JC has been hospitalized with a serious illness. It is unclear when he will be able to resume writing his daily column. Please keep checking. In the meantime, while we are all waiting for his return, remember it's always a great day to be an American.
 

Patriotism. Love of country. In God We Trust. Traditional values. Our American heritage. September 11, 2001. Are they all forgotten?

Not here on The Forgotten Street -- Main Street USA. In the face of a very critical 2008 election, we want to reclaim the heart of America, to rekindle the common thread of patriotism that should bind all Americans on such major issues as national security, traditional values and energy independence. We will provide you with hard-hitting commentary that cuts through the half-truths, obfuscation and outright lies propagated by the elite media. The Forgotten Street is your source for the real story behind the headlines.

J.C's Corner

August 20, 2008 -- Sitting here in the crosshairs of a potential hurricane, I’m trying to focus on what the presidential contenders will do with their vice presidential picks.

Yesterday I received information that seems to indicate that Barack Obama will name Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius as his running mate.  Without revealing too much about the source of the information, all I can say is that the blogging community has once again possibly scooped the elite media who have become far too lazy and predictable to dig out the story, which was readily available to anyone with some imagination.

On several fronts, the Sebelius pick would be advantageous.  Obama needs to shore up his support among women, particularly those who supported Hillary Clinton.  The attractive and polished Kansas governor also would add a fresh Washington outsider to the ticket, someone who has clearly connected with voters in the American heartland.

But there is a downside.  Ms. Sebelius offers no gravitas, no strong foreign policy credentials and a very limited political base.  Given Obama’s similar shortcomings, he winds up with a very unbalanced ticket.  So it’s hard to see what advantage she brings other than her gender.

The tea leaves are a little more murky on the GOP side.  Much of the speculation continues to center on Mitt Romney, who would add considerable strength to the McCain ticket.  But there remains the lingering problem of the evangelical wing of the party, which is suspicious of Romney because of his Mormon background and supported the Huckster, Mike Huckabee, in large numbers.

It appears that Senator McCain will announce his choice on August 29 at a large rally in Ohio, which has some pundits speculating that he will name former Ohio congressman Rob Portman as his running mate.  But I would offer a similar alternative:  John Kasich, who would add considerable credibility with the conservative wing of the party.

Given that Obama will name his choice first, it’s possible that it could influence McCain’s final selection.  Should the Sebelius story prove right, then McCain may feel pressured to counter with his own female running mate, possibly Alaska Governor Sarah Palin who has created a fair amount of buzz for a political newcomer.

As much fun as we all have had speculating, it all will end soon, within the next few days.  Both tickets will be set, and then the mad dash for November will begin in earnest.

In the meantime, I’ve got my eye on Fay, that fickle storm that continues to defy all the predictions.

Thanks for reading!  Always remember, it’s a great day to be an American!  I’m sending out Happy Birthday wishes to daughter Mary, who is a wonderful mother to our grandson, the best daughter a parent could wish for and a great friend who always puts a smile on my face.

Past columns from J.C.'s Corner

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