But the AOL survey was interesting because it offered a choice between four white men for McCain to chose from. My instincts tell me otherwise, that there will be tremendous pressure on the GOP nominee to do something more unusual to try to match or counter the Democrat's ticket.
Even so, the AOL poll opens the discussion. The four choices it listed are former Gov. Mitt Romney (R-MA); former Gov, Mike Huckabee (R-AR); former Sen. Fred Thompson (R-TN); and former Mayor Rudy Giuliani (R-NY). All are intriguing, but some are more plausible than others. I will evaluate each:

HUCKABEE: Assets: He can help solidify the "solid South" since he won most primaries there; he has chief executive experience; he's much younger than McCain; he has an inspiring story to match Obama. Drawbacks: Critics don't like that he was a Baptist minister; he has no foreign policy experience; does he help anywhere outside the South? (My Rating: C+)
THOMPSON: Assets: Telegenic, most people love him as an actor; solid conservative, who can carry the "solid South"; strong background as a Senate lawyer and a Senator; Drawbacks: weak, lifeless campaigner. His primary run was awful; Most people only know him as an actor; can "two old White guys" run on the same ticket? (My Rating D)
GIULIANI: Assets: Still America's Mayor, the man can lead under pressure; tough prosecutor, so he helps the GOP "tough on crime" message; he potentially carries NY state; Drawbacks: His campaign was a disaster. Can he get better?; He and McCain are moderates. Will the "right wing" support them? Can he overcome his personal "baggage". Even his son backed another candidate. (My Rating: C)
So no one here blows people away. There is no talk of a GOP "dream ticket" like the Democrats are discussing. Maybe a good, solid, straight forward "McCain-Romney" ticket can beat back the "star talk." Maybe not.
I still doubt the Obama-Clinton pairing, but nonetheless it does put pressure on the GOP to think differently. Here are some other options:
SEN. KAY BAILEY HUTCHISON - (R-TX): Tough, smart, savvy Texas pol who has already announced she is retiring in 2010. But Texas should go GOP with or without her.

SEC. OF STATE CONDOLEEZZA RICE: She's as smart as they come, Ph.D. and all. But many blame her as much as Bush and Cheney for Iraq, so will voters hold that against her? She's also single, which shouldn't matter. But voters like to see a family standing on stage. Fair or not, that's a reality in American politics.
So what do you think? Does McCain stay with tradition and pick the best man out there. Or does he do something different, such as picking a woman?
Tell me your opinion. Just click on the "comments" box on any post at www.MarkCurtisMedia.blogspot.com
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