Deseret News | Mitt would be 'honored' if v.p. choice

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Mitt would be 'honored' if v.p. choice

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Spanky | 9:05 a.m. March 12, 2008

I think everyone should vote for the Romney/McCain ticket. All of us right thinking people here in Utah know a good man when we see one. If he's LDS, he's a good man, plain and simple, so we all vote for him regardless of what his political history has been. Who cares about his political history or what he's supported in the past. That's what we're told to do, and that's what we do. Not only that, it would put Mitt 2nd in line for the presidency so that in case anything happened to McCain, who's an old guy, the one mighty and strong could take his place.

non-southerners... | 9:09 a.m. March 12, 2008

...who have never experienced it have no idea have deep seated bigotry against LDS is. It would be interesting to see if Southern Baptist could bring themselves to vote for a ticket with Romney on it, even in #2 spot. (I think national pundits also don't realize the extent and visceral nature of the loathing some evangelical elements have and it threw off their ability to predict how well or poorly Romney would do in some states. Huckabee was more about spoiling Romney than anything else, the seething resentment was palpable.)

Re: Josh Tan | 9:12 a.m. March 12, 2008

I think writing a whole book on ways we could improve our country and actually trying to understand the common people of our country instead of just rich, corporate types, then having the last sentence of that book be "I love this country" says affirmatively that Barack Obama's loyalty is with the United States. You have no understanding that it takes more than waving a flag at a Fourth of July parade to show real respect and loyalty for our country.

Comments continue below

Edith | 9:16 a.m. March 12, 2008

I will be supportive of McCain should he have Mitt Romney has his VP. The experience that Mitt has regarding finance and respose to crises situations would be most beneficial to the US. Also, I have grave concerns about McCain's age and Mitt would be available to replace McCain with no problems. Then he could run again in 2012 for a second term. The US needs the conservative values that Mitt brings to the office. Go Mitt.

Josh R | 9:20 a.m. March 12, 2008

I find it amusing when people say that Obama is just a rock star who has no solutions. So let's look at this for a minute. For the last 8 years we've had a Republican in the White House, and a Republican controlled congress, who have brought the US to new all time lows. Republicans have created the mess we're in. And now Republicans complain that Obama has no solutions to the problems they've created? Ok, let's hear it. Bush and the Republicans aren't responsible. Some unseen force is. You know that old saying......."the definition of stupidity is someone who keeps doing the same thing over and over again and expects different results." Well, it's pretty clear that there's a new, large number of American voters who are tired of the same old thing. They want enthusiasm, change, and hope. Obama offers that. And when you have hope and enthusiasm, and the support of the American people, you can solve a lot of problems that old, stick in the mud, do the same thing, afraid of change people can't. So get used to it. Obama will be the next president of the US.

RPH | 9:21 a.m. March 12, 2008

Dream on people. McCain hates Mitt. Not going to happen.

It would all be in vain anyway.

Obama in 2008.

Raymond Takashi Swenson | 9:26 a.m. March 12, 2008

McCain and Romney together outpolled Huckabee in Southern states. The other leg of the Republican geographic base is the interior West, where Romney outpolled McCain and Huckabee together except in Arizona. Huckabee is definitely not conservative in his economic views.

How much would religion be a factor for Romney as a VP candidate? Romney received many votes from Catholics and Evangelicals. McCain's endorsement would assuage the concerns of others. Mormons serve in the Senate and in presidential cabinets without objections from Evangelicals. Being VP is a smaller step up from that, and I think there will be fewer concerns about a Mormon VP, who has little independent power, than a president. Once Romney has served as VP, if he becomes president through McCain leaving office, Romney's service will have demonstrated that he is not the kind of threat to Evangelicals that they fear.

One wonders if some Evangelical opposition to a Mormon candidate is out of fear of retaliation for the anti-Mormon propaganda that many Evangelical churches publish. Psychologically, when people have harmed another group, they need to justify their own actions by painting the group as deserving of discrimination. Discrimination (the action) begets prejudice (the emotion and attitude).

Anonymous | 9:32 a.m. March 12, 2008

I keep seeing comments about how Mitt can't serve because he is a Mormon... I though we were talking about Vice Presidential candidates, not ministers.

I know, I know. The Primary experience proved that his religion does make a difference, but remember that in the republican winner take all method of choosing a nominee, Mitt got a lot of votes in the states he lost, rarely losing by more than a few percentage points. He kept coming in second, while McCain, and occasionally Hukster, traded off first, and third. If you put together the states that McCain won, with the states where Romney came in either first or second... the support from all subgroups in the republican party would be overwhelming.

