An Observation About Republican Presidential Candidates
I almost never ever post on politics and political races, but I had an interesting conversation the other day. As a secular libertarian, I find no one (beyond Ron Paul) among the Republican candidates even the least bit interesting. I trust none of them to pursue free market and small government principals, and several, including McCain, Giuliani, and Huckabee, have track records of large government intrusiveness.
What I found interesting was a conversation with a friend of mine who self-identifies as a Christian conservative (yes, I know it is out of vogue, but it is perfectly possible to have quality friendships with people of different political stripes, particularly considering that I am married to a New England liberal Democrat). My Christian conservative friend said he found no Republican he was really interested in voting for.
I find it interesting that the Republicans (again with the exception of Ron Paul, who I think they would like to disavow) unable to field a candidate that appeals to either of its traditional constituencies. It strikes me the party is heading back to its roots in the 1970s in the Nixon-Rockefeller days. Yuk.
Update: Which isn't to necessarily say the Democrats have everything figured out. For example, in response to a Republican President thought to be over-reaching, secretive, and overly fond of executive power, they seem ready to nominate Hillary Clinton, who may be one of the few people in the country more secretive and power-hungry. Anyone remember how she conducted her infamous health care task force? I seem to remember she pioneered many of the practices for which Democrats tried to impeach Dick Cheney this week.