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. (NOTE: I need to further study his comment re: a "truce" about social issues, though. That's potentially a bump downward in my book)
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. Started out like a right-leaning governor, but turned out to be too liberal.. a history of a gun grabber.
6. Jeb Bush -- Has a few upsides, but... no more Bushes. Been there and done it.. twice.
7. Rudy Giuliani -- Great leader in a crisis, as shown on 9-11 and a strong law-and-order guy, but too much of a liberal streak and a lot of personal baggage.
Pence or DeMint w/ Bachmann !
Jim DeMint’s an awesome choice. Solid advocate for the military and a true conservative.
Good analysis! I like DeMint, too. I have nothing against the idea of Palin being the candidate, but I think she’d have a lot of trouble getting the party chiefs to let it happen.
I would add Marco Rubio and Nikki Haley to your on-deck circle.
Please move Jindal to group 3. I just can’t stand him.