Prediction: Florida Gov. Charlie Crist will be McCain's running mate

The way I see it, there are a few ways that McCain can go when choosing his VP.

1. He can try to find someone to appease the hardcore conservatives, the ones who are threatening to revolt. We saw how Reagan chose Bush after a particularly nasty primary campaign in '80, so it wouldn't be unprecedented for McCain to pick Romney as his partner. Or, he could go after someone like Fred Thompson.

2. He could go after someone like Huckabee, and try to pick up the evangelical base.

3. More likely, he'll go after someone who has a wide appeal, and who can bring in a big state. Florida Gov. Charlie Crist fits this bill perfectly. He's seen as a "moderate" by many, is well liked by many in this state. Of course, after Jeb Bush, practically anybody would be seen as a breath of fresh air. Crist endorsed McCain before the Florida primary, helping to deliver Florida.

What do you think the chances are of a McCain/Crist ticket? If the hardcore conservatives put aside their grudges and rally around this ticket, it could be a tough one to beat.

:)

One of the toughest politicians in modern history, "the Mandela of Reaganism".

If "true conservatives" either sit out this election or vote for the Democratic candidate - as they've been threatening to do - then McCain will have to count primarily on moderate Republicans, independent voters, and crossover Democrats. Given how close the past few elections have been, the "stay-at-home" Republicans could tilt the election in our favor.

At least, I'm hoping so.

Have you seen the NRA comic strip? This all so much play acting to move McCain credibly to the middle since reichwingers will have nowhere to go anyway.

I look forward to reading NRA comic strips about as much as I look forward to Stormfront, National Alliance, KKK, or Aryan Nation comic strips. Which is not at all. I'm sure the NRA comics are just chock-full of racial stereotypes!

Having lived in Florida for the past 20 years, I've watched as Crist has climbed the political ladder. He's gone from state senator, Sec'y of Education, Attorney General, to Governor in a relatively short amount of time.

I can't think of anything less acceptable to the repuke bigots.

He's moved to the right since his election but I think he's being forced right by the RNC. There are rumors that he's in the closet (obviously not a problem for me or hopefully most Dems) but this did come up (a little bit) during his primary run for Governor and therefore he might not be "acceptable" to the Neo-cons.

I think thats been clear. Crist or Huckabee will be his running mate

Given McCain's age, there is the very real possibility that whoever his VP is could become President. I shudder to think of a Huckabee presidency.

Charlie is a very popular Republican, and has a lot of "crossover" appeal.