Posted by
stevo on Saturday, January 20, 2007 5:34:44 PM
Giuliani? McCain? Romney?
The former two are well-known icons in American politics. Giuliani was a remarkable mayor who cleaned up a very...well...unremarkable city at the time. When that same city, with newfound pride, was struck and wounded by terrorists, Giuliani gave voice to their pain and gave heart to their hope. McCain was a former POW in Vietnam, and is known for sticking to his guns more than collaborating with his party. Finally, Romney provides a sleeper alternative to those two big names--he's a proven business manager (Salt Lake City Olympics) and proved himself successful in many regards in one of the most dreadfully blue states.
Yet, how do these men stand amongst conservatives? More importantly, how do they stand in relation to the Democratic field? With regard to the first question, they are all questionable to say the least. McCain strongly opposes the right of private contributors to give as much money as they see fit to a given politician, and weakly opposes wave after wave of illegal immigrant who will likely not assimilate for decades. His standoffishness smacks more of stubborn independence than of deep-held principle. Giuliani may be even worse. His great work as executive of our largest city and his courage amidst crisis does not hide his liberal record on social issues. He's not even moderate on issues like gay marriage and abortion! Romney, unlike the other two, may vocalize positions which are more sound on conservative hot buttons across the board, but he's only arrived at those positions in the past few years! This man may now be sober-minded, but what if falls off the boat?
How do these men stand against the leading Democratic candidates? In polling, all of them are shown to be competitive in head-on races with Clinton, Obama, and Edwards (and in some cases, winning). Will this be the case on the final campaign trail with its series of debates and intense media coverage, though? When Hillary begins to shed crocodile tears in empathy toward the American people, will any of these men be able to show tangible sensitivity to the American people? When Edwards plays upon popular populist themes, will any of these men be able to strike a similar chord with the American people? When Obama, with warm and moderate tone, captivates the American people with his rhetoric, will any of these men be able to display comparable rhetorical prowess?
2008, like 2006, will be a year in which change is sought. Its possible this change will be pursued less upon ideological lines than upon visionary lines. Will people tired of the status quo support old white men with accompolished resumes but tired rhetoric? Or will they turn to the fresh perspective of a woman, warm rhetorician, or charismatic populist?
Its likely that conservatives will rally behind their Republican nominee, whoever he stands against. It is less likely, however, that independents will flock to the Republican side in a postmodern age that values style as much as substance. Where is the fresh young face with the golden voice amongst Republicans?