I, like everyone else, have been going through this same process of assessing our remaining choices and trying to come up with an acceptable candidate. After a full year of research, conversation, and campaigning for Fred, none of the remaining candidates seem to measure up. However, too much is at stake to “sit this one out” or enter a protest vote for any third party candidate. It looks like I will, once again, vote “against” someone by choosing the least objectionable person.
Right now I am somewhat leaning towards Mitt Romney, but I am still wrestling with the decision. My support of Fred Thompson was strong and set in stone, while any preference right now is “set in Jello.” I have totally ruled out Hucklebee and Ron Paul, for what should be obvious reasons.
Hucklebee is way too slimy, and reminds me too much of Bill Clinton. Polished politician; often referred to as “likable” (to the uninformed voter); reverts to underhanded attack tactics then blames others for negative campaign; changes his position to the location, the audience, or the moment. Totally Unacceptable!
Ron Paul has many stances that I can agree with, but nearly all his views are way too extreme. His misreading of the constitution is troubling and destructive, and his aversion to any national defense is insane. The majority of his followers are either anti-war zealots, anti-drug law advocates, or anti-government anarchists. I regret giving RP more attention than he deserves, but I must admit that I enjoy any opportunity to rail against this whacko. Totally Unacceptable!
John McCain has not been totally wiped off of my list, but he is right on the edge. I have some very serious concerns about John McCain. Anyone must honor and respect JM’s military service, but it sometimes irks me that he always seems to refer back to his service 40 years ago when confronted with a tough question rather than going to his recent record. The MSM has dubbed him “The Maverick” for a reason. For many years, when the MSM has wanted a “Republican” to criticize the President, fellow republicans, or any conservative initiative, they would always call on John McCain. And McCain would be all too eager to comply. His close relationship and frequent collaborations with Ted Kennedy should trouble us all. Would a President McCain confer with Ted Kennedy before introducing a Supreme Court nominee? I believe, and history would tell us, that he would. That alone should be enough to scratch him from my short list, but there are many other problems including his liberal immigration stance. He NOW says that he “heard the American people” and supports building the fence first. However, he failed to hear the American people when they said “no” to amnesty. McCain still adamantly defends and supports amnesty, though he insists on drawing Clintonesque distinctions. Unacceptable unless faced with choice against Hillary or Obama!
Rudy has too many personal issues in his history for me to ever feel totally comfortable with him. Just like Bill Clinton, I find it hard to trust someone that can not honor the closest and most personal commitment in his life. I do think Rudy would be very good on national defense, but question his commitment to securing the borders and taking a strong stance against illegal immigration. A strong immigration and border policy is also an indispensable part of national defense. His pro-abortion history is a big problem. Though he now says he would appoint originalist judges, his history on abortion, second amendment rights, and other social issues makes me suspect he would nominate liberal activist judges throughout the Federal Courts. This goes back to the “Trust” issue. Unacceptable unless faced with choice against Hillary or Obama!
Romney is the only remaining viable candidate. At this point, I want to learn more about Romney since I know less about him than any of the remaining candidates. As I stated, the others have so many obvious deficiencies that I have explored and utilized much in my support of Fred Thompson. As I look back on it now, I have not really had as many substantive differences with Romney as the other candidates. He does seem too “plastic” to me, and too much like a “politician.” His plastic hair really annoys me, but I was able to get used to Ronald Reagan’s hair, so I may be able to get used to it. Fred never had that problem. Many worry about Mitt’s late conversion to pro-life, and I want to explore that also, but I would not discount a true conversion to the right to life position. That is, in essence, what we need to have more of in order to win the battle for life. I guess for me, at this point, Mitt Romney is leading by default. Still examining!
In closing, we are all disappointed that Fred is out, but must now select from the “lesser” candidates. We each need to make our own decision, and I hope that no one is offended by my assessment. If you favor one of those that I have crossed off my list I know that you have your reasons and I respect your choice (unless that choice is Ron Paul). I wish everyone here would commit to supporting whoever the eventual nominee is because the consequences of a Hillary or Obama administration would be devastating. The damage done could not be corrected in my lifetime, and my children deserve more for their future.
Please comment below and give your current assessment of the field.
Thank you,
Tim
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