Portman says nation not looking for 'pizzazz'
(CNN) – Ohio Sen. Rob Portman, who political observers often cite as a potential running mate for White House contender Mitt Romney, said Thursday voters were no longer looking for sparks when selecting a presidential candidate.
Portman, speaking from Israel after a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, was asked by CNN Chief Political Analyst Gloria Borger whether his perceived lack of "pizzazz" would prevent him from being selected as a vice presidential candidate.
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"I think what people are looking for right now is not the kind of pizzazz and pop that perhaps we thought we got in 2008, certainly President Obama offered that," Portman said. The full interview will air Thursday at 4 p.m. on CNN's "The Situation Room."
Portman continued, "What they want now is someone who can work closely with Congress and get things done. We have a paralysis in Washington that's not serving our country. We have to address these issues."
Portman reiterated his point – made several times before – that he does not expect to be chosen as Romney's running mate, and that he intends to remain in the Senate.
"I'm very happy where I am, I'm a senator from Ohio," Portman said. "I'm on the armed services committee, which gives me the opportunity to get involved on some of these international issues. My focus is, as you know, on the economic issues and budget issues. My view is that I'm best able to serve my state and my country where I am."
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They sure are not looking for milquetoast either Robbie.
Maybe not but we certainly do not want bland and just plain ole blah. Give me smart, effective and charisma any day.
And I don't believe the country is looking for a repeat performance by gw bushs budget director. the man who enabled turning a surplus into a record deficit.
Poor Republicans. No Pizzaz! LOL
The GOP nation certainly isn't, Mr. Romney is about as devoid of "pizzaz" as one might get.
Hey Portman, do you pledge allegiance to the United States of America or to Israel? And why are you palin' around with neocon tools like Benny N? Even his own countrymen dislike him.
It was never about a leader with pizzaz but an leader who can lead and not follow.and that what the american people voted for whan we elected president obama a leader smart confident and loves this country
A Democrats argument on why to vote for Tom Barrett... "Walker did this, Walker did that, Walker wants to do this." What has Barrett said he would do to fix the states problems? Oh, that's right, he doesn't have a plan. Anyone with common sense knows you don't vote for someone with no plan. My taxes went down for the first time in years, and contrary to what democrats believe, the sky is not falling here in Wisconsin. Wisconsinites see this, and Walker will win this election.
Hermain Cain gave us Pizzazz. Mitt Romney gives us nothing, just words. I want to see these 100,000 jobs that he claims to have created *at* Bain. I want to know how many net jobs were created during his tenure *at* Bain for that 80% success rate that he likes to talk about.
Has anyone noticed that Portman is telling people how and what to think?
I don't think Americans have any room for the Bushes in this campain. This country is in this mess beause of all those worked for Bush is the wasted 8yrs of his presidency
The nation is looking for credibility, and Romney does not have it.