Republican Presidential Candidates: Usual Suspects and More

Hillary Clinton announced her intention to seek the Democrat nomination for President about 10 days ago and then launched a ridiculous ride in a van to Iowa to meet the “Everyday Americans”, what ever that means. Who thought of that?  Mrs. Clinton start has been staged; re-inventing herself for the umpteenth time and is so phony is makes a person wince. The baggage, no make those anvils, of her press protected scandals is quite something.

However entertaining she is, it is worthwhile to take an initial looks at the Republican alternatives and give a few comments and impressions. There are really only about 4-5 serious contenders even though the possible field is in the double digits, those that have the presence, intellect and possible funding to become the nominee. In no particular order:

• Ø Marco Rubio (Senator from Florida) Good backstory, capable politician, dynamic speaker, tough on Iran deal, immigration policy issues a concern, competes with Bush in early Florida winner take all

• Ø Scott Walker (Governor of Wisconsin) Conservative credentials, executive accomplishments, elected in a Democrat state, bland personality, questionable watt power, prone to mis-speak but could improve

• Ø Rick Perry (former Governor of Texas) Capable executive but failed and ridiculed missteps in 2012 primary appearances dooms chances

• Ø Carly Fiorina (Business Executive) Good on the stump, never elected to anything, noted for Clinton bashing but has no chance.

• Ø Ted Cruz (Senator from Texas) Probably the smartest of the lot but abrasive and take-no-prisoners style make him not seem likeable, media and Republican establishment loathe him but is tea party favorite

• Ø Ben Carson (Physician and author) gives a great presentation but simple approach to complicated problems, campaign gives chance to sell more books and increase-ala Clinton- future speaking fees. Decent man with a great story and common sense approach

• Ø Rick Santorum (former Senator from Pennsylvania) Winner of Iowa primary in 2012 has no chance now

• Ø Rand Paul (Senator from Kentucky) Conservative and tea party favorite, libertarian leaning, has interesting views and approaches to issues, prickly with press at times

• Ø Jeb Bush (former Governor of Florida) Famous political family is both plus and minus, Republican establishment, well funded, skeptical view by conservatives due to stands on hot-button issues of immigration and education, not particularly inspiring

• Ø Mike Huckabee (current TV commentator) Good showing in 2008 primaries has evangelical support, has no chance for nomination

• Ø Chris Christie (Governor of New Jersey) Once projected as favorite to capture nomination, has endured rough patch of bad political news, Strong, plain speaking, moderate, his time may have passed before it started but do not count out yet

• Ø John Kasich (Governor of Ohio) Very capable former Congressional leader, fiscal conservative, pragmatic Governor, waiting to see how race develops, needs some polish and do not wait for God to speak to you

• Ø Bobby Jindal (Governor of Louisiana) Very capable and smart politician, fiscal and social conservative, once thought as rising star, looks sometime not at ease, has no chance for nomination

• Ø Lindsey Graham (Senator from South Carolina) John McCain’s sidekick, defense hawk, a bit of a gadfly, has no chance to get nomination.

• Ø Donald Trump (Promoter) Incredible hair, no chance

• Ø Mr. Giant (cat) Possesses many fine qualities but too smart and sensible to become a politician, would get my vote  

There are a few other strays, ex-politicians, kooks, no-chancers, and do not waste your time out there. So there you have it, a capsule view and brief scorecard of the players. The contest to secure the nomination will be close, expensive, nasty at times, very interesting and entertaining.