Two Times Only, Part II

To continue with equal time, it's time to talk about the Republican field in the 2008 Presidential race.

I get the impression that this group is coming very slowly out of the gate. I'm not sure that they've even brought forth the most serious candidates as yet. I think, and somewhat hope, that the best is yet to come. But here's the review of the most current group:

Sam Brownback - this Senator from Kansas has already formally announced his candidacy. He's little-known outside of Kansas, it seems, and I really don't have a complete feel for his platform. I think he's going to be an also-ran, simply because he doesn't have the appeal it takes to get the "buzz" going.

John Cox - Nope.

Duncan Hunter - I think a hard-liner is going to face a very difficult road to the White House. He supports a lot of very unpopular ideas at the moment, and I get the impression his affiliation is ultra-conservative, and I just don't think that's going to make him a viable candidate.

Mike Huckabee I can see it now: "I Heart Huckabee". But no, I think this guy deserves a look. He's big in the area of education reform, which I believe is becoming more and more of a vital issue in this country every year, particularly when illiteracy and substandard performance are becoming part of the national focus. He was the third longest serving Arkansas governor (not too sure about that qualification :) ). The only thing that concerns me might be his religious ties; he was the youngest president ever of the Arkansas Baptist State Convention. I don't think there's anything wrong with that, of course, I'm just not sure how the religious aspects might stand with potential cross-over voters.

Micheal Charles SmithNope. Not sure what he's up to, but I won't worry about too much detail here. I don't see him as a viable candidate.

John McCain I personally find John McCain to be likeable and respectable. I think he's a good man, a nice man. He is a believer and smaller government, and he's actually tried a few things over the years. They call him "The Sheriff" around Capitol Hill because he's always pushing the Government around trying to get it out of people's lives.
I'm not sure how well he would fare against the Democrats, though. He's very thorough, he's very experienced, but I'm not sure about his charisma. He's not blessed with a personality that jumps out at you, he's very matter of fact, and I'm not sure his war heroism has any appeal to the current population of voters, which is a shame. I think he could do a good job, but a lot of the voters still treat elections as a popularity contest.

Here are a few names I don't think we're going to need to remember:
Representative Ron Paul of Texas
Former Governor Mitt Romney of Massachusetts
Representative Tom Tancredo of Colorado
Former Governor Tommy Thompson of Wisconsin

Of course, when it comes to these races, nothing is a lock, nothing is guaranteed, but I don't see those gents as presidential material.

There's a man who hasn't entered the race yet, but I think I'd like to close this out with his name. I think he's a formidable force, and a name to be reckoned with.

Rudy Giuliani This man would get my vote if he decided to run. I trust him. I think he's honorable and respectable, I believe I've seen the man demonstate grace under pressure, through the most extreme of circumstances. I believe that we're going to need someone who knows how to defend the nation, and this man is a clear thinker who will chose the right path. The world has changed, the enemy is not away, and I feel as though this man would make good choices in face of adversity. The last thing we need in the White House is a wimp, but I don't think we need a complete war-monger either.

Just one Stupid's take on things for the night!