The GOP Presidential Field is Growing in Desperation, Not Legitimacy

As the start of the Presidential election cycle draws closer, some Republican party insiders are becoming increasingly worried that their current field of candidates is, at best, weak and, at worst, laughable. The lack of a true and established front runner has allowed for some pretty odd names to appear at the top of favorability polls. Up until recently, reality TV star and "Birther" king Donald Trump was placing 1st in several polls. Herman Cain, ex-CEO of Godfather's Pizza, has also been placing high in polls, even though he has virtually no political experience. In a last ditch effort to find a legitimate, electable candidate who will also placate the Tea Party's irascible appetite for conservative lunacy, GOP leaders have begun courting three people in particular. Who are they?

Rudy Giuliani, Sarah Palin, and Rick Perry.

If that is their definition of improvement, then the state of the Republican party is probably more unstable than many people thought. Improvement would be Chris Christie or Mitch Daniels, but neither have shown any interest in running. Giuliani, Palin, and Perry could be casted for the upcoming cinematic reboot of The Three Stooges and thrive in their roles. Giuliani, a.k.a. "Mr. 9/11" offers little substance or appeal to GOP voters. Sure, he was mayor of New York City on 9/11, and he'll be the first to remind you of that. But his socially liberal views are major turnoff to evangelical Christians, and his spotty history on lowering taxes will alienate many Tea Party voters. Yes, he did place 1st in a recent Presidential poll amongst GOP voters ( and he was mayor of NYC on 9/11) but so has Donald Trump. He's just the most recent person to squeak into first place in a second rate field. Once conservatives remember why they didn't vote for him in 2008, he will quickly be dismissed. By the way, did I mention he was mayor of NYC on 9/11? Because he was.

Sarah Palin, while appealing to the Tea Party, would never stand a chance in the General Election. If people such as Christie and Daniels are the all star sluggers on team GOP, Palin is the goofy mascot dancing on top of the dugout. Sure, she's a crowd pleaser and draws a lot of attention to herself, but there is no substance behind what she says or does. Hokey jokes and catchphrases can only get you so far. When she was the GOP Vice Presidential candidate in 2008, her inability to answer hard hitting questions, coupled with some of the controversial decisions she made as governor of Alaska, factored into the collapse of John McCain's campaign. Palin will get votes, and she could do well in the primaries, but there is no way she can win over independent voters. Obama would destroy her, and the Republican establishment knows it.

Rick Perry, the Governor of Texas, is an interesting figure. He didn't show any interest in running for President until this week, but his potential candidacy has already created a buzz amongst Republicans. Perry appeals to both fiscal and social conservatives, and right-wing fire breathers such as Rush Limbaugh have openly endorsed him. However, he too has little chance of winning the General Election. If you fused George W. Bush, Sarah Palin, and John Wayne together, you would get Rick Perry. In the past, he has made statements that encouraged Texans to support secession from the United States. Apparently, Perry doesn't want to live in America unless he or someone who supports his ideology sits in the Oval Office. Sounds like he really believes in those democratic principles that we hold so dear (note the sarcasm). Perry also supports legalizing the carrying of firearms on college campuses, has overseen the execution of over 200 prisoners, doesn't believe in global warming, and served as George Bush's lieutenant governor for two years. He did gain significant independent support from Texan voters, but the rest of the country is unlikely to support a "George Bush 2.0" for President. I guess the GOP figures if they can't move forward into 2012, they might as well march back to 2000 (or 1994, if you're one of the five people who support Newt Gingrich).

So, a somewhat liberal ex mayor (who was in office in NYC on 9/11!), a dancing mascot, and a Dubya clone are the GOP's proposed solutions to a weak field? I think not. Their struggle to find a viable candidate is going to continue, and it will become increasingly desperate as the fall approaches. Without a last minute Hail Mary pass that puts someone like Chris Christie in the race, the GOP debates will be both painful and comical to watch.