GOP Debate…

In between work today, I was listening to the final GOP debate before the Iowa caucus in a little over 3 weeks. As a Politics major, I am fascinated in the presidential campaigns for 2008. It will be incredibly interesting to see how the entire process works out. A few months ago, I often complained that no candidate stood out, and how amazing it was that American politics always found it hard to uncover a leader with great charisma, intelligence, and leadership. We see people in all walks of life that appeal to us in all manner of ways, but in politics, we are often forced to choose between 2 uninspiring candidates. The 2004 election is a prime example of an election that created great disappointment. Who was better, Bush or Kerry?

Bill Clinton fits into the mold of an educated man with a personality that attracts people from all areas and all means. My opinion has now changed for 2008. We have many candidates who are reforming who they are, and how they represent themselves. No single candidate is number 1, but there are many who are number 2. Who is going to claw themselves to the top in each campaign?

For the Democrats, it has to be a fight between Clinton and Obama. They have great backing, both financially and politically. They appeal to very specific demographics, ethnicity and gender. Both candidates don’t play this card though, because it could isolate them and turn away other voters. Obama has a warmer demeanor but lacks experience. Clinton boasts the exact opposite. I like John Edwards, a fellow Tar Heel. My only fear is that he fits into the mold of a vice-presidential candidate. Any person with Edwards or Bill Richardson on their ticket would be a force to be reckoned with.

For the Republicans, Romney has a very strong presence. He speaks well, has a strong record in MA, and has an incredible support system. Giuliani is another strong leader from the North East, but his personal history and flip-flopping on issues such as immigration could hurt him. My pick is Mike Huckabee. I have always thought his ethics and morals are of the highest order, he speaks eloquently and with compassion. I don’t agree with him on some issues, but with he is someone we can trust. It will be very interesting to see how ardent Clinton supporters will turn if Obama wins the Democratic candidacy, and Huckabee wins the Republican candidacy. Remember Bill Clinton is from Arkansas, and a former Governor of his home state, as is Huckabee.

I certainly haven’t decided upon which candidate I agree with, and with whom I would lay my support. Since I am a permanent resident, i cannot vote. This therefore allows me to look at all the candidates from a somewhat neutral perspective, and engage a discussion on the issues and on the candidates without restricting my viewpoint…….