I know its not as simple as I make it sound, but the point is still on target. together they would have the potential to unite the conservative base with the more moderate part of the Repubs to make a formidable team.

george | 9:42 a.m. March 12, 2008

SCAREY !
how to bring disrepute to a somewhat honorable republican - Let McCain find a good running mate.
Mr Romney would be another Cheney - just looking at lining his own pockets.

ITS THE ECONOMY STUPID | 9:45 a.m. March 12, 2008

None of the presidential candidates are qualified to fix our economy which is the biggest problem our country faces. Mitt can bring those skills needed to do this and makes the ticket much stronger. I have heard over and over that Republicans will not vote if McCain doesn't have a strong economic minded VP candidate. Mitt is the answer.

Mohan | 10:08 a.m. March 12, 2008

Funny to think Mitt wants the Oval Office for money. It will be the biggest pay cut of his career. I know you think he is dumb, but please...

Go Mitt. America needs you.

Re: Bob G | 10:33 a.m. March 12, 2008

Ok, I'll feed the troll. As stated by others, if you really think that Mitt has no character and just seeks for financial gain, you must have a sad and cynical life. There is and never was any financial gain for someone in Mitt's position to run for president or be the vice president. His net worth is in the 100s of millions of dollars. There's no way being president would have increased his net worth. It's also sad that the one candidate with real character (i.e., Mitt) - although Obama and Paul both have good character as well - is the one whose character was the most attacked. Some people wouldn't recognize character if it picked them up off the ground, dusted them off, bound their wounds, and took them to a hospital. How you view other people's motives says more about your motives than theirs.

Anonymous | 10:33 a.m. March 12, 2008

McSame ChRomney '08!

Joe Moe | 10:39 a.m. March 12, 2008

I still, for some reason, am constantly amazed at the level of anti-McCain sentiment on this board. I, as a life-long GOP moderate, have been a fan of McCain since 2000, and I've watched over the years since has his stances on issues have almost exactly mirrored mine. He has practical positions on immigration and taxes, has worked to settle down campaign finance, and (most importantly to me) a has deep-seated disgust with pork-barrel politics and government waste. His "ready on day one" commander-in-chief ability is an added bonus. He'll take on anyone, even those in his own party, when he sees they're wrong. He's a leader.

Marcus | 10:50 a.m. March 12, 2008

So right Jud,

"Hold your noses and vote?" WHAT?! Here are two guys who thinks torture of human beings is an American thing to do. How far have we fallen?

Double Guantanamo, Use torture, Enlarge the military, Spend even more on weapons. Isn't half of the worlds military spendings enough?

The torment of tortured American prisoners are literally fading in and out of the image of people holding "their noses to vote".

Help us!

Utah Valley Resident (original) | 11:04 a.m. March 12, 2008

This political race for president is all about winning for the republicans. Those who suggest they would have a problem voting for McCain even with Mitt on it; or having to hold their nose when they vote for McCain under a no Mitt scenario as V.P. are just out of it. I can't believe that there are any republicans in the country, particularly in Utah would vote for a democrat in the general election, and still say they are republican. That is just crazy. What both Clinton and Obama are saying they would do if they were to become president is just mind boggling. They both are left-wing liberals who want to increase taxes and more control of the federal government over our lives. We have a liberal stranglehold now in Washington....showing an inability to solve the energy problem, the whole array of issues that need addressing. We have a stalemate becasuse of special interests, and crazy ideas that are anti-american. I for one do not want higher taxes and mandates to incumber the American people and the economy as we go forward. We cannot afford to let the democrats take control of the presidency in addition to the congress.

hogwash | 11:20 a.m. March 12, 2008

I guess dumbbells will always be dumbbells. There is no way McCain will choose Romney. Doesn't matter anyway as the Repugs are going down.

"Christain" conservatives | 11:24 a.m. March 12, 2008

The CC's insults of Romney are one of his greatest endorsements. If they you can tell a man by his enemies, Mitt is standing on high ground. Put Huckabee on the ticket and Utah will vote for Obama. I will be looking for an Obama bumper sticker. We do not need a red neck VP.

Anonymous | 11:29 a.m. March 12, 2008

Pretty boy Romney flip flops yet again.

Keith Holdaway | 11:30 a.m. March 12, 2008

Who has had the most success and experience in changing that which is broken? Obama is a fantactic public speaker but very poor at being specific at all about what and how he will change things...Mitt has been a master in the private, public (SL Olynmpics) and as Gov of Mass. Actions to me speak much louder than words....

