Keep 1600

While there are plenty of issues facing the McCain campaign, one near and dear to my heart is the selection of running mate. Unlike most years, the number two slot could play a pivotal role in this election. For Obama, the right choice could help him overcome his significant lack of experience, and for McCain, it could help alleviate concerns that he would be Bush the Third. To help avoid that albratross, McCain must choose a running mate who can attract Republican-weary voters. There are few Republicans today who can attract the middle. One of them is McCain. Other notables are Arnold Schwarzenegger (who is not eligible), Colin Powell, Mike Huckabee and Rudy Giuliani. Of this list, only Powell and Giuliani could give McCain the “WOW factor” (to borrow from Dick Morris).

Powell would be a great choice, but his fence-riding actions of late indicate he’s not interested in reentering politics, at least not on behalf of McCain. Without more interest, Powell cannot be a serious consideration.

Giuliani, on the other hand, might be a fantastic choice. While most have already discounted him – either because of the poor strategy of his campaign or because he was too much like McCain – I believe Giuliani is now the right choice, for several reasons:

1. He’s got serious name recognition;

2. He’s youthful enough;

3. He puts New York in play;

4. He is pro-national defense;

5. He carries little baggage of the Bush adminstration, but most of all;

6. He’s popular with moderate voters across the country.

With these important factors, McCain would be a fool to ignore Rudy.