DNC Web Site: Possible McCain Running Mates Are "The Next Cheney"

By: Brian Montopoli
Topics: Democrats

The Democratic National Committee unveiled a Web site this morning spotlighting seven people discussed as potential running mates for John McCain: Eric Cantor, Charlie Crist, Carly Fiorina, Tim Pawlenty, Mitt Romney, Fred Smith and John Thune.

In a press release, the DNC write that the purpose of the site, called "The Next Cheney," is to illustrate "the most important thing the voters need to know about each of John McCain's potential vice presidential picks: no matter who he chooses, any ticket with John McCain on it means more of the same."

Visitors to the site are offered critical information about each of the potential veeps – they can "Learn more about Pawlenty's ethics violations," "Crist's admiration for Bush," or "Romney's position changes," for example. Clicking on the links takes media reports and other documents painting each politician in an unflattering light.

The site prominently quotes McCain telling Cheney in 2001, "With a little more luck, I might have been able to ask you to be my Vice-President." It will be updated with information about additional vice presidential candidates in the coming days, according to the DNC release.

UPDATE: Republican National Committee Spokesman Alex Conant responds to the site: "The irony is that Obama – not McCain – voted for Cheney's energy bill. While everyone else is debating the all-too-real energy crisis, it's good to see Democrats are obsessing over hypothetical political match-ups. The DNC is having fun with Washington parlor games, but the rest of the nation is debating the merits of McCain's 'all-of-the-above' energy plan versus Obama's 'inflate-your-tires' approach."

Brian Montopoli
Brian Montopoli is the senior political reporter at CBSNews.com.
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by rol_38 August 6, 2008 5:48 PM EDT: I am a republican but I am disappointed about some republicans or folks exhibiting their arogance beyond measure! Let''s face the facts: Obama is absolutely right about tire guages! This is just one of his suggestions that could save 3%-4% of fuel consumption. Go and do some research! I back him on this without reservation. Just because you dislike someone does not mean you even trash the truth that he speaks! Listen to the whole clip attentively! It is a shame that you have certain sick mCCAIN''S mercenaries 24/7 online to distorts facts and realities. I am strong republican but I strongly support OBAMA''S ideas. Mccain should now start putting our donations into good ads and STOP wasting it in promoting Britney and Paris! OBAMA IS INTELLIGENT AND AM THINKING OF INFLUINCING MY WHOLE UNIT OF 50 WORKERS TO VOTE FOR HIM; Reply to this comment


by mattcat25 August 5, 2008 5:35 PM EDT: Richard Cheney is already scouted out his place on a yacht offshore (%u201Coffshore-offshore%u201D) the port of Dubai to avoid being process served to appear on the many (many!) high crimes and misdemeanor offenses committed by the Bush/Cheney Administration.

It is imperative that John McCain is elected (by any means) to the office of the President of the United States to allow the sweeping under the carpet of the offenses committed, charges filed, and sentencing. For Bush, Cheney, and a host of Republican Operatives in 2008 it%u2019s going to be either the Whitehouse, or the BIG HOUSE!; Reply to this comment


by davide73-2009 August 5, 2008 3:35 PM EDT: CBS and Exxon/Mobil will commit suicide before they admit that Mike Huckabee gives the Republicans the best chances to win the Oval Office. Instead of focusing on policy, they focus on details of personal history, as though the election will be decided by morons. But the American people will vote and see through all the nonsense. One thing we know: if John McCain does not choose Huckabee, he will not be elected.; Reply to this comment