As the Conservative Political Action Conference wrapped up Sunday, the silent whisper of who will become President Obama's challenger in 2012 turned into a roar. After the overwhelming repudiation of the President Obama's policies last November, the next GOP nominee could very likely be the next leader of the free world. Yet little is known about many of these potential candidates, and even less is known about their true intentions. The following candidates are by no means assured to run, but are considered some of the top contenders in 2012.
Sarah Palin:
You don't possibly think she should become President, do you? That's the line that inevitably comes in any conversation about Sarah Palin. For supposedly being so stupid, Palin somehow managed to elevate herself from a failed Republican candidate for vice president to a newsmaker and reality show star bringing in big bucks. Some conservatives believe those who make insidious remarks against her are ultimately taking advantage of her. It's true, since her spectacular rise to the national stage in 2008, Sarah Palin has been the recipient of vitriolic, hateful and repugnant personal attacks. You would think progressives would detest such coarse and distasteful rhetoric, but lamentably that is not the case. Although she has certainly had her share of gaffes and misstatements, almost every mistake she's made has been taken advantage of by her detractors as evidence of her supposed stupidity. Yet every time a far-left critic goes on a tirade about the latest Sarah Palin speech, she remains in the news. If the left truly wanted Sarah Palin to go away they would simply stop talking about her, as she holds neither elected office nor any position of power in any policy making body. Will Sarah Palin become the Republican nominee in 2012? Unfortunately, those same attacks which have helped her gain so much fame and notoriety have also seriously inhibited her chances at a successful run. Palin should remain where she is now—a well-paid, well-respected leader in the conservative movement. If Sarah Palin does decide to run, most polls right now indicate she would be defeated in the nomination process.
Tim Pawlenty:
When Tim Pawlenty spoke at the conservative leadership conference in 2006, I witnessed his enormous potential to lead this country. While I was only 16, I could see that his way of connecting with the public was unique. Not only could he communicate his ideas well, but he also turned a $4.6 billion deficit into a $2 billion surplus in Minnesota, without raising taxes. Furthermore, his Freedom First PAC has demonstrated its ability to run a solid presidential campaign with a recent presidential ad released to the public. It was perhaps the best political ad I have ever seen, showcasing both America's greatness and Pawlenty's potential. As conservatives see more of Tim Pawlenty, they will see more of a true leader capable of taking on Obama in the 2012 election.
Jon Huntsman:
The former Governor of Utah, ambassador to Singapore under president H.W. Bush and ambassador to China under President Obama, Jon Huntsman has shown he is made of Presidential material. His leadership in Utah coupled with his experience in the private sector makes him an ideal underdog for the Republican nomination. Fluent in Mandarin Chinese, his deep understanding of foreign policy gives him a skill set few other contenders have. Although he served in the Obama administration, Huntsman is a staunch fiscal conservative. In 2008, the Cato Institute gave him high marks for his spending and tax policies. While Huntsman remains relatively unknown, if he can effectively communicate his qualifications to the conservative movement, he will have an excellent chance of securing the nomination.
Mitt Romney:
Mitt Romney, a veteran of the 2008 campaign, is again a strong contender in 2012. Romney finished second at this year's CPAC straw poll, beaten only by supporters of Ron Paul. While the straw poll is certainly no indication of who will actually secure the nomination (John McCain finished last in CPAC's 2007 straw poll), it does indicate where current favor lies within the conservative base. That said, Romney does possess a strong aptitude for solving economic issues. Before he entered politics, Romney was hugely successful in the private sector. As a management consultant, he was in close contact with the very business leaders that will drive our economy out of its current slump. He continued on to lead several companies and had a very successful business career before he entered politics, eventually becoming governor of Massachusetts. This executive experience would make him an ideal leader in our current economic condition.
Chris Christie:
When Chris Christie won the special election for governor of New Jersey in 2009, he was heralded as a hero of the conservative movement. After Republicans suffered colossal losses in 2008, the idea of a Republican winning statewide office in far-left New Jersey was energizing. Since then he has been a staunch fiscal conservative with a moderate stance on issues like civil unions. He has also stood up to corrupt teachers unions in the state, who have been known to bully lawmakers into accepting their terms. Furthermore, Christie has a no-nonsense attitude about him that's refreshing in today's Madison Ave.-like political climate. Although he didn't speak at CPAC, he still finished higher than many other hopefuls. Christie certainly has potential, but I don't think right now is his time. If he can manage to hold on to the governorship, a 2016 run would give him more time to gain further experience and solidify his standing among conservatives and independents.
Newt Gingrich:
Former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich is a giant of the conservative movement. His intellect, coupled with his understanding of the political process, puts him among the top contenders for the Republican nomination. While speaker, his Congress was able to pass a balanced budget that President Clinton signed in 1997. With our national debt eclipsing the entire GDP of Canada, having someone who has actually balanced the federal budget gives Gingrich much credibility among independents, and even more credibility among the conservative base.
There are many other candidates who have the potential to become the next GOP nominee, and possibly President. However, the names and descriptions of each are too many to fit in a single commentary. Some conservatives are disappointed with the current field of candidates. I disagree. Each candidate possesses certain qualities that make them excellent candidates to run against president Obama and his hugely unpopular policies. It is pivotal that in the coming months, conservatives have a lively yet respectful debate on who is best suited to lead the greatest nation in the world.
Matt Payne is a junior majoring in Chinese and economics. Please send all feedback to opinion@dailycardinal.com.
