The GOP Line-Up for 2008

It seems like Election Day is right around the corner. And even though it is almost one and a half years from now, potential presidential candidates – both Republican and Democratic – have already entered the race. As candidates raise millions of dollars, make noticeable public appearances, and publish platforms, citizens from Sacramento to Albany are already weighing in on the candidates.

January 20, 2009, marks the end of George W. Bush’s second term. We can expect both the Republicans and Democrats to campaign more heavily than ever before in order to gain control of the White House. The Democrats have gained much political momentum since their successful midterm elections; they have certainly regained morale and are feasting their eyes on the Oval Office. On the other hand, Republicans need to remedy a large number of issues. How will the Republicans overcome the negative “coattail effect” that the Bush Administration has already left upon the rest of the party? How can the Republican Party “save face,” so-to-speak, and create a perception amongst Americans indicating that it is chiefly concerned with the preservation of traditional American values, the strengthening of national security, and a responsible fiscal policy, instead of creating wars? Listed below are various potential Republican candidates that seek the nomination. It is my hope that one of these individuals will ultimately answer all of the aforementioned questions, and keep the Grand Old Party in the White House.

The “Slow Start” Candidates

Although they seek the Presidency, the following candidates are off to a slow start. They have not yet raised millions of dollars, or gained any substantial national attention, but they certainly seem dedicated to receiving the nomination. The members of this not-so-special group include: Chicago CPA John Cox, California Representative Duncan Hunter, Texas Representative Ron Paul, Colorado Representative Tom Tancredo, and former Wisconsin Governor Tommy Thompson. Kansas Senator Sam Brownback is possibly the most visible of this group of little-known Republicans. The New York Times declared that he is “one of the most conservative, religious, fascinating – and, in many ways, admirable – politicians in America today.” However, due to his convictions and strong moral compass, Brownback may be too conservative to run a successful presidential campaign in 2008. Lest we forget, the crucial primaries lie in states like Ohio and Iowa, where candidates must win over the moderates. Simply put, Brownback is too extreme for the average American.

Sam Brownback: “You look at the social impact of the countries that have engaged in homosexual marriage.? You’ll know ’em by their fruits.”

The Big Three

As indicated by the title, this section is about the big boys. One of these three individuals will most likely receive the GOP nomination; I also would not be surprised if the vice-presidential candidate also emerged from this group of charismatic, serious, and popular politicians.

Senator John “The Maverick” McCain (R-Ariz.)

John Sidney McCain III, currently serving his fourth term as a Republican senator from Arizona, is a solid candidate for the Republican presidential nomination, although he has a few drawbacks. His vibrant past as a Vietnam War veteran – in which he was captured by the North Vietnamese, held as a prisoner-of-war for five years, and frequently tortured – his decades of political experience, and his accomplishments in the Senate concerning campaign finance reform certainly indicate that he is an accomplished, knowledgeable, and patriotic individual. Furthermore, the very same qualities that were once regarded as disadvantages in 2000 (when he lost his bid for the nomination to now President George W. Bush) now positively fuel his identity as a moderate Republican. Writes Dan Balz from The Washington Post: “In 2000, McCain proved better at attracting independent voters than Republicans, and his success in overcoming doubts about him within his own party holds the key to his prospective candidacy. As Republicans look toward 2008 and worry about maintaining the White House, a streak of pragmatism has drawn them to look again at a man who often has been an antagonist of the president and party leaders.” McCain’s reputation as a “maverick” – a stand-up guy who does not always “go with the grain,” but continually sticks to fundamental Republican principles – is what will ultimately bring him the nomination if he plays all of his cards correctly. The Republican Party needs him in order to revitalize and re-shape their image as the only American party that can serve the far-right and the moderates alike.

Drawbacks: Although he has denied rumors of malignant melanoma and other issues associated with his health, McCain, if elected, would be the oldest president ever elected, at the ripe age of 72 years. This question is now running through many people’s minds: “Will his old age interfere with his abilities to serve as an effective commander-in-chief?”

McCain: “Our armed forces will fight for peace in Iraq, a peace built on more secure foundations than are found today in the Middle East. Even more important, they will fight for two human conditions of even greater value than peace: liberty and justice.”

Former Mayer Rudolph “Rudy” Giuliani (R-NYC)

The September 11th attacks propelled former New York City mayor to national fame, where his effective leadership, consistent involvement, and genuine concern caused Americans nationwide to view him as a true American hero. He even went on to become Time magazine’s “Person of the Year” in 2001, and received an honorary “knight-ship” from Queen Elizabeth II. Furthermore, being a native New Yorker myself, I can say that I was not only impressed, but also humbled by the way that Giuliani handled the crisis of 9/11. Clad in a regular pair of blue jeans and a protective apron, Giuliani marched down to “ground-zero” with other political figureheads, policemen, and firefighters, and proceeded to inspect the scene for any possible survivors and to offer much-needed help. His calming rhetoric, which could be heard on the evening news for days and weeks to come, reassured New Yorkers and Americans alike that “we can still laugh” and enjoy the pleasures of everyday life because the terrorists had not won.

Despite his rhetoric, however, the former mayor was certainly not all talk. Although he does not have any senatorial or gubernatorial experience, as his competitors do, Giuliani’s achievements in one of the toughest American cities are almost unparalleled. The highlight of Giuliani’s crime crackdown came during the “Mafia Commission Trial” (February 25, 1985–November 19, 1986), where he successfully indicted the five notorious leaders of New York City’s most dangerous crime families. The end result: organized crime in New York City was nearly wiped out for all eternity. Accordingly, Giuliani’s media-friendly personality, along with his hard-hitting crime prevention and anti-terrorism policies, will certainly work in his favor while pursuing the Republican nomination.

