Right On The Right

I've had disagreements from time to time with Arthur from Arthur's Hall of Viking Manliness, especially since he's been backing McCain since the beginning of the primary process. Now that I'm in McCain's camp, I suppose I can reconcile some of our differences. One place where I really agree with Arthur is on the pick for VP. Via the Hall of Viking Manliness, the case for Mitt:

Mitt Romney is a remarkable man and politician. His discipline, economic acuity and status as a Washington outsider complements John McCain perfectly. Like McCain, he has a proven track record of working with Democrats and the combination of McCain and Romney will prove that the GOP is ready to move past the era of partisanship. Obama and whatever clown he chooses will have no track record of anything. They will talk about change and cooperation but won't be able to demonstrate the ability to accomplish it. Mitt Romney has an established track record of successes in business, management and as Governor of Massachusetts. One of the major assets Romney brings to the table is his extensive knowledge and understanding of economics. When he talked about the economy during the Republican debates he ran circles around McCain, Huckabee and the rest. He will embarrass any Democrat in a VP debate. He would serve as the pitchman for the economic platform which would free McCain to concentrate on the talking points he excels at like freedom, patriotism, duty, and foreign policy.

I've already made it clear that I believe John McCain should pick Mitt Romney as his running mate. Some say he should pick Sanford, or Huckabee, to shore up votes in the South, but I say he should pick an enthusiastic economic Conservative with the credentials and image needed to run for President in 4 years. We will find out soon enough, since FOX News is reporting that the vetting and selection process for McCain has begun:

John McCain will announce the chairman of his vice presidential search committee next week as the presumptive Republican presidential nominee begins compiling a list of names for a potential running mate.

The Arizona senator said he hopes to make an announcement before the Republican convention in early September.

“I’d like to get it done as early as possible. I’m aware of enhanced importance of this issue given my age,” the 71-year-old joked with syndicated radio talk show host Don Imus.

McCain did not name names or offer any other details of his search, but several GOP luminaries, including South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford, Florida Gov. Charlie Crist, Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour, Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty and former GOP White House rivals Mike Huckabee and Mitt Romney, are among several floated by pundits and the press since McCain clinched the Republican nomination a month ago.

I'm sure McCain insiders will be leaking names soon enough, and we'll know whether the former Massachusetts Governor made the cut. Democrats are going to try to exploit McCain's "I don't know much about the economy" gaffes, and I don't blame them, but by adding Romney to the ticket, you have a capitalist intellect to counter that. Romney is the superior candidate of those being mentioned, and I support him for Vice President.

Mitt Romney and John McCain weren't exactly the best of friends throughout the Republican Primary, but they make great allies now. With the goal in mind of defeating Barack or Hillary in November, they're uniting to raise money and kick ass. Via Ed Morrissey, here's the story:

In a show of Republican unity, one-time bitter foes John McCain and Mitt Romney raised money and campaigned together Thursday for a single goal — getting McCain elected president.

“We are united. Now our job is to energize our party,” the Arizona senator said in an airport hangar, flanked by Romney and Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr., an early McCain supporter. Both have been mentioned as potential vice presidential picks, and McCain praised each.

Romney lauded McCain and promised to do all he can to help, saying: “He is a man who is proven and tested” and without question the right man to be president. …
On the flight, there seemed to be little residual acrimony between the former rivals.

They sat next to each other and ate turkey sandwiches. They laughed and talked during the hourlong flight, and were complimentary of each other when talking to reporters traveling with McCain.

First off, I'm willing to bet that relations between John McCain and Mitt Romney are warmer than relations between the two remaining Dems. Second, I love to picture a McCain/Romney ticket, and I think Mitt would be a great articulate spokesman on economic issues. It's nice to see these two leaders getting along.

As the media's been reporting heavily, Mitt Romney endorsed John McCain in Boston today. It was an awkward moment, but McCain talked a lot about standing alongside Mitt on the campaign trail and fighting for House and Senate seats. Mac's devotion to campaigning for his party is admirable. Here's video of the endorsement: