[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2008/images/08/11/art.leiberman.mccain.gi.jpg caption=" Would you vote for a McCain – Lieberman ticket?"]
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
Joe Lieberman insists it's not going to happen – but people are talking. The former Democratic V.P. nominee – turned independent senator – is reportedly being vetted by John McCain as a potential running mate.
An adviser to McCain tells the Financial Times that McCain "loves Lieberman" and that he's on the short list because he has "never embarrassed anyone, never misspoken."
Some experts have called Lieberman a "near perfect pick" and say that McCain's choice of the Connecticut senator would be "game changing." Plus he would have a fact checker right down the hall at the White House, which in McCain's case would be invaluable.
Advantages to picking Lieberman include his calm temperament and his appeal to elderly Jewish voters in states like Florida. And Lieberman was already thoroughly vetted when he ran in 2000.
On the other hand, it's unlikely Lieberman would do much to shore up McCain's support among the Republican base – a group where some still don't trust him. Some say picking Lieberman could even cause a "revolt" among die-hard conservatives. Lieberman broke with the Democrats on the Iraq war – but has pretty much stuck with the party on all other issues.
One other thing: McCain is 71 and Lieberman is 66, which means the ticket would total 137. That means Barack Obama at age 47 could pick a running mate who is 89 years old and the Democratic ticket would still be younger.
Here’s my question to you: Would Joe Lieberman be a good pick for John McCain’s V.P.?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Dave from Missouri writes:
It would be the winning ticket. For McCain to put an independent as V.P. (of whom Al Gore once thought enough of to make him the number 2 guy on his ticket) would say a lot. A moderate Republican and a left-leaning Independent now that would be unbelievable. Now that is change we can all believe in!
Kenneth from Chadbourn, North Carolina writes:
Why not, Jack? Abbott and Costello, Martin and Lewis, I need all the laughs I can get.
Bob from Florida writes:
Jack, If McSame tags Lieberman as his veep, I am going to become a family of 20 illegal aliens so that I may vote against the ticket 21 times!
Aaron from Hawesville, Kentucky writes:
I don't think it would be in McCain's best interest. He would be smart to pick a conservative economist.
Alison writes:
McCain-Lieberman has been my (improbable) dream ticket for a long time! A campaign to elect two fiercely independent leaders is one for which I would proudly volunteer. In fact, I can't wait to get my bumper sticker!
Alyson writes:
I have voted Republican in every presidential election since 1991. I would enthusiastically support a McCain-Lieberman ticket as would many of my fellow Republicans.
Marcel writes:
Whatever gains McCain would get from the center by choosing Lieberman as his VP would be more than offset by the losses from the right. As an Obama supporter, I like the idea. I think it’s a great way to ensure an Obama victory.
Kevin writes:
The only thing that a McCain/Lieberman ticket would remind me of would be those two old guys in the balcony on the Muppet Show.