Knee-Jerk Thoughts About Presidential Candidates, Part I
It is time to begin seriously considering the field of candidates for President. At this point my mind is not settled upon whom to vote, and I will study both the issues and the characters of these candidates more diligently in the coming months. Still, here are a few initial impressions, for what they are worth. They are free.
Sam Brownback, Kansas
This man is a Republican Senator and a staunch conservative. For some reason the talk radio hosts do not like him, and I think it has something to do with the issue of illegal immigration. Apparently he is a bit too reasonable and compassionate for their likings. It does not appear that he has a chance.
Rudy Giuliani, NY
I like this guy. He is no Ronald Reagan, but he is probably the most electable candidate of the bunch. He has several negatives which cause the conservative voter to pause, and I am one of them. He’s had a messy divorce and an estranged relationship with his daughter. Yesterday I read that his daughter is supporting Obama. So, perhaps he will not make the best of role models for Americans, although he still beats Newt Gingrich in this matter. And, we are not electing a pastor-in-chief, anyhow. He affirms several supposedly liberal position on social issues, although more detailed examination reveal chinks in the judgments of the morality police. As Mayor of NY, he was known to be very supportive of gay rights. He states unequivocally that he is pro-choice concerning abortion. And he supports reasonable limitations with gun ownership. To me, these are positions that can be tempered by the Party and Congress. He has stated that he will appoint conservative judges, and that he certainly is not pro-abortion.
So, why do I like this guy? He exudes energy and confidence. He wears a smile upon his face. He looks and behaves like a leader. I like the way he cleaned up New York, and was overwhelmingly elected by a majority Democrat populace. He handled the World Trade Center crisis with strength and decisiveness. He seems to understand the sinister nature of radical Islamic Terrorism. And, I think more than any other Republican candidate, he can beat Hilliary Clinton.
Mike Huckabee, AR
I guess you know this guy was a Southern Baptist pastor? He was a successful pastor for many years, and even elected moderator of his state convention, a pinnacle for a minister. Even now, he plays bass guitar in the worship band of the church he now regularly attends. As far as I can tell, he is a dedicated and sincere Christian. Yet he is not a fundamentalist, crusading politician. He seems reasonable and likeable. So, would I vote for him? Perhaps. He has lost a bunch of weight, and health care issues are of great concern to him. He was Governor of Arkansas for about ten years. Some of us are not too fond of a previous holder of that office. I understand he raised taxes at times during his tenure. But Arkansas is a poor state with many social needs, and since I do not know the details, I will give him a pass on those matters.
This guy’s message and communication skills just may prove convincing to the voters in the early states of Iowa and New Hampshire. His support may surprise many. Realistically, I see him as a possible Vice President selection.
Duncan Hunter, CA
Who? I know he is a Congressman. I know he is quite passionate about immigration issues. I know I am about to go to sleep.
I’ll finish up tomorrow, as I give some thoughts about McCain, Romney, Thompson, Paul, and one other guy.
In closing, I know some people don’t like for me to write about politics. The subject can be divisive. And truly, my line of work has little to do with presidential politics. I never preach it. I refuse to allow the political groups to display their literature in my church, and sometimes they get a bit ugly about my refusal. As a pastor, I am most about the gospel and the love of Christ. Such crosses all political barriers. I can love a person and work with that person, and worship together, no matter the political persuasion.
But, this is my blog. Not that of my church, and not always a religious blog. I’m simply giving some opinions. Opinions are not written in stone with the finger of God, no matter what some preacher may tell you! Just read and enjoy. If you do not like this post, maybe you will enjoy the next?
