Re. the Republican Candidates

Michele Bachmann - In short, she's CRAZY. She has a nice face and knows popular social conservative talking points. However, when pressed to any extent, she collapses. She has a tendency to make things up and get her facts extremely wrong. For example, in the latest debate she cited Thomas Jefferson as an authority for her view that the Constitution does not separate church and state. While she is correct that the Constitution does not explicitly use that phrase, Thomas Jefferson famously did in a letter which the Supreme Court has often cited in cases involving religious issues. She is far too extreme to be good for the country, and coupled with her lack of intellectual capacity, she should be disqualified as both ineligible for the office of President as well as unelectable.

Herman Cain - Now, here's a fun candidate. He is aware of many domestic issues and is in tune with the conservative base without being as extreme as Bachmann. His policy proposals are intriguing if not completely persuasive. At the very least, he could shake things up a bit as President. Also, his quips about Washington not working because of career politicians is a nice piece of populist appeal. Furthermore, he has a fun, Southern Baptist Preacher presentation and a refreshing sense of humor. However, he is completely out of his depth regarding anything in foreign policy. He does not know the issues at all and as an actual president would be far too subject to manipulation on this front for my tastes. He might be a good vice-presidential candidate, but perhaps not. Mr. Cain would not be a good President, but the verdict is still out for any lower office.


Newt Gingrich - What the other candidates might lack in intellect, Gingrich more than makes up for by simply being present. He has extensive experience and knows how Washington works. While this seems to be the antithesis of Mr. Cain's populist appeal, Mr. Gingrich's inside knowledge is actually an asset. He is aware of what can be realistically accomplished and exactly how to achieve it. He knows the weaknesses and strengths of various policy proposals and has some intriguing ideas of his own. His current status as moderator of the debate moderator's is fun, because it reminds voters and the other candidates that they can think outside of the box. Mr. Gingrich is a little too washed up and has a little too much baggage to be a legitimate candidate for President, but he would be a great asset as a vice-president - not just a vice-presidential candidate. As a candidate he would be able to attack the opponents effectively and knowledgeably. As an actual vice-president he would be able to support the Republican Senate leaders and round up the necessary support for policy initiatives.

More to come next week.