Republicans: Their Hearts and Minds

I'd like to write a blog saying who I prefer as the Republican nominee in the 2012 election. But, at this point, that's just not impossible. My heart lies with Rick Perry, but my mind says to go with Romney.

Let me go back in time to the debate between JFK and Nixon. I was driving somewhere on business when I heard the debate on my car radio. Nixon seemed to be the clear winner. I was wrong. Most voters watched the debate on TV. The visuals clearly favored JFK. Even I could see this as I watched reruns of the debate.

Yesterday, as I watched the debate on CNN, I felt that Perry looked better than Romney. He was more macho. That is not to say that Romney didn't look good. He was as handsome as ever, and well prepared for the game. But, trying to imagine how middle America might view the debate, I was guessing that the crowd could favor Perry. (I haven't yet seen any poll results regarding the debate.)

I don't have much use for Ron Paul. That's fine; he doesn't stand a chance of being nominated. As for the others, I like them all. Herman Cain seems quite competent, but I don't think he projects presidentially and stands little chance of getting the nomination. Michele Bachmann would be better than Obama, but just as Obama is too far left for me, Michele is a bit too far right. Santori seems more experienced than Bachmann. But, he's also a bit too far right on social issues. Also, he doesn't generate Bachmann's electricity and hasn't made all that much of a showing it in the polls. Newt Gingrich: I totally love him. I love his ideas. I love his experience. I love how he delivers his message. Regrettably, he has been badly scarred by past political battles. Also, his personal affairs seem to many of my friends as being far too messy. That leaves us with Perry and Romney.

Perry's comments on social security make him appear like Don Quixote battling windmills. But, I do admire the manner in which he has worked with Latinos in Texas. That's a model that would suit America quite well. I also like his love for Israel. My main problem with Perry is that he frightens my many friends here in New York. They see him as an Evangelical. And, while I have great affection for Evangelicals, I believe, if your going to do battle with Obama, you need those liberals who now find themselves in the "independent" column. The independents that I know will vote for Romney, but not for Perry. I think that's unfortunate, but it's reality.

Anyway, I for one, will vote for any Republican chosen by our Convention.