GOP Candidates
Newt? Enough baggage to open a Samsonite store & a closet progressive. He may be the smartest chap in the room, but has been part of the 'establishment' for way too long, has neocon beliefs and will still end up growing government - even if at a slower pace than Obama. Newt would eat Obama alive in a debate, but most of it would probably go over the head of most voters because form is more important than substance nowadays.
Romney? Obama Lite - also known as Obomney in some circles. Good businessman, great hair, good speaking voice and a decent amount of charisma. Still, though, a 'big government' Republican in his heart, more "establishment" than Newt, laid the foundation (in MA) for Obamacare and is not a supporter of our Second Amendendment. If he gets the GOP nod to run against Obama, it will truly be the proverbial lesser of two evils contest.
Santorum? Are you freaking kidding me? He's a theocratic nut-job who thinks the government should be the "moral police" of society. This chump is frightened by the idea that someone, somewhere just might be having a good time. He may be a 'nice guy' who reminds you of a kind uncle or polite neighbor....but don't let that facade fool you. He's a snake in the grass type of authoritarian who is power-hungry and WILL increase the size, scope and cost of government (especially at the federal level). Rick Santorum is certainly no conservative, especially on fiscal matters.
Rick Perry? Thankfully, he is out of the race. He makes Joe Biden actually look intelligent. Let him go back to Texas where he was a better than average governor. He's not exactly a big fan of the US Constitution, although he still would have been preferable to Obama any day of the week.
Ron Paul? The ONLY conservative in the race. Perfect? Heck no. His foreign policy (or lack thereof) is a bit unnerving; but I LOVE his respect of, admiration for and understanding of the US Constitution. I know that federalism, limited government, the Bill of Rights and fiscal restraint are now somehow considered "extreme" or "wacko" ideas -- but Dr. Paul is the sole adherent to the philosophy of limited government. He is the only candidate who will actually seek to SHRINK GOVERNMENT - rather than merely slowing its rate of growth. He is also pro-Second Amendment; much more so than any of the rest on the docket.
Could he beat Obama in the general election? I am not sure. Is it more important for the GOP to nominate a "milquetoast, wannabe conservative" who will win and only be slightly less bad than Obama or to truly put forth the best & most principled man with the likelihood he will lose to Obama in November? Truly a dilemma, I think. With 300,000,000+ people in this great nation, you would think we could come up with some better choices. Sheesh!
:redbrick: