The Right Time for Rice?
With Mitt headed home after a less than stunning foreign spin, it might be time for a foreign policy running mate such as Condi Rice.
The Right Time for Rice?
John Baer, Daily News Political Columnist
As Mitt Romney wraps up his not entirely successful foreign trip with an economic speech in Poland and heads home for a campaign sprint to the fast-approaching GOP convention, it might be a good time to grab some positive press by quickly naming a running mate.
And given what's been widely labeled as gaffes in England (over questions related to British preparedness to put on the olympics) and then in Israel (over references to positive Israeli "culture" that Palestine took as a slam), it might be time to beef up the ticket with a big name in foreign policy.
For even if Mitt escapes Poland without, I don't know, telling some off-outting Polish joke, it's pretty clear this junket to burnish international credentials fell somewhat short of its intended goal.
But all of the attention to what's called Mitt's lack of nuance and understanding of the subtleties of diplomacy could be wiped away if he were, for example, to hurry home and name former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice his running mate.
Not only would she devour all political oxygen (and I think in a positive way) for a week or two headed toward the convention, she'd also offer the GOP a chance to balance it's ongoing problems with blacks, women and smart people.
Plus, it would show that Romney isn't the "wimp" Newsweek magazine suggests. He'd buck his party's hard-line stance on abortion and gay marriage (Rice has no strong ideology on either issue, having described herself in past as "mildly pro-choice" and supportive of civil unions) and he'd bring a world-class foreign policy wonk to his ticket.
Rice is wildly popular and respected. And I, for one, would love to see a Rice vs. Biden debate.
Picking Rice is a chance for Mitt to feed voters a whole new GOP: softer, smarter, diverse and resonable. It would be good for his party, good for the country and good for the presidential race.
Speaking of Poland, how about Obamas major gaffe when he spoke of "Polish Death Camps" while he was there? Forgot about that one, huh Baer?— blackhawk90- That pales in comparison. Seems Romney's trip to show the world and Americans that he can be a statesman and world leader has utterly failed. He insulted the Brits...even the Conservatives in the UK. He goes to Israel and insults the Palestinians, and some say even the Israelis. Compare that to Obama's trip when he was a candidate in 2008. Obama got praise for his class, and knowledge. The Brits said after Romney left, "Obama's our guy". — CommonSense in Philly
- I love how leftwingers like Baer like to suggest Republican candidates and running mates. GRRRRRRRRRRRRR— blackhawk90
- She's in favor of gay marriage so the conservatives would hate her.— ej610
- Get serious. No way Rice gets it.— Penny_Pingleton
- Her and Colin Powell have too much intelligence to deal with Romney. Then again, her "hunch" certainly caused this country enough trouble.— gordon7
- The architect of the Iraq war? Why not? I'm sure she can come up with a reason to attack Iran. Seriously, four years ago she was gushing over Obama - any Democratic strategist worth his salt should be able to pull that footage for a campaign ad. Fortunately, for the Republicans, most Democratic strategists are too stupid and stoned to effectively manage a smear campaign.— atlasmc
- So I guess since Obama has played the pacifist role in the Middle East (like Clinton did before 9/11) that we're supposed to believe that Romney needs a "heavyweight" so he can stack up with Obama. Yeah right. That's some imagination you got there Baer.— AvoidSundanceVacations
- I suppose intelligence is a relative concept . Romney is already committed to war with Iran , and Rice is an endless war advocate as well . And why should Republicans take advice from a liberal like Baer ?
Baer is getting as bad as Polman is giving unwanted advice to Republicans .— publius sempronius tuditanus - The VP of the USA is a joke. There has NEVER been one that has made a difference for the good of the people. I think the focus should be on cabinet choices. For instance Monica's ex-boy friend's wife couldn't arrange a middle-school lunch swap. And you are OK with that?— Capt. Buzz
- Bush's lapdog will do just fine. Just another reason not to like Mitt Romney.— Hemingway
- He puts her on the ticket and it changes the game. Otherwise, advantage Obama.— 2sides2story
- It is time for America's enemies to fear us. With Rice as VP, it would be a step in the right direction.— icantbelieveit
- I hope that Rice is not picked nor accepts VP. I have way too much respect for her. By turning it down, it would show that she is much smarter too.— Dwayne516
John is the author of the book "On The Front Lines of Pennsylvania Politics: Twenty-Five Years of Keystone Reporting" (The History Press, 2012). Reach John at baerj@phillynews.com.
