Knowing politicians as we all do, we have to wonder what the chain of events were that led to this unexpected move. Here is what Romney says publicly (emphasis is mine):
I disagree with Senator McCain on a number of issues, as you know. But I agree with him on doing whatever it takes to be successful in Iraq, on finding and executing Osama bin Laden, and on eliminating Al Qaeda and terror. If I fight on in my campaign, all the way to the convention, I would forestall the launch of a national campaign and make it more likely that Senator Clinton or Obama would win. And in this time of war, I simply cannot let my campaign, be a part of aiding a surrender to terror.
I wouldn't be so presumptive as to question the integrity of this statement. I see nothing in Mitt Romney that would suggest that this isn't true. I believe he does love America and wants to do what's best for the country, as he sees fit. But I can help wondering if it is just one component of the decision.
Another is the money factor. Being a businessman, he could easily see that he wasn't getting a decent return for his campaign dollar. It made no sense to keep shoveling money for no good reason. But if that isn't the reason and still he feels the need to unload money on things that will return him little if anything, he can always give to the LASunsett Foundation that takes care of the integrative needs of a middle aged empty nester.
But the one factor that may be underlying this unexpected surprise is, there will be a lot of positions that will need filling in a McCain Administration. It wouldn't surprise me if Romney hasn't approached McCain with this. McCain is a shrewd politician, he'd be a fool not to consider Romney for any position that would involve the economy.
UPDATE:
Two things to share.
1. McCain has already turned his attention towards the Democrats. In a speech today to a CPAC audience, he has begun to carve out his platform and reassure the conervative base that he will distinguish himself from them and the policies they will seek to implement.
2. The Dems are in trouble. They appear to be headed for a long fight for the nomination, where we may have not seen the last of the lowdown mudslinging. Add to that the prospect of a brokered convention and you can get a real feel for why they are in a bind right now. But that doesn't stop Howard "The Scream" Dean from making the usual accusations that lost him the party nomination and the Democrats the election, in 2004.
2 comments:
Romney did himself, McCain and the Republicans a big favor. Smart move on his part. As I understand it, Romney can now release his delegates from their pledge to him.
The "progressives'" worst mistake was trying to have both a woman and black man run at the same time. It's an impossible decision for the "progressives." Who knows when, if ever, they will be able to make up their mind which group needs advancement first - women or blacks, women or blacks, women or blacks???? Is it possible the Democrats would blow the easiest chance at the Presidency they have ever had??
Greg,
//Romney can now release his delegates from their pledge to him.//
By suspending his campaign instead of withdrawing, it indicates that he will be hanging on to his delegates until the convention. I am sure he'll want to have some influence on the party platform.
If McCain wins and is smart, he'll put Romney somewhere in the Administration where he can have some effect on economic policies, although, I am not sure where that would be at this time. This would unify the party.
I will go out on a limb here and say that McCain should not consider either Romney or Huck for a VP. Both are too polarizing and it may affect the electability rating that he now enjoys. I would recommend an unknown Congressman from Indiana, Mike Pence. He is squeaky clean and a conservative that will make the base happy.
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