A McCain - Rice Ticket?

In an effort to appeal beyond the ideals of both Moderates and Independents, a McCain nomination must ensure for the good of the party and that of his impending nomination, the selection of a staunch southern conservative advocate for the Vice Presidency. In doing so, not only would a McCain candidacy extend the hand of “conservative” friendship to those non-aligned pundits, but also look to further increase the type of expansive support any Republican ticket is sure to need.

Recently a colleague and fellow blogger suggested I take on the challenge of explaining “What are the chances of, and what would the result be, of a McCain/Rice ticket”? Below is my own perspective and subsequent stance on such a possibility.

Initially the thought of a McCain/Rice ticket posed numerous thoughts and possibilities. Would Senator McCain, a long time advocate and spokesman for America's global defense, seriously consider one of President Bush's senior officials? Would Condoleezza Rice, herself an African-American female, be used to help offset the certain racial or gender driven political assaults a McCain campaign is certain to encounter? Or would the sheer presence of Miss Rice serve only to further assist Senator McCain's ultimate claim to Presidential authenticity – love of country, devotion to her safety, elevated patriotism, and the sheer will to effectively demonstrate all three.

While it still may be too premature to tell, one thing is certain, a McCain candidacy all ready engulfed by hesitant conventional outcry, can ill-afford further political set backs. Therefore, as it looks to legitimize its political course, it should look towards the role of Vice Presidential appointee as a way to reassure cautious conservatives, expand upon like minded independence, soothe over moderates, and solidify "right" sided democrats.
Thus, it becomes imperative that as the next few days or weeks unfold, Senator McCain should look to call upon only those plausible contenders, whom have already exhibited the capacity, when called upon, to fully indulge in the skilled political crafts of honored unity, statesmanship, and above all devotion to ones country.

A McCain ticket without such a nominee, will in my opinion not only fail to achieve the type of broad based support one needs to ascend to the White House, but will also lend additional momentum towards an already enthused Democratic Party.

A Rice Rejection:

While it may be questioned by many on the left, Secretary Rice has performed and performed more than adequately, when one considers the many intricate facets the international community has been forced to encounter throughout her tenure. Although many have come to view her stewardship and consequential handling of these and other matters as a farce, there are those like myself who’ve grown to appreciate her and her grasp of such matters, especially when it comes to her convictions against radical Islam and those who practice its unconventional tactics. Even though these and other sources of experience more than qualify her as a justifiable Vice Presidential candidate, it is my belief they could also, if used misguidedly by the left, serve to damage not only her candidacy, but that of her Republican cohort. Thus making a McCain-Rice ticket as un-practical as another jack-ass smoking a cigar in the Oval Office!!

Also it is my belief that if McCain were to extend the offer of Vice Presidency to Secretary Rice, her reputation and admiration with respect to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, would focus to much attention on the lone issue of national defense, a position McCain is already well known for. This idea of a cloned policy point of view, I fear, would serve to allow the Democratic Party and its chosen nominee, the ability to narrowly define the vast Republican platform into nothing more than a party of national security and defense. This reduction of political diversity could also serve to advance even further levels of disenfranchisement within the broader electorate, not to mention the ramifications that could be experienced by those whom over the years have looked to cast ballets based upon cultural, social, and economic values, not just security concerns.

While Condoleezza Rice has gained my support for her role in American foreign policy over the years, my pledge to her as McCain's prospective Vice President isn't quite as sustainable. Although her merits warrant such a calling, I am of the belief that a McCain-Rice ticket wouldn't accurately appeal to voters of a much larger plinth. Thus, I would strongly encourage Senator McCain to target and promote someone who much like Secretary Rice, personifies the knowledge and background to justify such a calling, all the while demonstrating the capabilities needed to bridge the gaps a McCain - ? ticket is sure to encounter.