In reviewing all the possible choices that John McCain would make, it seems to me that speculation seems to be centering around four people -- two men and two women -- Sarah Palin, Mitt Romney, Tim Pawlenty, and Condi Rice.

I firmly believe Tim Pawlenty, though a competent governor, would be the disaster pick. If he is picked, I can imagine a collective "yawn" from the nation. First of all, he's not even that popular in Minnesota, where a poll indicated more Minnesotans would be less likely to vote for him than to vote for him -- so he actually would help Obama win Minnesota, not McCain. Though I'm sure McCain likes him, what does he had to the ticket? Nothing in my mind, and McCain needs to be mindful of the political consequences of such a choice. He is, right now, like it or not, the underdog and Pawlenty would do nothing to help that image -- in fact, he would enhance it.

Condi Rice would be an incredibly courageous pick and clearly would create a media sensation. I personally have always liked the idea and if Bush was any more popular than 30%, I think she'd be a shoo in. She is helped by the fact that we are now winning the war, and I think in the end the public would trust her with the nation...and like Obama, her winning the VP slot would be historic for blacks. The drawbacks are -- one, she's not been vetted as to many of her views on domestic issues, which are more moderate than not, which would potentially be harmful in McCain's courting of conservatives. Again, like it or not, McCain's campaign isn't exactly setting the world on fire right now, and Condi would be a risk -- would she motivate the masses or make the conservative base more upset? Hard to say. I'd like the choice but not sure that all would. If Condi were firmly pro-life, it would be a different story. Being at a crossroads in our nation regarding the life issue, however, I think that it is important to have someone who can speak on the issue, and speak well.

That brings us to Sarah Palin, the dynamic and gorgeous governor of Alaska. In my view, she would be a "home run" pick. She would motivate women, conservatives (she is rabidly pro-life) and be able to talk with authority on the energy issue, which is the predominant issue on Americans minds. She has been an executive, like Pawlenty, and has been courageous in dealing with lack of ethics in her state (despite what a poster in another thread says -- she may ruffle feathers but that's the sign of leadership to me, not a weak leader). Her ONLY drawback is that she is only recently elected and you could make a case she needs more high level experience. I dont think its much of one, but in the "readiness to be president" issue, I could see it hurting her.

That leaves us with Mitt Romney. Though not a home run or buzz-generator like Palin or Rice, he is a solid pick who would bring conservatives on board and bring crediblity on a host of issues. While the flip flop charge may hurt, I dont think it would as much in the #2 spot. He would also help win Michigan, Colorado, and bring a boatload of bucks to the campaign, which McCain sorely needs if he is going to win. Romney talks well, has no baggage family wise, and is a likeable fellow that I think creates the perfect #2. Also, I have no doubt he could take over if he had too. He is, what I call, the "safe choice" that brings a lot of positives with limited negatives, unites conservatives, and doesn't have the snooze factor of Tim Pawlenty.

So, I say -- while outside of Pawlenty, I would be thrilled with any of the above, and while my dream choice would have been our man Fred Thompson, I hope that John McCain picks Mitt Romney -- simply because he helps create a clear path to victory while also providing competent leadership to the job at hand.

MCCAIN/ROMNEY '08!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!