Paul Craft
August 20, 2007
The GOP's only hope
By Paul Craft

I am afraid the road to the White House will be going through the Democratic Party. I never thought it was possible that Hillary and Bill would occupy the White House again. Only because of the GOP's lack of Reagan- like candidates.

I had hoped that Fred Thompson might be the answer, but it appears that he has not excited the GOP base. The last report showed that he collected just 3 million in campaign donations. That is not good sign for his possible candidacy. To make matters worse the GOP leadership has not taken to him either. They appear split in their support for the already announced candidates.

There in is the problem. I cannot see myself at this time voting for any of the candidates that are running. Possibly I could vote for John McCain against a possible Clinton-Obama ticket, but John McCain does not excite me either. My friends tell me if I elect not to vote it will be a vote for the Democrats. I tell them I am not into the worse of two evils.

I consider myself apart of the conservative GOP base. It appears others like me are not excited or ready to rally around any of the GOP candidates running either. This spells trouble for the GOP. We know the Democratic base are excited about their candidates and are supporting them financially in record numbers.

So what does the GOP have to do? I have two alternatives that might energize the GOP base.



First, I think it is time to start a campaign to draft Jeb Bush. I realize the poll numbers that President Bush now has could hurt Jeb but President Bush is still popular with conservatives and the GOP base. Besides does anyone remember Clinton fatigue?

We know Jeb Bush has not flipped flopped on abortion. You either have a heart for the unborn or not. He has plenty of experience as a two time governor of Florida. He has high poll numbers in that key battleground state. Governor Bush does not carry the baggage that Rudy Giuliani and John McCain carries.

The second alternative is the possible candidacy of Newt Gingrich. Although he is a lighting rod like Hillary Clinton, he is a very charismatic speaker and has a high intellect. If anyone could energize the base it would be Newt.

Newt is a political historian and a proven leader. He has some baggage but what about Hillary?

So what do you think? Is Jeb or Newt the answer? Let me know what you think at paul@craftreports.com .

© Paul Craft

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