So there is yet another Republican debate in Iowa tonight. (I'm starting to lose count as to how many there have been.) In the spirit of the debate, I'd like to present who my favorites and least favorites are in the field. I was a very fervent Cain supporter until he dropped out, so now it has come to this.
1. Michele Bachmann- Yes if the primary was today and she's still in the race, I'm voting for her. Bachmann has been consistently conservative throughout her whole career, from being tough on immigration to supporting a flat tax to being staunchly pro-life. She's a very good speaker, as she doesn't stumble over her statements and uses good logic and facts to back up her arguments. Many have given her flack for her comments about the HPV vaccine, but actually evidence shows that Bachmann may be right about that. Bachmann is also a tax attorney, small business owner, serves on the Intelligence Committee, and takes care of over 20 foster children. Bachmann may be at the bottom of the pack right now, but I don't care, polls can change quickly.She is a remarkable woman whom I admire deeply.
2. Rick Santorum- He may be at the bottom of the pack, but his campaign is starting to gain momentum. Santorum, like Bachmann, has been a consistent conservative throughout his career. (A few blemishes here and there, like voting for Bush's Medicare expansion, but as human beings we are imperfect). Santorum is smart as hell, strong in foreign policy, and is the only one in the race mentioning that one of the biggest problems in today's society is the breakdown of the family. He may not be in favor of a flat tax but his plan of returning to the Reagan tax rates and eliminating the corporate tax for the manufacturing sector while cutting it in half everywhere else is solid.
3. Rick Perry- Perry's gaffes are starting to get tiresome. The last thing we need is another Republican president from Texas who makes gaffes. It's too bad though, because Perry has some superb proposals, including his 20% optional flat tax, cutting Congress's salary in half, making Congress's job part-time, and putting term limits on Supreme Court justices. He also has a great job growth record in Texas. He'd make a solid president and I'd vote for him if it came down between him and Romney, but he has to start being more careful in what he says first.
4. Newt Gingrich- Gingrich seems to be channeling Reagan in his campaign. His new ad is reminiscent of Reagan's Morning in America ad, he follows the Reagan rule of not criticizing any other Republican candidates during debates and adds a lot of wit, humor and history in his arguments. Gingrich is also a superb debater, seeing him debate Obama would be absolutely awesome to see. But one problem- Gingrich is not Reagan. Gingrich is too undisciplined- he's been all over the place on some his views, like at one point being in favor of the individual mandate and cap-and-trade. He's also in favor of the ethanol subsidy and in the last decade he lobbied for Bush's Medicare expansion as well as for Freddie Mac. I really think it won't be long for Gingrich implodes- he'll say or do something stupid as he always does that'll bring him back down to earth, but there are a lot of admirable things about him. Gingrich did after all lead a Republican takeover of the House back in the 1990s and led the effort for welfare reform.
5. Mitt Romney- A slick politician and a good debater, but he has no core values. He's had 50 different positions on numerous issues, some of which were horrific positions. His views tend to lean towards popular opinion. I think Romney's 59-point economic plan is too timid- like no real specific reforms on entitlements and tax cuts for only those making $200,000 or under. (honestly can anyone name more than 10 points in his plan?) Romney also has no significant conservative accomplishments to speak of and his most famous piece of legislation was the basis for ObamaCare. Romney could be good if Congress checks him and if he listens to the will of the people, but I would much prefer that Romney not be the nominee.
6. Ron Paul- I'm sorry but anyone who claims that the best way to deal with Iran is to offer them friendship gets no respect from me. Foreign policy like that will get people killed.
7. Jon Hunstman- who?
All of these candidates all share one thing in common, and it's a huge strength- none of them are Barack Obama. I would rather vote for a garden hose than Obama. So whoever wins the nomination has my whole-hearted support, but I do have my preferences for who I want to win.
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