2012 GOP Update: Gingrich Takes Heat from Press; Cain Has New Accuser, Romney Shown as “Flip-Flopper” in DNC Ad - Analysis

Cain, Gingrich and Romney - image business insider


Newt Gingrich has been coming out with some pretty savvy remarks as of late, most probably designed in part to differentiate himself from Mitt Romney, who had been considered the front runner (especially by the Political Class and Beltway Pundits), and in part due to his intellect, age with life experience, and wisdom acquired through study. Having been there and done that in Congress, Gingrich’s record from the moment he set foot in the U.S. Congress to his Leadership in the House during the Clinton Administration that brought about significant changes that enhanced the nation. These records are all currently available online through the The Library of Congress. (However, of great interest is the fact that the Congressional Records available on line will be shut down as of 2012.)

Gingrich, and his record, are, therefore, an open book, one by which he can stand as a Conservative and as a Political strategist who understands how to get legislation through both sides of the political aisle. In other words, he understands how to avoid the stalemate that is our Congress and Government today. Upon leaving Congress, Gingrich opened a consulting firm, thinks tanks and authored numerous books – He is a man who understands history – not an insignificant asset when one governs.

That said opposition to the current Position as Tied or First in the polls, has the left-leaning media in frenzy – as Newt Gingrich is, in this opinion, the best choice to lead the nation at this point in history. Therefore, to find that the Washington Post’s Political Opinion writer of “The Fix”, Aaron Blake, tweeted the following: “Hey Tweeps: Looking for outlandish/incorrect predictions and quotes from Newt Gingrich's past. Any ideas for me?” (See Screenshot below as this “Tweet” has since been removed.)


Washington Post Op-ed Writer seeks dirt on Gingrich


It is, unfortunate, that Mr. Blake cannot take the time to scroll through the Congressional Record, and/or read a few of the former Speakers books, since surely there must be something there that he would find to be “outlandish” or “incorrect” – or perhaps not, which is apparently, the problem.


Over at Politico: An Opinion Piece queries: “Which Newt is the good Newt?” , contrasting Gingrich in the Congress to Gingrich on the Campaign Trail. Perhaps that same author might want to do a profile of “Which Obama is the Good Obama?” - comparing and contrasting the President in the same wise (as Senator, as President, and then on the Campaign Trail.) What one finds in this instance is the Candidate highlighting his or her belief’s but, enhance them to the point of rhetoric – only in Gingrich’s case, the rhetoric is a far cry from the incendiary, it is basically Newt Gingrich being incredibly honest and incredibly witty at the same time – one must have the same political ideology or non-ideology (the Independent) to get “it”.
What this author found as “good Newt” were quotes from his time in the House, the “bad Newt” is, obviously, ideas and quotes from the campaign trail. Are they both the same Gingrich? Of course, one changes as one ages, however, this piece which categorizes Newt as a “bully” today, also notes that should the governing Newt emerge, the Obama Campaign would be “reaching for the Maalox.” The point is they most likely are.

To face Newt Gingrich in the general, where he is attracting independents and one knows that the “ABO” (Anybody but Obama) voters - those now pumping for say “Mitt”, will vote for the former Speaker should he get the nomination. In addition, he has the ability to attract moderate Democrats, even in the heart of New York City, predicting a man who would appeal to all facets of the population – which means what? A true political force in the general election – therefore, it would not be surprising to see letters he scribbled in the first grade coming to “light” as “proof” of some character flaw.

Mitt Romney is being attacked by the DNC, go figure, for being a “Flip-flopper” – this in a web-based ad available on You-Tube – video below:



One has to believe that Mitt Romney is a Patriot; this blog has pointed that aspect of Governor Romney’s character out in previous posts. However, it is also true, having lived in Massachusetts under the Romney Governorship, one in which there were fee’s (not taxes, but fees – someone please tell this blogger the difference?), raised on everything that was not nailed down. In addition, this video does depict Mitt Romney as Governor of Massachusetts from 2006-2007, (approximately), and from 2007 to 2008 (when he was beginning to run for the GOP nomination in 2008) a “new, improved, Romney emerged. Is it fair to say that a man cannot change their mind? Absolutely not, however, the time frame in which this occurs in generally years, not months, which, unfortunately for Romney, rings hollow with Conservatives – which may be why he has not yet been able to break out of the 20% range in the polls. Also, those with a long enough memory remember his disastrous run against one Edward “Ted” Kennedy for the Senate, in which Romney was trounced every which way but Friday in the debate arena. Has he improved, yes, however, is it enough to take on Obama in that venue- the jury is out.

