'Raising Cain' on the GOP list
As a conservative, I’d like to comment on the Republican candidates who have participated in the presidential debates thus far. I will focus my attention on viable or, at least potentially viable, candidates and eliminate Rick Santorum, Gary Johnson and Jon Huntsman.
In alphabetical order, Michele Bachmann has been fatally wounded by her arguments against HPV vaccination, the fact that she is above all a politician who has latched onto the Tea Party to lift her visibility and that she lacks the gravitas (much like Sarah Palin) of other strong female leaders, such as, Margaret Thatcher.
Herman Cain is an exciting candidate because he diverges from the typical political drivel from Washington. We don’t know him that well, but he is presenting bold plans and talks about solutions not ideology, a refreshing tone from a candidate. The question, of course, is whether he could survive and push his agenda through a dysfunctional Congress. At present he is my No. 1 choice.
Newt Gingrich is a very bright man with big ideas and the experience to deal with Congress. Unfortunately, this very intellect disconnects him from the average citizen, made worse by a combination of snobbery and talking down to folks. People won’t elect a Republican version of John Kerry.
Ron Paul has many good conservative ideas about limiting government, eliminating the Fed and contracting the money supply by returning to a gold or silver standard, border security, energy independence, the hoax of man-made global warming, etc. Unfortunately, these extremely conservative views that make him an alluring conservative make him unattractive to many middle-of-the-road Independents and keep him from serious consideration.
Rick Perry is a question mark to voters outside of Texas. Though I had hoped he would be a strong conservative candidate, I have been very disappointed in his debate performance. He is unable to think on his feet, a severe deficit for the leader of the free world. He also comes across as condescending. I am afraid he would be a disappointment to true conservatives since I believe he would be more than willing to compromise on important issues, such as, immigration.
Mitt Romney seems bright, organized and comes to the table with real world business experience. However, I am tired of the Republican establishment continuing to line up the dynasty to the presidency. McCain was given first dibs having lost to and supported George W. Bush, and I believe Mr. Romney’s previous run has allowed him to claim both the Republican establishment as well as conservative media support for the job. He would be my second choice but I would be nervous of his commitment to conservative principles.
Though I didn’t like Herman Cain at first, he is growing on me as I become more familiar with his accomplishments and watch his excellent performance in unscripted interviews and debates. Hopefully we have all learned that the ability to read a speech well is more of an asset for an actor than a president, Ronald Reagan excepted.
I have no concern regarding Cain’s lack of experience in international affairs — few presidents have that when they start. They learn on the job and have a host of experienced people at high level positions to lean on. At least he believes in our country unlike our current president. I feel we are at a time of such serious problems — poor economy, high unemployment, continued threat of terrorism, huge debt — that someone out of the mold of politics who is a problem solver would be a breath of fresh air.
If he does happen to get the Republican nomination, I heard a great idea for a bumper sticker from comedian Dennis Miller: “Cain vs. Unable.” Works for me.
Myerowitz is a resident of Columbia Falls.