Would a woman V.P. help McCain get Clinton supporters?
Texas Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison and former HP CEO Carly Fiorina, suggested as two potential McCain running mates. Click the Play Button to see what Jack and our viewers had to say. (PHOTO CREDIT: GETTY IMAGES)
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
Women who supported Hillary Clinton are suddenly the belles of the ball. Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton are getting ready to woo her supporters-but John McCain wants them too. Polls suggest Obama leads McCain when it comes to women, but what if McCain picked a woman as his V.P.?
The Politico takes a look at McCain's options for filling out the ticket, noting that any of these women would be a symbolic turn away from Dick Cheney, "the ultimate D.C. old-boys-club insider." Although some have suggested Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, she's repeatedly said she's not interested. That leaves McCain with:
– Alaska Governor Sarah Palin. At 44, she would add youth to the ticket. It could use it. Palin may not be well-known nationally, but she's one of the country's most popular governors – with approval ratings as high as 90%. She is also stridently anti-abortion, recently giving birth to her 5th child who she knew would have Down Syndrome.
– Former Hewlett-Packard CEO Carly Fiorina is another option. Fiorina is in charge of preparing the party's crucial get-out-the vote operation. She's been all over the campaign trail and TV supporting McCain and has become one of his top economic advisers.
– And there's Kay Bailey Hutchison of Texas – the longest serving female Republican Senator. Hutchison has held key posts within the party. She's been a surrogate for McCain in the race, and has proven she can get out the Hispanic vote.
Although Republican insiders point to downsides for each of these three potential candidates, they say a woman on the ticket could add some excitement to McCain's candidacy. In case you hadn't noticed, Republicans are a little short on excitement these days.
Here’s my question to you: Would John McCain's selection of a woman as V.P. help him get some of Hillary Clinton's supporters?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Damian writes:
As long as McCain has his track record against women's rights, he could fill every post in his fantasy administration with women. I'd bet women are not going to swing for him, unless of course they want unequal pay and accept their body as being the property of the federal government.
Susan writes:
I cannot think of a single GOP female that would bring a Clinton supporter to the dark side. Not going to happen: GOP women are taught to behave themselves and not think. (See: the entire service of Condoleezza Rice for examples of the "best" the GOP has to offer.)
Cindy from Mississippi writes:
Of course it would help. Unfortunately, given McCain's age and the possibility that his veep will one day be president, there are a lot of women who would vote for him on that basis alone. I'm voting for him whoever he chooses, but Palin sounds best to me!
Jim writes:
No, I don't think that a woman would help at all. McCain's problem lies with conservatives, and adding a woman to the ticket is only going to make this problem more pronounced.
Cindy from Houston writes:
Surely you're not asking if women who supported Hillary would turn to support McCain if he had a woman on the ticket. Women support a ticket with a woman, no matter who it is? Please give us more credit. I'm all for a female candidate for president and/or vice president, but ALL of the female choices presented to us this year (including your list) just don't cut it.
Shane from Boston writes:
Jack, Don't you have anything else to talk about today? We all know this is a ploy to keep you and Blitzer in business for the long summer months ahead. We all know that it will take a woman and the biggest Obama blunder for McCain to get elected.
Justin writes:
Somewhere in the country, Ann Coulter is drooling.
@jackcafferty on Twitter
Depends on who the woman was.
No. And I can't imagine a female cantankerous or crotchety enough to fit into Senator McCains mold or mentality, except maybe Geraldine Ferraro.
Not at all because once they realize his views on women they will turn against him. For instance just two weeks ago he voted against a bill that would have guarenteed equal pay for women. Also look at how he treats his own wife, he never ever defers to her when they are in public and if you didn't know who she was you wouldn't know it was his wife. Besides who is he gonna pick, Condoleezza? Now that's hilarious.
Jack, McCain wants to overturn Roe V Wade, keep troops in Iraq putting more of our best youth in harms way, drilling on our coasts which will not help reduce gas prices and destroy our environment and continue the huge tax breaks for the billionaires and the corporations with nothing for us working women. How in the world will any woman support that despite a woman on McBush's ticket.
So, no. We women are smarter than that. While I always thought Hillary would make a good president, it was not because she was a woman. I just thought Obama would make a better one.
Probably not enough and if he chose Condi it could cost him votes by making him appear more Bush-like.
Jack,
I don't think it will make any diffrent, Americans are smarter than that, we dont need Bush 3rd term and his failed policies that keep our beloved country like this.
How long are we going to live in fear, Obama is the only person that can restore our respect back and unite everyone.
Obama 08 !!
Yes
Winston-Salem, NC
It may help with clinton supporters but it will worsen his conservative problem
Sure, if she went shopping for him.
because his opposition to choice most women will not buy into it.
Not unless she was Super Woman or Wonder Woman!
Some of the dumbest ones.
Jack,
It is possible that a woman VP choice would get some support but only from those women who share the GOP Pro Life stance and want to see Roe v. Wade overturned. Even with a Femme VP the most die hard Clinton supporters would be hard pressed to support Mccain as he stands for almost everything they stand against. Women ain't stupid, you know.
Pablo
Arlington Texas
Barack's and Hillary's positions are almost identical. McCain's positions are dramatically different than Barack's. If you thought Hillary's positions were correct why would you vote for McCain? What difference would it make having a woman VP supporting McCain's positions. I don't see the rationale for Hillary supporters voting for McCain.
Vote wisely!
No. If they are true to her issues and believes they will vote for Barack. I know the press is trying to push this but it will not happen in any meaniful numbers. But if McCain think he has a chance for Sen Clinton supporters I say let him waste his money.
Some is a relative term. More than two? Sure, why not? Enough to win the election? Doubtful.
Mccain has no chance whatsoever, no matter who he selects.
Jack,
Sure it would help him. There are some very good Republican women out there. My question to you. Is Laura Bush running for VP it looks like it to me. Then he could not say it would not be a third term for Bush but I am sure he would say it my friends.
