Should John McCain choose a woman or an African-American to run for Vice-President? Condi Rice for VP?

The first part of this question was asked today to both John McCain and President Bush at the White House although Condi Rice was not named, maybe that was who the journalist was thinking of? Do you think that if facing off against Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama in the presidential election, John McCain would be helped by having either a woman or an African-American on his ticket? Or do you agree with me that John McCain should choose Condi Rice for Vice-President on her own merits, and never mind what colour or gender she is? We've been discussing Condi for VP on Rice for President Yahoo Group - for example in this post - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/rice-for-president/message/1782

Public Comments

1. I can't imagine that anyone likes Rice any more than Bush. Wouldn't McCain want to stay away from anyone associated with Bush?
2. Apparently Rice doesn't want it. And, I think she would be a further tie to the Bush Administration. That's probably a bad idea, unless you're a Democrat like me. Then you think it's a GREAT idea. :) Obama 2008
3. It does not matter who he picks as much as it matters why: merits matter only, and if a woman or a black or both rolled into one has them, then that's the person. Say no to affirmative action for president / vice president, say yes to qualified candidates regardless of race / gender / religion / beverage preference.
4. He should pick the BEST candidate. Enough of this he needs a woman or he needs a black candidate nonsense.
5. I don't think his running mate should come from the Bush admin. Romney would be a good choice. He's conservative enough for the conservatives.
6. Then we would have the Bush Clan back in, Rice owns Chevron, so , here we go again.
7. No. Republicans should not pander.
8. He would probably alienate the GOP base if he picked a Black, unless it was Colin Powell (even Powell might not be good enough though, after the claims he made leading up to Iraq War II).
9. If he really wants to compete with Hillary he better start looking some good economic advisers and better political speech writers. McCain can chose Rice if he is interested in easily loosing the election.
10. I believe Condeleeza Rice would be an excellent choice. If she doesn't want it then Mitt Romney whould be an excellent choice also.
11. He should choose the best candidate for the job, whether that is Condi Rice, Colin Powell, Mitt Romney or Mike Huckabee. Their race should not be a factor. Their stances on issues must be. Something Obama does not do.
12. It wouldn't do any good. I will never vote republican!! Plus, Condi said she is not interested.
13. I think Colin or Condi would be excellent choices for VP. Both are well respected in other parts of the world. Both are highly qualified, both bring something to the table and the fact that they are of color or the right gender is only a bonus. However I have the feeling that both are way to smart to actually want the post. i mean seriously, who really want to have their life so thoroughly dissected, every decision you have made in the past 40 years brought up for validation or justification. I don't think either of them want to go through that.
14. Deep down I believe a woman's touch is in order. For so many years a man in presidency has demolished this great country in an economical disaster. Give it up. As far as McCain for president. "Do you (the public) like being broke. republicans are all for themselves and money. There for I say "Stay Broke" But if made to endure the hardships of life in this country I'd rather it be a woman. No Question. It is also ironic that a muslim run for President when we are at war in Iraqu. Go figure or are the talibane trying to weasle in one of their own. "BOMB OBAMA". and all who condem us to hell!!!!!! P.S. HE'S NOT BLACK!!!!!!!
15. Here are some ideas: Maybe he should look over at Shady Pines. There should be plenty of his contemporaries there. He might even find one who agrees with his brilliant suggestion to keep our GIs in Iraq for 100 years. McCain ought to let Rush Limbaugh help him pick the vice presidential candidate as soon as possible. It sounds by his comments today regarding a Clinton/Obama dream ticket that he will be re-entering rehab again soon. Unfortunately, a lot of potential candidates are in jail or soon will be. McCain might be better off if he placed an ad in the jobs available section of The Times. The nice thing is that after Dick Cheney, the bar for vice president is so low that it won’t be difficult for anyone to hop over it. My personal recommendation would be Senator Larry Craig. He’d lock up the public restroom vote and there might not be many other places Republicans will be able to find votes this year.