Finally, Herman Cain has yet another “accuser” this one with the allegation of a long-standing affair: The evidence is apparently access to Mr. Cain’s private cell, and a receipt for lunch at his favorite restaurant. As with the other accusers of Sexual improprieties (harassment plus), this woman, also has some financial difficulties as pointed out by ABC News . Incentives such as working for the Obama Administration, living in David Axelrod’s building, and just being plain crazy, have so far been the story on the other women “who came forward”. However, even fabricated, this consistent barrage of allegations has definitely hurt Cain’s candidacy, as well as having been timed to take Media pressure off –“name a scandal coming out of the White House.” One understands that Herman Cain is likeable, and that Herman Cain is a good business manager, and that, most likely, these claims are all false, to the core, however, Herman Cain did end up at the front of the pack, and that did not sit well with either the political class or the Democrats, which might explain this bevy of women who came out of the woodwork. Where Herman Cain lost, in truth, was in the debate arena, in the ability to pull together a solid and savvy political team. It is not that one will have seen or heard the last of Herman Cain – It has been painful to watch a combined political assassination with a campaign and candidate new to the big political arena, and completely unprepared. It is hoped that Cain overcomes, and goes on to be a force in our nation – the man has some solid ideas. He just could not get past, in this opinion, the continual assault, the allegations, and the constant drumbeat of incompetence and or innuendo from the media. To the credit of the entire GOP Field, not one denigrated or made comment on Cain’s accusers, as they understood the premise of Innocent until proven guilty. Something that is clearly lost on the American Public, the Washington Beltway Pundits and the Political Opposition Teams.

The next few weeks will be telling, Gingrich should handily fend off the nonsense coming from the left, and the right, for that matter (See Ann Coulter and her push for Mitt Romney – Coulter, who one may agree or disagree with, has a dismal record of choosing winning Candidates) and sail into the primary/caucus season on the winds of reason, intellect and the ability to out-debate just about anyone (there may be someone out there).

Blogger Disclaimer: It is not that Newt Gingrich was the first, more like the last choice of this blogger, placing Gingrich in the “old” pack, while looking towards Palin, and Donald Trump as outsiders who made things interesting, had experience, and were conservative in their respects (Palin, the most qualified). As time went on, and the debates began, warming up to Newt Gingrich was found to be increasingly easy with each debate. An associate in New York noted “I’m hating Gingrich a whole lot less” lately (a Bill Clinton fan), and this blogger agreed in principle. Fast forward to six week’s out and Gingrich is “The man”. One has to ask, how this older, wiser, grandfather has become the new “rock star” of politics, without taking on the mantel of being a pompous jerk? (Ok, witty comments about teleprompters are fine with those seeking political “red meat”, and someone who is not living in the land of political correctness). Newt is being Newt Gingrich, having reviewed his record, read his books, looked at his speeches and debates, it is clear he is the best choice for the Presidency, let alone the GOP nomination, going forward.

Palin Considers 2012, Christie Continues To Say “No” to Run – ABC and Politico - Palin’s Words Out of Context – A Personal Message to Palin – op-ed–

Christie and Palin - "No" and "Not No" to 2012 GOP Run - image Conservative New Jersey Dot Com

Last evening, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie gave a riveting keynote address at the Reagan Forum last evening, following the red-meat, uplifting speech, the floor was opened to a Q&A – the Governor was not coy about his intentions to run for office, rather deferred to the website Politico where it has been repeatedly reported he has no intention of running for President. Christie, who won the NJ Special election in 2009, which was the first sign that there was a disconnect between the people and the tax and spend policy on both state and federal levels, has a fan base within the Republican Party, where he humbly accepted the very “flattering” suggestion that he run for President, and continues to hold out on running for the GOP nomination.

