I was somewhat discouraged after last weeks realignment of the GOP presidential race as Mike Huckabee and Donald Trump announced they wouldn’t run while Mitt Romney and Newt Gingrich continue to hang on in the face of issues that are plaguing them in the polls. A favorite of the inside-the-beltway crowd, Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels, also bowed out of contention.
This weeks winner: T-Paw
The latest group to offer themselves to the GOP this week includes pizza empire mogul Herman Cain, former Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty, and former Utah Governor and Ambassador to China John Huntsman. Cain is an impressive wealthy, self-made figure touting conservative, common-sense values and a solid grasp of free market capitalism. But with Daniels out, the big winner of the week is Pawlenty.
Tim Pawlenty ‘s speech after his announcement on Monday has taken many by surprise. He came out swinging against the destruction Obama has caused the country and has staked out at least one bold position that holds both risk and reward: Opposition to ethanol subsidies which will win him favor among the base seeking fiscal discipline while posing risks in all-important Iowa.
Pawlenty was effective in his speech in which he laid out a vision to return our country to the greatness that we all know and love and restore a future for generations to come with a strong economy, healthcare system and exploitation of our domestic energy resources. I give a huge plus to Tim Pawlenty for his powerful and articulate message that effectively included real policy details. We all are ready to see a strong candidate for the GOP, and Pawlenty is making a good case.
Donald Trump, either serious about wanting to run or not wanting to lose the attention he’s been getting, indicated he may want to re-enter the race. As long as he does not set himself up as a spoiler or simply suck the air out of the room, I say let him campaign on his message of his love for his country and his grasp of our capitalist system.
Bachmann: Laying the groundwork for a Senate run?
Minnesota Representative Michele Bachmann, who is a wonderful person and the creator of the Tea Party Caucus in the Congress, is giving it her “all” as she plans an announcement to join the ranks of the Republican Party presidential hopefuls this week. Bachmann will be a great addition on the campaign trail and she’s a leading force to repeal Obamacare. She’s also a possible contender for the US Senate seat held by Amy Klobacher, and a presidential campaign will be a good training ground for a Senate run.
On the Chris Christie front — Do Not Count Him Out! It is early and as you have witnessed, players are entering and departing the field at a fast rate. Obama’s detectives are out in Christie territory in New Jersey as we speak seeking to uncover any skeletons in his closet. I predict that he and Paul Ryan (and Pawlenty if he stays on course) can defeat Obama in 2012.
Victory in 2012 is critical for the survival of our country, our free market system, our liberty and our freedoms. We need strong candidates, and they may be emerging.
