From a fascinating NYT story about John McCain's meeting this weekend with three potential running mates:
Still, Mr. Cain’s gathering comes as Senator Barack Obama appears to have all but nailed down the Democratic nomination in his competition with Senator Hillary Clinton, and its timing suggests an acceleration in reaching a decision that several Republicans said could prove critical to Mr. McCain’s success in a tough political environment for their party.
Um, can anyone name a presidential race in which a candidate's choice of running mate has proved 'critical'? Because I can't think of one.
Still, Mr. Cain’s gathering comes as Senator Barack Obama appears to have all but nailed down the Democratic nomination in his competition with Senator Hillary Clinton, and its timing suggests an acceleration in reaching a decision that several Republicans said could prove critical to Mr. McCain’s success in a tough political environment for their party.
Um, can anyone name a presidential race in which a candidate's choice of running mate has proved 'critical'? Because I can't think of one.
Thomas Eagleton?
Posted by: Larry Miller | May 22, 2008 at 12:19 AM
Kennedy/Johnson
McGovern/Eagleton
Reagan/Bush
Some would say Clinton/Gore
Posted by: bend | May 22, 2008 at 01:37 AM
Well...Eagleton only proved 'critical' in a negative way, in that he imploded and all but took McGovern with him. But I suppose my question is, which VP picks have proved critical to an electoral victory? Not sure about Johnson/Bush/Gore - were any of them critical to the victories of Kennedy/Reagan/Clinton?
Posted by: marbury | May 22, 2008 at 08:36 AM
Johnson carried Texas
Posted by: bend | May 23, 2008 at 03:08 AM
bartlett/hoynes ...no, wait, that was the west wing. i got nothing.
Posted by: zaac | May 23, 2008 at 05:13 AM