Republicans and Democrats are gradually settling into the inevitable: A Romney versus Obama general election. Shouldn't come as any surprise!
The Republican Establishment has wanted this outcome, especially those with close ties to Wall Street. Obama has proven that he is "their candidate." He hardly will admit as much. But look at his track record.
Romney? What Wall Streeter could ask for more? He has a history as a "guy who can fix things." Bain Capital was his proving ground. He is the best, at taking business' that are treading water and restructuring them.
Unemployment? It should take care of itself. In time! And, in Governor Romney's eyes, "Barack Obama is a nice guy who is over his head; clueless." That goes without saying.
Therefore, the traditional, "blue blood" Republicans should be congradulating themselves. Even though their man is favored by less than one-fourth of the GOP poll numbers, he seems to be on a winning, albeit methodical march toward the nomination. It would seem that it's just a matter of time. He has the organization, money and and the establishment stamp of approval to be accepting the nomination next summer in Tampa.
In Iowa, a committee has been formed to look for alternatives. This is the time to do it. Wait until January and it may be too late. But who could be selected as the alternative? First it was Perry, then Cain, now Gingrich and we are still six weeks out from the Iowa caucus'. So what gives?
The primary question on all Republican minds(and Democrats' minds for that matter) is "who would be the most difficult challenger for Obama to defeat?"
Experts contend that it would be Romney. There is concern by Democrats that he will attract Independents in northern suburbs. These might be sufficient to throw Pennsylvania and maybe even Michigan to the Republicans. It is even concluded that with Florida's economy still in the dumpster, there would be enough "Independent voters leaning RINO" to easily take the Sunshine State.
Sounds plausible. So why wouldn't the conservative base of the Republican Party be happy that there was such an option? Perhaps it has to do with Romney's true positions; on a number of issues ranging from abortion, to gay marriage to guns to the environment. He seems to have had different positions on all four issues somewhere along the way. This makes conservatives nervous.
So what conservative candidate could be proffered as an alternative to Mitt Romney? When we talk about "conservative" it is assumed that we are talking about someone who will be appealing to both social conservatives and the Tea Party.
Herman Cain electrified conservatives, looking like a "black version of Will Rogers." Everyone liked his plain spoken wit and his 9-9-9 tax plan. But, as time passed, he has been clipped by vague allegations that supporters and friends pray will die down. This coupled with the very real fact that he is a foreign affairs novice hasn't helped.
Bachmann has floundered around the entire race. Can she win? She thinks so! But odds are not in her favor. She is as polarizing as Newt Gingrich, the latest front runner. Unlike Bachmann, Gingrich has baggage. Lots of it! Bachmann will make certain everyone knows about it, too!
Initially it looked like Rick Perry fit the bill. But Perry stumbled in the debates. He could still resurrect himself. But he needs to do it quickly. Iowa will be key. He has money and is spending it. But he needs Iowa caucus participants to conclude that Gingrich can't win the general election. If they come to that conclusion, it's anyones' guess!
Rick Santorum, like Bachmann can't win. But he will stand beside her and assault every candidate who might be gaining momenum. This has worked well for Romney. He never solicited Tea Party support. Neither was he seriously intersted in building a rapport with them.It appears that he won't need to!
Which brings us to Ron Paul. Paul has been an ardent Tea Party supporter and activist. His base is dogmatically loyal. He is an excellent fundraiser. Can he win? Probably not! His ideas centered around defense are new and innovative. Many Americans like his straight forward talk about reducing the deficit nationwide.
Paul could have a deep impact. But how; assuming that he was not the nominee?
Republicans breathed a sigh of relief when he proclaimed that he would not run as a third party candidate. This would be a disaster for the GOP. Obama is secretly hoping that it may yet happen. Could there be another option for the Texas Congressman?
Nobody has said a word about it, but Ron Paul could prove to be a viable running mate for the Republicans Preidential hopeful. Recently everyone had voiced the name of Marco Rubio. Now, after numerous rebuffs, it is plainly evident that the Florida Senator isn't interested. So would Paul entertain such a notion?
Ron Paul would have a huge impact on the Presidential race. Especially, if he accepted the bottom slot on the GOP ticket. But would he run with any of the likely Republican candidates? Someone should ask him!
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