I'm sorry | 11:41 a.m. March 12, 2008

I'm sorry . . . I didn't read all the comments--I felt like I had to add my own first. I love Mitt and voted for him proudly. But now I'm wondering if he really is the flip flopping panderer McCain and the rest labeled him as. After all the fighting, would he really want to be McCain's VP? Why give the crusty old man so many complements? Mitt just wants power.

BobP | 11:49 a.m. March 12, 2008

The religious right and the southerners will not vote for a black or a woman. They still feel betrayed by "yankee" Democrats.

I think a McCain and Romney ticket could do very well. They will not lose the south and they could regain some of the west coast and the north.

Jake | 11:46 a.m. March 12, 2008

Romney was easily the most politically malleable politician in the 2008 presidential race. At one point in the race Romney referred to McCain as everything that was wrong with Washington and called him a "liberal democrat". Romney's subsequent endorsement of McCain (as well as his suplication to be his VP) either means one of two things: 1) Romney was willing to say whatever to try to win an election or 2) Romney will sacrifice principle for political power. In either case, Romeny has shown that he is a politician par excellence.

Re: utah valley resident | 11:57 a.m. March 12, 2008

I really could care less if you make over $200,000 a year and your taxes go up. Why should you have a lower tax rate than I do because you are rich? It was COMPLETELY unheard of and irresponsible to lower taxes during a war the way the War and Spend Republicans did. Just look at the national debt. Republicans voting Democrat? It just goes to show that people aren't as conservative as they've been raised to believe they are. I thought the conservatives were the good guys when I first voted for president 16 years ago. The name sounds like they must be the good, pure party, right? That's what I thought as a young LDS girl. Then I started paying attention to the world around me and as an LDS woman I find little reason to ever vote for the Republicans.

The problem, Joe Moe . . . | 11:52 a.m. March 12, 2008

. . . is that you're talking about the pre-2004 McCain (someone I could support at the time). Then, in 2004, he prostituted his political soul to the right wing authoritarian extremists. Now he's just a politician who is channelling little Georgie Bush. Instead of potentially being a solution (as he was in 2000), he now says he just wants to continue the bankrupt policies that caused the problems we now face. Right wing authoritarian extremists have put the USA in the mess in which it finds itself now . . . we really don't need more of the same inflicted on us for another 4 years.

ANYBODY BUT McCAIN is the correct vote this November. And then, hopefully, someone will be able to clean up the horrendous mess inflicted on this country since January 21, 2001.

W. Snitzel | 12:18 p.m. March 12, 2008

Mitt's not flip-flopping by supporting McCain. If any of you watched the interview last night you'd know. He still says that he and McCain disagree on many issues. But McCain is closer on the issues, especially the important ones, to Romney than either of the Chiwahwah's on the left. He and McCain had their issues, but as a true patriot, Mitt acknowledges that our country would be better off with McCain in the White House than either Obama or Clinton. Some of us may disagree with him on that issue, but he's not flopping at all. If you were to ask him when he was still in the race who he'd vote for between McCain and Obama/Clinton, he most assuredly would have replied "McCain".

Ello | 12:32 p.m. March 12, 2008

All I read and here in Utah is about the "Liberal Media and it's agenda". Are you conservatives that moronic that you don't realize that both the parties have an agenda and a Media market?
I for one will continue to read the Deseret News for laughs, and i will stick to NPR for my news.
The beautiful thing about NPR is that they allow the listener to make up their own mind.
Try it sometime, it is much more liberating than having an idiot like Sean Hannity tell you what to think.

LDS Democrat | 1:16 p.m. March 12, 2008

Geez Mitt! Aren't you the guy that warned us about McCain being a dangerous old liberal (shudder)? Is there any way the wind might blow that you wouldn't follow? Maybe Obama should consider asking Mitt to run with him. I'll bet Mitt could become a die-hard "conservative Democrat" if he wanted to. He's got more personalities than Sybil.

Rick | 1:30 p.m. March 12, 2008

The whole election hinges on whether Hillary steals the democratic nomination from Obama. If its McCain against Hillary then the few extra percentage points McCain would get by including Mitt as a VP would help him. However, if it is McCain against Obama, it won't matter who McCain picks as his VP. Too many people hate Bush to want to vote for any Republican, but there are also a ton of people who simply won't vote for Billary. I honestly don't think she can be elected president despite the anti-Bush and anti-Republican feelings around the nation. On the other hand, regardless of whether he's all fluff or not, Obama is considered a fresh face and his nomination would guarantee a Democrat in the White House (not to mention a Demo controlled house and senate). Any Democrat that votes for Hillary isn't using their head. And any Republican that can vote in the Democratic primary would be wise to use their vote for her.

