GOP candidates: The negatives
September 7th 2007 02:25
This is the last in a series of four posts about the leading presidential candidates. In previous posts, I have discussed the things that I like about the Democrats and the Republicans, and I have also discussed the things I don't like about the Democrats. In this post, I will wrap up the series by covering the things that I don't like about the leading Republican candidates.
Republicans:
Rudy Giuliani: He is not really a conservative. Yes, he is a law and order guy (supposedly), but he is very liberal on social issues. Also, from what I know of NYC's burdensome tax policies, his fiscal conservative credentials are probably lacking as well. Furthermore, he basically turned NYC into a sanctuary city for illegals when he was mayor -- and that is not popular with conservatives. Finally, while his multiple marriages/divorces don't bother me, I do find it worrisome that his own kids despise him. If a man can't manage a relationship with his own children, how can he be expected to manage a country?
Mitt Romney: He's a flip-flopper. He has changed his position on a number of issues over the years. While folks do change their minds, his positions have "evolved" in such a way that they always seem to align with the voters he's courting at any given time -- and that smacks of political opportunism. Yes, his positions seem to be "conservative" now, but who knows what he'll do once he's in office?
Fred Thompson: While I wasn't bothered by his late entry into the race, I was bothered by the way he kept pushing back his announcement date. It has made him look disorganized and/or indecisive. Also, I'm not thrilled about his past work as a lobbyist. I realize that lobbyists are part of the Washington machinery, but I find the whole process of lobbying unseemly. Finally, from what I've seen, Fred really lacks enthusiasm. I'm not looking for a song and dance routine from him, but I want to know that he wants the job and that he is willing to do what's required for the job.
So those are my thoughts. Personally, I haven't settled on a candidate for the primary or the general election. Over time, I hope I can feel comfortable with or even enthusiastic about a candidate. If not, I'll probably have to do what I usually do: Choose between the lesser of two evils.
Republicans:
Rudy Giuliani: He is not really a conservative. Yes, he is a law and order guy (supposedly), but he is very liberal on social issues. Also, from what I know of NYC's burdensome tax policies, his fiscal conservative credentials are probably lacking as well. Furthermore, he basically turned NYC into a sanctuary city for illegals when he was mayor -- and that is not popular with conservatives. Finally, while his multiple marriages/divorces don't bother me, I do find it worrisome that his own kids despise him. If a man can't manage a relationship with his own children, how can he be expected to manage a country?
Mitt Romney: He's a flip-flopper. He has changed his position on a number of issues over the years. While folks do change their minds, his positions have "evolved" in such a way that they always seem to align with the voters he's courting at any given time -- and that smacks of political opportunism. Yes, his positions seem to be "conservative" now, but who knows what he'll do once he's in office?
Fred Thompson: While I wasn't bothered by his late entry into the race, I was bothered by the way he kept pushing back his announcement date. It has made him look disorganized and/or indecisive. Also, I'm not thrilled about his past work as a lobbyist. I realize that lobbyists are part of the Washington machinery, but I find the whole process of lobbying unseemly. Finally, from what I've seen, Fred really lacks enthusiasm. I'm not looking for a song and dance routine from him, but I want to know that he wants the job and that he is willing to do what's required for the job.
So those are my thoughts. Personally, I haven't settled on a candidate for the primary or the general election. Over time, I hope I can feel comfortable with or even enthusiastic about a candidate. If not, I'll probably have to do what I usually do: Choose between the lesser of two evils.
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