Paul
Texas
Just Hillary! How simple is it? She won half the votes!!!
Quite possibly a women on the ticket would help McCain. I believe that the right choice for McCain's VP slot will help him more than Obama would be hurt by making a poor VP choice.
I think that McCain would appear to be pandering if he chose a woman to try and get Hillary voters. Not to mention people would see thru him and it would do more harm than good.
Yes.
Its obvious many women do not vote based on policies.
yes HILLARY VP yes sounds good jack....and if i was BILL Clinton i would endorse McCain to that would through all the Obama voters for a loop good idea jack go bill go
Jack,
My wife says that women are too smart to support a man that they know is going to lose.
Jay
La Canada, CA
Hi Jack:
I doubt a woman on the McCain ticket will make a difference.
Ron San Diego
Only if he names her before Obama picks a woman. Otherwise it would be a 'me too' moment. It would help if she were pro choice.
It may help, but it would take a lot of his time introducing her to the American public since there aren't many visible high level women in the Republican party. So in the end it may hurt more than it helps.
Michael
Toronto, Canada
Unfortunately he'd be courting the (dare I say) "bitter" vote and just how large a group that will be has yet to be determined.
Any voter deciding on the issues will look past both race and gender.
Just as there are those who will not vote for Obama because he's black, there are also those voters who would love to throw the double punch of voting in a woman VP (who likely holds no similar positions to their own) AND–here's the best part–sticking it to Obama for having the audacity to jump his place in the mythical nominee line.
It is hard to imagine that a single factor like gender would make a difference. How sad for America if voters fail to think critically about the whole person and not merely the gender.
Sure a woman VP would help get Clinton supporters, as long as that woman is Hillary Clinton! But only Obama has a chance to score that running mate, if he's smart enough to ask...
Chad
Los Angeles
California
Not if they are true Clinton supporters who supported Clinton because of the Issues, like healthcare and a woman's right to choose. A woman would have to be stuck on stupid to vote for McCain.
Jack,
He could definitely get Hillary Clinton supporters.... if he chose Hillary Clinton as his running mate.
McCain needs more than just a woman on the ticket. There is no cavalry comming to the rescue of the Republicans this time around, and they probably know that. If they don't, then they are more out of touch with reality than we could have imagined.
I don't think that adding a woman to the ticket will make a difference for McCain. We don't vote for a vice-president, its the president's platform that we look at.
Well before any woman supports John Mccain, I strongly recommend that women ask about what happened with John McCain's first wife. Also look at his record and stances on issues that women really care about. Even the so-called "security moms" should feel very insecure about a John Mccain Presidency!.
Not really.
Having a capable able, Qualified person to do the job. would be good.
One who can take over if the need ever arises.
If he talked Hillary to jump Parties he would win hands down
Only if it actually was Hillary Clinton. It seems to me that the woman who supported HRC mainly because she was a woman didn't support her because she was simply a woman, but because they thought she was the RIGHT WOMAN for the job. I think selecting a woman VP for the sole purpose of attracting woman voters would simply insult the intelligence of 99% of woman Hillary supporters.
Since John McCaine is willing to flip-flop, say whatever it takes, do anything in order to win, he might as well name a woman to the V.P. spot......and, if he REALLY wants to get Hillary Clinton's supporters on board, he might as well offer the spot to Hillary.....wouldn't that make for interesting debate and show the voters that getting elected at all costs is the only objective in a campaign.
I have believed for several weeks now, and still do believe, that Hillary Clinton would be the perfect VP choice for McCain. They are so much alike.
They might just win and Hillary could very possibly become President as a result.
And wouldn't Bill rush to indorse that ticket?
Jack, presumptive nominee McCain would be smart to just find the most qualified candidate that has no memory of the past eight years of Republican rule. If that is a woman, fantastic. I think the only way to make this a close race is to put the Virgin Mary on the ticket. Even then, I don’t think I would vote for him.
no because she'd still be a republican, and we've seen that game, and nobody want to play!
I just can't believe all the "Hillary didn't win the Nomination-so I will Vote McCain" haters that are still out here whining.
Wake up and smell the coffee.....McCain wants to Privatize Social Security......overturn Roe vs. Wade......fully supports NAFTA and the loss of U.S. jobs.....and is willing go sacrafice more of Our Troops to a War that should have never been waged and fought.
Oh.....and lets remember how he NOW embraces the Bush Tax Cuts for the Wealthiset Americans (you know.....the ones that DON'T need them).
Is your bitterness/vengeance worth losing more Troops ? Losing your job to an Overseas market that is unfair to the American Worker (Don't think that it can't happen to you). Having to retire without Dignity and a way to support yourself because Social Security is Privatized and your money was not invested well and their is no money left?
The only Woman that can help McCain is now firmly behind Obama.....if Hillary ever wants to be Voted into a Democratice Seat (or Presidency) ever again she will have to work hard to undo all the damage that she did when she fractured Her Party.
.......even adding a Woman to Mccain's ticket will do no good.
The only way McCain wins is if there is Voter Suppression and dirt done by the Republican Party (you know......just like what happened in 2000). WE WANT CHANGE......We do NOT want a Bush 3rd Term. Our Country will not be able to survive 4 more years of this.
Jack,
Having a female as a running mate will not help McCain gain any more of Hillary supporters. Hillary supporters want Hillary and they think that by threatening to vote for McCain they are making a statement ...............well the statement they are making resembles that of a two year old throwing a tantrum after they are told no. It is time for these females supporters to grow up. They need a crash course in acceptance.
Judie
St. Augustine, Fl
It would not only help him secure some Clinton supporters, it would also help lock in a good amount of independents.
personally jack i would prefer it if sen. mccain chose colin powell. powell has a lot of integrity, and would give those folks who are voting for someone because he is black a sensible alternative. powell is not your ordinary republican and i believe he and mccain would make an awesome team.
No...but make sure he picks a blonde. I love to read those "jokes".
