Is McCain positining himself to run against President Kerry in 2008?

[Feanorcurufinwe]

Some have suggested that in backing the president so enthusiastically, Mr. McCain might be trying mend fences for a presidential run in 2008. On Wednesday, Mr. McCain dismissed the speculation.

Asked if he had ruled out a run, he rolled his eyes and sighed. "My favorite question,'' he said, sardonically. "I have not, quote, ruled it out. I certainly haven't considered ruling it in.''
http://www.nytimes.com/2004/08/26/politics/campaign/26mccain.html

Sounds like a non-dismissal dismissal to me.

It should also be noted that McCain has in the past categorically denied the idea that he might run for President again. This is a big change from that position. What's changed? My guess: he no longer thinks Bush will be reselected.

[Frodo]

1. I'm even more worried that they're positioning him to run for VP NOW

With all of the glowing comments Kerry has given McCain lately (even using him in his ads), it would be DEVASTATING for Bush to dump Cheyney and pick up McCain as VP. And that would line McCain up as an easy Presidential nominee for 2008.


Right now, even if Bush wins, they have a huge hole in 2008 since Cheyney won't be running. Jeb Bush would be the natural replacement if he weren't the Presidents brother (Governor of large state, generally "southern", Guranteed to win Florida and Texas, reletively conservative, etc.)

[Feanorcurufinwe]

4. I'd bet money against that happening. I'l even give 2-3 odds.

I'll bet you $30 that Bush does not dump Cheney. You'd only have to put up $20.

[Frodo]

11. I think it's even less likely than that. So I'll take that bet on the

other end?

But it's still something that concerns me. Say it's a 10% possibility - that's a 10% chance of us being out of the race instantaneously.

[Feanorcurufinwe]

20. I'm puzzled.

You think it is extremely unlikely, yet you're worried about it? Maybe I'm misunderstanding.

BTW, I don't think it's even 1 in 10, but I'm not willing to give odds like that anyway.

[Frodo]

22. Because I currently see the race as close

If things are "50/50" and a new possibility pops up that is "10%" likely to happen but would swing the overall election to 80/20 Bush?

That drives the overall stats to somewhere in the 57-43 Bush range.


A 1% chance of a head-on collision on my way home from work is still unlikely, but is still WAY to high to play games with.

[depakid]

7. My fears exactly

I've been worried about this very development for a long time- it caused me a lot of grief back when he was supposedly being "vetted" as Kerry's VP.

Even so, I think that Bushco is too insular and full of hubris to pull the trigger on the deal. At least I hope so.

[Frodo]

More than one President has picked a guy he hates (and who hates him)

Just look at Jed Bartlett!

[depakid]

17. JFK & Lyndon Johnson weren't exactly best buddies, either.

[George_Bonanza]

26. Yuck, a mediocre family of presidents... Unbelievable

George H.W. Bush was a below average president that nobody really liked. At least he was passable though. Then came George W. Bush, a way below average president that united the rest of the industrialized (and developing) world in hatred for him. If this is the trend, then I barf at the prospect of a Jeb Bush presidency. Honestly, President Jeb? WTF?

[SoFlaJet]

2. What?

and have Jeb do what George did to him and his family again?They are scum and McCain needs to buck up and NOT waffle on this cabal.One week he's tuff the next him and GW are playing grab ass then today he's calling on him to denounce again

[Jacobin]

3. Sorry. He's not part of the dynasty. LordGodJeb is next

But McCain is free to hug him, kiss his ass, and otherwise prostrate himself before his "betters"

[Feanorcurufinwe]

25. I don't think McCain sees it that way

[lottie244]

5. No, he's prostituting himself to run with Bush in 04 as VP.

Cheney is out....McCain is in.

[madinmaryland]

6. I don't think he would.

If Kerry wins there is going to be another power struggle within the repugs as there was in 1992. Also, in 2008, McCain will be in his early 70's and I don't know how good his health is or will be.

Look for them to go for the younger set of usual hacks (Jeb Bush, George Pataki, E. Dole, John Rowland, Phil Giordano, etc.) Sorry, forget the last two, they are in jail or headed to jail.

:evilgrin:

[iwantmycountryback]

14. I have a hard time seeing Pataki running for pres

I guess he hasn't been a terrible governor for NY but I wouldn't say he's done a whole lot of great things. Besides he's a social liberal so a lot of christian wingnuts might not like him.

[madinmaryland]

16. If the Repub's take a whuppin'

in November, Pataki may be the type of candidate that they would turn to. He has been a very bland (and uninspiring politician), but he really doesn't piss anyone off (except when Al d'Amato was helping him).

[Catherine Vincent]

8. He'll be too old, I believe.

[childslibrarian]

9. I definitely think he is positioning himself

To rescue the Repub party when * loses. No one can say he wasn't loyal and didn't try to get him elected. VP? I don't think so.
Neocons wouldn't allow it. Rudy would be better.

[bluedog]

10. his credibility is shot.......

even members of the GOP think he waffles and is too center for them............McCain can try...........but this little act will bite him in the ass

[yellerpup]

12. He is butt smooching so he can run next time

After B* is deselected, Jeb will be toast. McCain looks ill to me. Not wishing the worst for him, but skin cancer tends to come back & back.

[Demoiselle]

13. Yes but

I'm afraid he's a fool if he thinks the corporate honchos and fat cats will ever give him a shot. Too much of a wild card for them, too much his own man. I know that sounds a little dumb considering how assiduously he's kissing Bush ass at the moment....but no matter how much he grovels, he's not going to get back in their good graces. He's supported too many causes antithetical to the Right Wing's best interests to get them behind him.

[blm]

15. No. McCain will be in a Kerry cabinet. People aren't getting something

about the Kerry - McCain mission. When Kerry wins he will be joining with McCain to UNIFY this country after a bitter election. THAT is why McCain is being visible for the Republicans but will NOT speak against Kerry.

[DrFunkenstein]

18. I Floated This A Few Weeks Back

It would certainly be one hell of a show.

[Calm Like A Bomb]

19. I think Rudy G is setting himself up for a run in '08.

Hear me now, geezers! Dat aminal McCain don't haf the biggies to run agin. Yous nazies can natter down da boozer all yous like, but come '08, me is going west(wing)side! Keep it real and tell me da time. Out.

[Myrina]

21. McCain will be a hundred years old in 2008 ...

n/t

[Feanorcurufinwe]

23. Time warp?

[Bongo Prophet]

24. McCain will consider, Hagel also

If JK wins (hope hope) will GOP try the moderate veneer?
If so McCain and Hagel seem stronger than Pataki at this point.
Also, if Bush loses, will JEB have a revenge Restoration? Not likely, but maybe 2012.
There will be internal struggles in GOP, that we can be sure of, even though they are more pesky when out of (some) power.

Their hate unites them and their egos divide them.
We need to exploit their differences and lever their wedges when possible.

Two terms of Kerry followed by Edwards and we might outlast the F*ckers, and slooowly move the ball.
I'd tell wingnuts to vote for Kerry just to keep Hillary out!

okay then.B-)

[The empressof all]

27. No, No, No---

The GOP will be running Pataki in 2008 with Jeb for VP

End of Story....

Take it to the Bank....