Barbour has been a great governor and an effective leader. Unfortunately, he does not look presidential. Can you imagine the first presidential debate when Obama and Barbour go out and shake hands? You have an in shape commander in chief versus an overweight one more steak going to kill me governor. Game, set, match to Obama. Barbour would be a great cabinet official (Homeland Sec or Attorney General) just not the #1 or #2 spot.
Governor Daniels brings all the necessary criteria to the plate. He is smart, articulate and can debate Obama on key issues that will resonate with the electorate such as tax reform, health care and foreign policy. Moreover, the Republicans need to do well in the Rust Belt and upper Midwest states if we are to beat the Obama team in 2012.
Daniels would need someone with beltway experience to be his COO and carry out the agenda. The team would have limited time before midterm elections and when they have to start running election again in 2016. Two clear names for Vice President.
One is South Dakota Senator John Thune. He has solid conservative credentials, and he could whack the Dems on spending, foreign policy and would unify the conservative base instantly. In addition, he is vetted and smart. He has stood his own against the likes of Tom Daschle, and he would definitely give Joe “Smiley” Biden a run for his money in the debate. The only negative is that he does nothing electorally. South Dakota is a solid red state with few electoral votes.
The other alternative will be incoming Florida Senator Marco Rubio. Rubio again unites the conservative base, but he will bring instant appeal among Latino voters who traditionally side with Republican voters on social issues. In addition, he can put the key state of Florida in the Republican electoral chest. The only negative is that he would only be a year in the Senate before being picked, and he might have his own agenda that would differ from President Daniels.
Daniels-Thune or Daniels-Rubio? It will be a great ticket, and it will have the Dems shaking in their boots.
