Mitt Romney and Newt Gingrich 2012
All—
Things will get interesting after the Florida primary on Tuesday. This weeding out process for the Republican nominee for president has been bloody uncomfortable to watch at times. Right or wrong, good or bad, it’s the only game in town right now, and we have to accept it and all of its inherent flaws.
If there had been someone out there who is a true leader, someone around whom all Republicans – conservative and moderate – could have coalesced, then the process would not have been as painful. But that person didn’t raise her or her hand. Much the pity.
Up to this point, a lot of us have been focusing on which candidate is most electable. Mitt has fewer warts than Newt; he’s the establishment’s candidate; and he is certainly more moderate (perhaps to a fault). But now, I’m sort of thinking that either Newt or Mitt can beat Obama if all of the ANYBODY BUT OBAMA people get behind him. Obama’s record is abysmal, and it’s our election to lose.
So let’s assume that either Newt or Mitt beats Obama and gets elected. Do we want a pedantic, go-along-to-get-along “moderate”? (Note: I don’t believe that Mitt is nearly as “moderate” as he’s trying to position himself. I believe that he is what he is: a Massachusetts moderate who would be a liberal anywhere in the country outside of the Northeast).
Or do we want someone who will really shake things up in Washington? That would be Newt.
Thomas Sowell wrote an interesting commentary earlier on the week on the Newt vs. Mitt conundrum. Sowell’s bottom line? “What matters is how that candidate stands on issues that can make or break the future of this country.” Here’s a link to Sowell’s piece on Townhall.com. It’s a worthwhile read.
http://townhall.com/columnists/thomassowell/2012/01/24/south_carolina_message/page/full
I’m still conflicted, but that’s good because that makes me stay engaged. Newt or Mitt – either will get my vote.
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