Upside: Although he ran for vice-president under Democrat Al Gore in 2000, Lieberman has since split with the Democratic Party and now registers as an independent, which would help McCain prove his bipartisan credentials. McCain and Lieberman have a proven track record of accomplishing legislative goals and undoubtedly would severely undercut Obama’s shaky alliance with Clinton supporters. His name on a Republican ticket would score big points with crossover Democrats and independents and reopen fresh wounds from the Democratic primary battle. If McCain names Lieberman as his running-mate before the Democratic National Convention, it could cause severe problems for convention delegates who supported Clinton in the primary.
Downside: Lieberman’s presence on a Republican ticket would undoubtedly rankle the ire of McCain’s conservative backers and cause untold problems within the Republican ranks. Despite his split with the Democratic Party, Lieberman is still seen as a liberal by many Republican insiders and his status as vice-president would cause considerable partisan confusion if something should happen to McCain after Jan 21, 2009. Although McCain’s path to the nomination is secure, adding Lieberman’s name to the ticket could very well disrupt the Republican National Convention in September, where Republicans need to show party unity. Finally, a McCain/Lieberman ticket would undercut McCain’s conservative credentials, and validate once and for all conservative speculation that McCain isn’t one of them.
GOOD PICK? NO
Downside: Lieberman’s presence on a Republican ticket would undoubtedly rankle the ire of McCain’s conservative backers and cause untold problems within the Republican ranks. Despite his split with the Democratic Party, Lieberman is still seen as a liberal by many Republican insiders and his status as vice-president would cause considerable partisan confusion if something should happen to McCain after Jan 21, 2009. Although McCain’s path to the nomination is secure, adding Lieberman’s name to the ticket could very well disrupt the Republican National Convention in September, where Republicans need to show party unity. Finally, a McCain/Lieberman ticket would undercut McCain’s conservative credentials, and validate once and for all conservative speculation that McCain isn’t one of them.
GOOD PICK? NO