How important is v.p. choice in '08?

The presidential race continues to be one of the most interesting in decades. Lots of intrigue and speculation surrounds vice presidential choices as the primary season winds down. Here are our thoughts on questions inquiring minds might want to know.

What is the likelihood of Utah favorite son Mitt Romney being asked to join the John McCain ticket?

Pignanelli: Warning to readers: You are about to receive a cold slap in the face. THERE IS NO WAY MITT ROMNEY WILL BE CHOSEN TO RUN AS VICE PRESIDENT IN 2008. Indeed, should McCain enter bizarro world and anoint Romney, it will be a clear indication he is mentally unfit for the presidency and raises questions as a functioning human being. Romney brings nothing to the GOP ticket — he is just another old white guy. Republicans are not going to win Massachusetts or Michigan. Further, voters are desperate for a difference from the Bush administration — which Romney embraced. Although he is now campaigning for something, the best Romney can expect is a Cabinet position (i.e. commerce) or a launching pad for 2012.

The only scenario where Romney may be a vice presidential candidate is if the economy is in such desperate straits that his business acumen would be a helpful addition. But if things are that bad, Republicans will not win anyway.

Webb: Romney is an attractive prospect and is, no doubt, on McCain's short list. Some smart people, like U.S. Sen. Bob Bennett, make a pretty compelling case for Romney as vice president. National Democratic Chairman Howard Dean recently said Romney was the GOP candidate he feared the most in the general election. Still, Romney doesn't help a lot geographically, and I expect McCain will look to Florida or some other strategic state for his running mate. Or perhaps to Condoleezza Rice.

Any chance of Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama hooking up in a unified ticket?

Webb: The campaign is nasty and these two clearly don't like each other, but I wouldn't count out a joint ticket, especially if Clinton is the nominee (which isn't likely). The eventual nominee may feel compelled to seek a combined ticket to unify the party and put the bitterness behind. Clinton and Obama clearly appeal to different constituencies of the Democratic base, and the Democrats need both to win in November.

It's amazing how fast sworn enemies can become best buddies after a nomination is awarded. They may have to hold their noses and bite their tongues, but they will quickly put on a unified front. In politics, today's enemy is tomorrow's ally. Clinton has already hinted she'd like Obama as her veep. If Obama wins, however, it's less likely Clinton would accept the vice president slot. This has been the most unpredictable presidential race in decades, so I wouldn't rule anything out. The Democrats are deeply divided, and Obama and Clinton badly need each other.

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