And Then There Were Four – Guest post by J. Michael Glick
Suddenly, we have reached the South Carolina primary and the GOP field has drastically dwindled down to four active candidates. Mitt has been the clear front-runner throughout, but Newt has been surging as we approach South Carolina. Rick and Ron are still chugging along at a relatively respectable pace. They both deserve enormous credit given that they still have the support to remain in the race while the rest of the field has evaporated.
This article attempts to take a look at each candidate and to break down what I see as the primary variables for each. Whether you agree with my thoughts or not, your comments are always appreciated.
Mitt Romney:
Mitt Romney is a very successful man. He is a successful politician and a successful capitalist. He is an iconic American businessman. He understands what it takes to run a successful company and has a proven track record. I believe that he has the mindset we need to turn America around and get our economic engine thundering. He does have an enormous amount of wealth and he should be respected for the work he did to acquire that wealth. Such an accumulation of wealth is simply American.
However, there is a line that must be drawn for any wealthy politician. A politician must be able to relate to people in order to shrug off accusations of elitism. Mitt has attempted to do this. And he has failed, miserably. I am sure we have all witnessed the clips of Mitt trying to claim middle class status by saying things like, “I have also feared receiving the pink slip.” His attempts at relating to the average American may have been a workable stunt, until he stumbles over his own bank account. For example, he attempted to make a $10,000 with Rick Perry on the national debate stage.
$10,000? Seriously Mitt?! A $10,000 check would be a Godsend to millions of American families. Such a quip is wildly irresponsible and arrogant. Someone needs to remind Mitt that he is speaking to the American people, not his chums at the country club. Unfortunately, this slip seems to be emblematic of the Romney worldview, as he recently referred to more than $300k in speaking fees over a 12-month period as a “small amount.” Mitt needs to lock it up. This kind of language is going to be dynamite for Obama and his friendly super PACs if Mitt claims the GOP nomination.
Newt Gingrich:
Newt was born and raised in Central PA (bonus points). He was a professional academic before he evolved into the political prince of the south. He is a powerful individual with a very respectable political track record and a sharp intellect. He successfully led a Republican Congress on a tremendous charge to a majority in the 1990’s. He knows Washington as well as anyone. In office, he will know what needs to be done to get things done. With such in depth legislative knowledge, he will know what fights are winnable and exactly how to win them. He has the audacity and know-how to accomplish things where a Washington amateur may be more prone to stumble.
Unfortunately, he seems to have the emotional stability of a teenage girl. Most recently, he could not control his anger after his loss in Iowa. And overall his decade’s worth of bouncing around through various wives and mistresses is abhorrent to any person aspiring for Christian character. Newt Gingrich, please don’t pull a Herman Cain and deny the truth of your exploits until all is slowly and painfully revealed. If I have learned anything about a Presidential race, all of your exploits will be revealed. Admit your mistakes and ask for forgiveness, like a man of honor would do.
Rick Santorum:
Rick Santorum: one of our own! I am personally proud of Rick for making the run and making such a big impact. I never would have guessed that he would outshine the likes of Rick Perry and Michelle Bachman. But here he is, one of the final four. Rick Santorum is man of principle and a true family man. He has a sharp sense of the real dangers that still threaten our nation’s security. He will not be afraid to take necessary action to protect us. Rick is a winner and does not back down from a fight. It can be said that he even encourages a fight, which may be his fatal flaw.
Rick has what it takes to win the White House. But he just takes it too far. I can respect the social views that Rick has, even if I cannot say I agree with him. His logic is sound and is based on principle. But he is far too abrasive in his language to take a campaign all the way to Pennsylvania Avenue. He has alienated far too much of the population with his rhetoric. No candidate will inflame the left more than the nomination of Rick Santorum. He just has too much rhetorical baggage to be a successful candidate and he has shown no sign of toning it down. So, again, I have so much respect for Rick Santorum, but he does not stand a chance against Obama.
Ron Paul:
Ron Paul? The free world exists today because of American military power. Ron Paul wants to essentially eliminate our global military presence. Such a move would leave a power vacuum, which would naturally be filled by the likes of China and Russia. It would embolden the radical regimes of Iran and North Korea. Ron Paul as president would destabilize the global power structure. There is no way to predict or prepare for how his policies would impact the world order. His economic policies are a whole other beast with just as much volatility as his foreign policy.
I must say that I do respect the man. He has thought provoking positions and his message resonates with many Americans. He is a radical alternative to the establishment, which is attractive to many. He will continue to be a powerful voice on the national stage, which will allow us to see the possibilities of political change through a much wider lens.
