Predictions and fortune-telling are among the least reliable forms of information known to man. However trends often cross over years and can signal whether or not big changes are going to occur. My predictions are not usually accurate, but I am beginning to see a series of events which will likely lead to the re-election of President Obama.
I'm starting a series which will hopefully go to show that while things aren't hopeless for the Republican Party, the warning bells should be sounded.
1. Lack of a Republican 'incumbent.'
This doesn't simply mean that there's not a Republican President or Vice President in office today, but that there is no one waiting in the wings to take the Republican mantle. I know what many may think: that Sarah Palin, as VP candidate in 2008, is ready to take over the fight. However, as 2008 showed, many in the party were willing to support a moderate candidate (McCain and Giuliani). Palin's conservatism may not be a liability with the base, but may lead many to believe that she is unwinnable in a general election.
And this goes beyond Palin. In 2008, McCain was an early favorite because he had come in a strong second in the last Republican primary. In 1976, Ronald Reagan had almost won the primaries away from sitting President Gerald Ford. When the Republicans did not have a sitting legacy, they were destroyed. Take 1996, when Robert Dole was blown out, barely gathering 40% of the national vote. Yes, he was a contender in the 1988 Republican primaries, but not near the amount of legacy of Reagan and McCain.
In addition, many of the Republican candidates are already known to run poor campaigns. Much enthusiasm was generated by former Tennessee Senator Fred Thompson. According to some, the actor would grant the field the conservatism and gravitas to carry the primaries. Instead, he flopped.
Mitt Romney flipped on nearly every important issue regarding his reign as Governor of Massachusetts. On gay marriage, taxes, and abortion, he made swift turns which seemed (at least to me and much of the Republican electorate) as phony stancing attempting to please the Republican base. Instead, his mediocre record as Governor helped doomed his candidacy to a much more moderate character, McCain.
Mike Huckabee is a jovial, likable former Governor of Arkansas. His record as Governor was excellent and has a speaking ability that may top the Republican field. However, his religious views and ties with the church, being a former pastor, may hurt his chances in any Fall 2012 matchup. Huckabee is also seen as unrefined by many in his own party, lacking the business "finesse" of Romney (not that he has much anyway) or military experience of McCain.
Rudy Giuliani was one of the best mayors of New York City. He reduced taxes, unemployment, and crime. He cleaned up NYC's mess after Dinkins and helped propel a 1990s boom. His moderate views, particularly on abortion and gay marriage, alienated many in the Conservative base, but still was considered an early favorite. Giuliani may stand a shot against Obama in 2012 if the focus is on national security. However, pop culture and a short attention span seems to downplay his heroic leadership on and after the September 11th, 2001 massacres. Joe Biden's joke about Giuliani's sentence-making is similar to saying that Churchill's sentences were a "noun, a verb, and the Battle of Britain."
Bobby Jindal is a reformist from Louisiana. He may become President one day, but he is far too smart to challenge Obama if he is still popular. By 2012, Jindal may not have a strong record to stand on (although 2008 proved that you do not need one to win) and his conservative views will be mercilessly attacked during any general election campaign. My guess is he won't run until 2016 at the earliest.
There are many others who may vie for the Republican nomination in three years. Among the names are Eric Cantor, George Pataki, and John Huntsman. However, the fact that many are virtual unknowns will probably not help to unseat a current President.
Tune in for part two.
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6 comments:
How about this: The millions he shuffled off to ACORN will ensure that there will be enough voter fraud to re-elect him...
OBAMA MUST NOT WIN. OBAMA MUST FAIL. WE MUST MAKE HIM QUIT.
He may also win because he's firing anyone who disagrees with him, because he's taking over the census and because he is simply a magical being:
http://trackacrat.com/2009/06/17/the-bible-according-to-barry/
I disagree Matt, because we have so many choices for the 2012 elections, plus because Obama is pissing off every American in one way or another, we will have a good chance.
But he's not pissing anyone off you're listening to Rush Limbaugh and getting pissed off. Rush Limbaugh is a wildly unpopular figure in America despite his millions of listeners.
Republicans are where the Democrats were in the mid 80's. An obtructionist party with a narrow base.
Granted they have a giant well funded propaganda and hate machine unlike the Democrats of the 80's.
But it only appeals to the base and angry white men. Most Americans are tired of the constant hate and bile.
Obama wins in 2012 with 55% of the vote.
I would just like to say that Obama has good ideas, however, the way he wants to run those ideas are not good for the country. We should not have to pay for government healthcare. It is free in other countries that have it. I would have supported this healthcare plan IF it was setup like this.
It is not. It is setup like a normal blue cross/ blue shield plan. To make matters worse, it functions like an HMO where you are forced to go to certain doctors only and only certain procedures are covered. HMO is horrible coverage.
Why bring race up unless you are racist yourself?
"But it only appeals to the base and angry white men. Most Americans are tired of the constant hate and bile."
have you ever listened to a rap song?
seriously, the dislike of Obama has nothing to do with the fact that he is half black.
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