So, another speculation wagon has left the station. This one claiming that Condoleezza Rice is clamoring for the second spot on the John McCain presidential ticket. Several commentators have hinted around that Rice is the perfect counter to either Clinton or Obama. Although they won't actually say out loud what they are thinking, they are suggesting that, as a black woman, she would take away votes from either Democratic candidate.Surely American voters aren't shallow enough to vote for (or against) someone just because of their gender. And we're all past all of that racial stuff where people will vote for (or against) someone just because of their skin color. Think again.
It was sad to hear statistics after the 1993 election that said that an astounding number of people (mostly women) voted for Bill Clinton because he was good looking. A large number also cited things such as his charisma, posture, and smile.
But don't think that women are alone in this type of voting bias. Testing shows that men who view a picture of someone in a business suit with a clean-cut, clean-shaven look, will judge them as smarter, more politically savvy, and more trustworthy. So, although they didn't vote for Bill because he was a hunk, many men were undoubtedly swayed by his looks.
So, do I think that Condi wants on the ticket? I don't know. I can see her wanting to ultimately be the president and using the vice president position as a stepping stone, but I can also see how she could shun the presidency, much like Colin Powell did. The job is a very tough one. Despite what critics say of George W., he must be given credit for doing the job. Condi is close enough to see what the presidency is like, so she may be speaking truthfully when she says she just wants to finish out the term with George and head back to her teaching job.
On the other hand, she may see that this is the right time for an African American or a woman to become the president. And, it might just be the right time for an African American woman to become vice president. One day, John, if he succeeds in winning the presidency, will leave office. Several presidents in our history have moved into that position from the vice presidential office. Condi might have the chance to make that move. And, since McCain is getting up there in years, (heaven forbid) he could succumb to the stresses of the position and have to step down due to health reasons, or may depart this life before the end of his term.
These are all things that the strategists are looking at. I would like to see Condi as the vice presidential candidate. A couple of years ago, when Hillary was the obvious Democratic candidate, I got excited whenever I heard on talk radio that Condi was expected to run for president. I think she can do either job, and do either well.
Of course, McCain still has to consider the far right base. Putting someone like Huckabee on the ticket as the vice presidential candidate would help secure the conservative right, but it would alienate many moderate or liberal voters who are looking to McCain because they fear voting for Hillary. However, if Obama is the Democratic candidate, we may very well see a McCain-Rice ticket that would secure women, black, and moderate voters, which, I believe, could very well tip the Republicans into the White House for another four years.
We have a few months before the choice is made public, and at this point I think it all comes down to who the Democratic candidate is. If Obama is it, then I expect Condi on the ticket. If Hillary wins, then I expect Huckabee or another very conservative pick.
Mark
Leave a comment