For the entry and discussion on Hillary, click here. (50)
For the entry and discussion on Rudy Giuliani, click here. (40)
For the entry and discussion on John Edwards, click here. (62)
For the entry and discussion on John McCain, click here. (18)
(Noting the comment totals, I must ask: does this mean the Democrats are more popular than the Republicans among my blog readers? And is this scientific enough to give Edwards the advantage in ‘08?)
Now, we move back again to the GOP side of the aisle and if all the speculation over new aspirants tossing their hat in the ring, we have to ask: who isn’t running for the Republican nomination?
Let’s turn our gaze now to the incomparable Mitt Romney. News just came out that Orrin Hatch has endorsed him for 2008. That’s no surprise but with the election this far out you will take any positive press you can get. Maybe Hatch is angling to play at the inauguration.
Pros: Is the conservative that Guiliani and McCain are not (although McCain is desperately trying to repaint himself as one), not a senator, sterling job as the director of the 2002 Winter Olympics, married once with no skeletons having emerged (yet), his work to provide health care for all Massachusetts residents, knows how to revitalize industries and eliminate red-tape; more political endorsements thus far than any other candidate.
Cons: question on whether his Mormonism would prevent evangelicals from voting for him; a record of flip-flopping and equivocation on important conservative issues; “tar baby” and Hitler ads being linked to his campaign; Not present as governor his final year in office; joined the NRA as a political move off-setting the gun-control efforts while in office; supports the “surge,” has no where near the clout, record or legitimacy to be a viable candidate.
Analysis: Ultimately, I believe that the evangelical bloc of the Republican party will be unable to pull the lever for a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Despite the fact that he agrees with them (at least he says he does, now) on their key issues of abortion and gay marriage, they won’t be able to get behind him. Their discomfort with Romney as the champion of conservative values is evidenced by the “adopt Newt” and “adopt Fred” movements.
While I applaud some of the moves that he made as governor, such as health care and gun control, there are too many issues where I disagree with him for me to feel comfortable about his candidacy.
I believe that Romney’s position in the “top three” of Republican contenders early on is akin to seat fillers at the Oscars when the legitimate contenders are taking bathroom breaks. He is keeping that chair warm for an approved conservative which paves the way for a Gingrich, Thompson, or (shudder) Huckabee to step in. He’s not nominate-able, nor is he electable. He has no legitimate shot and his treatment as a front-runner for the GOP election is a joke.