It is not so much that the GOP does not have a talented and capable group of men and women seeking the nomination, in so much that it is early in the process, (although it appears by all media standards and the powers that be (whoever that is), there is certainly time left for others to enter the race, which would only enhance the conversation – Cain, Romney, Perry, Gingrich, Bachmann, Santorum, and yes, even Ron Paul and John Huntsman are credible, given the fact that individually they are talented and inspiring politico’s, each with a unique style, however, all with fiscal conservative credentials that are critical to the 2012 general election.

Christie’s speech is available at http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/ChrisCh and is well worth the time to watch.

The other “not yet announced” candidate, Sarah Palin, former Governor of Alaska, appeared on Fox News last night immediately following the coverage of Christie’s speech on that network. Palin, who, according to the New York Times is on the verge of a making her decision regarding a presidential run” - the article, which was published yesterday, is again, from this paper, solid reporting, rather than conjecture or caricature on the Governor, rather, pointing out the fact that polls show her leading among independents, and within 5 points of Obama” – all without having announced.

Her segment on the 10 pm eastern “On the Record with Greta Van Susteren, is shown below. In the segment, Palin acknowledged that she must make a decision sooner than later, however, it appears that her only obstacle now, is not her family or her friends, but her own desire to affect positive change in this nation, and she is “on the fence” as to how best to achieve that goal. On the one hand, she notes that a campaign attempts to mold a candidate (having been under the watchful eyes of the RNC in the past), and she appears hesitant about entering that circus once again. Who could blame her? Between the RNC and the Media, Palin was placed between two egotistical organizations that are focused on intrigue and winning at any cost. (Be it a political race or a scoop (and a political race). Entering that snake pit, for the second time, is what millions of Palin Supporters are asking of her, and that appears to be the only barrier to her saying “yes to the stress and the press and the position”.

Can anyone blame her? No matter how one may feel about Palin, either pro or con, in the nations present state, under the present Administration and Congress, it appears that without a clear headed, simple solution leader, one that would not have love lost for either party, one cannot help but literally beg Palin to run – thus the “Run, Sarah, Run” that appears on blog post, and is shouted at rally’s where she appears. Once the video was hot off the Fox presses (see Video clip below) both Politicoand especially ABC News, took Palin’s words out of context. Apparently, not understanding that the gist of her take on the current candidates and the media, was one where the media was attempting to make a circus out of the nominating process. Note to both ABC and Politico: When Palin said: (Paraphrasing) that Herman Cain was the “flavor of the week”, she was referring to the media’s penchant for rising a candidate up and then tearing them down, as soon as it was evident a candidate was making headway within the pre-primary process. It was you, in the media that she was skewering, par usual, rather than any particular candidate. Yet, apparently, both Politico and ABC (or any other network including Fox) does not understand, or are too arrogant to care, that some news consumers, actually shop now – and can pick up the text of what he or she said – this behavior only lends to the distrust of the media.

Further, the ABC nitwit (and that is a kind turn of the phrase) who “blogged” on Palin’s 10 minute segment, had a blast with her use of the word Shackle, and other local colloquialism that those on the east and west coast are simply not acquainted. Words of wisdom from my mother, (usually aimed at yours truly when in youth, one is prone to make, what a 1930’s debutante might consider serious gaffe’s – and the choices one may make – in her era, that referred to the right marriage, the right career, the right friends, and so on): “There’s nothing more disconcerting than an over-educated fool” – appropriate more often than not in these later day cases where those who don’t know, just lash out before actually checking on a turn of phrase, or outright taking someone’s words out of context. ABC is lucky my mother was not standing in that newsroom.

