25 August 2023
Dear Readership:
It seems as if there are as many opinions about the debate as 8 to the 8th power. Who wins or loses a debate is mostly a matter of opinion based upon leanings and the eye of the beholder. Here’s one way to look at this event that I will advance for your consideration.
8th Place is awarded to Governor Burgum. Flubbing sentences is something the American public has had enough of in recent times. Nothing new from him, no vision like JFK’s New Frontier of space exploration nor pizzazz like Ronald Reagan who challenged our imaginations and gave us dreams that the public could grasp. He’s an old-time politician whose time has passed.
7th Place is for Governor Hutchinson, another old-guard office-bearer whose Peter Principle acme was as a governor. Thank you for your past service in our government but this is the 21st century and there are a myriad of complicated problems you are not capable of handling. Enjoy your retirement, sir.
6th Place goes to Governor Christie who appeared to want to badger everyone from Mr. Trump to his peers on the stage. He is unlikable because of his anger, and as one friend labeled him, he is a “loose cannon.” If the next president is a Republican, it would be wise to consider him for Attorney General. He’s a street fighter, passionate, with a persistent aim to fight evil. His previous position as a federal prosecutor would make him ideal for this position. Mr. Trump’s AG choices were a milquetoast character and a distant non-actor. Christie is a hungry tiger who would take on the battle in the courts over the obvious infractions of the Biden Cartel.
5th Place goes to Mr. Vivek Ramaswamy, yes, only 38 and a newcomer with the least experience in how the legislative and executive branches work. He speaks well and rouses an audience, but his lack of depth is a hindrance to getting the enormous job of the American Presidency done. Keep an eye on him as this extremely intelligent and driven man has a future with the Republican Party. Also, he needs complete vetting but now is just not yet his time.
4th Place is a tie between the two South Carolinians. Senator Scott and Governor Haley were both exceptionally well-versed in the issues. Both spoke clearly and concisely with conviction and supportive data on their topics. Perhaps Governor Haley was more passionate, but both were logical and smooth in their presentations. Cabinet positions should be considered for both of them. Perhaps her for Secretary of State and him for Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. Both are friends and have the backgrounds for these positions.
2nd Place is yet another tie between former Vice President Pence and Governor DeSantis. Both are long on experience and drive. The VP understands the legislative process and the pyramid structure of the executive branch. He would be able to step in without a half-step and be a good caretaker president. The governor has similar knowledge of the flow of government and his appetite for his beliefs is remarkable. Neither, however, is a visionary.
So, who was the winner? It seems that the former President did a round end play to distract the viewers from the debate, another smart strategy in the political world. It was done last-minute, and timing is everything. No one has a crystal ball about his future with the Justice Department, but it would be very prudent for him not to select any of the above for the Vice Presidency. A very intelligent and well-spoken Senator Marsha Blackburn from Tennessee would be a perfect running mate for him. She fills the squares for many aspects of the electoral process, an enhancer who is sharp and would be able to step into the U.S. Presidency and get the job done.
Regards,
James M. Hoover, CACM
Captain, USAF (Ret)
There is only one candidate that quickly learned that the government response to covid was a trap that was set to advance control over people by fear. The other candidate let Fauci essentially dictate the covid response for six months which harmed America greatly in many, many ways. The quick learning candidate has a strong track record of appointing good people who are experts in their fields. The other candidate had a low batting average of choosing good people and his decisions are almost always based on who initially kowtows to him and strokes his ego, then he would throw them under the bus later when they didn’t any longer. Just because someone is being politically prosecuted does not automatically make them worthy of your vote; one can still support them in other ways but choose someone else who is not prone to step into trap after trap, after trap, … after trap in an infinite series of dramas that puts the focus on them and away from the real dangers the political opposition have planned for us. The cult of personality is not a wise way to choose a leader, looking at their FULL track records, whether they really follow through on their promises when the going gets tough and determining if they have the ability to learn from mistakes is key, not whether they can entertain you by insulting people you do not like. I pray people will exercise wisdom instead of blindly supporting someone whom the media “kool kidz” tell them to. We better get above emotional junior high levels of choosing leaders or we will be toast. The candidate that can pull many democrats and independents to their side should be the one we support. Ronald Reagan did it, and we need someone with that type of self control that is tactical and strategic in their thinking, we don’t need constant emoting and whining about being treated unfairly, which may be true but it does no good to fix it. Would you tolerate such behavior from a company CEO or someone in your family ?
Very good “editorial,” Captain Hoover. I think your evaluation and positioning of the 1-8 finishers in what you call the “Also-Ran” Field of the GOP Debate is spot-on. I also think that Senator Marsha Blackburn (TN) would be one of the front-runners for Donald Trump’s VP running mate. I have given some thought, too, to Jeanine Pirro. People are even talking about MTG (Marjorie Taylor Greene), which, a bit surprisingly, I think might actually be a possibility worth exploring. Trump, though, would be ill-advised to select either Kari Lake or Kristi Noem (for what I think are obvious reasons pertaining to Donald’s tendency, shall we say, to be attracted to very good-looking women, combined with his own marital problems). Anyway, I have one more thought concerning the Debate, and I am sorry that I feel compelled to say it- Donald’s absence and his “substitute” interview by Tucker Carlson seem, in my mind (I voted for Trump 2x and will do it again unless Governor Desantis comes on strong), like a “cheap shot.” I’m talking against FAUX News (but they arguably deserve a blackened eye!) and the rest of the GOP field (who should have had a chance to spar with the Donald, but were unceremoniously deprived of it!). Anyway, kudos to you, Captain Hoover, for some well thought out observations and conclusions (probably the best I’ve seen) on the Debate! Tom Arnold.
Noted and appreciated very much. Jim Hoover
Great thinking. We should all participate. Jim Hoover
Jim, I second your last paragraph:
“It seems that the former President did a round end play to distract the viewers from the debate, another smart strategy in the political world. It was done last-minute, and timing is everything. No one has a crystal ball about his future with the Justice Department, but it would be very prudent for him not to select any of the above for the Vice Presidency. A very intelligent and well-spoken Senator Marsha Blackburn from Tennessee would be a perfect running mate for him. She fills the squares for many aspects of the electoral process, an enhancer who is sharp and would be able to step into the U.S. Presidency and get the job done.”
Further, Jim, I wasn’t a supporter of President Trump after he left office. However, after what our DOJ and other RABID Dogs have done to him I hope he gets the nomination and I will vote for him. He was our President. At least they could have some considerations and not treat him as a low life criminal even if he is guilty of all they claim. Yes, I know, “Under our law, we are all equal.” But, Peleeeze, give me a break. Do they look at themselves in the mirror once in a while?
Well stated sir. Appreciate your contribution to the national debate. Jim Hoover
Sir, indeed rally around someone most worthy. Jim Hoover
At 60 years of age, I voted for Trump because I was done voting for politicians. I wanted someone with experience as to how to get a job done. I did not want someone who had to repay/fulfill favors.
At 66 years of age, I still want someone who knows how to get a job done. I like the analysis presented herein. I lean towards Scott/DeSantis/Haley. Passion, stream of consciousness, intelligence, and conviction are things I look for in a candidate.
Finally, a candidate should convince me that he or she is right for the job. Do not try to tell me that someone else is wrong for the job. Tell me why you are right for the job.
An educated commentary, Thank You! Jim Hoover
Really no winners. Especially the Anchor Baby.
Then what is in your crystal ball?