Romney to attend McCain gathering
By Joseph Williams and Scott Helman, Globe Staff
WASHINGTON -- Presumptive Republican presidential nominee John McCain plans to host three potential running mates this weekend at his ranch in Sedona, Ariz. -- including former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney, one of his chief rivals for the GOP nomination.
A senior McCain aide confirmed today that Romney and his wife, Ann, are among 20 couples McCain and his wife have invited for the weekend, along with Florida Governor Charlie Crist and newly elected Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal.
But the aide insisted that the gathering "is a purely social visit" in a scenic part of Arizona.
"Senator McCain and Mrs. McCain often have friends and political acquaintances out to the cabin," said the aide, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to discuss the gathering, "This is a weekend of relaxing and visiting with friends. The vice presidential vetting process is definitely not on the agenda for this weekend."
One Republican with knowledge of the event, first reported by The New York Times on its website today, said it "doesn't appear to be anything beyond that. This is not a let's-get-together-with-potential VP-candidates" event.
Still, he seemed to acknowledge the obvious political overtones: "When you are invited to get-together with Senator McCain, you do it. Because everyone's going to pitch in and help any way they can."
Romney, Crist, and Jindal each have been widely mentioned as being on McCain's short list of possible vice presidential candidates. Despite their bruising primary fight, Romney has become an active surrogate for McCain in attacking Democratic front-runner Barack Obama, while Crist gave McCain a key endorsement before his crucial primary win in Florida in January, and Jindal, a 36-year-old Indian-American, is considered a rising young GOP star.
Political analyst Larry Sabato said from McCain's perspective the get-together makes sense "for a couple of reasons." When picking a running mate, McCain "needs to get to know them a little bit. But I think maybe they're trying to send a signal to the press so maybe the press will do some work for them" and scour the candidates' backgrounds.
Sabato, a University of Virginia political science professor, said McCain could have a third motive: using the high-profile guest list to draw attention away from another, more serious vice presidential candidate. He said McCain could be actually considering someone he knows well, such as Senator Joe Lieberman, a Connecticut independent and the 2000 Democratic vice presidential nominee.
Though they fought bitterly in the Republican primary, Romney would add key assets to a McCain ticket.
Having run a Boston private-equity firm, the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, and the state of Massachusetts for four years, Romney would bring management experience to a McCain presidency. Where McCain's specialty is foreign policy, Romney has domestic policy expertise, given his background in business, commerce, and health care, shoring up McCain's weakness on the economy -- a potential liability for him in a general election.
Romney, a youthful-looking 61 years old, would also help counter perceptions that McCain, 71, is too old to be president. A prodigious fund-raiser with a vast personal fortune, Romney would help the Republican ticket struggling to compete with a Democratic fund-raising machine that has shattered all contribution records this cycle. And Romney also remains in good standing with segments of the social conservative movement, which remains suspicious of McCain, who needs its support to win in November.
But Sabato said a McCain-Romney ticket would have liabilities as well.
Romney "brings nothing" to the table politically, because he'd be unlikely to help McCain carry any major states, and his presence on the ticket would raise more questions about his Mormon religion, Sabato said. Though Romney's background was vetted during the primary campaign, "just because he has been vetted doesn't mean there aren't problems."
And the nasty fight between the two Republicans during the primary may have left some hard feelings, Sabato said.
"Probably, they don't have chemistry," Sabato said. "They don't get along terribly well."
McCain and Romney traded increasingly nasty attacks verging on name-calling. McCain compared Romney to a pig and called him a flip-flopper, while Romney branded the Arizona senator a dishonest liberal just ten days before offering him his endorsement in February. The two insisted at a press conference that they had set aside their differences for the common goal of keeping the White House in Republican hands.
I find it hard to believe McCain would choose Romney as his VP. One of McCain's strongest assets is middle-America's discomfort with where Obama goes to church. Since Romney also attends a controversial church, it would undercut McCain's position.
If Charlie Crist gets VP, he will have achieved his goal of moving the Florida primary up to an early date so he had the opportunity to endorse McCain early on. Many people don't know that the Republican-controlled state government moved the election up early with Charlie's support. We Democrats got scr--ed and lost our delegates because of Charlie's over-sized aspirations. Shame on him, shame on the Republicans.
I think Romney will be a good choice and I want to add as a army wife I hope that People will understand That McCain is best suited and experienced in keeping America safe. Thank You and God bless America.
As the Mother of a Law Enforcement Officer, I too share the hope and pray that Americans will truly understand the terrible consequences the USA will face if we do not have a good strong Leader knowledgable in the "workings" of our enemies. No one fits this criteria better than John McCain. I think that He needs to choose a running mate that will balance and support his campaign.
