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McCain's Jewish potential VP not shy about attacking Obama
By Natasha Mozgovaya, Haaretz Correspondent
Tags: Eric Cantor, Barack Obama 

The addition of Jewish Congressman Eric Cantor's name to the list of possible running mates for Republican presidential candidate John McCain is most certainly a source of pride for the American Jewish community. Even though most Jews traditionally vote for the Democrats, a McCain-Cantor ticket would mean that for just the second time a Jew would (almost) reach the finish line.

Cantor shied away from any public displays of excitement in the wake of media reports the McCain campaign had started the process of vetting his background. During a conference call which he convened in Washington in response to Barack Obama's new energy plan, Cantor refused to answer questions pertaining to his possible vice presidential candidacy, and his spokesmen refused comment despite repeated inquiries from Haaretz.

Instead, Cantor hammered away at Obama's inexperience and his opposition to increasing energy supplies in the United States. Cantor's swipe at Obama's inexperience is ironic given that the Virginia Republican is a few years younger than the Illinois senator.
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Despite his youth, Cantor, who is a veteran in the House of Representatives, knows full well that talk of his inclusion on the McCain ticket will remain in the realm of speculation until an official announcement is made. As strange as it may sound, Cantor perhaps would do well to think twice before jumping at the opportunity should it present itself.

Cantor, who is the minority whip in Congress, attained his status in the House at a relatively slow pace through a combination of self-confidence and determination. He gained a reputation not only as an effective middle man who linked party leaders with rank-and-file members of Congress, but also as a prolific fundraiser, a highly valued commodity especially in American politics. Office holders seeking re-election must accumulate significant financial wherewithal to keep their jobs in either house of Congress.

In the event McCain loses, it may be a cross that the rising star of the Republican Party would have to bear. In recent weeks, though, as rumors began swirling that Cantor was being considered as McCain's running mate, Cantor began making more appearances on McCain's behalf, speaking on issues related to the economy and energy. Cantor also has not hesitated from attacking Obama, which perhaps is a sign that he is seriously mulling the idea should McCain offer him the opportunity.

Cantor is the only Jewish Republican in the House of Representatives. The party sports two Jewish members in the Senate. Yet, a far more important factor that could lead to his inclusion on the ticket is his age (45), which would balance McCain, who is celebrating his 72nd birthday this month. McCain has made it a habit of poking fun at his seniority.

Another advantage working in Cantor's favor is his pristine image as an upstanding family man. In addition, Cantor's home state, Virginia, is seen as crucial in the final electoral vote tally.

The McCain campaign is also looking into whether bringing Cantor on board would convince undecided Jewish voters, some of whom may be put off by Obama due to years of pent-up Black-Jewish tensions as well as McCain's long record of support for Israel. On the one hand, Obama still leads in some polls, but by a small margin. Those same polls show McCain receiving less support from Jewish voters compared to the 2004 Democratic challenger John Kerry.

What will work to Cantor's disadvantage is his relative anonymity compared with other vice presidential candidates. The few months left before the elections could be sufficient to provide the needed exposure.

Other Republicans mentioned as possible McCain running mates include Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty, former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney, and former Ohio congressman Rob Portman.

If McCain prefers to "play it safe" and pick an experienced running mate while in the process try to win over skeptical conservatives in the Republican Party, it is reasonable to assume he would tap Romney or Pawlenty. If he seeks to transmit a more youthful, dynamic message that would compete with Obama's theme of change, he could receive a boost from Cantor. In any event, all hands are on deck in the coming weeks
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  1.   Oh please, so not going to happen 13:49  |  Aphemia 05/08/08
  2.   Of course it`s not going to happen, but... 14:40  |  Smolanit 05/08/08
  3.   Romney - Sincere, Smart, Young (but not too) 14:57  |  Ovadiah ben Avraham 05/08/08
  4.   he is supposed to by shy? 15:04  |  Jonas Menchik 05/08/08
  5.   Congressman Eric Cantor 15:27  |  Johnny Weintraub 05/08/08
  6.   Cantor is an ultra right winger 15:33  |  steve 05/08/08
  7.   #1&2 show what is happening in America today 15:41  |  Arie 05/08/08
  8.   VP should not be Jewish 16:13  |  Humble Jew 05/08/08
  9.   Jewish prime minister 16:38  |  Darrien 05/08/08
  10.   potential 17:00  |  Shmuelshachor 05/08/08
  11.   No Jews forPres of VP 17:22  |  Zev 05/08/08
  12.   Turnoff for Jewish voters? 17:50  |  Joe Camel 05/08/08
  13.   Lieberman could not do for Al Gore 18:40  |  David Israel 05/08/08
  14.   This should confuse the Republican base 19:31  |  Steve G 05/08/08
  15.   Joe Lieberman did a great job for Al Gore (Post 13) 19:46  |  Johnny Weintraub 05/08/08
  16.   it really dosent matter 20:28  |  JTA 05/08/08
  17.   #6 steve of NY...I would guess he is as tired 21:17  |  Lynn 05/08/08
  18.   8 Exactly. Please, please bo Jewish vp or president! 21:17  |  concerned jew 05/08/08
  19.   need a cheney to dump on 21:19  |  hollingsworth 05/08/08
  20.   Cantor and McCain 21:37  |  Bobby Goodman 05/08/08
  21.   McCain`s strategy of winning 21:39  |  Brod 05/08/08
  22.   It`s not going to happen 21:48  |  Sorry 05/08/08
  23.   MCCAIN NEEDS ROMNEY OR A CHISTIAN FANATIC 21:56  |  Abe 05/08/08
  24.   2 22:03  |  Norm 05/08/08
  25.   #8 22:25  |  Jane 05/08/08
  26.   #18 22:26  |  Jane 05/08/08
  27.   Cantor has more experience than Obama 22:26  |  manners 05/08/08
  28.   Cantor - is he any relation to that celebrity Eddie? 04:47  |  Darcy 06/08/08
  29.   Jewish VP !!!!!!! ?????? 08:08  |  massimo 06/08/08
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