There is an old African saying which says "unless the rotten tooth is pulled off the old man will keep chewing with caution". mc cain problem is more of adherence to Bush political ideology. As long as he keep supporting Bush´s failed policies, having as running mate the best woman in the universe will do little or nothing to help mc bush during the fall.
Jack:
With McCain’s record on women issues, Susan B. Anthony will roll in her grave if she finds out McCain is attempting to use a woman VP to win over Clintonista gender votes.
How about Cindy McCain for VP. Then they could rent out the VP residence and pay off the war.
Jack, the answer is "NO". However, McCain is doing everything he can and nothing surprises me. If he does think it will help him getting all or some of Hillary's supporters...Let McCain go for it. He will be wasting all his money.
You'd have to conduct a poll asking women "Would you rather have a female vice president or a president that represents your political views." A female VP who undermines women's rights doesn't sound like much of a step forward.
Of course it would make a difference. McCain is 72, suffered badly as a prison of war, and could have problems stemming from those years that might keep him from serving his whole term. Also, he said he would just run for one term which would then give the female vice-pres. a heads up on becoming pres. You really think that we women wouldn't see his choosing a woman as vp as a golden opportunity to break the glass ceiling, especially those of us who feel that Hillary got a raw deal. Also, as to Roe vs Wade, do we really know what any justice may decide. Some justices have made some radical u-turns when they got on the Supreme Court..
Jack,
It sounds like it makes sense, but would any Clinton backers feel that Mccain's issues make sense for this country now..probably not and most female McCain backers don't either...
(A point of orgder for 'dan': Obama was born in the USA, in Hawaii, which is a state. McCain was not born in the USA, but in the Panama Canal Zone, which is not a state.)
One can only hope he selects that Hewlett-Packard thingy who moved all the jobs to Ireland. That would insure Obama's election.
Half of America's Voters are determined to vote their genitals for President?
Is that what you are suggesting?
I know, genitals are important and can be a source of much fun from time to time...but really, are people out there Voting on the basis of who has what in their trousers?
God – if he/she exists – help us.
I think women over forty five more apt to vote for a woman Pres. or V.P. Many who voted for Sen Clinton has seen first hand and thru her eyes the need to support the working family. It doesn't look like men have done a very good job as late. To many men have wanted the American Dream of get rich no matter how you earn it. I think Sen. McCain would be wise in asking a woman who has experience in raising a family as well as being in public service. The down fall of the family today is by fact that to many women have had to work out side the home at the expense of neglecting the family. Not to have more but simple to survive the high cost of living with the low wages and high tax rate for the middle class. Which neither party has had much concern to correct. The American family has been neglected to long for the all-mighty dollar.
Carol
Only the ones with a serious lack of intellect. Unfortunately, as we saw after Hillary lost the primary, there are more of them than I, as a woman, would like to admit...
Forget about a female running mate the only chance John has is too keep telling more lies and throwing more dirt. This is his only chance to win in November by covering up his policies and platform My Friends.
Yes, I believe it would. I have heard from a lot of Hillary supporters that they would rather vote for McCain than Obama.
Daniel from Murphsyboro, Illinois
Jack,just not being Obama,will get him some Clinton voters,and yes a woman vp, would help and if she's attractive enough,might even get Bill!
Yes. Kay Bailey Hutchison would be a good VP choice - solid Senatorial credentials on the military and defense, and she speaks the GOP gobbledygook without that irritating "my friends" condescension. I can't imagine the Republicans would ever put a woman on the ticket, but we seem to be throwing out the playbook this year.
He needs an eminently qualified Republican on his ticket. Not Romney or Huckabee, but someone who would be acceptable as president. That's a far more realistic consideration that many people want to admit. A Democrat will not work because of that fact. And Zel Lleberman is a lousy choice too. Too bad Hoover isn't still alive.
Jack,
I think that if John McCain does in fact find a reasonable female VP it would help him gain some of those Hillary/ Anti Obama supporters. Even that considered I do not believe that John McCain will win the General Election. I do believe it is more than just a gender, age, race card playing here. I think that people, male or female, want o have a president that can make the United States, which is in terrible shape, a better place all together.
Having Carly Fiorina as McCain's running mate would certainly help because she is likely the only person dumb enough to make John look intelligent enough to be President. If you don't believe this then just listen to some of her rhetoric on CNN.
I can't wait to see the VP debate – A woman VP candidate defending turning over Roe v Wade.
The photo would certainly look better. But then she would have to answer to the women of America on why she is supporting a man against equal pay, access to contraception, and doesn't believe in the effectiveness of condoms in preventing the spread of HIV. It could end up as more of a liability than a strength.
The right woman VP might help him get some Hillary Clinton voters, but not win the election. Barring major fraud, martial law, or some such the Democrats will not lose.
Yes, if he changes to Democrat and turns back the hands of times.
McCain has already decided on Charlie Crist, Governor of Florida to be his running mate, so cut your idle chit-chat what-ifs Jack. It does'nt matter. It ain't gonna happen.
No Jack, Clinton's supporters minds are already made up either they will vote for Mcain the Republican out of supidity or they will vote for Obama the Democrate out of common sense or they will not vote at all.
This would be the perfect election year to have a woman as your V.P. pick. We have an African-American at the head of one ticket, and now an exciting, younger, female V.P. candidate running with McCain would be just the prescription for all the "old age" comments dogging McCain's campaign.
My friends.. it does not matter.. like McCain would say.. My friends..
I counted all the "my friends" McCain said the other day, and if they would really be "my friends" he would have this one sewed up..with or without a woman as running mate.
In a word ...................YESYESYESYESYES !!
Y E S
How about someone of either gender who is extremely well qualified with an impecable reputation? The last thing this country needs is another pretender wearing either perfume or shaving lotion.
Yes,
He would likely get mine, depending on who that running-mate would be.. I no longer can support Hilary – she draws entirely too much "sniper fire" her way to be beneficial to anyone's ticket.