There's not one running mate that McCain could chose to even compete with Senator Obama. Obama is going to make McCain look like a young infant during the debates this fall; McCain stands no chance.
I think that Romney would be one of the best choices for McCain since he has so much experience with economics and polling shows that Obama beats McCain on that subject. Romey would add substantial strength to the ticket in that area. And about his religion sure the mormons are a bit odd but you don't hear them puking out the kind of "hate America" speech that Obama's pastor does.
Besides the Democrats would like nothing more than to forget about religion for the rest of this campaign. What are they going to say, 'Well his religion is funny!' and the Republican's respond, 'At least it's not anti-American and hateful.' That would be the perfect comparison. You think Democrats wouldn't recognize that?
I want Mitt Romney to be VP. He would be great, That would secure my voting for McCain.
I would like to see Joe Lieberman as McCain's running mate. I think that Joe would be a great asset to him in many ways.
Cheney! Cheney! Cheney!
MIKE HUCKABEE IS THE ONL;Y ONE THAT CAN BALANCE THE SCALE ON THE REPUBLICAN SIDE. REPUBLICANS NEED THE BIBLE SOUTH CONSERVITIES TO BREAK THE DISAPOINTED DEMOCRATES WHO WE MUST NOT ELECT IN THIS TORN NATION.
Romney Romney in a recent poll Romney scored 38% others trailed badly. Romney looks and acts Presidential. McCain needs him.
I would love to see him choose Condoleeza Rice. She is a very intelligent lady. Well versed in Foreign Affairs and would be a GREAT addition to the ticket.
As a moderate-conservative, I would support McCain if he nominated Bobby Jindal. It not, I would have to reconsider my support. Jindal is a refreshing rising star in American politics and would balance McCain's seniority with youth and energy. Plus, the fact that he is an ethnic minority plays well to attract crucial minority votes and challenge Obama's "colour" card.
It doesn't matter one tiny bit who he picks.
Every four years people argue about which running mate will best "complement" the nominee, bring in more voters, etc. And every four years, almost no one bases their vote on the running mate. If they did, there's no way that millions of people would have voted for Bush because he's the guy they wanted to "have a beer with." Dick Cheney is one of the most universally reviled characters in American politics, and it didn't cost Bush one vote.
As long as his veep pick is NOT Mitt "I'll flip flop on ANY issue" Romney, John McCain may be fine. Otherwise he may be T-O-A-S-T!
I'd support Lieberman for one reason, Romney for another, and I also would like to see an out-of-the-box candidate like Carly Fiorina who should help actually win the election.
Mike Huckabee's a great guy, & Joe Lieberman's extremely qualified, but it seems to me that Michael Bloomberg has the one thing McCain needs more than anything. Imagine if Bloomberg pledged to spend $500 million of his $5 billion. There are no limits on spending your own money if you're on the ticket.
The Democrats will tear Romney up.
Mormons They are a cult.
It really doesn't matter who he picks. John McCain is going to retire to his luxurious ranch to tend to his barbecue and horses after November. He is a relic of the past still dwelling in his nightmare years in Viet-Nam.
He still believes that the United States was justified in sending over a million troops to that small southeast Asian country. We lost over 47,000 and suffered 240,000 dreadful casualties while killing over 2,000,000 Vietnamese people and largely destroying their country- for what? They were no threat to us or to anyone else. His mindset is the same in Iraq. John McCain doesn't know the difference between sunni or shia, or that Iran is an enemy of al queda.
He knows nothing about economics and could care less.
He will not make us safer in any manner . I believe our world would be a far more dangerous place with this cantankerous and hot headed man in the White House.
Ok...I will not say who I support until someone gives a legitimate answer for WHY they support their particular candidate. Everyone is so vague. Please say 'he or she stands for '???' and this is a position I agree with because '???' . Or I agree with his or her platform because '???' and since he vote for or against '???' I know he is telling the truth about '???'. It's like I just turned on Fox News or something. Most people carry no substance with their commitments to candidates. Get to know your candidate then tell me something factual about them. Thanks and good luck.
I feel bad for McCain. He is going to get clobbered by Barack Obama, and it couldn't happen to a nicer guy.
His nickname in NH is McBush or McSame. Comments such as wanting to spend 100 more years in Iraq will receive great play during the general election. This country is so sick of George Bush for obvious reasons, and McSame won the contest to be the closest Republican to George Bush's regime.
So enjoy your time in the spotlight at your ranch, and enjoy the process of picking out a good running mate.
