That is a fair question, but one that will certainly generate some disagreement as to specifics. After all, reasonable people can differ on matters of policy unrelated to first principles, right?
So it is those fundamental principles I will focus on. I would like the next GOP nominee to possess the following qualities, in that he or she:
1. Must publicly identify as a Conservative first, and a "Republican" second. As a practical matter this means support for free enterprise, personal responsibility, limited government, strong national defense, and sound money.
2. Must commit to restoring constitutional governance to the United States, meaning that the powers not delegated to the Federal government must be returned to the states, or to the people, as specifically required in our founding documents. Must offer unwavering support for the entire Constitution, not just parts of it, and agree to nominate as Supreme Court justices only those who will strictly interpret its language in terms of history and original intent.
3. Must support secure and defensible national borders as a precondition to any other effort at immigration reform. May offer support for English as our national language and restore minimum standards for citizenship so that legal immigrants will have a real chance to succeed as productive citizens.
4. Must unapologetically defend America as a force for good in the world, but not as the world's policeman. Re-establish good relationships with our freedom-loving friends, and agree to oppose our socialist/collectivist enemies when their aims are militarily expansionist and threaten international commerce and stability.
5. Must have had some executive work experience, preferably in the private sector, but also as a state governor for at least four years. Senators tend to make terrible national leaders because they are blowhards and grandstanders by nature, as opposed to statesmen.
6. Must be knowledgeable enough about a range of policy issues in order to discuss them with conviction and confidence. Typically, this means a period of work and/or study of at least 10 years, and more likely, 20 years. He or she should be generally well-educated, but preferably not at an Ivy League school, and not a lawyer. We've had entirely too many of their sort.
1. Must publicly identify as a Conservative first, and a "Republican" second. As a practical matter this means support for free enterprise, personal responsibility, limited government, strong national defense, and sound money...
I would agree with that, emphasize "must." I would add a #7, #8, #9, #10. When I get to each, I'll illustrate how I think they effect your points.
2. Must commit to restoring constitutional governance to the United States, meaning that the powers not delegated to the Federal government must be returned to the states, or to the people, as specifically required in our founding documents. Must offer unwavering support for the entire Constitution, not just parts of it, and agree to nominate as Supreme Court justices only those who will strictly interpret its language in terms of history and original intent...
I agree wholeheartedly, again, emphasize "must."
3. Must support secure and defensible national borders as a precondition to any other effort at immigration reform. May offer support for English as our national language and restore minimum standards for citizenship so that legal immigrants will have a real chance to succeed as productive citizens...
I agree wholeheartedly, again, emphasize "must."
4. Must unapologetically defend America as a force for good in the world, but not as the world's policeman. Re-establish good relationships with our freedom-loving friends, and agree to oppose our socialist/collectivist enemies when their aims are militarily expansionist and threaten international commerce and stability...
Hear, hear! (again, emphasize "must.")
5. Must have had some executive work experience, preferably in the private sector, but also as a state governor for at least four years. Senators tend to make terrible national leaders because they are blowhards and grandstanders by nature, as opposed to statesmen...
Hmmm...I think private executive experience is important; I think government executive experience is important.
I think Senators can be statesmen, but I think it's tough for them to be leaders. So much of how the Senate operates has to do with concensus, as opposed to leadership. I think some experience as a governor is valuable; I would hesitate to require a minimum time served, depending upon circumstances. I would be open to a Senator, depending upon the Senator.
6. Must be knowledgeable enough about a range of policy issues in order to discuss them with conviction and confidence. Typically, this means a period of work and/or study of at least 10 years, and more likely, 20 years. He or she should be generally well-educated, but preferably not at an Ivy League school, and not a lawyer. We've had entirely too many of their sort...
Reminds me of a story told about Henry Ford...a professor of some sort was mocking his education, implying he was ignorant. Henry Ford said, in effect, "Prove it."
The professor asked him all kinds of questions, none of which he knew the answer to. He finally grew frustrated and said, "I don't know the answers to these questions, but I could hire a man in a minute who does."
I don't that's as important; that's what you hire the John Boltons of the world to advise. I also have no set period of time in mind, because again, you hire help for that.
As for being Ivy League or a lawyer, that would undoubtedly weigh against them; but it could be overcome.
This is enough for one post.
7. Excellent people skills. Understands what makes people tick, what motivates them, when someone is sincere, when someone is lying, when someone is BSing; must have a good gut level read of people, can make good people decisions on the fly. Understands the difference between a conservative and a lefty, and what that difference means.
8. Excellent political skills. Knows how to form concensus, knows how something will play politically, understands how winning arguments are framed. This flows from their people skills.
9. Excellent communication skills. Willing and able to conceive and execute winning communication strategies in the face of a hostile intelligentia and MSM. Again, the foundation is excellent people/ political skills.
10. Superior temperment; leadership mindset. Understands how 1-9 fit together, is willing to move public opinion where appropriate...not just follow it. Big picture thinker. Understands that the difference between Left and Conservative are two incompatible world views, and understands the necessity of fighting cultural battles as well as political battles. The heart of a servant, and the crazy eye of a linebacker.
This person doesn't need to have someone explain negotiation; they get it. They don't need to have someone explain why appeasement doesn't work; they already get it. A successful geopolitical worldview, IMO, flows from a gut level knowledge of people.
What do you think?