When it comes to former Governor Mitt Romney and his bid for the Republican presidential nomination, Republicans remind me of children who criticize their parents for the smallest flaw, missing the obvious bigger picture — parents make possible many benefits, starting with life. In Romney’s case, this, of course, refers to giving Republicans political life — getting back in the White House to get America back on track.
So, which Republican candidate has the best chance of beating Barack Obama?
That would be Romney.
He’s been beating Obama in the general election matchup polls since April — he’s the only one. Even as Newt Gingrich surges in the Republican presidential primary polls, he lags in this key indicator. Plus, as the recent USA Today/Gallup poll revealed, President Obama trails Mitt Romney in 12 swing states by 5 points (43% to 48%) among registered voters.
Why is this so?
It’s simple: Romney, with his business and government background, will do a better job than Obama on the economy — by a mile. And most Americans know it.
When “Believe in America,” Romney’s first New Hampshire ad, came out November 21, the media narrowly focused on the “If we keep talking about the economy, we’re going to lose” line. (Never mind that it’s obvious Obama wasn’t saying that about himself. But it does apply to Obama now — which, of course, was the whole point! ) In so doing, the media totally overlooked Romney’s passionate message about the economy. To wit:
“I’m going to do something to government. I call it the smaller, simpler, smarter approach to government — getting rid of programs, turning programs back to states and finally making government itself more efficient.”
“I’m going to get rid of Obamacare. It’s killing jobs and it’s keeping our kids from having the bright prospects they deserve.”
“We have a moral responsibility not to spend more than we take in.
“I’ll make sure that America is a job creating machine like it has been in the past.”
“It’s high time to bring those principles of fiscal responsibility to Washington, D.C.”
Inspiring stuff! After I saw it, I thought: Imagine Mitt Romney under the hood of the U.S. economic machine, working to fix it come January 2013. Next, imagine Barack Obama these last nearly three years looking under the hood, rolling his eyes, joking about what the heck he’s supposed to do, then slamming the hood down, wiping the oil off his hands, and saying, “That should do the trick.” Meanwhile, the machine continues to sputter. Now, who would you rather have fixing the U.S. economic machine?
Furthermore, Romney has a strong character, as the PARADE cover story reminds us.
Now, if the Republican goal is to nominate the most conservative candidate possible, maybe Romney is not your man. But we did that in 1964 with Barry Goldwater. That didn’t turn out so well, did it?
Remember: The goal is booting Obama out of the White House, not aiding and abetting Obama, who, himself, is trying to knock Romney out of the race with numerous negative ads. Give Obama credit for one thing. He can read polls.
Republicans, if they’re smart, will do likewise — focusing on the bigger picture: amnesiac Obama, wrapping himself in landslide Teddy’s “Square Deal” mantle, belying his Carter-like record and sagging polls, juxtaposed with Romney’s genuine TR-like leadership aimed squarely at the middle class.
Mitt Romney is just the man our country needs these next four years as we traverse troubled waters — thanks to the mess Obama is leaving.
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