Sunday NY Times: Age Likely a Factor in McCain’s VP Pick

[TeamJordan23]

McCain’s Age May Figure in Choice of a Running Mate

By MICHAEL COOPER
Published: February 24, 2008

When it comes to senators hoping to make history with their presidential bids, Hillary Rodham Clinton (who would be the first woman to be president) and Barack Obama (who would be the first black president) are not the only ones. John McCain, 71, is hoping to become the oldest candidate ever elected to a first term in the White House.

The quest to win the presidency at an age when he would be too old to be a commercial airline pilot or even a judge in some states has already led Mr. McCain to adopt a more grueling campaign schedule, and a more vigorous style, than several of his younger rivals. Now that Mr. McCain is the presumptive Republican nominee, political analysts say, his age will most likely factor into his selection of a running mate.

Some suggested Mr. McCain might want to tap a younger running mate to balance the ticket, particularly if he were to face a young opponent like Mr. Obama, 46. Others said his age would simply heighten his need to choose somebody whom voters would feel comfortable with as president should anything happen to him. (Not to be morbid, but eight vice presidents have succeeded presidents who died in office.)

Mr. McCain said in a recent interview that he had not even settled on how the vice presidential selection process would work, let alone whom it might select, but added, “We all know that the highest priority is someone who can take your place.”

The potential import of Mr. McCain’s choice of a running mate has prompted a political parlor game of who would be the best fit for the ticket. Quite a few of the names being bandied about are those of politicians in their 40s and 50s, including Gov. Tim Pawlenty of Minnesota, 47; Gov. Charlie Crist of Florida, 51, whose well-timed endorsement helped Mr. McCain win the crucial swing-state’s primary; Gov. Mark Sanford of South Carolina, 47; and Rob Portman, 52, a former Ohio congressman and director of the Office of Management and Budget.

Continue Reading: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/24/us/politics/24mccain.html?hp

[NewJeffCT]

1. I bet he will pick somebody young

I heard speculation on Condi Rice, too, but she supposedly denied any interest in the role.

[Yurovsky]

8. It'd be hard to pick anyone older ...

I mean, the guy seems fpretty sharp for 71, but he'll be nearly 80 if he were to somehow win and get re-elected (not going to happen, but for the sake of argument ...). A lot can happen in 8 years to someone in their 70s.

Having said that, the contrast between a 71 year old GOP candidate and a 47 year old Democrat should be pretty stark. I can't fathom any VP pick that might lessen that.

[BeyondGeography]

2. How about a unity ticket with Robert Byrd?

[XemaSab]

5. I think the ghost of Strom would be a better choice

:thumbsup:

[BeyondGeography]

9. A young running mate will just make him look older

He should give serious thought to the Byrd-Man. Or maybe do something unconventional like put Walter Cronkite on the ticket.

[XemaSab]

11. Yeah right

Judith Miller is more like it. :eyes:

[BeyondGeography]

13. That was a joke, Xema

and do you really trust Randy John around Judy?

[XemaSab]

17. I'm sure they'd have a.... close... working relationship

And yeah, sometimes the humor around here can be a little dry... I missed that it was a joke. :P

[XemaSab]

3. When do they typically announce the VP?

:shrug:

[NRaleighLiberal]

4. Ms. Iseman is certainly younger. And they are already friends!

[rocktivity]

6. I'm old enough to remember Regan's flirtations with dementia

And McCain's behavior patterns have been a little less than consistent. I've had enough of presidents who don't know how to act and react appropriately.

:headbang:
rocknation

[DJ13]

7. He needs someone OLDER so he can claim to be young

Any WWII veterans still alive and well enough to be VP?

[FrenchieCat]

10. Gov. Charlie Crist of Florida is only 51?

Damn. He looks way older than that! Must be that suntan!

[spindrifter]

12. How about Bobby Jindal--he's young enough.

[TeamJordan23]

18. He is VERY conservative. I'm not sure how he will fare in a general election.

For example, I know he does not even believe in any exceptions for Abortions.

[wellstone dem]

14. Tim Palenty vetoed a transportation bill in Minnesota this week

forgetting the people who were killed when our bridge collapsed.

[roseBudd]

15. Like what was Gore thinking and who failed to sound out Sore Loserman...

Lets see Gore rhymes with Bore
Kerry rhymes with Scary
Billary is a slur that precedes her campaign

Even considering that liberal opinions towards Joe have gone way south since 2000, could Gore have picked anyone with less personality or who could have spoken even more monotonously? Plus he looks like a scrotum. As did Nixon and Reagan

[Faygo Kid]

16. Jeb Bush - tanned, rested and ready.

Yuck.

[TeamJordan23]

19. A "Bush" name would be too much of a burden. nm