Female Running Mate May Determine Election

For the 31st consecutive year, The University of Alabama’s Office of Media Relations offers predictions from faculty experts for the coming year.

Whereas many eyes were on presidential candidates in the final days of 2011, one University of Alabama professor believes the vice presidential race is the one to watch.

Dr. Janis Edwards, associate professor of communication studies, says the VP slot may actually determine the outcome of the 2012 presidential election.

“On the Republican side, none of the current candidates is likely to beat Obama, despite his perceived weakness,” Edwards says. “Romney is not popular, nor a good campaigner. Gingrich will produce buyer’s remorse. Therefore, the partner on the ticket could be very meaningful for Republican momentum, especially if there is great appeal to women voters.”

Edwards says there is an outside chance that current vice president Joe Biden could assume the role of secretary of state, opening up the vice presidential spot on the Democrat side.

While a female running mate might up the appeal of Republican presidential candidates, Edwards says, “that does not necessarily translate to a female candidate … but it would be golden for the Dems, if they had that opportunity.”

Despite her speculation, Edwards said she suspects it may be too late for a move by Biden, so it’s most likely that if a female vice presidential candidate finds her way into the field, it will be on the Republican side.