Because one place you will not be on January 20, 2008 is not the White House. And I will feel just fine about saying "I told you so!"
Bobby Jindal would neutralize claims an Obama nomination would have on voters looking for bright, young, change-oriented, minority ground-breaking leadership.
Mccain/Romney ticket is a blessing for America one an expert in foreing policy and another in the economy what more do we need? I think the Democratic Party is getting ready to ditch Hilliary Clinton whom I was supporting.
obama could very well be the death of this country. We do not need a inexperienced boy to run this country. In these dangerous times we don't need someone who shouts "WE NEED CHANGE". We need someone who will strongly
and quietly make the changes we need. McCain is a warrior and whether you like it or not we need a warrior in these trying times against a enemy that wants to murder you, your wifes, and your children. A enemy that wants to wipe us all off the face of the earth. If obama wins they win. Remember this when Obama and his like wants to take away the good citizens right to bear arms.
I think Bobby Jindal would make a great VP, but I would rather have him stay in Louisiana.
Why I like Gov. Mike Huckabee for Vice President:
-- strong in the areas where McCain could use some help;
-- great campaigner and speaker;
-- has consistently won almost EVERY on-line VP poll !
-- great debate ability
-- connects well with all kinds of voters and the media
-- able to connect authentically with working-class voters, essential for MI, OH, PA
-- well-liked by media personalities
-- proven fiscal conservative
-- young and healthy, runs marathons
-- great sense of humor
-- great record of real accomplishments from 10 + yrs as governor
-- connects well with "MTV" generation
-- trusted by the social conservatives and pro-life crowds
-- no awkward anti-McCain remarks to explain
-- telegenic
-- humble and honest when he makes a mistake (which is not often)
-- fanatically loyal and hard-working grassroots base
-- compelling personal story
-- already vetted -- no skeletons in his closet
Many Americans have a very wrong notion of national security. You don't make nations secure by bombing a few militants and in the process killing thousands of innocents and destroying countries. No one dislikes you for your freedom. Its your arrogance and big brother attitude that people dislike.
Who says you don't talk to enemies?? Israel is talking to Syria. India is talking to Pakistan.
Open your eyes folks. This country is on a path to economic disaster. America still is a super power but its not your military might that keeps you a super power. Americans sure are hard working but you need to get smart about your future.
For all those so called "blue collar whites without college education", my question to you is do you want your kids to get a good education or you want them to be "blue collar whites without college education"?
If you want them to get an education, why? So that they could make well informed decisions? There are millions of these folks with college education who have made their choice clear. Does that say something?
Understand this, no president has the power to take away your guns and your religion and force abortions on those who do not want it. Be smart about who you choose to run your country. I say your country cos I'm not an American but I admire America, At least the America before Bush made it into a joke.
Bobby Jindal, is very qualified, young candidate like him much needed for America. He political credentials are unmatched.
ROMNEY IS THE MAN FOR VP...well, he should have been the one over McCain for President, unfortunately, Mitt is not.
There is no other person who comes close to Romney in leadership ability, morality, experience, hard working, dependability, etc, in many important areas of government, and in life. He also has the perfect family, so normal, fun ,and nice.
I hope Mitt is the one.
Romney would assure the ever-growing polygamist vote!
Romney has the economic strength and the bussiness knowledge that we need in these troubled times. He can bring change
Romney is far & away the best choice. He humbly seeks the Lord's
guidance in his life. He believes in personal revelation, as we all should.
His religion is not weird--it is what the Bible teaches, if you would really
examine it. Ronald Reagan was a blessing for this country. He had the
guts to stand up against the liberal garbage. Romney would do the same.
It doesn't matter who he picks. He is going to lose. The writing (Democratic registration numbers) is on the wall.
Mitt Romney would be a great VP. I only wish it was the other way round, Romney/McCain.
Finally as an independent that was supporting Hilliary clinton I see a disfuncional Party that do not look at the big picture and cast their lot for a guy that is not up to the level of skills and experience to be President of the Super Power nation in the world.The fools are fall for it and the people that pushing this rookie fraudulant candidate Barrack Hussein Obama of the Muslim Faith the same one that send their people September 11th 2001 hijacked Commercial Airliners inside this country crashed them to the World Trade Center,Pennsylvania and in the Pentagon killing many citizens of this country,these idiots Americans supporting this Hussein Obama are a disgrace and traitors.Fellow Americans what is happening here we let the enemy to come in and in few more months may very well running this country?What s wrong with you people you are not true Americans you are selling your souls and the nation to the DEVIL.You are losers Democratic Party you befriend an enemy of the United States.
Obama is an idiot
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