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8/3/2007
Vice President Tommy
I saw it again yesterday. This time on NPR.org. And this time, Ken Rudin was answering a reader’s question – What about a Thompson and Thompson ticket?
Most Wisconsinites who bother to offer an opinion on the matter say Tommy is a take-charge guy – certainly not the second-in-line type. And certainly not a guy that sits around for four years looking for something to be important about. What columnist Rudin says is “Some people seem destined to be vice president, or lieutenant governor, or work for Avis. Not Tommy Thompson.”
So... Thompson and Thompson on a bumper sticker may be a bit of a reach. The Popular Progressive suggests “T ‘n T – They’re Dyn-o-mite!” Hmmm. Kind of corny. (Is that how Progressives think?)
Slogans, buttons and bumper stickers aside, how many times have you heard Tommy talk about his Midwestern roots, his close Midwest connections and sneaking in mention of the last two presidential elections hinging on the embattled states of the upper Midwest? IowaPolitics.com observes that this discussion of “electability” is part of most every speech Tommy gives, urging voters to “think strategically and caucus for him in January.” [Emphasis is mine.]
Thompson is seen as competent, an experienced executive, a talented politician, conservative but not an ideologue. Much as he’s not being heard, he has formulated and communicated good ideas – his claim to fame – “I’ve got ideas.”
Okay, so he’s running at 2% in Iowa. But his ideas are being taken seriously.
So this, in a discussion on a Romney blog about the candidate that would best complement Governor Romney, both geographically and philosophically:
“There is one name that floats to the top of the pack. He's a successful governor, leading the country on conservative bedrocks such as school choice and welfare reform, he's worked in Washington as a cabinet official (even earning a little experience within the War on Terror), he's from upper-midwest where he continues to be popular. His only downside is that he'll be, perhaps, too old to run for his own term in 2016. However, I somehow doubt the Republican party can hold on to the White House for 5 consecutive terms anyway. Gov. Tommy Thompson would be the ideal running mate.”
What do you think?
COMMENTS
The possibility of Tommy Thompson being given the VP nod is remote at best.
Putting aside his success in Wisconsin, Thompson didn’t exactly light the world on fire at HHS or even as chairman of Amtrak. His presidential campaign has been anemic on its best days and downright ugly on its worst (and these days usually coincide with the televised debates). There are more than a few DC prognosticators who think Tommy ’08 will close up shop after a disappointing showing in the Ames straw poll a few weeks from now.
Thompson is something of yesterday’s news. In a future Republican administration he might be able be able to wrangle another cabinet position (Secretary of Transportation, maybe?), but not VP. The GOP will be looking for someone young, vigorous, and on the up and up.
Yeah, I'm with you. JE
Jb (Fri Aug 03 13:25:15 2007)
Tommy's campaign for the presidency has thus far been painful to watch (despite his solid qualifications) and will hopefully be over soon after the Ames straw poll. His idea for Iraq (holding a referendum there to determine whether US troops should stay or go) deserves much more attention than it has gotten. Also, his expertise on health care would be valuable as it looks like this will be one of the defining issues of the 2008 campaign.
But, boy, has Tommy ever flubbed it in the debates. Nothing he says resonates. It all sounds very canned. I'm sure he's a much better campaigner in person at small events in Iowa, but to be president in this day and age one has to have at least a minimally engaging television presence. Tommy does not.
Even vice president is a huge stretch for Tommy. Getting regional balance on a ticket hasn't been a big concern in the past few presidential contests. And even if the Republican nominee, whoever he may be, wants a Midwesterner to fill out the ticket, he should look one state over to Minnesota's Tim Pawlenty.
Tommy's political future (if he still wants one) lies in Wisconsin. I'm still miffed that he didn't run against Kohl last November, which would have been a race he could have won. In 2010, both Doyle and Feingold will be up for reelection and Tommy could probably beat either. If he wants to get back into politics, taking on one of those two would be the best way.
Justin (Mon Aug 06 08:40:17 2007)
Thompson had 2 chances for the senate that were winnable. Why follow someone who stays on the sidelines and let's others fight?(and lose) The Senate is not good enough for him but the WH is. He would not lead but we are expected to follow? I could care less what he does in 2010. Like most politicians he is out for himself. Good riddence.
Yes Curt, I agree. He who hesitates loses political power very rapidly. JE
curtw (Tue Aug 14 11:49:54 2007)
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