Soeaking in specifics, rather than generalities, what qualifications does the next R Potus candidate need?
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.