The GOP Contenders – Way Too Many Voices

BY MICHAEL REISIG –

The upcoming U.S. presidential race is settling into the same rhythm and habit as the last few races. The Democrats pick out one person and get behind them, and the Republicans have about forty contenders – half of them useless and listless, like Mitt Romney, (thank God the man has had the common sense not to embarrass himself and his party again). The other half is cursed with a Constantine complex – their ego superseding their intelligence, and their concern for the party.

Now I know these are strange words coming from a man who preaches conservatism, but I have always believed in calling it as I see it. And here’s the way I see it: This is the list of GOP contenders:

Jeb Bush – He’s a good man, but a president…mmmm. I think he’s relying too much on family name.

Ted Cruise – Harvard and Princeton-educated, once served as the Domestic Policy Advisor to former president George W. Bush. Noted for his formidable oratory skill, one of the intellectual leaders of the tea party movement. A possibility…

Rand Paul (Lord, I wish he didn’t look so much like Howdy Doody), but he stands for the chance to undo big government, and that gives him heavy points.

Chris Christie – So far, as much as I can tell, he’s for, (or against), anything that will get him elected.

Carly Fiorina – Her business experience and conservative principles make her attractive to the right, but she’s had as many failures as successes, and this can come back to haunt her.

Mike Huckabee – Out of all the frontrunners I believe he is the strongest in actual honesty and dedication (and an intrinsic knowledge of the flaws in government.) A good man and a strong presidential contender.

Rick Perry – A strong American. (If we could just get him to think before he speaks, he might have a chance.)

Scott Walker – The first governor to survive a recall election, and that says something about his fortitude.

Rick Santorum – A former, gutsy, two-term Senator from Pennsylvania. Has a strong and loyal, but small base behind him. But has a better shot at a vice presidency down the road.

Bobby Jindal – A straight-shooting American with an honesty about him that I like. (Anyone who can hold a place like Louisiana together for any length of time should get some attention.)

Marco Rubio – This man is definitely on the short list of names for Republican frontrunner. Being of Cuban heritage, he has strong support among the important Latino demography. In addition, he entertains solid conservative principles that make him eminently likeable to the Republican constituency.

And last but not least, Ben Carson – He is probably the most down to earth, sensible, honest conservative there is (next to Huckabee), and a very capable, straight-forward and innovative man.

This is all the good news. Now, here’s the bad news: No one on this list is willing to take the second seat – even for the betterment of their party. They all want to be president.

What all this comes down to is, too many voices with too many dreams of grandeur, and not enough common sense. If all these people were really concerned for America and not so concerned about seeing the word “President” in front of their name, they would all get together in a room at a Holiday Inn and settle on two people – draw cards, have a debate – I don’t care. But when it’s all said and done, we would have two individuals (a pre-determined president and vice president) and they, (the Republicans) would no longer be able to beat each other to death prior to election – that’s supposed to be the Democrat’s job.

This is absolutely the greatest problem in the Republican party—no one wants to be vice president, and no one is putting America over their dreams of grandeur.

Now, I’ll leave you with my choice(s), for what it’s worth.

Mario Rubio (president) and Ben Carson as vice president. Or…. Mike Huckabee (president) and Ben Carson VP. These combinations would be very tough for liberals to beat. Now, I know some of you are going to ask – why not Carson for president, and I’ll answer honestly. He has no real political experience, and the Democrats would hammer on that. And he is African-American, and that, unfortunately, would put off a certain percentage of ultra-conservative voters – possibly discouraging them from voting at all, strictly on the premise that we just had a black president, and look how well that went… You want truth, and I’m giving it to you.

So, Republican candidates: Put your egos behind you. Find a Holiday Inn and get this over with, so conservatives can begin to have a say in the direction of America again.

The views and opinions expressed in this column do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the ownership and staff of The Polk County Pulse. Michael Reisig is a freelance writer and published author whose works are reproduced throughout the globe.

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