1. Jim DeMint - Strong across the conservative board. Clearly is taking charge of the rebellion within the Senate. Willing to take risks to further the conservative cause, but usually comes out stronger for it.
2. Mike Pence - Sharp, aggressive and well-tuned conservative Rep.
3. Sarah Palin - Strong conservative, absolutely fearless. The most charismatic of all in my book.. someone who can fill stadiums.
4. Michele Bachmann - Like Palin, a fearless, powerful conservative voice, a very sharp political infighter.
5. Paul Ryan - Brilliant mind, especially on fiscal issues. Very analytical and thoughtful in the arguments. Doesn't let emotion take hold.
The Reserve Bench (looking to the future):
1. Bobby Jindal -- Brilliant, absolutely shines especially in a crisis. Still quite young at 38; wisely building executive experience. Bombed in speech in 2009, but was hamstrung by glowing adoration for 0bama at the time.
2. Chris Christie -- Has said he's not interested in the Presidency, but his kick-ass approach is a plus in my book. Maybe after a term as NJ's governor and a drop of some 100 pounds, he may show some interest in running after all. I need better insights into his social stances, but on fiscal matters, he's formidable.
3. Bob McDonnell -- as Governor of VA, has done a stalwart job of bringing the fiscal situation under control. He pushed for, and got, a lot of needed budget cuts. A good leader, and a deceptively great presence. He could position himself for 2016 if he so desires.
Not making the cut:
1. Tim Pawlenty -- always late in coming around to an issue. Comes across as a weak-kneed, finger-in-the-wind politician. Aside from the fact he's bought into Globull Warming, it's somewhat hard to tell exactly what he stands for.
2. Mike Huckabee -- has a few strong points, but is weak on immigration issues... also the fact he early-released that murderer tells me he's too much of a bleeding heart.
3. Mitt Romney -- Strong presence, but comes across as untrustworthy, as he's flip-flopped on several issues. His Mormon religion is a turn-off to many.
4. Newt Gingrich -- Though he's a "no," his presence in the primary debates will force his GOP competitors to bring their "A" game. He's a brilliant strategic thinker, but has wayyyyyy too much baggage and tendency to "reach to the other side."
5. George Pataki Uh, no. To liberal.. a history of a gun grabber.
6. Jeb Bush Has a few upsides, but... no more Bushes. Been there and done it.. twice.
6. Jeb Bush Has a few upsides, but... no more Bushes. Been there and done it.. twice.
I agree with most of your analysis and points. Jeb would be a great choice for a VP. Proven, conservative, not in office, not from DC. As shallow as it is, I just can't get past his name, and I doubt anybody else can either. I think he came to the same conclusion, which is why he has removed himself from consideration.
I really like DeMint, but we need somebody from outside DC. He is the least corrupted, but we need somebody from the outside.
Adding to my earlier list. I’m not interested in Mitch Daniels or Haley Barbour. Asking for a “truce” on anything with the Left is tantamount to a surrender.
MY LIST EXACTLY...
ABSOLUTELY RIGHT ON!