Upside: Gov. Pawlenty is on just about every VP watch list in existence, and for good reason. At 47, he’s got youth on his side, and he comes from a key swing state that has historically been a tossup for Republicans. As national co-chairman of McCain’s campaign, Pawlenty is familiar with McCain’s policies and would be a natural to help disseminate the campaign’s messages of fiscal, economic and international responsibility. To many conservatives, Pawlenty’s credentials eclipse McCain’s and he therefore would solidify the Republican base behind the Arizona Senator.
Downside: Even with Pawlenty on the ticket, McCain may not be able to pick up Minnesota, which voted for Gore in 2000 and Kerry in 2004, albeit by slim margins. Although popular within Republican circles, Pawlenty lacks the national name recognition that could be necessary to putting McCain over the top. Like other young running mate possibilities, Pawlenty could hamstring McCain on the issue of experience and his conservative appeal may not resonate with crossover Democrats and independent voters.
GOOD PICK? YES
Downside: Even with Pawlenty on the ticket, McCain may not be able to pick up Minnesota, which voted for Gore in 2000 and Kerry in 2004, albeit by slim margins. Although popular within Republican circles, Pawlenty lacks the national name recognition that could be necessary to putting McCain over the top. Like other young running mate possibilities, Pawlenty could hamstring McCain on the issue of experience and his conservative appeal may not resonate with crossover Democrats and independent voters.
GOOD PICK? YES