Anytime I watch the Republican presidential debate, or listen to the bickering that has turned into a media spectacle, I can’t help but wonder what any of the 4 remaining contenders will say to sway Americans against Obama in November. Even among Republicans, you can imagine the tune that runs through many minds is the band U2’s hit song “I still haven’t found what I m looking for.”
Sooner or later, the Party will have to pick one of the “final 4”, and inasmuch many yearned for a more charismatic candidate, the Republican party will have to stick with the field it has been dealt. Chris Christie may have been a relatively pragmatic straight-shooter to mount a formidable campaign against the Obama machine, but many hard-line Republicans didn’t jump on the Christie train because he was a bit too moderate for their liking. Along the same lines however, Romney may be a bit “too rich” for some independents voters to connect with, and too stiff for Republicans, especially going toe-to-toe with an Obama who sings Al Green songs at White House press conferences. So Mitt Romney, as skillful and smart as he is [no denying that] still have to battle the stigma of being too out-of-touch for many independent voters.
Ron Paul is Ron Paul. He will oppose everything and want freedom for everything. He is like the uncle you stopped inviting to family events because you know he will be there regardless, - no invitation necessary. And while he is there, he will speak his mind, even if no one is listening. Young people admire him because he gets their disdain for politics, although not enough to win their vote. Veterans adore him, although they know it will take more than social awareness campaign of the veteran plight to affect real policies.
Enter Rick Santorum, Most people have no clue who he is, and that is not a sentiment you change in 9 months to become president of the USA. Many are floating the idea that he is still in the race to ensure Gingrich doesn’t make a last minute game changer.
If Gingrich wins, the Obama guys will be pulling out the same blueprint that wiped out John McCain in 2008. We all know how that turned out for the old guy, the Washington insider, and the lifetime politician. Lest we forget, Gingrich is too unpredictable for Tea Party contingent.
One thing we know for certain is that the GOP will have to nominate and support a candidate sooner than later, and a win for Mitt Romney may be the end of a carousel that saw memorable moments like Herman Cain’s 999 policy, Rick Perry’s memory lapses, and Michele Bachman’s quest to be the second coming of Sarah Palin.
I have a feeling the Republican debates and war of words will drag on for a few more weeks, all of which gives President Obama more time to align the stars. So far, the president has sat back and enjoyed the ride; watched Republicans air their dirty laundry against each other. More importantly, he has enjoyed the added benefit if refining his answers for “failed promises” and an economic upturn just in time.
Tomorrow’s primary election Florida could be a game changer for all candidates, but if the outcome is as unpredictable as any of my buddy Herman Cain’s predictions, America will be in for a long election ride. Republicans on the other hand may be left grooving to John Mayer’s hit “Slow Dancing in a Burning Room.”