Video


Link to video: http://video.foxnews.com/v/1185953046001/maverick-palin-vs-quasi-reality-show'

A Message to Sarah Palin: Although from this perspective, one can understand you have a family to consider, and that personally, not one of “us” has stepped a foot in your shoes, let alone a mile”, or has taken a beating which never ends from the press (let’s just call that vetting, as in the most vetted candidate), there are still more reasons for you, Governor to take the position as candidate, than to stand on the sidelines, motivating those who may be capable, but are they as capable? Will they stand up to both left and right, regardless of party, a respecter of persons, not politics? Will they be as honest with the American People? Will they be relentless in their fight for a fair press? It is not an easy task, nor is it considered so, rather, pragmatically, an entry into the area, would up the level of discourse, keeping those who may stray in line, shaping from within rather than from without, but never letting go of the capability to do both, and finally, with polls showing that independents will be the deciding factor in the upcoming elections, it is apparent that a candidate that is strong with independents should not hold back, rather should enter the race. We simply cannot afford another four years, regardless of the fact that the Senate may also flip and two houses will once again, be in concert – someone has to watch them, Governor, whether the majority are Republicans or Democrats, someone who has the background, and proven record of setting members of both parties on the right course. That would be you, Governor.

2012 GOP Update: Pawlenty – Sees No Difference Between Fees & Taxes, Bachmann Leads in Polls, Palin to Announce Late Summer

Pawlenty vs. Bachmann, Pawlenty Sees "Fees" as the answer (ie. Taxes!), yet criticizes Bachmann for lack of experience at a Governors Mansion - image: TPM.com

In the latest Iowa poll released by Magellan StrategiesMichelle Bachmann leads the field in Iowa by 13 points, followed by Romney at 16, Pawlenty the third in line, by 8 points, the balance of those announced also in lower single digits. 24 percent of the respondents are undecided, with Sarah Palin not included in the polling. Bachmann leads in all poll demographics, Female and Male Voters, Fiscal and Social Conservatives, as well as voters 65 plus. Although there is still a significant amount of time between July and the 2012 Caucuses/Primaries, it is interesting to see Bachmann, currently the lone woman in the race, pulling far ahead of her male counterparts. In casual grocery store, to art gallery polling, this blogger finds that across a wider range of demographics, to include political affiliation, the general consensus is, at this point, although some may not care for the women running (they automatically include Palin), they would prefer to see either Bachmann or Palin in the White House as opposed to any of their male counterparts or the current occupant. Granted, these are non-scientific polls, based on casual conversations in primarily New England States, however, the fact that the respondents are unknown, chosen at random, and in states considered “Democrat strongholds” – it is reminiscent of the Carter-Reagan contest of 1980, but with more at stake – there appears to be more willingness on the part of the staunch Democrats to look at the women in the GOP.

Perhaps being so close to Massachusetts, where taxes are the norm, regardless of the economic clime, Pawlenty’s inability to see the difference between fees and taxes is a deal-breaker. In an interview on Fox News, Pawlenty has no problem taking umbrage at Michelle Bachmann (given his standing in the Iowa polling, however, he also had no problem in assessing fees on cigarettes and other items while Governor of Minnesota. While Romney was Governor of Massachusetts additional “fees” were assessed on a multitude of services – all fees are considered revenue for the State involved – revenue for States is generally derived from taxes. In any wise, both fees and taxes are additional monies taken out of the individuals pocket and placed into the hands of the State. Note to Pawlenty: Semantics: Fees Are Taxes!

Sarah Palin, also on Fox, noted that she would make a decision by August or September (AP.) Palin, as previously noted in this blog, can afford to announce into early fall, as she has a solid grass roots organization and name recognition. In addition, with the release of the documentary “The Undefeated”, Palin’s story is being told across America – one which is in direct contradiction to the general impressions proffered by the “mainstream media”. Although currently playing in limited venues in key states, how long before the DVD’s will be available for grassroots supporters and private viewings? Dubbed, the “Road to 2012”, the film is making an impact on both the choir and those who may not have been fans of the former 2008 GOP VP candidate. In effect, Palin, through the documentary is on the campaign trail, however, once announced; will that translate into a surge in the polls? Palin currently, when included, generally places third in all polling, therefore, if announced, she and Bachmann may find themselves the first women in history to be frontrunners in a major political party. Although there is a “rebuttal documentary” regarding Palin, it is receiving little play with the exception to those dedicated Palin Derangement Syndrome leftists. The film was produced by a British filmmaker, with a debut at the Toronto Film Festival in September. Again, in Toronto. One has to wonder how many of Hollywood’s elites will flee the country (or at least threaten to flee) if either Bachmann or Palin are elected to the office.

