SANFORD GETS BASELESS NO. 1 SEED, GRAHAM MAKES FIELD
I think this is possibly the most amazing thing I have seen from a mainstream media network in a long time.
In a stroke of genius, MSNBC has created a “Veepstakes” Bracket Challenge where users can pick a winner from a field of 32 potential running mates for Republican presidential nominee John McCain, seeded and placed against one another in head-to-head match ups, similar to the NCAA’s “March Madness.” Users are given the ability to make their selections in the first round (complete with analysis from David Gregory and Chuck Todd above) and, after the results are tabulated, the second round field will be set for next week.
But while the concept is brilliant, the seedings are an absolute joke. Here’s the breakdown:
(1) MARK SANFORD v. (8) JOHN DANFORTH
The channel of Keith Olbermann and Joe Scarborough continues their unfounded love affair with our own inept Gov. Mark Sanford by giving him one of the four top seeds. I don’t know how to get their attention here, but HE DOESN’T HAVE A SHOT!
Anyway, his top draw pits him against eighth-seeded John Danforth, a former senator who hasn’t held office for nearly 15 years. Even against arguably the weakest opponent in the bracket, I’m hesitant to advance Sanford here. But I will because of the looming showdown in the next round.
(4) LINDSEY GRAHAM v. (5) BOBBY JINDAL
This face-off highlights the inherent flaw in the bracket challenge. While Sanford has dropped the ball here at home in order to actively campaign for the vice presidency, Graham has been busy being an effective legislator.
Essentially, MSNBC has weighted this tournament far too heavily in favor of those who have hired big guns in Washington to keep their name relevant. The folks like Graham and others who have been in McCain’s inner circle for years draw a low seed because they, ya know, actually get stuff done for their constituents.
Anyway, the winner here advances to play Sanford and I’ve got to give it to Graham because of his closeness with McCain. Bobby Jindal seems like a good governor, but Graham has an insurmountable edge that takes him to the next round.
I’m not getting into my picks for the second round yet, but the Sanford vs. Graham match up will probably be a snooze-fest after our senior senator rocks the Florida native with a huge lead out of the gate.
THE REST OF THE FIELD
Minn. Gov. Tim Pawlenty, former Mass. Gov. Mitt Romney and S.D. Sen. John Thune fill out the remaining three top seeds. Thune is probably the weakest of the trio, but all make it through against easy challengers. Although, I think Tenn. Sen. Lamar Alexander is highly underrated as an eighth seed.
My biggest upset in the field is seventh seed Ind. Rep. Mike Pence defeating former Fla. Gov. Jeb Bush, a two seed. There’s no way McCain can afford to pick a Bush, and Pence is building his name ID everywhere, including a stop at Friday’s Silver Elephant Dinner being held in Columbia by the SCGOP.
But expect Pence to get crushed in the next round by heavyweight former Ark. Gov. Mike Huckabee.
I have all of the three seeds advancing but, with the exception of Graham and Gen. David Petraeus (who faces former Tenn. Sen. Fred Thompson) the four versus five matches are tricky.
In one match up Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin faces former Ohio Rep. Rob Portman. I think it’s a safe bet that Palin will become the Cinderella of the tournament — and not just because she’s one of only two women on the board.
In the other showdown, former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani grabs a five seed against loyal McCain supporter Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman. I’m giving Huntsman the edge because he brings youth and stability.
And that’s it. You can check out my bracket here.
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Here’s an important piece of advice: If it looks like it’s going to be McCain/Palin anyway (and that should be a “no brainer” for Team McCain), McCain should announce NOW or VERY SOON, rather than later towards the convention. There’s currently a growing chorus for Obama/Hillary (as VP) ticket (in fact the Dems are likely aware of the Palin phenomenon). If the GOP waits while movement for Hillary as VP grows — even worse until after it is solidified that Hillary will/could be VP pick — selecting Palin will be portrayed by Dems/liberal media more as a reaction by GOP selecting its own female (overshawdoing Palin’s own remarkable assets), rather than McCain taking the lead on this. Selecting Palin now or early (contrary to the punditocracy) will mean McCain will be seen as driving the course of this campaign overwhelmingly, and the DEMS will be seen as merely reacting. And, there’s absoultely no down-side to this because even if Hillary is a no-go as VP for Obama, the GOP gains by acting early. McCain the maverick. Palin the maverick. Do it now!
There’s no reason, and actually substantial negative, in McCain waiting to see what the Dems do first insofar as his picking Palin as VP, because, no matter who Obama picks, Palin is by far (and I mean far) the best pick for McCain and the GOP, especially in this time of GOP woes. The GOP can be seen as the party of real ‘change’ (albeit I hate that mantra, change, change, bla bla), while not really having to change from GOP core conservative values, which Palin more than represents.
In light of the current oil/energy situation, as well as the disaffected female Hillary voters situation, and growing focus on McCain’s age and health, Palin is more than perfect — now.
(Perhaps Team McCain is already on to this.)
I believe you will see Hillary run as a ” Joe Leiberman Independent Democrat”. Since he supports McSame that’s amusing ey?
But statistically and historically, all US Presidents have had blue eyes. She’s the only candidate with blue eyes…. so she has the best chances of winning, with or without the popular vote.
Hillary can beat Obama and MCSame hands down.
And nope I am not one of her supporters , just making observations that others ignore.