|
(with Presidential candidates)
That time-tested adage might be wrong.
In 2000, Al Gore was not the candidate he could have been, not the candidate he might have been had he come back and "Let Bartlet Gore Be Gore" in '04 or '08, and his victory was too narrow to stick (I know, Florida, and I agree, but stay with me here). In 2004, John Kerry--though a good Senator--was not the candidate we needed.
Republicans fell in love with Bush; Democrats fell in line with Gore and Kerry.
In 2008, it was our turn. Despite a more divisive primary process, Democrats fell in love (as we would have with Hillary Clinton), and Republicans fell in line with John McCain. It was the most decisive Democratic victory in a Presidential election since 1966. As far as I can tell (and I looked into it), President Obama received more votes than any candidate for any office in any country, ever. (sidenote: America is the second most populous democracy, but India, a parliamentary democracy, does not directly elect its leader)
2012 will be tough, and liberals take issue with some things President Obama has done or not done, but the numbers are clear: Democrats, liberals, and Americans in general like Barack Obama personally. They may not approve of everything he's done, and when the country is hurting, criticism (misplaced or otherwise) is to be expected. But people still support this person being their leader. And most of us know--some deeper down than others--that he's much, much better than the alternative.
Here's the thing: there is no alternative. Perry? Cain? Bachmann? Paul? Who is it?
Conventional Wisdom points to Mitt Romney. He's nobody's favorite. He's not the most conservative or the most moderate. He's not the most likable or the most inspiring. He's not the most genuine or the most opportunistic. But Republicans like him because they think he's the guy that can defeat a President they hate.
Personally, I think given the current field, it has to be Romney. Rick Perry and Michele Bachmann won't survive a devastating blow coming their way from New Hampshire independents, Herman Cain will have trouble with southern conservatives, Ron Paul is a niche candidate, and Jon Huntsman has Obama cooties (which is unfortunate, because he'd be a better President than the others at that table last night).
So that leaves the GOP with Romney-Christie 2012. That doesn't exactly scream "Morning in America".
Republicans better hope they fall in line this time.
|