2012 GOP Presidential Contenders – Trump, Palin, Romney, Pawlenty and Huckabee - Media Analysis and Update

Trump in Good Company - Ronald Reagan Depicted as a Clown - image: publicly funded PBS.org


A Boston Herald article by Rachelle Cohen, entitled “No Trump-ing Obama”, notes that there are so many candidates and potential candidates for the GOP nomination, none of them attracting more than 19% of the total, that Obama should be pleased indeed and easily reelected. The logic belies the fact that out of the myriad field of contenders, only one, to date has announced an exploratory committee, one Mitt Romney. Additionally, what is of more import perhaps is that regardless of how one feels about any one of the “candidates”, at the least, they are taking time out of their lives to run for public office (or think about it, more to the point). What it does leave the nation with are choices, and as far as the media whining about not having a front runner this “late” in the game, are perhaps not familiar with the history of 2000, where major contenders did not announce until August, and the field was full, both Democrat and Republican. Although Al Gore was a given, due to the fact that he was the Vice President under Clinton, he still had challengers, and the simple fact is, having challengers helps the public to winnow out the chaff from the wheat so to speak.

Just follow the polls, the general public is already talking through them, and the fact is, they are split as no one has officially declared (exploratory committee is not a campaign committee). The same was true in early 2007 when politicians began to line up to run or be expected to run:
In 2007 the field of Democrats included: Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, John Edwards, Bill Richardson, Chris Dodd, Joe Biden, Dennis Kucinich, and Mike Gravel. The Republican field included: Rudy Giuliani, Mike Huckabee, John McCain, Mitt Romney, Fred Thompson, Ron Paul and Duncan Hunter. It was not until well after the first primaries in 2008 that front runners emerged on both sides and the race was off and running.

Understanding that Obama and Company (the Campaign, not the President per se), and the media, have intentional short memories, it is good to remind the lot of them that having 5 candidates a year before the first primary takes places results in numbers similar to those 19% leads currently held by 2012 GOP “potential candidates”.

That said, one cannot stress enough the fact that, those that run, do so out of conviction and love of country, they must, regardless of how many times someone calls an individual a myriad of insulting and most often misleading “names”, it remains reasonable that unless one wanted the job of overseeing the finances and well-being of this Great Nation, losing 10 years off one’s life in less than 2 years, and taking a ration of utter crap from the press, they would not be doing so for any “publicity stunt”, especially since, in viewing the field of GOP contenders, not one seems hard pressed for personal cash, fame and or the need to put up with the crazy people in the general media.

As it is the end of the week, it was important to point out the fact that the current crop of “potential candidates for the GOP” are doing exactly what they are supposed to be doing, getting the attention of “likely GOP voters”, and the press can write and report on the lack of front runners all they like, until such time as one of those running, pulls out with a majority in a poll conducted by any reasonable pollster, at the right time, the polls running now, are akin to taking a pulse on a patient that is literally in a coma, until they wake up and announce their intent to run officially. At that point, one can bet the house, those 19% leads will be, if the announced candidate is the choice of those voting with the GOP, multiplied by, at the least 60 percent, to the 30’s, and as the next one appears, those numbers will go up and down, until the debates, which, incidentally a decade ago, were held in October of the year prior to the election. One’s stock would rise upon winning the Iowa Caucus and or the New Hampshire Primary, or perhaps not until one has been though the winnowing field of South Carolina.

Meanwhile, Obama has recycled his Campaign from 2008, the price of gas is about to go to $5.00 and beyond, unemployment has not moved, the dollar is declining and inflation is on the rise, never mind key topics like the Health Care Bill that the majority of the public continues to rail against. Who’s zooming who? (Taking a line from the great Aretha Franklin.)

What are those that have a toe in the GOP Presidential Water up to this coming week?

