Not wishing him ill, but let's say during the debate McCain has a mini-stroke and has to bow out?

I don't know your system; would there be party rules or a legal path?

Would Palin become the top candidate? Given a choice, I would bet on someone like the newly resurrected Newt stepping in, with Palin stepping aside if necessary.. Even scarier scenario.
Cheers,

Like you, I am in the dark - we need to check GOP rules.

one heartbeat away...

I've heard radio conjecture (on Thom Hartmann to be specific) that McCain possibly just recently had a mini stroke... and that was possibly the reason for his "calling off the campaign." I'll have to review the videos... but apparently his left eye was exhibiting some symptoms of stroke and the left side of his face appeared different? Who knows who would fill his shoes... I've thought about it as well, though I don't like entertaining the thought.

Palin's already running as that.
As a stealth candidate, though out of her league by a long, long stretch.

She is who McCain's bet on. She's his facade & draw.
But does anyone really feel comfortable with her in the front driver's seat?

Even the people she attracts: those evangelicals who speak in oogly boogly tongues & ward off witches & vampires
see women as vessels. As their man's rib. So a woman never really truly LEADS.

Women are important as subordinates. Because it enhances a male domination role.
If there is no #2 or "bottom," there can be no "top!" Its the scenario from which they derive status.

Look at Michelle Bachmann. She fasted & prayed for a sign. 3 days of starvation later, God knocked.
THEN, Bachmann had to check with her superior: her man. To be sure "God's endorsement" was OK with him!!!

Would Succession lead to Secession?
Or do the lower 48 become applicants to the Country of Alaska?

(Can't have that darn Hawaii a member -- its "exotic, ya know!)

Per GOP rules the campaign would then go to the canidate which at the convention had the second highest number of delegates. I believe that would be either Huckabee or Romney.

We win... If something were to happen to McCain there wouldn't be time for them to support another candidate.

Or. . . if he died, there could be an enormous, sympathy inducing funeral ceremony a few days before the election, generating a ton of good will towards the anonymous republican ticket, that could overturn a ton of the momentum that Barack has built.

Kinda like Wellstone.

McPalin may well be keeling over once this campaign over... He doesn't look like a high-energy guy to me... so this schedule must be really grueling for him... and stress is NOT good for the immune system!

So, if a blocked vessel doesn't get him... that thingy on his cheek just might

But not to worry, he's got qualified replacement, should be have been elected President by then...

I think this situation has been studied and solved: Weekend at Bernie's.

That's it! I thought before that he's being propped up and he'll deflate as soon as the campaign is over...

Btw... I've seen people in other posts make reference to Bernie Sanders... I never knew what they meant... now I do!

Thanks

Every four years, the States use a representative system to select Electors to the Electoral College. Those electors meet in each State's Capitol and submit their choices for President and Vice-President to the House and Senate, respectively.

Those electors in fact ELECT the President and Vice-President. Each state, pursuant to its OWN laws, (as constrained by the Federal Constitution and Amendments) allow for State elections to derive a popular mandate as to which electors are to be selected.

Originally, these electors were intended to be the wisest members of that State, who would then select the most fit candidate. That system lasted exactly two (2) Presidential elections. When Parties arose, they each offered a slate of electors, of the same number as Electoral Votes for that state - and offered Electors pledged to vote for that Party's candidate.

If McCain and/or Palin were to quit or become incapacitated, the State's electoral panel does not change. If a State were to "go Republican," even if McCain and/or Palin were not fit to serve, the Republican Electors would be appointed by that State. They could vote for whomever they wished. In fact, they CAN vote for whomever they wish, no matter what.

If the Republican Party were to state that due to the unfitness of candidates, their recommended candidate is Tom Tancredo or Darryl Issa, the Republican Electors could honor their Party's recommendation - or vote for whomever they wished, say Jeb Bush.

The person who receives the most votes in the House (and is eligible to become President) WOULD become president.

If McCain were to pass away, and Palin were to remain running, and name Dick Cheney as her vice-presidential candidate - and the majority of Electors voted same in the House and Senate - so it would be: Palin/Cheney.

But the Republican Party could even revolt against their Candidate, and support, say, Gingrich/Crist. (That's Charlie Crist - not even Jesus Christ could stand New Gingrich.)