Mike
Jack, what woman would want to be on a ticket with John McCain? He voted against that bill that would guarantee equal pay for women. She would look like a fool to jump his ticket. If he does happen to find one, Clinton supporters can jump on the band wagon all they want. It would make them no better than folks voting against Obama because he is black or folks voting for Obama because he is black.
Race and gender should not be deciding factors come November, why? Because neither one fixes our outrageous gas prices, lowers the interest on my college loans, brings our troops home…you get the idea. Clinton supporters with all their passion for their former candidate some of that had to be for actual issues, McCain can not cover up his stances on issues that matter by picking a woman VP.
It may tend to solidify his support with women who already intend to vote for him, but that's it. The choice of a female running mate doesn't change his policy positions.
Well, if he does choose a woman, she'll be a handy excuse to blame when they lose.
He will get some of that vote if that woman is Hillary Clinton.
PC
Atlanta
Jack, I am not sure, should the VP have to assume the President's position would all those Red Necks who see only a strong male in position buy into it? Couple this with talk of McCain being a one term President then the VP ( a women) would be the logical choice to run as RNC canidate. Good idea perhaps not, then again politics makes for strange bed-mates and in this history making election it would seem the thing to do.....go figure.
David
Dartmouth NS
Nice women you reeled out but the problem is that like McCain they lack excitement and can never ignite the flame of womwnhood like Hilary, Obama woman or any other of the democratic beaus. To late in the game to change the mould of any of these republican women from pseudo men to anything else, because that is why they are republicans in the first place.
Jack, that's a great question but I don't think sexuality will make much of a difference, for Senator McCain. His choice must obviously be a younger person, who's respected, for cooperation, on both sides, of the aisle. Old wise one, I think Senator Leibermann would certainly upset the Dems apple cart come November.
Mccain should pick mrs clinton for vp
Unfortunately yes Jack. Hillary Clinton has supportors based solely on her gender, which shouldn't even be a criteria in choosing a president. It would also show that they are not true democrats.
Jack,
After the primary's I decided to become an independent I doubt at this point if having a women on the McCain ticket would make much of a difference. America would not be able to handle four more years of incompetence lying and down right criminal actions against the American citizens!
David
Washington, DC
God, I hope not Jack; not when his voting record on women's health issues (those that aren't specifically related to Women's Choice) is made loudly public. McCain is no friend to women's health issues.
Jack
Certainly especially if its Mrs. Clinton, which I am sure none of us want. Why cant barack pick Edwards, Richardson or Webb ? Anyone of them would help put Obama in the White House.
The sad truth is, yes it probably would. And to me that shows even more, how much dragging out the nomination process the way Hillary did has hurt the Democratic Party. When polls are showing that some (or ANY for that matter) of Clinton's supporters would rather vote for McCain, it reiterates that the Dems still haven't recovered from all the nomination hooplah . I mean come on, with the job the Republicans have done over the last eight years, we shouldn't even be considering what would help McCain. We should focus on what's going to help this country regain its stabilty, and that alone. Much more of this nonsense, and I'm gonna vote for Barr just out of spite.
Unless her name is Hillary Clinton I don't think it will help.
Jack, he might as well try it, he's "done whatever it takes just to get elected" so far in this campaign, why stop now?
When are people going to get it!? The VP spot has no merit on whether a candidate wins or not. McCain will only get those Clinton voters if he decides to change his position on policy in their favor, which won't happen. Obama will successfully get those voters because their mostly democrat and he will get a majority of those that aren't democrat because women seem to get that change needs to happen regardless of political party! If VPs mattered George Bush senior would have never won with the likes of Dan Quayle by his side!
It does not matter if that will help him what matters is that he does have some fantastic women who could be his VP. My favorite is Liz Dole.
Jack.......who in their right mind would even WANT to be Johnny Mac's running mate...man or woman?
-Efren
Phoenix, AZ
John McCain needs a strong VP. Whether it be male or female should not mattter as long as that VP can do the job. As far as a female being appointed, it is hard to say whether Hillary's followers would vote for McCain.
No, I don't think he should pick a woman just to appease Clinton supporters. He should pick the PERSON that will work best with him, male or female.
Depends on who the woman is. I doubt that a Corporate executative would give the ticket any help. I also doubt the Rice would help.
ONLY Hillary Clinton. She is the one who has millions of supporters, and has the experience. The two would be a SUPER TEAM!!
Obama/Hillary 08!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I don't think selecting a women on his ticket will matter all that much especially since he is running for Bushes third term and the Republicans are playing the fear card over and over again
OOPS – you all cut my entry.
Like I said before – Fiorina drove HP into the ground financially. Do we need that in DC?
Kay is a TX Republican – remind you of anyone else?
Enuff said
Thanks
I think so, especially if she is the right woman. His choice should be based on experience, particularly in areas that affect women. It wouldn't hurt to cross party lines, either.
Women should not be for sale, using them only to elect a man for president of this USA.
As a female I would not be hired just to make a company or president look good. We should not be use in any form based on gender.
We need a president that can get us back on track and McCain is not the one even if he had three ladies on his side.
McSame should pick Cindy Mccain or his "ex-lobist...."An other woman will not help him because Cindy might not agree with....
Of course it would help. Unfortunately, given McCain's age and the possibility that his veep will one day be pres, there are a lot of women who would vote for him on that basis alone. I'm voting for him whoever he chooses, but Palin sounds best to me!
As long as McCain has his track record against women's rights, he could fill every post in his fantasy administration with women. I'd bet women are not going to swing for him. unless of course they want unequal pay and accept their body as being the property of the federal government.
McCain can win whether he picks a woman VP or not. He is the best man for the job.
Somewhere in the country, Ann Coulter is drooling.
Surely you're not asking if women who supported Hillary would turn to support McCain if he had a woman on the ticket. Women support a ticket with a woman, no matter who it is? Please give us more credit. I'm all for a female candidate for president and/or vice president, but ALL of the female choices presented to us this year (including your list) just don't cut it.
