McCain Should Pick Romney and Soon

Jay Cost aka red steel, RealClearPolitics
As John McCain mulls his veep pick, I'd offer some thoughts on what he
should do. As the title indicates, I think Mitt Romney is the best choice, and
McCain should pick him soon.
People have given many reasons for picking Romney over Tim Pawlenty, Rob
Portman, Tom Ridge, etc. I think most of the
hypothesized benefits of a Romney pick are less than compelling:
(1) Romney will energize conservatives. Maybe, but the real question is
whether they need energy. All that matters is if they vote, and it looks as
though they will. This is an open election, and a consequential one. If the
race remains reasonably close, turnout should be high, and conservatives should
vote.
(2) Romney will bring Michigan.
Do veep candidates really bring states? Color me skeptical. Most recent veep
picks have not been chosen to win home states - which should tell us something.
Anyway, who's ever heard of a veep bringing his dad's state?
(3) Romney will bring economic credibility. With a few exceptions, qualities
or qualifications have not been transferred from veep to the top guy. It's just
as possible that, rather than boost McCain's economic bona fides, Romney would
underscore the impression that those bona fides are pretty weak.
(4) Romney can raise extra cash. He probably can, but this in itself is not
a reason to select him. A veep nominee is more important than an ATM, so Romney
has to offer McCain something else. If he can, his fundraising prowess is really
just a supplement.

Comment:

To: Red Steel

“One potentially harmful drawback is his work at Bain
Capital.”

Romney’s fingerprints are all over American
enterprise, which means EVERY cabinet decision will become a Haliburton (which
will drive the Libs crazy... heh heh.)

McCain/Romney ‘08.