By Denise Ross

With John McCain securing front-runner status, albeit with Mike Huckabee clinging tightly to his ankle, talk turned quickly to potential running mates. The list of potential VPs is as long as the number of states who have elected a Republican in the past decade.

Since John Thune is not only South Dakota’s most prominent member of the GOP but also an early supporter of McCain’s, he’s in the mix.

Way back when I was single, the talk of potential mates was done using the metaphor of a screen. There are tightly woven screens through which only the finest specimens could pass. There are damaged screens with substantial holes blown through them. There are screens so impenetrable as to be made of bullet-proof glass. 

The question often raised was, Would the potential date fit through the screen of the friend in question?

So I ask now, does John Thune fit through John McCain’s vice presidential screen?

Here’s what McCain said this weekend his criteria for a running mate would be.

“The fundamental principle behind any selection of a running mate would be whether that person is fully prepared to take over, and shares your values, your principles, your philosophy and your priorities,” he said. “I think that’s the first and only real criteria for the selection of a running mate.”

“Fully prepared to take over” hints to me that he would look to the ranks of GOP governors, a woman or Hispanic or African American, so much the better. But Thune still has qualities that would, as they say, balance the ticket.

What are Thune’s odds?

Spread the word

Hide Sites