When looking at the 08 candidates especially on the Republican side, I believe there are some quality men. There is no question the stone that has taken the Republican’s down is around GWB’s neck. So how did the Repubs get into this situation or more importantly GWB. There are 3 qualities that have gotten him in trouble. 1. Mismanagement- his mismanagement of Iraq postwar is well known, Katrina, and even the spending in Washington has been out of control. Most are wondering if Rumsfeld & Cheney were really running things. 2. Betrayal to his own base, see the immigration bill, again the spending which is not conservative and 3. His incompetence as a leader. Whether it’s in his speech or his foreign relations policy there is certainly a weakness there.
While some of the republican candidates could more than pick up the slack, IMO Mitt Romney is really the total package. He’s incredibly organized and knows how to manage in order to get results. That’s his gig. He’s on the right side of the issues and has actions to prove it, he’s also stated he will go through and streamline Washington–and if there’s one guy who I think will do it (and not just say it) it’s Romney. He’s done this before.
Lastly, the guy is very intelligent, he’s extremely well-spoken, and a competent leader. Look at how he’s run his campaign, he’s working extremely hard because he has too. And it is paying off.
While I think Giuliani is also very capable, his social stances aren’t something I agree with. Would I vote for him over a Dem? Sure. He isn’t very organized, and is a bit haphazard at times. I do like him, Romney trumps him as the more conservative and Romney’s knowledge of the global economy is superior as well. They both “get it” in terms of the war on terror.
Thompson, seems like a nice guy, IMO he has a poor record, he isn’t a Washington outsider, but just talks like one, and I don’t believe he’s going to put in the work that it will take. Why is he waiting to get in? Because he knows how hard it’s going to be when he does get in. I just have a lot more respect for Romney and Giuliani for being out on the trail, going through the debates, and meeting people, shaking people’s hands as it shows they want it. I respect that.