Re: spanky | 1:44 p.m. March 12, 2008

Nobody is being told to vote for Romney. Give it up. You seem to believe that if you post a comment, it's true. Stop spouting false facts.

Jema | 2:18 p.m. March 12, 2008

Ron Paul is the ONLY conservative choice. How can you all live with yourselves voting for the male version of "Hillary Clinton"? McCain is as liberal as it gets. Shame on you all.

Seattle | 2:30 p.m. March 12, 2008

I have my doubts. I dont think McCain will really consider Romney. Besides, when McCain passes amnesty for illegal aliens what would Romney say?

Romney also has his problems. I am afraid he is the Senator Kerry of the Republican party. Unless he is talking about money he just doesnt come accross as sincere or principled. I dont know what it is but that is how he sounds.

Romney should have emphasized how the economy is as much a part of the war on terror as war is.

To McCain, military is always the first option. For Romney, he wants to be tough so he talked about war a lot also. I think he should have emphasized progress n Irag and that he brought other options other than military.

Who are YOU Kidding | 2:46 p.m. March 12, 2008

i love these comments, who does Utah think its kidding, for my entire life they have only voted one way -Republican, end of statement. Good grief if Pluto was on the Republican ticket Utah would vote for him, even former Gov. Spitzer could get elected on the Republican Ticket. I am a pure bread democrat and proud of it and for one I am sick and tired of my vote counting for nothing. Its time we modified the voting law where one vote counted for one individual not a winner take all attitude. Being a NON-Rigth to Work State must tell you somehting about Utah, low wages accross the board and that one you can thank the great Republican Party and Orrin Hatchet Man Hatch. I am glad I moved out of Utah to the real world and now when I vote it counts, I may not win but atleast my vote is not tossed in the garbage like it was when I lived in Utah. Utah would vote in a dead cat if it was on the Republican Ticket.

Roger | 3:02 p.m. March 12, 2008

If McCain isn't smart enough to choose a better VP than Romney then he sure isn't smart enough to be president.

W. Snitzel | 3:04 p.m. March 12, 2008

Re: Who are YOU Kidding...

That's because a dead cat is better than any pure "bread" liberal. The greatest thing about it all is that all Utahns who vote republican have every right to do so. Just like everyone where I live in Connecticut has the right to vote Liberal. What's the word I'm looking for here.... Oh yeah... It's called Democracy.

Tai H. | 3:07 p.m. March 12, 2008

If John McCain added Mitt Romney to the GOP ticket, it would be the final nail in the coffin for the Goldwater/Reagan era of Republican politics.

John McCain is a liberal, and so is Mitt Romney.

John McCain voted against the Bush tax cuts, and Mitt Romney raised the capital gains tax. Both are examples of the love affair both men have for socialism, and the pure hatred both men have for the taxpayer.

Clinton/Obama/McCain/Romney = no difference.

The only conservative candidate was Mike Huckabee, who eliminated the capital gains tax in Arkansas.

Hey Seamus !!! | 3:43 p.m. March 12, 2008

You should stay out of this fight. Mitt is pure class and gets things done. He fixes things that are breaking or broken. That is his talent. Now, what if anything could you fix? The country would be in a "fix" were we to depend on your thinking. Please do not post on this or any other site until you have some productive thoughts to share.

Go Romney! | 3:50 p.m. March 12, 2008

Romney is the one to take this country in the right direction, but let's get behind McCain, the best man for the job out of the remaining candidates.

Thanks | 4:29 p.m. March 12, 2008

Mitt on the ticket? Thanks. It's been a long day. I needed a laugh.

M&M | 5:31 p.m. March 12, 2008

I was all set to eat humble pie and make my die-hard, Democrat-loving family ECSTATIC by endorsing Obama, but if Romney is on the ticket, no humble pie for me! McCain, I might actually vote for you!

Mormon & Veteren | 5:31 p.m. March 12, 2008

Are you really serious? Do you beleive that John MsCain, who served bravely and honorably in Vietnam would choose a draft dodger to be his running mate. Mitt Romney said that service to his country would always superseed obligations to his church. Mitt Romney dodged the draft by going on an LDS mission and then stalling to avoid being drafted.

