Reply To: Your Dream-Ticket for 2012

A Woman outside bklyn, Thank You!

We all miss the “Dutch.” We would definitely appreciate his inspiration and heartfelt message in such tough times. He is truly missed and will be missed forever. I agree that it’s not that easy to fing another Gipper and Obama definitely isn’t one. Sarah Palin isn’t Reagan either, she has a lot to learn before she becomes one. However, I’d just like to remind you that in 1978 people around the country also searched for a Reagan. Ronny had just lost the Republican nomination and went into retirement. He was too old to run for the Oval Office and George Bush was perhaps the front-runner. Fortunately, Ronald Reagan jumped into the race, overcame the age issue and got to become the best president in modern history. We can also look back at the Great Society years after the defeat of Barry Goldwater and many Republicans. The Conservatives were devastated. They were declared dead forever. Nixon’s win was largely attributed to the bickering and infighting within the Democratic party. They needed someone that would make it “cool” to be Republican and initiate conservative policies. The retired two-term governor did just that after his political career was deemed over. I believe that just like Barry Goldwater’s conservative movement got us a Reagan, so too will the Tea Party movement generate a Reagan. It might be Marco Rubio or Chris Christie and it could even be someone that’s still under radar – but it will come.

Chris Christie

I don’t know why I didn’t give my take on Christie before. To put it frankly: I’m a huge fan of the Governor. The guts that he has to take on those corrupt government worker is remarkable. The courage he has to stop the spending-spree and get government working again is admiring. He understands that the cuts are painful and people feel it, he knows that it places his political capital at stake; yet, he knows that this is right and does it regardless. He also attracts moderates and Tea Partyers in addition to hailing from a blue state. He’s my man. But, I have my reservations.

First and foremost, and I’ll be quite frank and honest, he gotta lose weight! Now, I’m also overweight, but I’m not running for president. Yes, you heard it – the Americans will elect a black man for President rather than a fat man. You can figure that if Jon Corzine went for that cheap shot – it works. Now, I don’t know if others will make it an issue (and stoop down so low) but people, in an age of TV, will have an issue. The American public opinion (although obese) and the general styles today is to be ultra-skinny – obesity can and will turn off many.

Additionally, Chris might indeed be the Republican darling right now and his domination on YouTube proves it. However, things will change especially if he enters a primary. The attacks will begin coming in his direction and many will question his conservative credentials. He is a fiscal conservative (which should be the issue in 2012) but I’m sure many of his fans (including Rush Limbaugh etc.) will fail his litmus test on his social views. Don’t forget: He’s a northeasterner and he’s a moderate. Did all of you forget his primary against Steve Lonegan?!

Chris Christie is famous for his tough-talk and being blunt. That’s what the viral videos on YouTube are all about as he exemplifies the frustration throughout the country. However, in a national race it might not be so much of an asset. In rural America people aren’t used to New Jersey tough-talk. Some people might interpret his style for anger and an angry man can’t get elected (Paladino?!). It might play out well for him but it is a risk.

We must not forget that in 2012 Christie won’t have much to show the public. Of course people like me, who believe in fiscal conservatism, see his accomplishments but those skeptical will want to see the numbers. New Jersey was in such a bad state when Christie took office so it may take years to see his accomplishments. Christie knows it and that’s why he says he isn’t ready yet. New Jersey still needs alot of work. You can’t buitres Rome overnight and you definitely cannot fix a bankrupt state in four years. Even if everything would already be alright, the changes don’t happen overnight; it takes some time to see the results. This may be something he will have to address in the general.

I’m quite disappointed that no one mentioned my top-of-the-ticket yet. I know that he lacks name recognition, but so little?!