During an animated discussion over a possible meltdown occurring within the GOP, the question came up: Are we headed for a three-party system? It was suggested with the contention that 30% of voters are conservative, 30% are liberal and the remaining 40% are centrist or “moderate” - somewhere in the middle. It’s this middle group that was the main concern. Ideology has isolated Republican and Democrat parties into polar opposites, alienating those whose philosophy don’t align with either extreme.
The pragmatist of our get-together opined that McCain’s “centrist” stance actually makes him the right choice for November over someone more conservative like Romney (now gone) or Huckabee. His selection as Republican candidate positions the GOP to beat the Democrat candidate. My feeling was that McCain is “spoiling” the conservative ideals of the GOP (or at least the GOP I used to know). Given his preference to be a maverick, perhaps he would be a better fit for a third party.
Can a three-party system work? Now, that’s a question for a lively debate! Recent events makes one wonder. McCain commands a greater percentage of Republican voters, while conservative talk show types disparage him for being “too liberal”. Personally I find myself in the second camp. When I heard that McCain had retained former Vincente Fox “open border” mouthpiece Juan Hernandez to be his advisor on immigration, fitting his historical stance on illegal immigration, the appointment didn’t surprise me.
But what about the audience of talk show luminaries like Limbaugh, Hannity and Savage? These folks can’t all be part of a tiny but vocal right wing loonies. When you listen to them voice their frustration with the GOP’s direction, they don’t sound like nut cases; they sound like normal folks. Are the likes of the above-mentioned actually trying to dictate agenda for the electorate?
What’s happening within the GOP? Witness the meltdown in Washington over the summer, when both parties tried to stuff a compromised immigration bill down our throats. Voters across the country swamped Capitol switchboards. Does anyone believe that was solely the work of right wing ideologues?
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Romney Quits!
In a surprise move, GOP nomination candidate Mitt Romney has announced that he his suspending his fight for the GOP presidential nomination against John McCain. Stated reason: News reports indicate that after meeting earlier with his staff, Romney had originally decided to continue his campaign. But later, apparently upon reflection, he opted to withdraw in order to allow the party to now press ahead with a national election campaign rather than continue with a rancorous nomination campaign.
After “Super Tuesday” it was apparent that the numbers clearly are not with him. To have any real hope of capturing the GOP nomination, Romney would need to win the next 4 out of 5 upcoming primary elections - a possibility that just didn’t seem real, given Huckabee’s surge in the polls on Tuesday.
“Suspend” is the operative word here. Ever the analytical business head, he looked at his options and decided to “suspend” - not quit. Significant, when you consider “suspending” a campaign allows one to come back later and resume fund raising. This option could allow him to recoup some of the $18million (last quarter) and $35million (total) of his own funds that he‘s spent so far in his campaign.
His departure speech: Stirring; lots of energy and passion. Too bad he didn’t seem to project at that level before. It might have made a difference. Unfortunately, in commenting on issues other than the economy, he just didn’t seem to “find his voice”. It left folks to wonder who exactly Mitt Romney is and where he stands. “Sincerity” was also discussed among political pundits at great length. He never quit exuded the level of “sincerity” that Huckabee (and apparently, McCain) projected. He always seemed to be too smooth, too polished, too well-coifed. Someone even mused: “If only he’d mess up his hair!”
Outcome? The word is that this move garners a huge amount of goodwill for Romney within GOP ranks, providing for the possibility for a shot at the presidency in 2012.
After “Super Tuesday” it was apparent that the numbers clearly are not with him. To have any real hope of capturing the GOP nomination, Romney would need to win the next 4 out of 5 upcoming primary elections - a possibility that just didn’t seem real, given Huckabee’s surge in the polls on Tuesday.
“Suspend” is the operative word here. Ever the analytical business head, he looked at his options and decided to “suspend” - not quit. Significant, when you consider “suspending” a campaign allows one to come back later and resume fund raising. This option could allow him to recoup some of the $18million (last quarter) and $35million (total) of his own funds that he‘s spent so far in his campaign.
His departure speech: Stirring; lots of energy and passion. Too bad he didn’t seem to project at that level before. It might have made a difference. Unfortunately, in commenting on issues other than the economy, he just didn’t seem to “find his voice”. It left folks to wonder who exactly Mitt Romney is and where he stands. “Sincerity” was also discussed among political pundits at great length. He never quit exuded the level of “sincerity” that Huckabee (and apparently, McCain) projected. He always seemed to be too smooth, too polished, too well-coifed. Someone even mused: “If only he’d mess up his hair!”
Outcome? The word is that this move garners a huge amount of goodwill for Romney within GOP ranks, providing for the possibility for a shot at the presidency in 2012.
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