The Donald, who is serious as a heart attack, will be in Florida at a Tea Party Rally in Boca Raton, with Congressional Representative Allen West Judging from emails received by this blog in unprecedented amounts over the past week, The Donald is running the gamut of approval by the entire spectrum of political strange bedfellows. An expert from one enthusiastic Bay Stater enthusiastically noted: “ I also believe The Donald will be our next President. He is starting to get the " Reagan treatment" by the press. He has already been depicted as a clown.” (See Cartoon of Reagan above from PBS).

Trump was to attend a small rally in Boca, which, once news got out that he was going to attend, turned into a much larger crowd, the event had to be moved in order to accommodate the increased interest in Trump. He is also set to announce his bid (according to a variety of reports) after or immediately following the final NBC Apprentice show, which, with Neilson checking heads, might give an indication of interest vis a vis ratings for Trump. On the Trump – Obama Birth Certificate Issue – it’s being overplayed by the press – so much so that the obvious vitriol towards Trump is helping, not hurting him. It is also a matter of fact that Trump is merely expressing an opinion, shared by many, that there might be more to the issue of the Presidents Constitutional Eligibility to hold the office. Therein lays the crux and the confusion. Although this blog advocates leaving that issue lay, the fact remains that the Constitution is clear on one fact, No person except a natural born Citizen, or a Citizen of the United States, at the time of the Adoption of this Constitution, shall be eligible to the Office of President; neither shall any Person be eligible to that Office who shall not have attained to the Age of thirty-five Years, and been fourteen Years a Resident within the United States.” Therefore, there is a litmus test, so to speak. One cannot merely be a citizen, one must meet certain credentials. Of course, a great deal depends on how one views the Constitution, either as written in stone, or interpretive. Regardless, the right to question, is guaranteed by the First Amendment (the one upon which the Press relies). Trump is merely expressing an interest in the subject as well as defending the Constitutional rights of others to do the same. Good for him.




Sarah Palin, who has lost some of the limelight given the entrance of the Donald will be at a Tea Party rally in Madison Wisconsin, home of the stand-up to unions Governor Scott Walker, and now home to many transplanted SEIU paid personnel who are there to stand up for the rights of the people who pay their salaries (i.e. Wisconsin Public Employees). It should be interesting; those on the left apparently are planning a counter rally to the Tea Party.

Mitt Romney is faced with trouble in his own back yard - Massachusetts Conservatives (i.e. Libertarians, the rank and file Republicans and those who identify themselves as conservatives, aren’t throwing their support behind Mitt. Romney is not, apparently attending any Tea Party Rally in the Bay State, but his competition is:

Former Minnesota Govenor, Tim Pawlentywill be in Boston for the Tea Party Rally on tax day (April 15th), with a trip to New Hampshire planned.

Finally, the man who runs strongest in national polls (Gallup) (until recently – see tied with Trump), former Governor of Arkansas Mike Huckabee is takings some heat for his support of in-state tuition for those here in the nation not quite legally – his premise, children of illegal immigrants (which may mean these students are American Citizens, by the way), should be eligible for in-state tuition, as it would expand the tax base, as they would gain employment, rather than an EBT card. Although this logic drives the “right of right” insane, especially those in certain presidential candidate opposition camps, Huckabee has a point.

(Side Note: during a recent interview, Donald Trump noted that the border problems could be fixed, by putting our military on the border (agreed), and then deciding, on a case by case basis those illegally in the nation’s ability to stay or be deported – the criteria, productive, stay, criminal go. (Agreed!).

