A Not So Super Statement on Super Tuesday

Several months ago, I proposed some prognostications on the Republican primaries and who will win the nomination and the chance to match up against President Obama in November. I said that Mitt Romney, the former governor of Massachusetts, would win the nomination. I feel pretty good about that prediction, but former Pennsylvania senator Rick Santorum and former Georgia representative Newt Gingrich continue to hang in there. It appears Texas Representative Ron Paul will also continue to stay in to drive the debate. With Mr. Romney winning six of the ten states this past Tuesday, what does it mean?

Many pundits have suggested that Mr. Romney’s lackluster performance is due to Republicans not feeling completely comfortable with the former Massachusetts governor. He does have issues. His biggest stumbling block is the health care plan he passed as governor. He refuses to apologize for it, and he shouldn’t, but he should also emphasize the historic roles of the states, as opposed to the federal government. Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis suggested that, “It is one of the happy incidents of the federal system that a single courageous state may, if its citizens choose, serve as a laboratory; and try novel social and economic experiments without risk to the rest of the country.” The idea that the states should and can be laboratories of democracy should be trumpeted by Mr. Romney.

The worst attacks by his fellow Republicans, because they are Republicans, suggest there is something wrong with his strive for and achievement of success and personal wealth. One of the basic ideas of conservatism is that all people have the right, or should, to achieve as much as their talent and abilities allow them without the government infringing or impeding. It serves as the inspiration and the goal of all people, regardless of class. Apparently, it has not stuck as much as some of Mr. Romney’s opponents would like. Yet, Mr. Romney still suffers from a host of issues.

Greatest of them all, the former governor lacks that personal touch shown with a certain amount of expertise by Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush. They had a way of talking “one on one” with people, even in front of a large audience. For whatever reason, Mr. Romney sounds like someone trying to connect but cannot quite bring it across. Furthermore, though shouting from the rooftop that he is a conservative, he has, as Bill Kristol once said, come across like someone using moderate-to-conservative dictionary and is mixing up his words. He has not ruled as a “strong” conservative, as Mr. Santorum and Gingrich have charged and the history of moderate Republican candidates is not stellar: Gerald Ford, George H.W. Bush, Bob Dole and John McCain.

Mr. Romney will have his chance. He has a great deal of friends, a loving family from all appearances and therefore, must have something going for him. He will need to find a way to speak in a truer voice. That could quell the discomfort over how “conservative” he is.

And In This Corner...

As summer folds into fall, our thoughts turn towards football, playoff baseball, cooler temperatures and occasionally, primary elections. The 2012 general election promises to be an interesting one. It is unlikely that someone within the Democrat Party will challenge President Obama as happened to President Jimmy Carter in 1980 when the late Senator Ted Kennedy entered the primary fray. So, in the interest of drama and a competition of ideas prior to the main event, let’s consider the men and women who seek the Republican nomination for the highest office in the land. Not mentioned will include the fringe candidates, exemplified by the likes of Jimmy McMillan representing the Rent Is Too Damn High Party – but, we appreciate the interjection of character into the mix.

Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-MN) – George Will of the Washington Post said that the biggest question to be directed towards Ms. Bachmann is, if one of her advisors has not been fired for giving her false information that she then uttered throughout the campaign trail, why not? It is difficult to see her regaining any momentum now that Governor Perry, her ideological though more polished doppelganger, is in the race.

Herman Cain – He seems like a nice guy and with regards to the economy, he makes a great deal of sense but I imagine that many offices have pools as to when exactly he is exiting the race.

Former Speaker Newt Gingrich – Easily one of the more articulate and informative people in the race but after so long away from the political scene and with enough personal issues to stun a mastodon, it is difficult seeing him stick around through the fall.

Former Utah Governor Jon Huntsman – It has been said that former ambassador Huntsman is the Republican for self-hating Republicans. And, it is mentioned by the media, typically the left-leaning media that a centrist is what the Republicans need if they want to be elected. Personally, I find him quite engaging but the GOP tried a centrist with Senator John McCain and it did not work. Therefore, Mr. Huntsman will likely be gone by the end of the fall if not sooner.

Rep. Ron Paul (R-TX) – No matter the level of commitment Rep. Paul’s followers have, his appeal is too limited to move beyond. He complains often about the lack of media coverage. While that may not help, neither will more television time. He has a long history of saying some rather peculiar things. He has suggested he might not be that interested in the job but he will stick around to drive the debate.

Gov. Rick Perry (R-TX) – No one candidate has entered the race with such anticipation and impact as Governor Perry. However, the national stage might, ultimately, prove too bright for him. Despite his record in Texas, a state where the governor does not have much power, it will not be enough to win the nomination.

Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney – It will be Mr. Romney that will emerge as the Republican candidate for 2012 general election. I’m not sure if he is the right choice for the Republicans to win. He is milquetoast and is as likely to fill people with ennui than political inspiration. He does not approach the medical care program in Massachusetts the right way. He should embrace it as an example of states being the laboratories of democracy and this was an example of something that did not work. He should simply say that and move on. Other Republicans will not let it go, however, which could doom his run.

Former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum – If you know that he is running for president, it is a minor victory for his campaign. If he is not in the middle of a concession speech as I write this, I will be surprised.

And what about the 500 pound, albeit beautiful, gorilla in the room? Being president might be a pay cut for Sarah Palin. As it is, her ship may have sailed as she likely knows it.