Jack,
Personally, I think a woman would, for lack of a better term, cheapen John McCain's race. I know the public doesn't want another Dick Cheney, but I also don't think they want a Republican "Hillary Clinton" as VP.
-Logan
Forest City, Iowa
Jack;
I think that everyone has pretty much handed Obama the election, even before it has been run. Therefore I dont think that any choice, whether it be a good or bad one will make a different. I see that most of the comments from your readers about are quoting the Obama rhetoric of the "Bush 3rd term" and not looking into the issues at hand.
Obama's time in the senator, however short it was, was very ineffectual. Look closely at his policies ALL before giving him the election on a silver platter.
MCCAIN – BAILEY HUTCHISON 2008 !!
NOW THAT IS A DREAM TEAM!!
MR OBAMA, ITS HILLARY FOR VP OR BUST!! (SHOW THE 17 MILLION VOTERS SOME RESPECT)
CLINTON DEMOCRATS FOR MCCAIN!!
I think that if the only reason McCain picked a woman as a VP candidate would be to gain some of Hillary's supporters, that would be a poor reason. If he really feels that the woman is the right person for the job, then he should go for it. Don't just pick someone because you feel it will get you the votes.
Having a woman on the ticket is not a garunteed pass to the White House.
No, a woman wouldn't help him. Those woman you mentioned I never even heard of! If he wanted a woman V.P. he would need to get someone that people actually know. However, it still won't help him, because he's a Republican. Need I say more?
If the woman is Hillary Clinton. Otherwise, it will just serve to alienate Hillary's supporters rather than bring them in.
Hutchinson? Please, oh PLEASE! As a liberal, having him paired with an ultraconservative from a state he is going to win anyway will so help Obama. McCain isn't that stupid...is he?
Some of the comment here are amazing. The one that jumps out at me is the Roe vs Wade. McCain is not opposed to Roe vs Wade and has said so on many occasions. Poeple should do the research not just listen to their policticos!
With Republican policies towards women and John McCain's adoption of these policies any self respecting woman would have to be high on drugs to support their anti feminine ideology. If this isn't enough then they should do some research into McCain's treatment of both his wives.
Of course it would
Jack, this is all ***political pandering*** with no real substance behind it.
McCain will say anything, do anything to win, from backing Bush's tax and war plans to flip-flopping on offshore oil drilling.
Putting a woman on the ticket is a desperate grasp at supporters... ANY supporters, since he can't get the far-right (Barr's crowd) and the Bush crowd is minimal (20% approval ratings) and he certainly can't get the enlightened who are ready for change.
It will not make any difference, even if it was Condi Rice, whom I do not trust at all anyway. McCain cannot win-he appears inept, forgetful, and old. His policies, which were once the antithesis of Bush, have swung around to BECOME Bush's. The country will not tolerate another 4 years of this war, this deficit, this thinking. Plus, I don't think McCain respects women enough to be able to work with one. Any man who would date a staffer while he's still married gets no respect from this woman.
Jack, amazing that all of your posters are apparently Democrats. But it makes sense, Dems really care about labels and groups. Republicans want the right people for the job, regardless of who or what they are. The right woman or man on the ticket may help McCain but with the hubris regarding Obama here, you'd never know this is a close race according to the polls!
Yes, I think that many women, conservative and liberal would come out in support of McCain if he had a younger female VP candidate. These women are both successful and strong in their own right, unlike HIllary. I think they would bring some depth and diversity to his ticket.
McCain needs a younger, strong, bright, male running mate. One that inspires hope like Obama. Good Luck!
Are you kidding me with Gov Palin, the woman has a zillion kids, she is young, she is kind, she has a 90% approval rating, a child with downs, a former Miss Alaska contest, served as ethics commissioner for the Oil and Gas Conservation Commission, then resigned her position because she felt they were acting un-ethically, in the state that has a boat load of oil, are you f-ing kidding me why not just run her and let McCains sorry butt roll off into the sunset where he belongs.
I think one woman, Gov. Sarah Palin could do wonders for McCain. First of all the Republicans need a woman to speak to women's issues especially abortion. Also with her just having a fifth child and being a hunter and an outdoor woman, she very well could play to the blue collar reagan democrats. Most importantly it would open the door for women and minorities inside the Republican Party and add excitement to the election.
If those Clinton supporters were Republicans, then sure!
If a woman cares about Roe vs Wade, The Iraq War, the economy and the environment, then it really doesn't matter who or what he has on the ticket as VP.
All I can say is – if you vote for McOld – you better like his choice for VP...
Without question
The only female Republican that would possibly change my vote would be Susan Collins, R-ME. If the GOP ran this pragmatic centrist, they'd have a chance.
I wouldn't care who he picks – he is not on my list nor is the whatever you want to call her Fiora and Baily no way – neither one would entice me at all. In fact McCain doesn't either. I personally think he has lost it. And the media is being too kind to him especially when it comes to the money that he needs to get. Hope he steps down he should not be President. More of the same forget it. Had enough with Bush as it is.
Hopefully, the electorate will vote baised on issues, not gender, color, age, etc. Who knows how it would affect the race.
What if Obama picks a woman as vp? What would McCain do to counter that?
Maybe, who knows, it might be his last best shot for the white house.
No. Did you not notice that there were no women or minorities running in the GOP? That's for a reason. You think those ultra conservatives don't like McCain now? Try putting a women on the ticket when a lot of those people think that Cindy's a great example of what a woman should be...quite and back behind her man. He may get a couple extra women votes but will lose more of his macho GOP base. Not to mention that Carly Fiornia wouldn't back it pass round one in the vetting process based on well documented findings about her. We already have an ex CEO as VP and you see where that got us.
It does not make any diference whether it is a woman or not it won;t help him, especially if it's the Texas senator. He might as well pick Mrs. Bush.
