Why Lieberman will be McCain's VP

[AltWorlder]

I really want to see this ticket, just for the novelty.  I can't remembered the last time there was a cross-party ticket.  Lincoln/Johnson?  McCain-Lieberman should try to steal the "national unity" rhetoric from Bloomberg and Obama!

[Bay Ridge, Bklyn! Born and Bred]

1. Giuliani, Graham and Crist are unacceptable to the right.
2. Sanford or anyone from the right will be unacceptable to independants.
3. Condi is not a good campaigner.
4. Petraeus is too inexperienced (in domestic policy) and Palin is too inexperienced full stop.
5. Lieberman is liked by Hawks and some parts of the ER. He can also win over conservaitve democrats.
6. He can put states in the NE into play.
7. He won't run for President in 2012 or 2016.
8. He campaigned with McCain.
9. Kristol, Gingrich and Human Events have praised him.
10. Pawlentry couldn't carry MN.

http://thepoliticaltipster.wordpress.com/2008/02/23/why-i-have-just-put-50-at-121-on-the-man-below/

Get real.  McCain will NEVER choose a liberal as his running mate.   Ever.

[falling apart like the ashes of American flags]

True, but supposedly there are different reasons some Republicans want him (which Phil keeps saying, though he never says what exactly these different reasons are.)

Yes, I have, BRTD, and you know I have. I have said he helps among wary conservatives and also helps balance out the ticket in terms of age. I've really had enough of you in general but if you're going to stick around and at least attempt to argue some points, don't misrepresent what I have or have not said. Thank you.

Considering that he's frequently criticized by wary conservatives (see Free Republic), I don't see the first point. One of the things they don't like about him is he's taken action against global warming.

I haven't heard much criticism actually but either way, he'll be hailed by the media as the conservative McCain needs (if he is selected) and that'll be enough.

But what makes him better than say, Sanford?

Also serious question: If Pawlenty was governor of say, Indiana, then would you still back him for VP just as much?

[Keystone Phil]

But what makes him better than say, Sanford?

I don't know that he is actually better than Sanford. I just like him more. I think both would be fine running mates.

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Sure but we do aim for some swing state appeal. Let me just make it clear before you go on your usual rants - I am not saying Pawlenty is the one making MN a swing state. I'm simply saying that he's a conservative Governor from a state that, if anything, leans to the left and while he hasn't won by impressive margins, he has won a tough race in a tough year that few thought he could win. Now, I kindly ask you, if you feel the need to go crazy about that statement, take it elsewhere.

[AltWorlder]

Would the GOP be turned off by Lieberman even further?  What do most Republicans think of him?  Is he respected as a Zell Miller-type Democrat?  Or do they think of him as most Dems think of McCain, as an opportunist weathervane?  Do his liberal social positions trump everything else in the eyes of the conservatives?

[falling apart like the ashes of American flags]

They won't want him because he's only really far right on war/"national security" issues, which McCain is fine to far right Republicans on. He needs a strong social or economic conservative to appease them, which Lieberman isn't.