I heard the question asked on NPR this weekend and this brings up the scariest scenario. (The question was asked re McCain passing away but I assume pulling out for health reasons amounts to the same.)

Apparently there is no reason for Palin to advance. With McCain out early the GOP could field another candidate, possibly another VP with that excuse..

The really SCARY SCENARIO is, by hook or by crook, the GOP wins the 'vote', but the electoral college hasn't voted yet. If McCain pulls out right then, the Party gets to appoint a president.
In that case the party (assuming delegates following instructions) could put anyone they want in. Bush#3, Cheney, Rummy, Newt, Crist, Bolton (ha!)..
That is only then 'voted on' by the Electoral College. (No Sarah, that's not the hotel room where you have been cramming.. so don't put that on your resume.)

So, is this the 'November surprise'? Yes, they could pull McCain first and use sympathy, but I think they are more likely to hope for the numbers (Thank you Diebold and Cagers everywhere) then slip in the fellow that would have gagged the electorate. (WHO WILL HAVE NO SAY WHATSOEVER!)

Good luck,

I suspected that was the case when huckabee refused to gracefully. He wanted to not only be next in line, but to have it by a large enough margin so that none would challenge it.

I'm hopeful McCain survives until November. He's the best gift to run against we could have hoped for. Huckabee with only a couple weeks could weave his B.S. in a way that might reinvigorate the Republicans just in time to pull this thing out.

I'm not sure about that; a new candidate could just as easily lose, but if they really think they can steal this one with McCain at the helm, that gives them the window between election and the electoral college vote, to appoint whoever they want.
Just think; sympathy for McCain just when you would want to scream about the stolen election.. in comes President Rove.

It also explains Palin. A VP of her caliber just can't be thought of to step in, so she is not in the way for the 'Dear Leader' of the Party.

Hope I'm wrong,

This is correct. The Electors can technically vote for whomever they wish (AFAIK there are no states that have laws that prevent "faithless electors" and such a law would probably be unconstitutional). In 2004, one Minnesota elector voted for John Edwards to be both President and Vice President, and in 2000, one DC elector abstained to protest the District's lack of representation in Congress.

If 270 Electors vote for an alternative candidate, that person becomes President regardless of how their respective states voted. In normal times, this would cause a revolution. During the times of Shock Doctrine at home, who knows?

Thank you. I've been too busy to check the rules.

Iassume they could also pick another running mate..

I still think the real plan is to tyr to steal with Palin/McCain, then have McCain bow out for health problems before the Electoral College vote.
That way nobody but the Party gets any say in it and they could have a disney animatron of Reagan if they like.
I think Newt would be their choice;
Aaargh! Kicked at another football.
Good luck,

(BTW, Our campaign is 5 weeks over-all; 3 weeks to go.. Paper Ballots, all get counted or re-counted as necessary.. We know the results that night. ;-)

on the succession issue..if it's after the election, the VP winner can assume the presidency if the Presidential winner can't serve (illness, death, etc.).

I originally wondered about before the election, but the really scary time is between the election itself and the vote of the electoral college.

That is the window in which the GOP can choose whoever they want.
Eeek,

But this has ALWAYS been the plan of the Hidden government[elite who are protected] and the "Bushies". Their boy leaves OFFICE, But their "girl" is now in place. Palin is "Barbie" and she will do exactly what these clowns tell her to WEAR.

Naomi Klein was exactly right! We are in a disaster, AND the Neo-Cons will MOVE on OUR FEAR and Insecurity! Be smarter , be Fearless, and IF you can't ....HOLD ON to YOUR VALUES and INTEGRITY! The Neo-Con ELITE are in the Cat-bird seat!

Hold these CEOs accountable. They have made billions on our BACKS, and Now they want us to Bail them OUT! Bail out the country BUT put these CEOs in Jail for a LOOONG time. No Presidential pardons to these brigands! Our efforts, our blood, and our childrens' futures have been SOLD OUT for the portfolios of the RICH.

Get the Money FROM THEM, not us!

Seize their lives, by having their hidden funds in Swiss banks, Caimen Isl , etc. brought back to American shores, and used to bail them out...or LONG Long Jail Terms!

What happens if McCain dies before the election?

He doesn't get that state funeral he wants.

He would lock up the Zombie vote.