Drawbacks: Despite his strong policies on national security and battling terrorism, Giuliani seems too socially liberal to become the face of the Republican Party in 2008. States below the Mason-Dixon Line will certainly not like the fact that he supports a woman’s right to choose an abortion and that he supported “broad protection for same sex partners” during his tenure as mayor in New York City. Adding his advocacy of gun control, “America’s Mayor” will be hard-pressed to draw a robust conservative base of supporters, despite his charismatic appeal.

Giuliani: “In choosing a president, we really don’t choose a Republican or Democrat, a conservative or liberal. We choose a leader.”

Former Governor Willard Mitt Romney (R-Mass.)

I bet that most of you did not know his real first name. Not only is Mitt Romney highly capable of receiving the Republican nomination in 2008 – he could definitely be the man who ends up in the White House after the general election. His suave political demeanor, coupled with his vast organizational skills, intelligence, and charming personality, are all advantages that Romney carries with him.

So where should I start? Romney’s administrative and political skills are plentiful. After completing a joint MBA/JD program offered by Harvard’s Business and Law schools, Romney eventually went on to co-found a private, Boston-based equity investment firm named “Bain Capital,” which he headed for 14 years. During the course of his leadership, the firm averaged an internal rate of return of 113%. After leaving the firm in 1998, Romney eventually took over the struggling 2002 Winter Olympics Committee in Utah and saved the organization from bankruptcy. He is often accredited as the man who “saved the Winter Olympics.” After establishing himself in the corporate world, Romney turned to politics, where he ultimately won the governorship, serving Massachusetts from 2 January 2003 to 4 January 2007. Romney’s managing skills are undeniable; furthermore, his views should be well received by conservatives around the nation.

Romney can gain a strong conservative voter base for several reasons: he does not support gay marriage, civil unions, or domestic partnerships, unlike former Mayor Giuliani; he is pro-life and opposed to embryo-destructive stem-cell research; and he is strongly committed to thwarting Islamic jihadists . Despite his conservative values, Romney also has the ability to attract the American moderates, and even some Democrats. His achievements in Massachusetts included minimal unemployment, effective budget management, and education reform, all of which will resonate well amongst Americans nationwide. All things considered, Romney is definitely my choice for the GOP’s presidential nominee – he is smart, effective, and has already raised $23 million dollars, more than any other potential Republican candidate.

Drawbacks: Critics may argue that Romney is not consistent with his policies. As governor, he supported abortion rights; now, he is an avowed pro-lifer. Further, he is a Mormon – that is not necessarily a bad thing, but his religion may become a liability.

Romney: “America cannot continue to lead the family of nations around the world if we suffer the collapse of the family here at home.”

The Rising Star: Former Senator Fred Dalton Thompson (R-Tenn.)

Although Fred Dalton Thompson has not officially declared his candidacy, polls are already showing that he could easily receive the Republican nomination over the aforementioned candidates. A USA Today / Gallup poll held on 27 March 2007, targeting Republicans and right-leaning Independents, showed that Thompson is right behind Giuliani and McCain with 12% of the vote. Not bad for a guy that has only said, when asked if he were going to run, that he will “leave the door open.”

Fred Thompson definitely has the two qualities which fuel success in American politics – political experience and charisma. In 1992, upon Gore’s assuming of the vice-presidency, Thompson finished the remainder of Gore’s Senate term after the people of Tennessee elected him. Thompson also had little trouble during his re-election campaign in 1996, as he gained substantially more votes than Tennessee attorney Houston Gordon, beating him 61% to 37%. In addition to having senatorial experience, Thompson is also an accomplished actor. Although his film career lasted for almost two decades (1985 – 2005), Thompson’s most notable role is most likely his portrayal of Arthur Branch on NBC’s Law and Order, which he began during the final months of his senate term in 2002. Thompson has also portrayed the same character on Law and Order: Trial by Jury and Law and Order: Special Victims Unit. Thompson’s wide range of television and film roles were appropriately described by The New York Times: “The glowering, hulking Mr. Thompson has played a White House chief of staff, a director of the Central Intelligence Agency, a highly placed F.B.I. agent, a rear admiral, even a senator. When Hollywood directors need someone who can personify governmental power, they often turn to him.”

Currently, little is known about the full range of Thompson’s views, since he has not officially declared his candidacy. Many of his competitors (namely, McCain, Giuliani, and Romney) have supported liberal policies in the past. If Fred Thompson were to run, he would have an advantage in gaining the trust of conservative voters during primary elections, because he would not have to account for any “liberal baggage” that he might have owned in the past. In short, since Thompson does not have a long record, his conservative credentials will not be questioned.

Drawbacks: Despite his presence in the media, another recent Gallup poll showed that his image as a candidate is ill-defined. According to the poll, “two-thirds of Americans say that nothing at all comes to mind when they think about ‘Former Tennessee Senator Fred Thompson.’” If Thompson decides to run in this election, he will need to define himself in the way that McCain, Romney, and Giuliani, have already done. People will need to know who he is and what he stands for before they will vote for him. Also, another important issue is his health. Recently, Thompson told Fox News that he is “in remission from indolent lymphoma,” an incurable form of cancer. Although Thompson stressed that the condition is “very treatable” and that his “life expectancy should not be affected,” voters around the nation may be exceedingly hesitant to elect a cancer patient to the Oval Office.