Now that Barack Obama has picked his running mate, it's time to take a closer look at those candidates who are on John McCain's short list for VP. Here they are (in no particular order):
1. Mitt Romney. Pros: Romney has executive experience, whereas Obama, Biden, and McCain do not. He is knowledgeable about economic issues, one of McCain's perceived weaknesses. In addition, he has a devoted following among Republican conservatives, and he is a master fundraiser. Cons: There is still a great deal of skepticism concerning Romney's membership in the Mormon Church. He has flip-flopped on more issues than John Kerry, including abortion, an issue held dear by conservatives. Moreover, he doesn't have the common touch. He appears aloof, unable to connect with average Joes. Finally, McCain and Romney displayed a palpable dislike for each other during the primaries. Political observers are not sure whether the two have put their hard feelings behind them.
2. Mike Huckabee. Pros: Huckabee appeals to the Evangelical base of the Republican Party, and he has executive experience. He is a great debater who would more than old his own against Biden. Cons: He may be too conservative for moderate Republicans and undecided Democrats.
3. Tim Pawlenty. Pros: He does not have any skeletons in his closet (as far as we know), and he is a popular governor of Minnesota. Cons: He suffers from a lack of name recognition, and, to be blunt, he is not the most exciting campaigner in the world.
4. Sarah Palin. Pros: Strongly pro-life, extremely popular Alaskan governor, and she would appeal to women voters. Cons: She has served as governor for less than two years; in short, she has less political experience than Obama. Republican observers rightfully worry that she may not be ready for the political "big show."
Monday, August 25, 2008
Thursday, August 14, 2008
3 Keys...
...if the Miami Hurricanes want to go 8-4 this year:
1. Find a Quarterback...any Quarterback. In spite of a poisonous locker room and an almost complete lack of effort for most of the season, the Canes would have won 7-8 regular season games last year (instead of five) if either Kyle Wright or Kirby Freeman had been even passable behind center. The Georgia Tech game would have been a win. Miami would have completed a monumental comeback in Chapel Hill. The most obvious case, of course, was the overtime loss to a terrible NC State team in the Orange Bowl. Had ANYONE completed more than ONE pass, the Canes would have put the Pack away. Look for Shannon to go with the hot hand this year. In spite of a complete lack of experience at the position, expect the QBs to perform better than last year - simply because Coach Shannon has more options.
2. BLITZ!!! Miami built its reputation in the 1980s and early 1990s on the backs of tough, aggressive defenses. Miami's defensive coaches became quite passive over the past few years - content to "out-talent" the other team's offense. As other teams caught up, however, rushing four and dropping everyone else into coverage was no longer sufficient (see last year's UVA game). Look for Bill Young, the new Defensive Coordinator, to mix things up a bit and bring pressure from more places than just the front four.
3. Don't get down. Any self-aware Miami fan will admit that, with trips to Gainesville and College Station early on, the Canes could easily start the season 1-2. With an exceptionally young and inexperienced squad, it will be supremely important for Shannon and his staff to keep the kids focused and confident. Coach will need to sell the early losses as learning experiences. This should not be an impossible task as winning the conference (or at least the division) should be the overriding goal for the 2008 Canes.
1. Find a Quarterback...any Quarterback. In spite of a poisonous locker room and an almost complete lack of effort for most of the season, the Canes would have won 7-8 regular season games last year (instead of five) if either Kyle Wright or Kirby Freeman had been even passable behind center. The Georgia Tech game would have been a win. Miami would have completed a monumental comeback in Chapel Hill. The most obvious case, of course, was the overtime loss to a terrible NC State team in the Orange Bowl. Had ANYONE completed more than ONE pass, the Canes would have put the Pack away. Look for Shannon to go with the hot hand this year. In spite of a complete lack of experience at the position, expect the QBs to perform better than last year - simply because Coach Shannon has more options.
2. BLITZ!!! Miami built its reputation in the 1980s and early 1990s on the backs of tough, aggressive defenses. Miami's defensive coaches became quite passive over the past few years - content to "out-talent" the other team's offense. As other teams caught up, however, rushing four and dropping everyone else into coverage was no longer sufficient (see last year's UVA game). Look for Bill Young, the new Defensive Coordinator, to mix things up a bit and bring pressure from more places than just the front four.
3. Don't get down. Any self-aware Miami fan will admit that, with trips to Gainesville and College Station early on, the Canes could easily start the season 1-2. With an exceptionally young and inexperienced squad, it will be supremely important for Shannon and his staff to keep the kids focused and confident. Coach will need to sell the early losses as learning experiences. This should not be an impossible task as winning the conference (or at least the division) should be the overriding goal for the 2008 Canes.
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