The Politico falls for Mitt

Terry Michael, who describes himself as a libertarian Democrat (the what now?) is quite smitten with Mitt Romney, having seen his web videos:

For the past year, I have been haranguing the college political journalists I teach with the prediction that Romney is going to get the Republican nomination and will likely be the next president, because Democrats have no farm team of successful governors. And America almost never elects a sitting member of Congress president [...] because voters intuitively know the difference between a legislator and a leader.

...and...

No one else in either party’s field of presidential wannabes comes close to Romney’s communication skill and executive presence. He makes Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., look like just another charming candidate for high school class president. [...]

Mitt Romney is Bill Clinton with his pants up.

Yeah, I've seen the potential for a while. Mostly I am interested in Romney's records of measurable success in running government and business. He understands wonky stuff, metrics, and real economics, things that are not necessary found in a career politician.

(His video site is pretty slick, btw.)

He's still my fave pick for the Republicans, because the 'Pubs biggest issue is not ideology, it's competence. Unfortunately, Romney on the ticket would not leave room for Giuliani, as they are both northeasterners.

McCain, though he is technically southern, is increasingly less attractive to folks like me. Better potential running mates are dark horses like Mike Huckabee of Arkansas -- popular, good human interest story -- and Haley Barbour, who has succeeded in cleaning up Mississippi while Louisiana has struggled.

Comments

[The Gentle Cricket]

My support is with Gingrich, though I don't know too much about Gov. Romney. The one thing I am aware of is the Health care reform he presided over, and which I heartily disagree with. But, he is charismatic, and that's worth a lot.

I think having Gingrich in the race will, if nothing else, energize the GOP candidates to be creative and detailed about their policy proposals.

[Tony]

Romney was my absolute favorite up until several weeks ago when he started changing his positions to pander to the religious right. As a Libertarian that usually votes Republican, that is something I just can’t tolerate. Gingrich will probably get my support if he makes it to the California primaries.

[poptones]

Romney's videos are riddled with codespeak to all the worse elements already infringing upon liberty in this country - "unelected judges" and so on.

It really doesn't seem there are ANY candidates in either of the "major" parties who have even read the goddamned Constitution. I'm certain GW Bush never did... or perhaps jsut never comprehended it. What I cannot fathom is how we have sunk so low as a country to embrace these people. Shrub told everyone early in the candidacy "what we need in this country is a little LESS free speech" and yet no one - not the press, or the blogosphere - picked up on it, and the people elected this tyranical administration and then re-elected him as he set about doing just that.

I long for another Ross Perot.

[oakley frogskins]

the people elected this tyranical administration and then re-elected him as he set about doing just that.

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