12-10-11

The Republican Presidential Field

As I sit and the endless debates among those seeking the nomination to the 2012 candidate for the Republicans versus President Obama, I am struck by how fake and extreme they appear to be.

First, there is Herman Cain. How is it that an inarticulate and shameless man like him could ever be the front-runner for ever a short period of time is beyond my understanding. His infidelities were what brought him down, but it should've been his ignorance.

Second, there is Rick Santorum. I don't begrudge anyone the right to have beliefs different than my own, but this man's obsession with gay marriage bothers me. With conflict, disease, poverty, deficits and so many other things so worthy of debate, this man is focused on sexuality. Why would anyone want to force gays to marry people they aren't attracted to? It's just bizarre, polarizing, and hateful. Not at all presidential.

Third, there is Rick Perry. For a time, I actually liked Perry. That is, I guess, until I had time to hear him use his record on executions, gay marriage, and foreign aid. Yeah, I really want a homicidal xenophobic bigot in the White House.

Fourth, Michelle Bachmann. Rarely do I look at a politician for national office and see a gleam of madness in their eyes. I imagine the Salem Witch hunts and Spanish Inquisition was run by people like Bachmann who advocated hate, visions, and persecution in the name of God and country.

Fifth is Ron Paul. I like this guy when he speaks about ending the policies of torture, foreign interventions and violating civil liberties. But his unrealistic positions on caring for and assisting the poor is where we part ways ideologically. America has a moral obligation to help the poor. I wish all the so-called Evangelicals would re-read what Jesus said about forgiveness and charity.

Sixth, Mitt Romney. Good 'ol flip-flop Mitt. Nothing more pathetic than a serial loser who has so much wealth but isn't satisfied and decides to use his wealth and intelligence to court people who will never like him. Give it up, Mitt. They'll never like you.

Seventh, Newt Gingrich. A man who reminds me why Purell is so popular. Classic slimy Washington politician who's so smart he really believes all us dumb little people can't see through him. Deceitful. Arrogant. Self-serving.

Finally there is Jon Huntsman. the only real statesman with a presidential record, tone and set of policies. And yet in this reality show primary, a loser like Donald Trump gets more traction than Mr. Huntsman. Republicans deserve to lose if they don't nominate this man. And I'm a liberal Democrat, but even I can see a successful Huntsman presidency.