't see it working out. McCain would not give Romney enough authority to do anything substantial, and Romney would not enjoy sitting around babysitting the Senate and doing McCain's grunt work.
I predict Romney will eventually lend his support to McCain for President, and it's much more likely that Huckabee would be the right choice for giving the VP nod. He brings the conservative base and bible belt with him, which are both areas that McCain will need some help. Huckabee seems to be a better moderator too, and I can see him serving effectively in the role of Vice President. Romney, on the other hand, will likely bide his time, as it is not likely that the Republicans will win this election anyway. Mitt will run for President again in four years. Sphere: Related Content
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Did you even read the content of this post? Romney would make a terrible VP - the job description doesn't match his strengths, and it would weaken a future attempt at a Presidential run, especially if the Republicans lose (which I think they will). Also, if you would have read the site, you would have seen that I already endorsed Obama.
Actually Romney has excellent strengths that could be utilized as VP. For example working on improving the effectiveness of the current government structure. Streamlining the Government would save almost a trillion dollars
a year. A huge issue that Mitt had to overcome in his campaign was name recognition, I think as the VP nominee he gains ground if McCain wins or loses for 2012.
Also, why would you originally support Romney and now support Obama? McCain is not the best candidate but he's not a socialist like Hillary or Obama. Just curious...
Read my blog. I've never supported Romney. I wrote the article right after Romney dropped out of the race, and while I do think that he possesses strong leadership skills, I would respectfully disagree with you that they would be gainfully applied in the role of Vice President. As I said in my article, whether or not I would ever vote for him or not, I think Romney is best in the role of #1 or man-in-charge. Romney may have some good ideas, but every penny he would save in office will be spent by McCain on war (and then some). I respect Romney as a leader, but I would not vote for him or McCain or any combination of the two during the 2008 election.
Like most voters, I remained uncommitted until just before the primaries came to my state. I am a registered Democrat, but I'm a moderate who will vote for a candidate that I believe best shares my values or philosophies. I was willing to listen to Romney, but none of the other Republican candidates even came close to sparking my interest. When Romney dropped out of the race, then that is when I asked the question if he would be a good VP, and my conclusion was "No" then and it remains "No" now.
I understand why Republicans might want to have him on the ticket, but being someone who is very familiar with politics firsthand (I am a current local elected official), my experience tells me that it will hurt his chances in the future. He would be much better off to distance himself from this race for now, and then rebuild an effective campaign strategy for later.
I don't agree with you about Romney!!
You have no idea who he is.
He is a man of righteous, honest, and
he has integrity. He is smart and humble at the same time.
He has experiences in the past and he is strong!! Huckeberry isn't good enough. He is so proud, not smart, dishonest and jealous person.
Huckebee becomes McCain's VP, we never vote for Mccain due to Huckabee's true color.
He doesn't look like a paster or minister?? If it's so why he always puts down other Christians, he isn't a good example of what the person believes to be a Christian!
We won't and never vote for Mccain, if Huckerberry is in MCcain's ticket!!
Mitt is VP 08'
Once again, another commenter who obviously doesn't read a full post and just wants to spread their point of view. I said that Romney would make a better president than vice president, which in my book is a compliment. I don't know Romney personally, and for people to continue to say that they "disagree" with me and use myriad of justifications promoting Romneys qualifications and character, is nothing short of ignorant. Read the friggin' post, then leave an intelligent comment. I don't mean to be disrespectful, but it just doesn't make sense to me why Romney supporters would be encouraging him to run for an office below his level of capabilities. Also, if you're a true Republican, you should know that Romney doesn't bring more votes - he brings the same votes that McCain brings. Huckabee broadens the potential voter base by appealing to a different group of voters within the party. Just my 2 cents, which as a Democratic supporter of Barack Obama probably doesn't mean much.
I totally agree with you in pointing out that Romney will make a better President than being MaCain V.P. However, I also like the idea of Romney as V.P. as it will help with name recognition for next election, even if MaCain loses which I also agree he will. It will also gives me reason to support Macain if Romney is on the ticket, otherwise I'm for Obama.
I would love to see McRomney!
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