The 2008 Republican Candidates: Wandering in the Right Wing Desert

The Republican Presidential race is starting to get semi-interesting. I suppose each of the many Republican candidates believes in his heart that he SHOULD be President. Self-delusion is a powerful drug. The entire field is full of guys who think they are better than anyone else. For instance, does Representative Tom Tancredo (R. - Co.) really think he’s going to be President based on his anti-immigrant campaign? Or, does the atrocious Newt Gingrich think he can survive the personal scrutiny that he will face in a national campaign? Let’s face it; anyone who runs for President has a stunningly large ego and an endless capacity for narcissistic behavior. That having been said, who are the likely suspects to get the nomination?

We can eliminate Rudy Guiliani and John McCain, not because they are too liberal, but because each of them has a fundamental flaw. Guiliani is simply a fraud and a thug. He has already started to drop in the polls as people across the country get to know more about him. McCain’s problem is age. His recent trip to Iraq was a public relations disaster. He appeared old and slow. He is the “real thing” but his time has passed. Mitt Romney is an unfolding mystery. He has changed his moderate-liberal views and appealed to the Christian Right. Unfortunately, they believe that he is a “cult” member because he is a Mormon. It doesn’t matter what they think. He looks good and he sounds convincing. Like “W” before him, he struggles with his Oedipal complex - he is always aware of how his father, George, was humiliated when HE ran for President. See, Wikipedia. Interestingly, it was George Romney’s turning against the Vietnam War that caused him to lose the Republican nomination to Richard Nixon in 1968. Well, there was the “brainwashing” remark, but that’s another story! Romney is a very strong candidate. He is a more articulate George Bush and a traditional big government Republican. Romney has raised more money than anyone else and he will continue to. It helps that prior to entering politics he was a venture capitalist; same game with a different objective. Now, all he has to do, is use the same investors for his campaign.

Finally, a word or two about Sam Brownback of Kansas, Chuck Hagel of Nebraska, Fred Thompson of “Law and Order” and Tommy Thompson of Wisconsin. Brownback will have the backing of the Christian Right. That won’t be enough for the nomination, but don’t be surprised if he is on everyone’s short list for V.P. Fred Thompson will do well in the South but has no money. Theoretically, he can raise some in Hollywood. Still, I don’t see “Law and Order” producer, Dick Wolf, or star, Sam Waterson holding fundraisers for Thompson. As far as Tommy Thompson is concerned, I have one word: WHO? In the end, the only possible truly impressive candidate is Senator Hagel. He is the smartest and the most honorable. He would make a good President. Unfortunately, there is no chance he will be nominated by Republicans. Here’s a tip: don’t be surprised if Hagel runs as an independent. That’s the situation so far. Except for Hagel, the Republican field makes the Democrats look like true statesmen!

Voting early and often, I remain

Savant

<< Back to main