What Next For Romney - Repeating A Suggestion.
By Martin A. Knight Posted in Archived | peter pace | post-florida maneuvering | Romney | vice president — Comments (4) / Email this page » / Leave a comment »
I like cbs' diary on the issue. Not even his most unfair and vituperative critics (or supporters) would find anything to fault him on if he backs out, extends his congratulations to McCain and begins the work of making sure that John McCain gets to the finish line ahead of HillObama in November.
However, I see nothing wrong with Mitt deciding to stay in and giving it his all until after Super Tuesday. The problem, of course, is that this is most likely going to be futile. The MSM already has its frontrunner and he just happens to be their favorite Republican. The positive press and free advertising McCain is going to get in the next seven days is not going to make Romney's job any easier.
That said, Romney could still make it a race - or act as McCain's reminder that "moderates" and Independents would not carry him to the White House without Republicans.
I wrote that Mitt should unveil a Vice-President a few weeks ago after New Hampshire and in my last "Open Letter" diary I listed some names that would round out and solidify a Romney ticket in Republican eyes. The time immediately after his Michigan victory would have been the ideal time. I'm not as sure that this is a good idea at the moment - especially since his critics would certainly write it off as an act of desperation - which he would do well not to even bother trying to deny. But then ... what do I know?
The potential upside is that it would strategically disrupt the one week hagiographical newscycle the McCain campaign is counting on to carry him into Super Tuesday as the MSM focuses on the (record-breakingly early) VP pick and the meaning, significance, effect, (no doubt) cynicism, etc. of it. Not to mention the attention that would be lavished on the presumptive Vice-President himself - which provides another potential upside for Romney. If the VP pick is solid enough, it just might be enough to coalesce the entire anti-McCain portion of the GOP Primary electorate behind Mitt Romney. The potential downside is, of course, that it could be disastrous (and torpedo any chances of Mitt trying again in 2012) if not played right.
The Romney campaign had best formulate a good response for questions like; "Is this not a sign of desperation ...?" My opinion is that outright dismissal i.e. "Please ask a serious question ..." would be far better than a denial.
Again, I suggest that Romney find a credible running mate with stellar national security credentials and significant SoCon cred. And I still back my original recommendation; former Joint Chiefs Chairman and USMC General Peter Pace matches that up perfectly. A (by all indications) orthodox Catholic 40-year career military officer with an MBA from George Washington University - who also happens to be a citizen of a GOP must-win Southern state that is increasingly turning Bluish. Pace would have enough of a high profile that he won't need much introduction.
Anyway, if Romney wants to carry on past Florida, this would be something I think he should look into - take it or leave it.
Just an endorsement from the guy, and some heavy hinting (and strategic leaking) by Romney and his campaign. :-)
but think the time to do something creative like this has already past. Even if Romney were to announce Pace as his VP today, I highly doubt it would have much of an effect between now and next Tuesday.
You've put your finger on a larger point though. I think the case could be made that Romney's greatest flaw in this campaign might have been the fact that his policy proposals didn't match up with his rhetoric. By this I mean, he talks about fundamentally changing Washington, which I think is the right message, but then you look at his proposals and you just don't see how any of them, even all of them combined, would fundamentally change Washington. Allowing people who make under 200k to not pay taxes on their savings and investments? Good idea but it doesn't change the system. His solution to our energy independence? Invest more in research. His plan for restoring fiscal discipline in Washington? He will reform entitlements. Etc. etc. Basically, he's proposing to tinker around the edges of the Washington status quo, not overturn the apple cart.
Again, I'm not saying I disagree with his policies. I don't. By and large I support them. I just don't think he ever came up with the one or two or three BIG proposals that really would have shaken things up, excited the base, and shown how he was going to be a real agent of change. His underlying theme seemed to be more along the lines of "I will run Washington better than my opponents." That's important and I no doubt want to have a good, competent manager in charge of the federal government. But that's not the only thing I want. I want someone who will come in and truly change how things are done. Sadly, I don't think he never articulated a clear vision as to how he was going to do that.
interested in keeping that reputation is going to accept a vice presidential "selection" by Romney. Romney now has a 10% chance of winning the nomination-and I'm being generous.
Romney certainly should fight it out through Feb 5th in the hope of pulling off a miraculous upset. But Veep gimmicks aren't going to cut it.
Romney is about to join Lamar Alexander, Gary Hart, John Edwards, and a cast of dozens who, but for a few more percentage points in this primary or that caucus, would have been the nominee of his party. It's a common tale.