McCain VP Candidate Ridge: Republicans Would Accept Pro-Choice VP (VIDEO)

Former Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Ridge said Sunday he thinks Republicans would accept a vice presidential candidate who supports abortion rights.

But, he said, whomever John McCain picks as a running mate should defer to McCain on the issue.

McCain opposes abortion rights, but he riled some conservatives last week when he suggested his running mate could -- like Ridge -- support abortion rights.

"What he was saying to the rest of the world is that we need to accept both points of view," Ridge said in a broadcast interview. "He's not judgmental about me or my belief. He just disagrees with me."

Ridge is believed to be on McCain's short list of vice presidential candidates, though it would be a major break with Republican orthodoxy for McCain to pick a running mate who supports abortion rights.

"I think that would be up to, first of all, to John to decide whether he wants a pro-choice running mate; then we would have to see how the Republican Party would rally around it," Ridge said. "At the end of the day, I think the Republican Party will be comfortable with whatever choice John makes."

McCain's statement last week was seen as an appeal to centrist voters. On Sunday, Ridge tried to soothe conservatives by stating that McCain's view on the issue would prevail in a McCain administration.

"The last time I checked, the vice president is not an independent voice. He echoes the position of the president of the United States," Ridge said. "I think it's the responsibility of the vice president. If you're unwilling or unable to do that, then I think you should defer to someone else."

Ridge was interviewed on "Fox News Sunday."

Comments

[GuyFawkes]

I dunno, folks. As much as I hate to say it, I think this might be his smartest pick. Ridge would def. put Penn in play, despite Obama's consistent 8-10 pt lead in polls. And he might bring along more independents, and make McW seem less extreme. The "base" as it is, isn't that thrilled with McW anyway, and I think they're gambling on a big independent vote to help compensate for it, and Ridge might just be the ticket. I think this all the more reason why Obama needs to pick an experienced centrist, such as Biden or Webb.

[MegWe]

Guy- do you live in PA? I do - and there is no love lost here for Ridge. Not a popular governor at all.

[GuyFawkes]

I live in So Cali, proud Obama country. I hope you're right.

I'm just getting a vibe that if they can find someone who can moderate McW, then that will give certain people a reason to NOT vote for Obama, when the real reason is race.

But I hope I'm wrong. Where I live, it's hard to believe anyone is voting for McW.

[Azmom]

I would like to write to McC and beg him to pick Ridge. Anything that takes him farther and farther away from a win, I can get behind.

[Budokan]

It would be the death knell of McCain's candidacy....not that such an event would be a bad thing.

[doctorwang]

There is no way that McCain will pick Ridge. It would nullify any gains made with evangelical community from his stated pro-life stance. McCain's age is a factor, and if Ridge was VP and became president due to McCain's health (a real possibility), Ridge would not be inclined to pick Supreme Court justices that would overturn Roe v. Wade.

[wm1066]

Ridge must have missed Mccain at that church debate last night.

[DaOne]

Exactly

[BrianMac]

If McCain chooses a pro-choice VP, that could shift things more toward an Obama victory because the "values voters" would have NO more reasons to support McCain. If all they're hanging onto is the pro-life issue to keep them from switching to Obama, a third party or just staying home on election day, a pro-choice VP choice would make them much less likely to support McCain because what would be the point?

[Cookie100]

PLEASE PICK RIDGE, OR CARLY.

[kellygrrrl]

or Mittens

[harriscrl3]

I dont know I think Ridge is kidding himself here Republicans are not exactly enthused with McCain so I doubt they would trust him with a Pro Choice VP they want a Pro Life evangelical VP. A VP is who takes over if you are unable to fulfill your functions. A VP is someone who can be Presdient The religous right are NOT going ot be happy with a Pro Choice VP.

Carol

[Actionmac]

did mcsad say at forum that he would only pick a pro-life VP.

[AfroLatina21]

I agree. WIth McCain as old as he is many conservatives are worried that he won't even be able to complete even one term. So for McCain to pick a pro-choice VP who would ultimately takeover if something should happen to McCain, probably makes a lot of conservatives uneasy.

Tom Ridge and McCain are kidding themselves if they think the conservative base would accept this.

[starfire426]

Should McCain choose Ridge...it would be the kiss of death for his winning in November. The far conservative right would make certain of that. James Dobson would galvanize that faction of the Repub Party into action quicker than you could say "abortion rights."

Also...let's not forget the fiasco of Ridge's Homeland security "expertise." Remember the cute little color-coded levels of terror that was suppose to invoke fear into us on a daily basis and was prominently featured on FOXNOISE ad nauseum? And I don't think I shall ever forget the "helpful little hint" from Ridge's Homeland security office as to how we were suppose to dutifully go out and purchase duct tape and plastic to enshroud our homes in case of germ warfare. The Repub Party continues its downward spiral, leaving one to wonder when it will bottom out.

[ReelBusy]

More GOP hypocrisy.
I've heard it before:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=axrgFGZYFzE

Let's have some fun now:
The McCain-Nixon-Bush Tango
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NyvJVy_7LYU

[shag11]

Yea, sure they would>

[gakabani]

Is this what we get from the GOP. The end is near for all of us if this pair becomes elected.
The USA will become a dictatorship.

[progressivelady]

we our already becoming A dictatorship,slowly