Back in January, Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), in response to questions about possibly joining his party's 2012 ticket as vice president, told Ken Auletta, "I'm not going to accept it." This didn't generate much attention, though, and the far-right senator continues to face questions about his ambitions.
This morning, Rubio reiterated the point, which at least reinforces the appearance of sincerity.
"I don't want to be the vice president right now, or maybe ever," Rubio said at a National Journal forum in Washington on Thursday. [...]
Asked whether he would turn down a direct request from Romney to join the ticket, Rubio replied, "Yes."
"But you know he's not going to ask," Rubio said. "That's not how this works. He's watching this interview so he'll know."
It didn't help, however, that the senator slipped at one point, saying, "If in four to five years, if I do a good job as vice president -- I'm sorry, as senator -- I'll have the chance to do all sorts of things."
Assuming that was just a verbal slip-up, the list of contenders who don't want to be on the Republicans' VP short list appears to include some pretty high-profile names. In addition to Rubio, there's also South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley (R) and New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez.
On the other hand, Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin (R) told reporters yesterday she's open to the possibility. Asked what she'd say if the offer were extended, Fallin, a former congresswoman, said, "Well that is, that is something that we would just have to wait and see," which is the kind of non-committal answer candidates are expected to make.
And as Rachel explained last night, there's always Virginia Gov. Bob "Ultrasound" McDonnell (R), who hasn't given up on his VP ambitions, and will air ads in the hopes of boosting his public standing.
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Mittens can try and choose Rubio to help shore up the Latino vote, but somehow this reminds me of George W. trotting out his nieces and nephews because their mother is Latino and helped to garner a few votes for him. Somehow Rubio doesn't appear to even acknowledge his Latino heritage until it's convenient for him, but Latinos aren't as stupid to fall for that in this climate.
Same thing when they trotted out Palin last year. Trying to garner the women's vote, might try that stunt again but I don't think it will work any better this time around.
McDonnell is such a weasel. What a weak ticket Romney/McDonnell would be.
I am sure governor vaginal probe would make a great addition to the Republican ticket. After all Romney is already down 19 points with women. McDonnell could increase that gap without any trouble.
Rubio might be a problem for the Repubs because of his eligiblity. He's an anchor baby. Repubs think they could still use Barack Obama's forge BC issue as a matter of last resort if nothing else works for them. I think the BC will be a killer issue this 2012 election.
"OK, now! Who wants to be my Number Two this November, when we go into battle at the Little Big Horn? A show of hands? Anybody?"
And suddenly the quote from Austin Powers appears in my head, "Who does Number Two work for? Who does Number Two work for?"
I don't believe that Rubio or anyone with serious political aspirations for the future in the GOP is willing to join the Romney team. The last thing a young Republican wants to do is to tie themselves to what many consider a RINO. They will never be able to wash off the Mitt.
I would add that no smart Republican wants to be associated with Romney because they know that no one likes Mitt Romney. I'm sure that includes those who know him best, or have gotten close enough to him to see what a manipulative phony he is. Romney will have no choice but to pick a disastrous running mate -- someone shameless, stupid and/or washed up.
My money is on Michael Steele.
So Romney may pick Rubio because Rubio should attract a lot of Latino votes. So if I accept that logic, choosing Cain should attract a lot of Black votes. Do they think we're all idiots?? OY VEY.
Hey, I know it's off topic, but it really bums me out every time I see mr super respectable guy going on about jobs leaving america and how the xl pipeline is all over that. Really, can't he be made to say that somewhere else at least? There must be other advertisers the TRMS could be presenting to its online audience.
Thanks, Paul
LOL hahahahahaha with #6.1
Have no fear Brer Rabbit, if nominated refuse to run and if elected refuse to serve. It ain't likely the republicans have a chance anyway.
The only aspirants to VP for Romney are those who see no other prospects. The ones with prospects would rather wait until 2016 for a clean shot at GOP nomination without a loser tag.
rubio needs more time to work on his bio/fantasy. he's not up to quayle/palin level yet.
Mark my words my fellow progressives , MARCO RUBIO is NOT going to accept the vice presidential nomination if asked. He knows its going to be a TALL hill to climb for Mitt Romney to become the next president of the United States. And MARCO RUBIO wants the option of running himself for president of the United States , and he knows that if he runs with Mitt and loses the election all the American people will remember is that he ran for vice president and LOST. MARCO RUBIO is not willing to let that happen. He is not only a HISPANIC man if thats the only reason Mitt Romney wants to pick him , but he is also a very bright HISPANIC man. Who I am willing to bet actually wants to run for president himself a few years from now.
I am willing to take bets that he indeed will turn down MITT ROMNEY , if asked to be his vice presidential candidate.
When I read the comments about Mary Fallin being asked, I almost chocked from laughing so hard...Must be the same team that vetted SP... The only one that would take Mary Fallin as Vp choice is Newt Gingrich because they could campaign on the same platform of infidelity!