Portman, of course, served in two cabinet positions under George W. Bush. Does this present challenges?
Portman’s experience is broad and deep enough that his association with the Bush administration is not likely to be a significant issue, in my opinion.
Did Sarah Palin in 2008 in some fundamental way ‘ruin’ it for a woman as a choice in 2012?
I don’t think so. But I don’t think she made the concept of gambling on a pick a very attractive one. From what we know of Romney, he’s not the gambling type. I expect him to make a very risk-averse choice.
It doesn’t mean he won’t pick a woman, though. There are very qualified candidates.
The GOP’s policy positions vis-à-vis women only mean he’d have to select a very conservative woman. It would sharpen the contrast between the campaigns. Women are a critical part of the electorate – so it would work to his disadvantage.
All things considered, do you stand by Portman as ‘making the most sense’?
Assuming we’ll have a very close election, someone from a battleground state makes the most sense, at the margins – someone like Portman of Ohio or Rubio of Florida. I think Romney will make a safe choice, and that includes picking a man.
Who should Mitt Romney pick as VP?
I won’t comment on whom he should pick, but I’ll guess who he will pick. I think he’ll select Rob Portman for the slot. Portman has an appropriate background and is from the key battleground state of Ohio.