An alternative like all the others?California Representative Duncan Hunter has announced his desire to join the 2008 presidential campaign. According to Hunter, “We are going to carry our message of a strong national defense and strong national borders.” Why wouldn’t Rep. Hunter wait just two weeks before going out on this limb? If Republicans lose seats on November 7th, it’s probably not because they haven’t been strident enough on defense and borders. Yet Rep. Hunter seems to feel the nation needs more potentially divisive rhetoric on these topics. What we really need is something different. Senator Hagel is suggesting a change in Iraq policy, Governor Romney has tried different approaches to health care, and Rudy Giuliani has expressed support for abortion rights. I don’t specifically agree with any of these potential candidates, but I’m thrilled to see some diversity in their positions from the tired Republican dogma of recent years. And rather than more Duncan Hunters entering the race, I wish there were more outsiders like myself working to bring new ideas to the table. I have a vision that probably represents a nightmare to the party “professionals,” but wouldn’t it be great if the National Convention really had to work to nominate a candidate? If dozens of candidates each went to St. Paul with just a handful of delegates each, perhaps the Party might have to conduct some substantive debate. I don’t realistically expect to occupy the White House, but I do think I can win a delegate or two from here in Oregon and attend the nominating convention as tangible evidence of a constituency looking for something new. I’d encourage anyone with a stomach for abuse to dive right in and do the same; file, and run, and try to represent a niche. We certainly don’t need more of the same, and the “credible” candidates can’t afford to alienate their funding base by addressing the tough issues an outsider can. I’m finding some traction for a fiscal conservative / social libertarian approach with the independent-minded voters here in Oregon. Other outsiders might pursue niche social issues, or local issues; it doesn’t matter what the issue, as long as it has a constituency – the more issues brought to the table, the more rich the debate. And thankfully, Oregon awards its primary delegates on a proportional basis; if I can win about 10% of the vote, I can win a delegate. I believe some states assign their delegates differently. Obviously, if a state assigns on a winner-take-all basis, my outsider strategy is rendered pointless. So congratulations to those looking for a Duncan Hunter, but if he doesn’t suit your tastes don’t stop looking for a candidate. There are several of us “outsiders” hanging around on the fringe, and even the “real candidates” like John McCain, Mitt Romney, and Bill Frist should be held to an expectation of substance. Don’t just let them b.s. their way through the process. But if you don’t find anyone representing your view, consider my advice – run for President. It’s fun, you’ll learn a lot about your own views if you have to defend them repeatedly, and it looks great on your resume. Michael Previous: They got it right… -- Next: Serious, yes. Full of myself, no. |
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