Jack. Certainly either of those two women would be perfect as a running mate for McBush... Ones from Texas and a big Bush supporter and the other was ran out of Packard Bell for aledged wrong doings as their CEO.. Now thats a Perfect republican ticket any way you want to look at it.
I feel that Hillary got most of her votes from democrats that would never vote for a black man. Discrimination is still alive. They showed their colors when they said they would vote for McCain, who is against all that they stand for. So, yes, McCain will have their vote no matter who the vp is.
Doris
Ojai, California
How any woman can be Republican is beyond me . . .
Women are smarter than that, Jack. However, I could hardly wait for the first time McBush's female VP candidate disagrees with him and he forgets she's not his wife and derides her for being an overly made up trollop and a cu...oh...you can't say that word on the air. Never mind!
Oh Please, Republicans treat women like second class citizens. Just ask Katherine Harris what happened to her after she helped Bush win the white house. She was discarded like a hamburger wrapper!
I'm sure McCain would pick up votes if he chose a woman vice-president but my question is why? Do the issues mean nothing to the American voters? This year on almost every issue, there is a vast difference between the two candidates. On one issue in particular, the war in Iraq, it's hard to imagine a person who is against the war suddenly changing and supporting it because the ticket will have woman.
How sad it is to see people so blinded by partisan rhetoric. Reading most of the blogs is like reading any other Dem or Rep talking point website. I am really disheartened at the lack of original thought displayed here. Most posts are just repeated talking points. Lets put it this way, if you think your party is right on everything and the other party is wrong on everything, you might want to talk a long look at yourself in the mirror. Think critical people. But most importantly think for yourself.
I would vote for McCain if Condoleezza Rice was on the ticket.
Probably, but that doesn't necessarily mean that a woman would be the best choice. And McCain doesn't have to make the choice until after the Democratic Convention, which is I believe a big advantage. Hutchison may be his best choice among women; Fiorino could be better, but she also could be a liability. Palin would be interesting. I think he should choose based on (1) experience, and (2) crossover appeal. Best choices: Bill Cohen, James A Baker (despite his age), Powell, Bloomberg, or Petraeus.
It depends on how it's done as much as anything. If it's obvious that he is choosing a woman simply for the fact that she's a woman, then it would be just as tone-deaf as Mondale picking Ferraro simply because of that, and such pandering would be less likely to sway many. Of course, Obama faces the same dynamic – if he chooses a woman (other than Hillary) and is seen to be doing it just to be choosing a woman, then he would face the same problem.
McCain's choice of VP is quite important, because that person will be quite likely to be President – when/if he kicks the bucket...
Though it might help repair his party's dismal image with regard to diversity, I doubt the anti-choice McCain will draw many Clinton supporters by choosing a woman as his running mate.
Wasn't Carly Fiorina accused of some major ethics violations, leading to her "departure" from HP? Or am I just misremembering that because its so likely, considering all of his other ethically-challenged consultants?
It depends on WHY women were supporting Hillary in the first place. If it was because of her gender, then yes – I would say McCain would benefit from choosing a female.
But what many people don't understand is that most women who supported Hillary were doing so, not because she's a woman, but because she (NOT Obama) actually has the qualifications and ability to run this country. McCain already has the support of the women in this category who are willing to cross party lines. The rest of us will not be voting for anyone in November.
No. I think the pressure of society should not influence the VP selection for either party. I think they should choose whoever is best suited to serve the country. I don't think pick a female should be the focal point for either candidate's choice of a running mate.
It would be wrong to just soley choose a female VP to gain Clinton supporters for political reasons with no other intention.
Choosing a candidate because they are female is just as bad as refusing a candidate because she is female. The republicans already have to deal with a TON of this 'reverse-racism' as anyone not backing the democratic candidate may possibly be accused of being racist for doing so.
McCain should select a candidate that compliments his style of government, regardless of race, sex or political party. Huckabee and Lieberman would be my top 2. Trust your guts McCain!! God Bless you, you sure got 'em!
I think it's important for him to choose a women. This isn't 75 years ago when women did not have any experience in these matters. The women you spoke of have been in this race for many years and have plenty of experience. So why not choose a PROVEN women to be VP?? You have to start sometime. Why not now?
Absolutely. Most people are interested in change, and many women saw Hillary as a change from traditional male candidates based simply on her gender. A young women would add balance to the Republican ticket and provide an important perspective for McCain's candidacy. With the Senator's history of independent thinking, I would not be surprised by him picking a women with whom to run. It would go a long way to restoring the people's faith in our political system.
Why would accomplished, intelligent women want to subject themselves to playing good cop to his bad cop. Sooner or later he would get ticked off about something and come up with some derogatory comment that would firmly put an end to the association. He needs to find someone who is younger, personable, intelligent and above all honest (I know, I'm reaching ) who might just be able to out up with his flip flopping and be ready to step in if the circumstances showed themselves. It's time for a change...and having a female running mate does not enitrely fill the bill.
How about Whoopi Goldberg? She's a woman, Black and Jewish. With those stats, Obama won't win one state.
McCain's VP choice is important. He should pick a smart, well respected moderate, regardless of gender. He's got the evangelical vote, why not pick a socially moderate candidate who has good economic sense and can win a state some are saying is in doubt? Johnny Isakson from Georgia would get McCain my vote.
Yes, it will bring in women who are not voting for Obama anyway.
However, it would cost him white male conservative support.
I doubt there would be many Hillary followers jumping on the McCain bandwagon if he chose a woman VP. Doesn't make sense and it probably wouldn't help him just because he "added" a woman to the ticket.
Jack
I think that if someone has the real issues of our country at heart then being a woman,man,black ,white ,these issues should not play into who wou vote for.But we all know especially since the recent primaries they will.
What about Susan Molinari, who helped lead the 1994 Congress to a balanced budget, plus she's from New York. I think she would be the best choice if a woman joins the ticket.
Women who support McCain will support him regardless of whom he picks. Women who support Obama will presumably support him anyways, given that he is pro-choice, etc., whereas McCain is not. Perhaps a few women might switch, but, honestly, they are probably a small minority. To give some numbers, a recent poll in Michigan showed that 15% of voters would be more likely to vote for Obama if he picked Hillary Clinton as his running mate, whereas 19% said they would be less likely to.
So, I do not think many people will vote for McCain just because he choses a woman for VP. If they do, they are not voting sensibly.
Obama '08
Short answer, no.
McCain knows he is fighting a losing battle. his fate has been sealed by our current white house clown. I cannot believe he is even considering Carly Fiorina, the woman that destroyed the HP way and ruined Hewlett-Packard.
McCain aligned himself with George Jr. and now he has to pay the price of his poor judgment. Off shore drilling will fix nothing for 5-10 years and we need solutions now.
Hillary WILL be the Democratic VP, they will bury the hatchet and unite the party and bury the republican's in the grave they so nicely dug for themselves!
Prediction: Another republican slaughter at the polls in November, just like in 2006.
If female voters who supported Sen. Clinton suddenly switch to supporting McCain because he chooses a female running mate then they choose gender over ability. I don't believe that American women are that ingnorant and shallow. Iraq, Recession, Gas Prices, and Healthcare are what will decide this election not whether the candidate stands up or sits down to relieve themselves.
Yeah, Anthony ... Let's all just bury our heads in the sand and pretend that there aren't really any fundamentalist islamic maniacs out there who would like nothing better than to kill as many Americans as they possibly could. That way, we won't have anything to "fear".
Idiot.
Though all three would be great, I'm routing for Sarah Palin. John McCain would be an idiot if he does not pick a female VP. He would not only steal votes from Obama amoung pro-Hillary voters but he will also diffuse the excitement generated by Obama's candidacy as the "first" minority president.
I don't know if any of them would help sway Clinton voters to McCain, but I can't understand why any woman would vote for Obama after his campaign completely disrespected Hillary in the primary. Also, Obama's economic policies and a speedy withdrawl from Iraq which would likely lead to a World War are not in the best interest of women who want their children and grandchildren growing up in a prosperous and peaceful world.
Choosing Hutchinson, Palin, or Florina would do nothing to help the Republican ticket, as all three women are flawed candidates. Though Senator Hutchinson is long on "experience", she is a Texas oil woman. And God knows we don't need any more oil-loving Texans shaping policy in this country.
Additionally, I find it sad that women who were excited about the HRC candidacy may end up jumping ship and support the GOP, the party that has long been hostile to the advancement of women. The Democratic Party has always the party that unconditionally supports women's rights, and those who vote for Senator McCain out of bitterness and spite of Senator Obama are just foolish.
It saddens me to think people vote on gender and/or race.
As long as its not Rice, she is George Bush in a skirt.
I don't care who he picks...I am still voting for Mickey Mouse.
Hopefully, the electorate will vote baised on issues, not gender, color, age, etc. Who knows how it would affect the race.
What if Obama picks a woman as vp? What would McCain do to counter that?
Wow, I didn't know that about Sarah Palin. How could anyone argue against her in a Abortion debate. What a true leader and mother. I think Sarah or Kay would be terrific choices as VP. It would not be considered pandering, but rather a sign that McCain is open to any one for his VP.
I don't think Obama will have such an easy road to November. He still has to pick a VP, participate in "town hall" debates with McCain, and who knows what else is going to be brought out of the past. This election is far from over. I'm just waiting for him to be pictured in a tank with his head sticking out a la Michael Dukakis!!! 🙂
Go McCain!
Condi Rice would get my vote...but probably not the votes of many of HIllary's supporters.
Gene M. – Santa Fe, NM
If the McCain/Republican organization thinks that adding a woman to the ticket will bring over Clinton supporters they are as ignorant and misguided as events have already proven them to be on almost every other issue. A female candidate that they would chose would not represent me or my daughters anymore than chosing another man. A woman vice president or vp candidate who believes as they believe, votes as they vote, represents the ideas and interests they espouse
will not change the status of women is America in reality or in the minds of the mysoginists who still run the --country.That's what we are tired of and we don't like their women anymore than we like them!
Sarah Palin would be a wonderful choice. There is no tearing away the majority of Hillary's supporters, they are too loyal. Rest assured there are some of which who resent Obama for ousting her. I would not choose Palin for her Hillary apeal, they speak to completely different groups. Sarah is, however, in Alaska which speaks a lot to the energy crisis. Sarah also is a Feminist for Life Member which appeals to social conservative, but resignates a bit with some independent woman. The economy is not an exact science and whoever is in power when it is fixed will take the credit and whoever is in power when it flounders will take the blame. She is a family woman and brings youth to the ticket somthing that McCain needs a lot of. Obama has an interesting choice too. Richardson would bring him latino vote which he needs, but a female veep is not going to be Dem this year. For me the more interesting aspect is that of the notion of the first female Veep being a Republican...that flips things upside down a bit and you know Hillary would be unhappy.
This would win him only those Clinton supporters who were voting for Hillary just because she’s a woman. So, I think there would be some but not many. Most Clinton supporters won’t suddenly abandon their moral compasses, lose their bearings and climb on the McCain bandwagon if he picks a woman VP. Now, my friends, that’s sexism! Nice try, though.
Hutchinson would be good. Fiorina should be in jail for the way she mis-managed Hewlett-Packard.
It would be amazing if McCain decided to step across party platform for ALL of America, and ask Senator Clinton to be his VP! That would actually show the country that McCain is thinking of All of America vs. just Republicans.
He would sweep the Clinton vote, and win the presidency.
It is VERY important for the next President to represent all of America vs. one party or the other.
Yes a woman on the ticket would help McCain. A woman on the ticket would also help Obama. There is a woman who's name has never really been considered, who would just about insure Obama of a victory in November. And her name is Caroline Kennedy.
If either cannidate picks a running mate soley based on gender just to get some additional votes, then neither deserves to be president. Just pick the best person for the job.
i cant even believe we are having this discussion.
