OK, so who would I vote for?If the election were held today? I’d probably vote for Bill Richardson. As a governor and former ambassador to the UN, he probably has the strongest qualification. I think he’d be a safe choice, and his presidency would probably be viewed by history as completely forgettable. After eight years of G.W., forgettable might be just what we need. First, let me explain the biggest “truth” I learned from my naïve attempt to get involved in politics: there are no “principled” politicians. (At least no successful ones.) Successful politics is not about the Constitution, or rights, or fairness, or any high-minded ideals. Successful politicians don’t start with concept and convictions; they start like anyone in marketing by defining their audience. They calculate a potential audience, then they figure out what that audience wants to hear. Then they tell them exactly what they want to hear over and over again. The second more uncomfortable realization I’ve had: the Democratic “audience” is at least mostly well meaning (if misguided). The Republican audience is predominantly selfish, phobic, and most troubling of all – often willing to use the most high-minded principles of religion and Constitution to inflict their narrow-minded will on others. I don’t agree with Democrat’s methods toward their vision of health, peace, and prosperity; but who would argue with the fundamental components of their vision? Too many Republicans fail their professed vision of liberty and opportunity. They seek a theocracy of self-serving peace and prosperity. Government is just a mechanism to protect their “have” status. So, the candidates? Mitt Romney – Sorry, he’s Mormon. I don’t think faith is an issue in itself, but honestly, don’t you question the intellect of anyone who believes in Scientology, pixies, or the book of Mormon? John McCain – Sorry, he’s too old. He has also changed his spots too frequently as he has attempted to cozy up with social conservatives. This is his last hurrah, and his desperation shows. Rudy Giuliani – OK, I like the fact that he’s not from the social conservative mold, but I haven’t heard anything meaningful from him. 9/11 is not a base from which to gain my vote. Mike Huckabee. – Sorry, no. I like the fact that he supports a consumption tax in place of income taxes, but those who support him do so for all the wrong stupid social conservative reasons. Ron Paul – Reluctantly, no. I like most parts of his libertarian message, but he’s sprinkled it with too much anti-immigration nonsense, and railing against the Federal Reserve is a bit too fringe. Good luck to his grass-roots effort. I hope he rattles some cages, but he’s not the right guy for the White House. Fred Thompson, Duncan Hunter, et al. Forget it. The Democrats? Hillary? – wouldn’t get my vote, but if she’s elected it wouldn’t be the end of the world. I see politics like a pendulum, and the Republicans have pulled it pretty far to one side. A swing back to the other side seems almost inevitable. Bill Clinton did a better job of balancing budgets and keeping government growth under control than G.W. ever has. Barack Obama – yeah maybe. I could vote for him just to watch what might happen. I think he’d do better than Hillary, and would provide a more productive presidency than any of the Republican alternatives. John Edwards? $400 haircut, pretty-boy populist? Are you kidding? I think he’s as phony as can be. Joe Biden, Chris Dodd, Mike Gravel, Dennis Kucinich? Maybe one of these guys I could take seriously, but at least two are kooks. My campaign was just as credible. Bill Richardson. Yes. Former UN Ambassador, Energy Secretary, and Governor of New Mexico. I’m not sure why the media has never given him much attention. Perhaps the Democratic audience has never taken to him for exactly the reason I find him acceptable – he’s not particularly flashy or extreme in his rhetoric. Previous: Kathleen and I; Domestic Partners. -- Next: Evangelicals ruin the Republican Party |
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