Anonymous | 5:50 p.m. March 12, 2008

Utah blindly supports the Republican nominee in the same way they blindly support the Boy Scouts of America, and for the same reasons: because their leaders do. The Romney, Benson, and many other Church leaders' families have been movers and shakers in the Republican Party as well as the BSA for generations! And the members of the Church so adore their leaders that they follow along blindly.

FYI | 6:46 p.m. March 12, 2008

For eveyone's information, it is the White Male Vote, that is going to turn the tide of this election. And even though I think there have been great inroads made, in matters of equal rights, I do not think that this block of White Male Votes is going to go for either Clinton or Obama. I still don't think that this block of voters is ready for either a female or an african american president.
I am a minority myself, so don't even think of calling me prejudice. These are just the facts! The Democrats have really backed themselves into a corner on this one, and sadly they can't see it. They do not have a viable candidate for President this election.
McCain, and his running mate, will win, and sad to say, it will be because McCain is white. Simple as that! Never mind the fact that McCain is stronger on national defense, has more experience, will probably do a better job on the economy, will appoint better nominees to the supreme court, and probably even ties his shoes better than either Clinton or Obama. McCain will ride the White Male Vote all the way to victory.

McCain Hates Mitt? | 6:54 p.m. March 12, 2008

Politics make strange bedfellows.

Bart | 7:22 p.m. March 12, 2008

I can't believe what I'm reading. You talk about flip-flops. Romney is prostrating himself in front of swine. He must really need some leadership office badly to stoop to this level. It won't work for some of us. McBush is "dead meat."

Spanky | 7:25 p.m. March 12, 2008

Go Mitt Go! Run Mitt Run! Run Mitt Go! Mitt is the only man for us right thinking Utah people. He wears the right kind of clothes, has a nice tan, is rich, goes to church. Who cares if he supported the right to choose and civil unions to get elected governor of Massachusetts? He was only flip flopping so that he could position himself to be our chosen one. Look, we people in Utah don't need any outsiders telling us how to vote. Our church leaders in our wards and in SLC tell us how, and that's good enough for us. Mitt is one of us, and we're going to vote for him, so there!

JAW | 9:42 p.m. March 12, 2008

Mitt has been the best man in all areas, and why some Americans are so afraid to elect a good man into office is beyond me. They are truly blind and do not hear!
I agree with others that if Mitt is McCain's running mate,my husband and I could vote for him for we know this country will be in good hands.
There is so much broke in our government and Romney is the man who can get others to get things fixed.
;

Spanky | 10:24 p.m. March 12, 2008

I believe that everyone should vote for Romney/McCain. Romney is LDS, so he's obviously a good, righteous man, without question. He's one of us, so he has to be a good man. All of us right thinking people in Utah only care if he's LDS and republican. And he is. So therefore he's righteous and we'll vote for him. In fact, even if our religious leaders didn't tell us how to vote, we'd still vote for Mitt. Not only that, if McCain gets in, we'll have more tax cuts for the very rich. And we all know that you can only be rich if you're righteous, so the righteous/rich people deserve a tax cut. Then after they get a tax cut, then can trickle down to us little people. That's how things should be. We right thinking righteous people in Utah also like the idea of being in Iraq for 100 years, and more wars in the Middle East, something that the Romney/McCain ticket would insure. Obama would probably spend our tax money on things like healthcare and education, which is socialism, while spending our tax dollars on war is patriotic and righteous.

just another person | 11:05 p.m. March 12, 2008

I think this would be a great ticket as far as the M&M goes. I, being female, don't think Hillary is the woman for the job, anymore than I think Obama is. Mainly because both are inexperienced. I'm tired of people blaming the Republicans for the mess we're in when the democrats have the majority in the house and senate and they're always overriding Bush and the republicans. No one seem to want to work together no matter what the parties are.

And it also gets my goats when I hear people say that the Mormon's aren't Christain. Hince the actual name: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints! We so believe in God and Jesus. Isn't that was a Christain is? Why fault a man just because he believes in God, which is what the country is founded upon anyway....free religion!!

Love John McCain, and it would be awesome to have Mitt Romney as his running mate! Will it happen? Don't know, but it sure would be great. They'll make the best Presidental team we've had in years! If we ever even had one!

Todd | 11:10 p.m. March 12, 2008

Romney is an idiot if he's saying this stuff without KNOWING he has a lock for vice.

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David J. Phillip, Associated Press

Mitt Romney, seen here last year, told Fox News Channel's Hannity & Colmes Tuesday he would be "honored" to be selected as Sen. John McCain's running mate if offered.