2012 – Obama versus the Republican Potential Candidates: Timing and History and the State of the Presidents Poll numbers - Analysis

Second Term? Obama and the Numbers - image itmakessense blog

Rasmussen Polling Reports on the 11th Daily Presidential Tracking Poll, that the President’s “strongly approve” had fallen to a low of 19% - with 39% strongly disapproving. The pollster uses answer options approximating strongly approve, somewhat approve, somewhat disapprove and strongly disapprove; the overall approval rating (or disapproval) is a blend of the strongly/somewhat responses. It is with these types of numbers that the President and his campaign for reelection must go forward with in 2012. In addition, a recent Gallup poll on the President’s 2010 overall approval state by state, showed a large gap in approval, with ten states giving the President approval ratings over 50% Those 10 states include: DC, Hawaii, MD, NY, DE, MA, RI, CA, CT and IL. Therefore, the question remains, is Barack Obama electable to a second term, and part of the answer lay in the polling numbers, the balance in the overall health of the economy, the nation’s debt, and personal finances as it pertains to the rising costs of essentials such as food and fuel. Should there not be a vast improvement in the later, the old adage “The buck stops here”, will apply to Obama in his quest for a second term. Although pundits and media are downplaying the ability of the GOP to field a candidate “strong” enough to appeal to a majority of voters, it is not without some historical context, as the same scenario was played out prior to Carter’s reelection. Another historical note regarding the timing of announcements of intent to seek the office by either the GOP or DNC; prior to 2007, announcements of intent to run for President came mid-way to late in the year preceding from June-July through August, with debates held in October.

Therefore, the timing of some of the GOP candidates who have contractual obligations that would prevent them from formally announcing a candidacy until June or July of 2011 would not be out of the norm, historically speaking. Those candidates would be Sarah Palin, Mike Huckabee and Donald Trump.
As of today, the field of potential and on the verge of announcing includes: (Announced, or Exploratory Committee Announced) Tim Pawlenty (Governor of Minnesota), Rick Santorum (Former Senator PA) and Mitt Romney (former Governor of Massachusetts) (In the top tier polling to date). Those semi-announced, with contracts noting a June decision are: Donald Trump, Mike Huckabee (former Governor of Arkansas) and Sarah Palin (former Governor of Alaska). In the top tier of polling to date, but yet to announce, New Gingrich, former speaker of the House. Other potential candidates include Michelle Bachman, Congressional Representative, Minnesota, Governor Haley Barbour of Mississippi, and Congressman Ron Paul of Texas. Should even half of the above referenced decide to run for the highest office, it would allow the American voting Public an opportunity to see a variety of Conservative think, the majority of those running strong fiscal conservatives with a record either in business and or government, with these announcements coming mid to late summer of 2011, and should the state of the economy not improve drastically in a very short time, those on the debate stage will garner a great deal of interest from the general public, there is, as of now, a greater interest in this election, than in any other personally witnessed in over four decades. The most interest in an opposition campaign camping being the 1980 general election between former President Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan. Carter, who faced a challenge from Massachusetts Senator Ted Kennedy in the primary, also added to the drama. That election was also economically driven.
When one looks at the options objectively, it will be the strong fiscal conservatives with a record proving that they were able to put a business/state in the black, social issues, or hot topic issues, will not play as large a role in this election as some pundits believe.

From this perspective, it will be those candidates who have a cross-ideological fiscal policy appeal, with the additional attribute of proving an ability to negotiate across the political spectrum, taking party politics out of the mix. With that in mind, the field narrows to the following: Donald Trump, who has a clear advantage in business, also has given financially to candidates from both sides of the aisle and will not shy from making though decisions when it comes to either party, Mike Huckabee, as the former Governor of Arkansas (2 and ½ terms), also left the State of Arkansas in fine fiscal shape, and took “heat” from the GOP conservatives for crossing the aisle in a mainly Democrat controlled state in order to get things done, Sarah Palin, although possibly until Trump, the one potential candidate the media chose to denigrate daily, also brought the Alaskan fiscal house in order, while working both sides of the aisle, and to take it a step further, outing and prosecuting top Republican’s in the State. Finally, Mitt Romney, who only served one term in Massachusetts before running for the office of the Presidency in 2008, also had put Massachusetts in the black, no mean feat; when one consider the makeup of the State Legislature as possibly the bluest state in the Union. Romney had to cross the aisle and make compromises in order to accomplish anything. Although he is facing criticism for his health care plan, which the national plan is modeled after, one must understand that Romney’s concept had been “hijacked” by the Massachusetts Legislature and – the rest as they say is a history of mandated coverage and the usual shenanigans that has turned this program into a budget millstone.

