PJ: The author suggests that Sarah Palin holds the key to galvanizing support for whoever the Republican candidate will be in the next presidential election. While that might be true for certain far right leaning republicans, her support for a candidate might just be the thing that drives moderates and independents away.
Toronto Sun
Worthington: Republican presidential hopefuls need Sarah Palin 2
By Peter Worthington ,QMI Agency
Although it’s close to 18 months before the next U.S. presidential election, the campaign is already beginning with a gaggle of eager Republicans starting to declare their intentions.
None of it means much yet. Depending on one’s outlook, President Barack Obama looks beatable, if not exactly vulnerable.
A sitting president, even one as hopeless as, say, Jimmy Cater was in 1980, always has an advantage. Ronald Reagan beat Carter handily, but it should be remembered that until election day, Reagan’s win was not the sure thing it seems in retrospect.
Today’s sluggish economy, the massive debt, the huge financial “incentives” to banks that never reached the people, the dearth of jobs, the floundering of the Obama administration, all bode well for the Republican party — but not necessarily for whoever is the party’s choice for president.
The successful assassination of Osama bin Laden by U.S. Navy SEALS has given a boost in polls to President Obama. But such surges don’t last long.
After the first Gulf War, the popularity of then-president George Bush the Elder soared to the 90% range, but he fell to defeat by Bill Clinton in the subsequent election (thanks to the independent candidacy of Ross Perot, who got 19% of the popular vote).
For what it’s worth, some 14 individuals regarded as potential Republican presidential contenders have declined — said they will not seek the nomination of their party. Minds can change, but their declarations should be taken at face value as being sincere.
Christie’s attractive
Among the prominent names declaring they will not seek the presidential nomination are Mike Huckabee, Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal, Gen. David Petraeus, New York Mayor Mike Bloomberg, former Florida governor Jeb Bush, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, and Massachusetts Sen. Scott Brown.
Of these, Chris Christie seems the most charismatic. There is even talk of a movement to draft Christie. He’s that attractive.
Joining those “not running” is Donald Trump, a blowhard who insists he’d win if he ran, but who says he never intended to run.
Among other prominent names contemplating running, or setting up exploratory committees, are Minnesota Representative Michelle Bachmann, Florida Gov. Charlie Crist, South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham and Sarah Palin.
The others are throw-away candidates.
Of these, I would argue Sarah Palin has greater potential to influence people (Tea Partiers) on whom to vote for, than she has to win votes for herself. She’s smarter than her critics think, is a quick learner, difficult to intimidate and seems fearless. Whoever wins will need her support.
That leaves 13 who have declared they are running — of whom seven are nutbars or fringe candidates.
Gingrich least electable
The strongest candidate is Mitt Romney who, as a Mormon, might have difficulty getting nominated. Former Speaker Newt Gingrich is probably the smartest of the lot, but also the least electable as Prez. He’s been around too long, with too much baggage.
Texas Representative Ron Paul is the purest conservative, but seems too extremist and unelectable. Former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum and Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty are in the running, but neither seems the quality of former Massachusetts Gov. Romney.
The trouble for Republican wannabes is being “conservative” enough to satisfy the party, yet middle-road enough to appeal to the country. It’s why whoever gets the nod, will need Sarah Palin’s support to unite the party.
Not as hopeful as some might wish.
http://www.torontosun.com/2011/05/17/maddonald-republican-presidential-hopefuls-need-sarah-palin
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