This week is the week of the Florida primary—the primary for my state. Naturally, since that’s my state, my readers are going to want to know who I endorse for President.
I’ll do more than that, here. I’m not just going to endorse a ticket. I will lay out who I want in an ideal administration—and give my reasons why. So, without further ado…
The ticket: Of the Final Four, my favorite, as you probably know, is Rick Santorum. Still, the practical guy in me understands the argument that Mitt and Newt have more momentum. Of those two, I’d pick Mitt Romney.
Now, recall the classic ticket of Ronald Reagan and George H. W. Bush. The Gipper picked Bush—his chief rival in the 1980 primaries—in order to have the GOP unite behind him. Thus, if Mitt wins (and he probably will), he should seriously consider Rick for VP. (Somehow…I doubt Newt’s ego would allow him to play second fiddle….) SO—my heart goes for Santorum/Other-Great-Conservative…my mind for Romney/Santorum. Take your pick.
Attorney General: Here’s a no-brainer—Rudy Giuliani, the legendary former NYC mayor…the “real rain” Robert DeNiro yearned for in Taxi Driver, who’d wash the scum off the streets. Rudy won over America’s heart, providing a cool head in the aftermath of 9/11. (Yes…I know some folks hate that—claiming he “took advantage of a national tragedy”. Pardon my vernacular, but that’s hogwash.) And I feel his tough anti-crime stances make for a perfect AG.
Secretary of State: I actually have to thank Newt Gingrich for this idea—John Bolton, former Ambassador to the UN. John can always be counted on to provide a thoughtful, yet firm, analysis of the global issues we face. Here is a diplomat with a brain…and a patriotic heart.
Secretary of the Treasury: You’re going to love this—Ron Paul. While I’m certainly contemptuous of his foreign policy (or lack thereof), I’m in firm agreement with his points on monetary policy, the Federal Reserve, etc. There’s no doubt that he would tackle such issues head on, as Treasury Secretary.
Secretary of Commerce: No, I haven’t forgotten my main man—Herman Cain. For a department concerned with matters of business…we need a man who knows how to run a business. Believe me, Herman understands the needs of American business.
Secretary of Defense: Ideally, I’d say Allen West. But as he’d only be starting his second House term in 2012…I don’t think he’d want to move that high, that soon. So, Oliver North—another man known for doing what’s necessary.
Secretary of Homeland Security: As Michele Bachmann serves on the Intelligence Committee, she understands fully the threats we face. Thus, she’s a good choice.
Secretary of Veterans Affairs: This one’s easy—John McCain. A Vietnam vet himself—who fully understands the plight veterans are all-too-often forced to go through—John would be superb in laying out what needs to be done, to take care of those who served our country.
Secretary of Labor: None. I’m with Senator Richard Burr—Commerce and Labor should be re-joined. We must streamline the government. Rick Perry’s right on; we need to get rid of some executive departments.
Secretary of Energy: I’d prefer to get rid of this department, too—the federal government should have no business imposing national restrictions on business. However, this one’s going to be hard to get rid of. Until we can…I’d say Sarah Palin. Look up her record as Governor of Alaska—and her firm, honest energy policies.
Secretary of Education: This department has been viewed with contempt by Conservatives since its creation by Jimmy Carter—and with good reason. It’s a cash-guzzling funnel that consistently fails to do anything to improve our public school system. Get rid of the darned thing—put federal financial aid under block grants to the states. As for the Secretary, appoint a “fill-in” that won’t cause any more damage to our schools, while we work to dissolve the department.
Secretary of HUD; Secretary of HHS; Secretary of Transportation; Secretary of Agriculture: Appoint “fill-ins” for these departments—then, merge Agriculture and Transportation with Commerce; the other two, with Interior.
Secretary of the Interior: No clue. Just someone who knows what they’re doing.
There you go, folks! Here’s hoping Rick and Mitt are reading….
Is there no room for Marco Rubio in your political dream team?
Well, there would be–if he were open to the idea. He isn’t, right now. Shame, that–I’d have had him as VP, at least. But again…he’s said “no”.
What about You? He would need a good speech writer.
It’s one thing to say “no” when no one has actually asked. It’s another when the potential next leader of the free world asks you to be his VP.
“What about You? He would need a good speech writer.”
LOL! Well…I’m consitutionally not old enough….
In answer to your point, Ron–a valid point. But I suppose I’m being a little selfish, too: As a Floridian, part of me wants Rubius Magnus to continue to be the face of our state, for a while….
And…I doubt he would consider himself to be ready for the job, asked or not….
And Huntsman? As former ambassador to China, he might have some value to add to foreign policy…
Anyway, in terms of pure “conservative credentials” in private life, Ron Paul has all the other candidates beat by a mile (married to the same woman, scandal-free, for I forgot how many decades; only candidate to have actually served in combat; voted according to principles even when politically harmful, etc). I am not sure why you like Santorum so much, he seems very bland and focuses too much on the demagogue issues of social conservatism (perhaps also for political gain) rather than on the real issues facing American society. Santorum is my LAST choice – do we need yet another lawyer in the third branch of government (isn’t it enough that the legislative and judicial branches are full of lawyers???) At least the three other candidates have respectable careers that can add value to government – doctor, businessman, and historian.
As for Huntsman–no, I wouldn’t pick him. He seems to have an accomadationist stance towards China.
Now–what you say about Ron’s “private life” credentials–Mitt and Rick have also been faithfully married, scandal free. If serving in combat gives one credibility, then John Kerry was better than Bush–or John McCain was the best candidate in 2008. Indeed, McCain was principled–voting against conservatives even when politcally harmful, etc.
Santorum is working on his style. And as a social conservative, I take offecne at your shrugging that off as “demagogue issues”. They *are* “real issues facing American society”.
As for bashing Rick as a “lawyer”–Mike Lee is a lawyer, a Constitutional Lawyer. Abraham Lincoln was a lawyer, as well. While many slimy government officials HAVE been lawyers–many great individuals were lawers, too. And being an expert in the law DOES add value to the government, I should think.
Mr. Blake, serving in combat might make one more knowledgeable about the practical aspects of war – and gives a perspective of what it’s like to be at war. I think it’s a valid “strength” when it comes to the Commander in Chief post. Of course, not the only criterion to choose on, but I just thought it worth putting out there. And with all due respect, when the US is involved in two wars, various squabbles, and possibly looking at war with yet another (and more formidable) enemy, when the public debt is spiraling out of control, when we have monetary policy to look at – gay marriage and other pet topics of social conservatives are just a waste of time, I do not consider those real issues. As for the moral decay of American society, I experienced it first hand, but it has nothing to do with abortion or gays (or other things affecting under 5% of the population): it’s rather a change in mentality, from a proud freedom-loving nation to a populace dependent on the government for everything, looking for another way to “game the system” and profit from society. And the education level is falling rapidly (check out statistics on standardized tests in the industrialized world). Those issues of morality I think are far more important than the relatively minor ones dear to true social conservatives, or to “neoconservative” demagogues.
“Serving in combat might make one more knowledgeable about the practical aspects of war – and gives a perspective of what it’s like to be at war.”
And that, sir, is why I advocate Oliver North for Secretary of Defense–and John McCain for Secretary of VA.