As to timing, it would behoove those who are seriously considering a run at the Presidency to hold until a later date to announce, giving the public a respite from the constant campaigning that wearies the public, there will be those voters that will vote strict party lines, while there will be those that make up their minds in mid to late 2012, somewhere between September and October. In other words, there is more than enough time available in order to run campaigns, without starting too early, in need of billions of dollars in campaign donations from a populace that will have wearied of giving just another $5.00 to any candidate from any party.
The independent candidate: In a recent interview with the Wall Street Journal, Donald Trump who has announced his intent to run as a Republican, noted that he would run as an independent should he fail to win the GOP nomination.
Trump should be aware that the model for Barack Obama’s success is based on David Axelrod’s assessment of the campaign methodology used by one Deval Patrick of Massachusetts. David Axelrod, mentor to both men, watched the Massachusetts elections very closing in 2010. In the end run, Patrick, who had dismal poll numbers, pulled out a win by 1 percentage point, to Republican Charles Baker, with the aid of an independent candidate, Tim Cahill (a Democrat turned Independent just prior to the election). This is, of course, a gamble on anyone’s part, and depends a great deal on who the players on the proverbial chess board are: however, in a scenario with two of the aforementioned GOP potentials, sans Trump, Mitt Romney and Mike Huckabee, either man, now polling is capable of besting the President. Trump, given another two months of polling and exposure, appears able to compete with the current “crop”, given a Wall Street Journal poll that tied him with Huckabee. However, should Trump prevail and the GOP not put their full support behind Trump, and should Trump run as an independent, the vote would be split, among those who would vote Republican under any circumstances and those that would vote for an independent fiscal conservative candidate, the balance of those who would vote a pure Democrat ticket under any circumstances would allow Barack Obama, despite all odds, a second term. However, there is no historical basis to defuse that theory, and the last election in which an Independent candidate truly factored, was the 1992 Presidential race between President George H Bush and William Jefferson Clinton, Perot as the Independent was pulling votes from across the spectrum, and managed 18 plus percent of the vote, after he announced he would no longer be seeking the office.

However, Donald Trump, as it appears now, as a GOP candidate, should have little problems in effectively competing within the GOP field as well as picking up crossover votes from both independents and Democrats. The fact that the media is picking up mainly on the issue of Obama’s birth certificate, which Trump has appeared to embrace and or more to the point, questioned, along with others in the U.S. who are called “birthers” by the media, belies the man’s ability to run business empires successfully, while connecting with the average voter. The fact that Trump’s life is a virtual open book, leaves both the Obama Campaign and the media with little to attack, without that one issue, which, may resonate with a percentage of voters, but it is the other “Trumpisms” that have caught the attention of the majority: his no holds barred, tell it like it is approach to immigration, (Troops on the border, decide each individual that is in the U.S. now on a case by case basis), his stance towards China, his stance on going to war, righting a nation and then paying out of pocket (taxpayers) without getting anything in return (oil); all of the aforementioned resonate with voters across the spectrum. It is to the peril of those who are hanging their hats on one issue with this particular multi-faceted candidate that may be the ticket to the nomination and the Presidency.

2012 GOP - Trump Surprises Wall Street Journal/NBC Latest Poll

The Wall Street Journal/NBC's latest GOP Poll shows Donald Trump within 4 points of former Massachusetts Governor and 2008 GOP Presidential candidate, Mitt Romney and tied with former Arkansas Govern er and 2008 GOP Presidential candidate, Mike Huckabee. The poll included likely GOP primary voters; with one interviewee suggesting Mr. Trump's competitiveness, despite the "jokes" about him personally, was his appeal to "regular" people.

An article posted earlier today from the International Business Times suggests that Trumps stance on business, as well as foreign policy, although appearing "risky", would make American "Respected" on the world stage, and improve the economy.

The question now is when Donald Trump will formally announce his candidacy. With both Congresswoman Michelle Bachman and former Governor Sarah Palin, Mike Huckabee and Mitt Romney in the mix with Donald Trump, the network ratings for the GOP debates might reach historical proportions.