I’m not a Romney supporter, but I admit the executive experience is a major item. Of course none of the democrats have it, and voters usually recognize its value.
I will also say that the apparently defunct Giuliani has it and Giuliani has announced a very straight conservative position on most issues.
In Romney and Giuliani, you have republicans who were liberal on some issues because they were in liberal venues. That’s just the reality of it. They have to change now to run nationally as republicans.
I can accept that IF they mean it.
Troubling thing about McCain is that he is liberal on some issues without needing to be.
It’s a very imperfect world.
In general the “hanging with while he’s still hanging on” philosophy risks McCain getting Florida. Stopping McCain in Florida is the most important goal, and that won’t happen voting for a candidate who:
1) Cannot win because he has no ability to compete in major media markets in the big states Feb 5
2) Is splitting the anti McCain vote, much too dangerously in Florida
3) Cannot do anything in a brokered convention because in 850 million dollar races the big donors will not tolerate elevating a 50 delegate candidate over a 1000 delegate candidate. And 50 delegates doesn’t buy a VP slot over a 500 delegate candidate. If his glowing principles are to be the reason to be VP, he gets that with or without 50 delegates. So . . . there’s no upside to risking McCain in Florida
In the final analysis it is all about last year. The enormous earthquake of conservative rage at McCain’s Amnesty Bill was the single most profound act of the right wing anger since the 2000 attempt by Gore to steal Florida.
To act now in any way that REWARDS McCain for his treachery last year — for his literal sneering in the face of conservatism — renders that entire event last year nothing more than mere petulance. The shouts were that “he will pay”. ANY act taken now to allow him to escape punishment defiles the dignity of last year’s victory.
And so, the choice is clear. It is not one of voting FOR Romney which is a concept the Thompson folks won’t want to fully embrace. It is, rather, one of honoring last year’s effort and punishing the perpetrator.
It is an imperfect world, with imperfect candidates. I’m staking out Romney as the best compromise - strength, competence, and values. Works enough for me.
I don’t trust McCain’s recent flip-flops on taxes and immigration as far as I can throw the pudgy little Manchurian Candidate.
But he is a shade better than Hillary & Obama. They are pure socioalism.