And the winner is (or at least should be)

Way back in August I began to look at the Presidential candidate’s stance on pertinent issues. Throughout this lengthy procedure I have attempted to stick solely to the issues and avoid the social-political aspect of the contest. I haven’t analyzed debate performances, haircuts or wardrobes, I haven’t looked at gaffes or accusers of misdeeds from the 1990’s, all we’ve tried to do is select the most important issues and review the candidates positions on those issues. Even at that, there are still more issues that warrant attention but with the caucuses/ primary season well under way I think it is appropriate to tell you what my conclusions are. Hence let’s take a moment to review the candidates as I rate them, worst to first. 

Ron Paul: I could simply cut and paste the quotes here about defense and Israel and move on but I have more to say than that. I heard Rand Paul, Ron Paul’s son on Hannity’s radio show saying Ron Paul is the only Reagan conservative in the race. This is patently false, Ron Paul is not a conservative at all, he is a Libertarian. That’s all right of course; there is a Libertarian element in the Tea Party that should be represented, I just don’t happen to fall into it. On matters of spending, regulation, private property and free market Libertarianism and conservatism overlap considerably, but on most social issues the Libertarian philosophy is far more akin to the far left (i.e. drug legalization). Ron Paul purports to be the champion of the constitution, but some of his interpretations are questionable, i.e. his views on the war powers act or the view that the legislative branch has the authority to dictate to the judicial what cases it may review. Finally there is no way to be a “Reagan Conservative” without believing in a strong national defense. Rep Paul said in the Fox SC debate, “We bomb and bomb other countries and then wonder why they are upset with us.” I challenge Rep Paul and his supporters to find the poor innocent little country we just decided to go bomb the snot out of. In fact Reagan was ultra-aggressive in military action usually with great success (Grenada, Libya) but sometimes not (Lebanon) but he certainly did not have a live and let live philosophy with nations who threatened us or our allies. In the end Ron Paul is not a viable presidential option, though he would appeal to pot smoking draft dodging democrats in the same way Reagan appealed to working class patriotic Democrats. If that’s the new base we want, go for it, I’ll pass on the whole Ron revolution thing.

Mitt Romney- first off I do not have a problem with Bain Capitol, they invested in underperforming companies, often restructured them, which usually means layoffs and more often then not put those companies on a path of profitability which means job growth. Second I do not have a problem with his investments being taxed at 15% (which is less then Warren Buffet’s poor secretary)  of course investment income is taxed twice, first when it is earned and then after that already taxed money earns a profit that profit is taxed again. As long as he pays his taxes he is doing what is his duty though he is ineligible to be treasury secretary under the Obama administration, I could care less where his money is invested. In fact I have no problem with any of Candidate Romney’s positions. I find his stances on foreign policy, defense and immigration top notch, I think his economic plan is very good though I would like to see a more aggressive tax policy that will do away with the progressive tax code altogether. What I do have a problem with is that the positions of Candidate Romney are far from those of Gov. Romney. Further, Gov.  Romney was unrecognizable next to Senatorial candidate Romney. I think the weakest candidate compared to Obama is Gov. Romney because with him the sharpest Republican weapon blunted. His only objection to Obama-care is that the Federal government does not have the authority to impose government run health care, but he believes such a system when run by a state is wonderful. Somewhere at the core of Mitt Romney’s being there is someone who does not trust free market and free enterprise, therefore I would support Mitt over Obama unwaveringly, but while the race is open, I’d as soon have a better reliable conservative

Newt Gingrich- I’ll confess that early on I considered not even including Newt in this analysis just as I ignored John Huntsman or Gary Johnson, but that would have been a mistake. Newt can articulate conservatism at times in as clear and inspiring a manner as anyone, though at times his campaign has been erratic. All in all his positions are solid though he lags a bit on immigration compared to some in the field. I can not say that Newt’s past sins are not an issue to me but I will say that airing one side of a bad divorce as though it was news is unethical. The biggest thing that has made me take a second look at Newt is the fierce way the establishment has fought against him. It gives me hope, but the personal sins give me pause. I do fancy the thought of Gingrich in a debate with Obama, however.

Rick Santorum- often I have went through issues before Sen. Santorum had released his plans, I.E his economic plan, or his tax plan, and at times I find his specific positions hard to find on his website, still Santorum is a true conservative and a man of character and long term integrity. He did support no child left behind which was intended to redirect education policy toward education rather than social engineering, however to get it passed the liberals were given way too much and the size of government grew.  Also supporting the prescription drug plan was a big mistake. These aside I do not doubt even for a moment that Santorum is a real conservative in all three areas, defense, social and fiscal and he hasn’t the baggage of a Gingrich.

The conventional wisdom has been that Romney had it all wrapped up after all he won Iowa and New Hampshire, just like Jerry Ford! Oh wait a minute when they actually counted the votes Santorum won. So if in spite of outspending everyone by a ton and turning the race negative to a new level, he has only won in a neighboring blue state, this race is still got a long way to go.  

I just hope our candidates remember that liberalism is the enemy and not each other.

Until next time, keep on the firing line.