How stupid is it to suggest that women will vote for mccain because he has a female vp?
Women do have minds and do pay attention to policy, etc.
By the way, Obama has been flipping flopping pretty good as of late to anyone trying to criticize McCain. Everything Obama said during the primary he is now going against....dirty politics, going against public financing for the election, his position on Iran, etc. He is just like every other politician, except he puts up a better front and is a good orator.
McCain will get Hilary supporters because of their anger with the democratic party. I think if we look at the commander in chief issue
that would be a looser for him. Economics is looming large, Mitt Romney is the likely choice.
It doesn't matter, he'll still loose. It's not about McCain, it's all about change. People are yearning for change from the Republican leadership.
Personally I could have been voting McCain but I can't bring myself to do that knowing thatt it will lead to another 4 Years of Republican misguided leadership.
Nash
Newark
Anyone with a spine would vote for McCain. Regardless of who he chooses for VP, he is the better candidate.
Only idiots vote for Obama!
Too much celebrity Jack, McCain would take heat for trying to break up the Dream Ticket by hiring a female VP, some conservatives migt be offended, Democrats would totally be offended and the presidential candidate would be offended for campaigning for him and getting the shaft for people who did not run.
Orange, NJ
Depends on who the women is. Bailey Hutchinson wouldn't make much of a difference, she's a Bush clone and just slightly younger then McCain. People would think that "big business" would be interfering in the campaign if Fiorina got it (not to mention the fact that she is untested politically. Everyone will be asking "so what if she was a CEO?" I actually Sarah Palin, she's young and vibrate but again no one knows or cares. It's like you said, there isn't much excitement on that side of the fence. As a former Clinton supporter, doesn't matter who McCain picks–she asked all of her supporters to support the Democratic Party and Barack Obama, and I will (I'm crossing my fingers that he will pick Hillary or Gov. Sibelius of Kansas.
The woman who would certainly garner women's (and men's!) votes is the woman McCain would never pick - Christy Whitman. Palin would not have the desired effect - no stridently anti-abortion woman would so do. Same comment for Hutchinson - she's got a 100% rating from the Christian Coalition. Fiorina has other baggage - probably unjustified but there - that would be a distraction. McCain's problem is that he's trying to hold the ultra-conservative base while at the same time trying to collect the independents. I'm not sure why he's trying to hold that base - they have no place else to go except Barr and that's unlikely since there's a strong desire from that quarter to vote AGAINST Obama. And the only way to do that is to vote for McCain.
McCain should pick Justice Sandra Day O'Connor. She is a former legislator with an enviable resume and experience. It would take some persuading to get her to join. She would, despite her age, energize the campaign be her mere presence.
Have we not learned from our past?
NO MORE TEXANS
I live in Texas, PLEASE we don't need these people running our country.
Jack, McCain picking a woman would seem like nothing but another desperate ploy to make himself more marketable to Hillary supporters and women swing-voters, as well try to 'fake-it-till-ya-make-it' as a "Maverick" Senator. Isn't "Maverick Republican" an oxymoron????
The problem with McCain is charisma. Any running mate mate he chooses must be able to be charismatic and vibrant and this would represent just about anyone in comparison his monotone persona- even you Jack!
Jack,
Please, please, let's have everyone encourage Senator McCain make Carly Fiorina his Vice Presidential candidate. I would love to see her in the VP debate trying to explain her 21 million dollar severance pay after she was fired from Hewlett-Packard for overseeing the halving of the company and laying off 7000 American workers to ship the jobs overseas. Using Ms. Fiorina and Phil Gramm of Enron loophole fame as his chief economic advisors is just too funny now. The laughs watching Fiorina twist around her "experience" is more than an Obama fan can wish for.
Ron Christman
Washington, PA
Yes, but only if her name is Hillary......
mc cain should pick a vp now before the convention it will invigorate his message and double the amount of effort... true change real invention does not always cost
The choice of VP has little influence on the outcome of the election. People don't vote for the VP candidate. There might be a brief blip
in the polls when the announcement is made, but beyond that,
no-one cares.
Not on your life.
It's good to know there are some women left in the Republican party. I would not count on Hutchinson lining up to be a sacrifical ewe as she has her sights set on the Governorship of Texas. Maybe McCain can put a wig and a dress on Dick Cheney and try to sneak him by once more.
Ray Kinserlow
Lubbock, Texas
No. I don't think it will make a difference.
Hillary supporters tend to react on emotion. For example, many said they would not vote for Obama, and large numbers even said they would vote for Mc. After they have time to cool down and rub their two brain cells together, they will follow their pide pipers (the Clintons) and jump on the feel good bandwagon.
On the other hand, that won't matter either. Obama might have had a shot against Romney or that guy from NY 😉 , but he isn't going to beat McCain. McCain appeals too well to the independants, and the right wing will eventually come to their senses (use their half dozen or so brain cells) and vote for him because he is at least better than Obama, especially for them.
Sarah Palin. She's a rising star.
Gov Palin would be a VERY poor choice for VP. If McCain chooses this woman he will loose my vote and most likely others.
John McCain should choose Hillary as his running mate. That would be the ultimate ticket.
Sorry, I am a proud woman but I am not voting based on gender. I am going to vote for someone who has the right judgement in politics and can speak the truth on issues without flip-flopping. Of all the candidates to date that have shown intelligence, and positive change it is Barack, Not McCain. I was listening to NPR this morning and heard some disturbing news about McCain and his horrible temper. I can't imagine a president who has a hot temper being of sound mind.
A true feminist is one who will not be bullied into voting for another woman just because she is a woman. I will never vote for Hillary or McCain!!!!!!!!!
Jack,I can't beleave a woman would give up her rights to vote for
MCBUSH they worked too hard & long to get them.
Absolutely, yes, if it is the right woman.
I think it is a great idea. Maybe he could ask Hillary, he would get my vote
It would help if McCain kept his mouth shut and his female VP
running mate did all the talking.