Really Pissed Off!

It’s time to stop acting like Democrats and more like Republicans, as we close in on the 2008 Election. Over that past year, the Republican Party has been looking at candidates who would quality for a popularity poll or beauty contest, rather than securing the Executive Branch for another four years! Up to now, all of the front runners will have a tough time defeating the Democratic candidate, even if it’s Hillary or Barack Obama, and especially if it’s Bill Richardson or some other Moderate Democrat! Why? The reason is that all of the front runners have baggage or are damaged goods!

Let’s take a good look at them. John McCain has lost his “Maverick” image and straight talk attitude since 2000. He was probably the best candidate to run and beat Gore, but the new Right Wing, Neo Con Conservative base had already chosen George W. Bush for their agenda. Since then, McCain has embraced the current Administration to the point that he’s much too close to Bush on the War in Iraq to win either the nomination or the 2008 Election. What is really sad is that McCain was right when he said “Send More Troops!” Remember, he said it right after we took Baghdad, and he was right! Had we listened to him, we wouldn’t be in the mess that we’re in now in Iraq, but that opportunity has come and gone. John McCain is out on a limb that’s about to be cut down.

How about former Governor Mitt Romney? Does he look like a Presidential candidate? Does he act like a Presidential candidate? The answer is Yes! After that, it’s all downhill! As Governor of Massachusetts, Romney did little and left early, only to ridicule Massachusetts while he set up his candidacy, although he did a great job promoting the Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City. What’s that got to do with being President? Romney’s biggest problem is not that he’s a Mormon. It’s his fluctuating on positions central to the base of the Republican Party. You’ve got to have encountered one Hell of an epiphany to go from Pro-Choice to Pro-Life! He changed his position on Gun Control, once he decided that he needed the NRA to even consider running. I’ll bet they really don’t believe him, especially after his hunting adventures! And lastly, I don’t believe that the majority of the Republican and Independent base will elect a Mormon as President. His father withdrew 40 years ago and Mitt may run into the stone wall that his father did.

The “Wild Card” is Rudy Giuliani! That, however, is also his biggest problem. While the memory of 9/11 burns deep into our collective souls, with Rudy walking out from the ashes, you probably could say the same thing had Ed Koch still been Mayor! That’s his job! The Mayor is not going to hide in Gracie Mansion during an attack on his or her city! Overlooking a few scandals, Giuliani was a good Mayor for the City of New York. With the help of William Bratton, he was able to get control of crime, and get New York moving in the right direction. New York City is a far better place, thanks to Rudy Giuliani! But Rudy has serious baggage. He’s been married and divorced twice. Rudy is Pro-Choice and supports Domestic Partnerships, two of the most heated topics on the Republican base’s agenda! On the plus side, Giuliani clearly demonstrates that he is tough, as well as a leader. That’s something that the Republicans look for in a candidate and why Rudy is leading the polls for the moment. The big question is whether Rudy will remain there once the Republican base takes a good look at his position on Abortion, Gay Rights and his own example of Family Values. Once they do, they will probably leave Rudy high and dry.

There’s a new guy in town and he comes with the right credentials that will placate the Republican base and may offer a choice for the Independent vote, which is necessary to win the election. That’s Fred Thompson. Finally announcing his candidacy on the Jay Leno Show, Thompson is finally in the race. As a candidate, Thompson offers the complete package. His platform so far has emphasized the Conservative tradition of Federalism and the possible return to more Conservative values. To some, he brings back the image of Ronald Reagan. Thompson, however, is not Ronald Reagan! Thompson also has the least amount of baggage. Actually, he has spent more time in public service than in motion pictures and television. In 1969, Thompson became an Assistant U.S. Attorney in Tennessee, as well as managing Sen. Howard Baker’s campaign in 1973. That same year, Thompson went to Washington D.C. and served as a minority counsel to the Senate Watergate Committee. After a decade in Hollywood, Thompson returned to the political scene as a two term Senator from Tennessee from 1994 to 2002, where he served as Chairman of the Senate Governmental Affairs Committee, as well as on the Finance Committee and the Senate Intelligence Committee. Thompson is relatively “squeaky clean” with the major complaint of not offering a great deal of legislation during his eight year stay in the Senate. That same issue didn’t stop Senator John Kerry from becoming the Democrat’s choice in 2004! He also brings a breath of fresh air. The big question is whether Thompson has the stomach to campaign with the big guns already out there. If he does, and is successful, don’t be surprised if he’s nominated. Republicans know a winner when they see one, something to which the Democrats are totally blind! Thompson can beat Hillary or Barack! I can’t say the same for the other candidates!