Pawlenty VP shares crash on Intrade
From a high of 30, Pawlenty is now trading at 15. Someone knows something (which is the point of the futures market). The New York Times sums up the Veepstakes so:
The extended summertime silence of Mr. Romney, the Republican candidate, on his choice of a running mate has provided a new opening for social and economic conservatives to lobby for a die-hard member of their movement to join the Republican ticket.
If Romney folds and picks Paul Ryan, he would have to be considered gutless as well as heartless. Chris Christie is being pushed, too (“he’s a fighter!” “he gives Romney backbone!”). Is it possible that Romney actually has no organs of his own? Well, you know what? Everyone has something Romney doesn’t, because Romney doesn’t have a lot to offer. But, remember, any pick other than Portman or Pawlenty betrays panic.
So it is Portman, or a hail mary. I think Palin is available.
I am all over the place when it comes to Romney’s VP pick. I agree that picking someone other than Portman or Pawlenty betrays panic, but it seems like panic time.
The real problem is Romney himself. The man has too many holes in his policies and character to fill. And if there exists a VP pick that fills those holes then everyone will be left with thinking that the ticket should be flipped.
There is simply no substance to Romney. Pawlenty and Portman are pretty boring, and I think Romney needs his VP pick to make a buzz – but not too much. Christie would make a buzz, but overshadow Romney, making Mitt more insignificant. (Is that possible?)
And the latest talk centers around Paul Ryan (Oh please, make it so. Could I be that lucky?). The problem with Ryan is that he actually has a plan – one that Romney hasn’t mentioned much since endorsing it. If Romney goes with Ryan he’ll have to actually discuss something. Wouldn’t that be new and different.
Rmoney told Chuck Todd last night that he wanted a VP with a vision for the country. Apparently, because RMoney doesn’t have one.
I agree with Jason. Natalie Portman seems like a shoe-in.