The Debate, Straw Poll & Perry

Iowa was the center of American Politics last week. To me, it was quite entertaining, even if it was relatively inconsequential!

I thought the debate was spirited. In my opinion, Newt, Santorum and Pawlenty made the three best showings; but what do I know? What impressed me the most was that everyone on the stage had passion. They all at least seem to get the conservative message and want to oust the existing ridiculous regime. The other observation I had was that for the most part, every participant was very bright, and mostly genuine! This is a great way to get to know the candidates; even if they are less than sincere, we learn that as well!

Onto the straw poll! No big surprises except that Ron Paul did NOT win it outright! I love Ron Paul and thank him for his service, but uncle Ron is not likely to be moving onto Pennsylvania Avenue any time soon. The fact that he garnered about as many votes as Bachman, gives you an idea about how relevant this straw poll is. 15,000 folks from Iowa, who get bussed, fed and paid to vote, is not EXACTLY a cross section of the electorate around the country. Again, the process was interesting and useful; just not very pertinent.

While I was confident Pawlenty was NOT going to win the nomination, I was surprised he pulled out so soon. Maybe he is a fiscal conservative; realizing that wasting millions to chase a goal he would never achieve was silly. I think Bachman, for all her progress in this race, would be wise to do the same. I don’t think there is much of a chance of that, but the funds could be better spent, and there is NO WAY she wins the GOP nod; NO WAY! I like her passion, but she is not Margaret Thatcher, nor does she stand a chance of beating Obama; in ways I wish she did!

Meanwhile, back at the ranch so-to-speak, Governor Rick Perry makes one of the more memorable announcement speeches I have ever heard, in South Carolina. This guy has got some talent! He seems very genuine, he has record a that should stand up against all comers, he has passion; Romney should be worried! His timing seemed a bit self-serving, and the media is already rolling out the skeletons from his closet. But if the G.O.P. was looking for the great white hope, he may be the one! Is the country ready for another Texas Governor? Time will tell.

One thing that struck me almost immediately is that Perry showed more passion in this one speech, than Barack Obama has in his entire time in the White House! The country is hungry for results and a leader who is REAL; Perry may be the one.

An interesting weekend for sure. Now the Morons in D.C. need to get back to work and get something accomplished!

My Two Cents, How ‘Bout Yours?

Pete G.
Publisher