Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Thomas makes a depressing case for a McCain/Jeb ticket in 2008.
If he had any other last name, [Jeb] Bush would be a front-runner for the 2008 Republican nomination. But given his brother’s lagging popularity, the name that got Jeb where he is could stop him from going any further.
Diluting that name with McCain’s makes it more palatable for a Bush-weary nation. It gives Jeb a chance to get people to look beyond the name.
If they lose, that sets him up for 2012. If they win, Jeb would fit the new VP mold of an Al Gore or Dick Cheney, an active participant in the White House…
Playing second fiddle allows Jeb to stay engaged while we recover from the George hangover…
As for McCain, his problem isn’t beating Hillary Clinton as much as it is getting to that point. Jeb gets him there. Jeb’s presence eliminates any serious opposition within the Republican Party.
For McCain, the only drawback from Jeb would be if the Bush name penalizes him in a general election.
But come on. Jeb’s dad won with Dan Quayle.
McCain would be wise to stay away from a McCain-Jeb Bush ticket, since if they would win–or steal the election, a Bush family tradition–then my guess is that within a year, McCain would die a premature death of some sorts, allowing the Jebster to sneak into the White House.
Another Bush family tradition.
Greg Bacon
Ava, MO