Thoughts on VP selection

[Lincoln Republican]

Clarence raises an excellent point.

A VP candidate must at least be conceived in the eyes of the public as someone competent enough to assume the Presidency should that become necessary.

Clarence is right, Palin fell far short of meeting this requirement.

In the world of the 21st century, the VP candidate absolutely has to have the capabilities of becoming a viable President.

Whoever is the nominee without reservation has to make the right VP pick, not another Palin.

One name that comes to mind as a competent and experienced individual for Romney to name as VP pick is General David Petraeus, four star general, Director of the CIA.  I believe he would add foreign policy experience to the ticket and would be seen by the public as someone who would be a competent and able President should that eventuality become necessary.

[Lincoln Republican]

Ironically, there was a time, a smoke-filled room time, when selecting a presidential nominee was far less open process than selecting a vice presidential one, which was left, on many occasion, to the delegates. Now, in order to become a nominee, one must face a nationwide primary. But there's no such transparency in selecting a running-mate: basically nominee says he want that guy and it's over.

I think establishing separate primaries for President and Vice President (as we have many separate primaries for future ticket-mates on statewide level) would be a great idea.

What do you think, guys?

We do not need another set of confusing, monotonous, and expensive primaries to pick a VP nominee.  The Presidential nominee has to be comfortable with the VP pick, as they have to work with them.

The VP can of course be, but need not necessarily be a U.S. Senator.  Any VP can quickly learn their responsibilities as President of the Senate.

Main criteria, the VP must be capable of becoming President, regardless of their background.