2012 Republican Candidates - June 2011

Barrack Obama can be defeated in 2012. He has disappointed and demotivated his Democratic base by not governing as far left as he originally campaigned. He has alienated most independents by piling on trillions of dollars of debt. And his ongoing trashing of Republicans has certainly lit a fire in many of them who sat home in November 2008 rather than vote for John McCain.

Now the question is whether the Republicans will be able to field a Presidential candidate who can prove to the American voters that he or she is capable of bringing our country back to common sense federal governance as opposed to big government borrowing and spending which is a core Obama belief. And can he or she again put the United States in a world leadership role rather than being a passive follower as Obama has been.

In my mind, there is currently no clear choice for the Republican nomination for President in 2012 and I am not prepared to support any candidate just yet.

Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney’s strong business background gives me confidence he would focus the federal government on necessities and let private industry get back to leading the economy. But Mitt’s track record on healthcare reform when he was Governor is not good. He legislated a mandatory participation program in Massachusetts similar to that enacted by President Obama which puts Mitt in an odd position when trying to challenge the flailing Obamacare program although Mitt has said he would shut it down if elected.

Former Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels looks great on paper but lacks charisma. And Mitch’s marital record will become an unnecessary distraction. However, he did a phenomenal job in Indiana ridding his state of a budget deficit and slashing its operating budget. I believe his record proves he can bring common sense fiscal policy to Washington, DC which Obama is unwilling to do. Perhaps America will be happy with a boring fiscal conservative in the White House rather than a boisterous, self-centered, constitutional law professor currently serving there.
Former Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty was also a successful governor who did well for his citizens during his two terms. While also not very charismatic, he is capable of giving great speeches and making points at debates. He was a popular governor of a very unique state with liberal and libertarian tendencies so Tim may be able to relate very well with Americans throughout the toss-up states needed to win a presidential election these days.

Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich now wants to be President but I discount his candidacy for a number of reasons. While he likes to tell you he is a brilliant man, he has no common sense given his past efforts working with Democrat Nancy Pelosi regarding their belief that climate change is the fault of mankind. And his recent comments about Republican plans to overhaul Medicare did not win him friends in the Republican grass roots.

The libertarian leaning Texas Congressman Ron Paul, former New Mexico Governor Gary Johnson, and businessman Herman Cain all sound great in debates when they focus on economic issues but their hands off belief regarding many foreign policy and safety net issues give them little chance of being elected President even if they are Tea Party darlings and may do well in Republican primaries.

Former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin will most likely focus on earning big money with her speaking engagements, TV consultancies, and related businesses rather than risking such by running for President. She will follow the lead of former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee and billionaire Donald J. Trump by taking advantage of their popularity to earn the big bucks while they can.

There are also dark horse potential candidates like Congresswoman Michelle Bachman of Minnesota who, although a bright tax lawyer by training, lets loose too many dumb sound bites. And former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum who believes his path to the presidency is with those of strong religious beliefs. Some are also hoping that current New Jersey Governor Chris Christie or current Texas Governor Rick Perry will step into the ring.

Many current polls show a generic Republican can beat Barrack Obama in November 2012. I just hope the Republican primary voters will choose a candidate who has the heft and experience to end this disastrous Obama presidency before our country is forever changed by his policies.