The Perry-Romney feud over religion and conservative vs. pseudo-conservative idealogy are paper tigers. The next President will be elected by people who vote with their stomachs. All other issues pale in comparison to a failing economy with a 9%+ unemployment rate. Baptist, Catholic, Mormon or Athiest; a bona fide candidate better have a credible plan to restore America's economy.
There are a few hot issues that relate directly to the economy, like immigration policy, that will become important but only as they are directly tied to the economic recovery. Unfortunately, the only republican presidential candidate who is offering detailed tangible programs is Herman Cain and that might be the undoing of this unlikely frontrunner.
In a political campaign the best policy is to stick with rhetoric and avoid details; but, in 2012 this strategy could backfire. Unlike Ross Perot and Mike Huccaby, who both went out on a limb by having a viable plan and were rejected, Herman Cain might be able to get away with proposing specific untested solutions. Only time will tell.
The last four elections have been filled with controversy and disappointment: Al Gore's narrow loss in 2000; George W. Bush's sudden fall from popularity immediately follow his re-election in 2004, President Obama's failure to do almost everything that he promised after his huge victory in 2008 and the republican sweep in 2010 which was immediately followed by bipartisan gridlock. These were all hotly contested, rhetoric filled elections; yet, none seem to have brought us closer to a solution. In light of these disappointments, could it be that Cain will actually be rewarded for offering more than rhetoric?
Yet, radical reform in the federal tax code has never been good political strategy. The seas are littered with shipwrecks of campaigns past. Just three years ago American voters rejected Governor Huckabee's "fair tax" plan. Already the Huffington Post has gone on record that Cain's plan favors the rich and powerful and is unfair and in last night's debate, the other republican candidates ripped "999" apart time and again.
President Obama has put forth a jobs plan but has once again failed to explain it in terms that I can understand. It seems that the people I trust are saying that it is simply another multi-billion dollar stimulus plan. Although I realize that it would be political suicide, I actually wish that a challenger from the President's own party would step forth and offer a plan. When did politicians start caring more about their political party than for the country?
I am not ready to say that "999" is the only hope for America but it is the only plan that has been offered for me to consider. I am determined to get past the rhetoric and see if it is a beneficial component of a greater solution. Running for office should be about specifics. Bring on the charts, graphs and statistics. I am ready to deal with realities and not rely on more failed promises from handsome gentlemen and ladies with expensive suits and good debate skills. What about you?
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