Over the past several weeks, there has been endless media
speculation on the GOP Vice Presidential pick. What is interesting, but also alarming, is the focus on
satisfying the expectations of the party’s base instead of merit and competency. It is another major example of where
our nation’s priority compass is off course.
Shortly after the election, we will have to make some
enormously painful and vital decisions relative to extending the Bush tax cuts,
lifting the nation’s debt limit and bringing the budget into closer balance. These domestic decisions will be made
in the midst of a continuing uprising in the Middle East and a severe debt
crisis in Europe. In short, the
actions taken by the United States will have a major impact on a fragile global
economy.
What this suggests is that both political parties have an
obligation to present to all the
voters their best and brightest.
For the Republicans it means people of accomplishment and proven
competence. Personally, I would
move former Florida Governor, Jeb Bush, to the top of the list. Yes, his selection may overshadow the
likely nominee, Mitt Romney, but that may be a significant asset. Speaking frankly, Romney is currently
swimming in troubled waters and there is a declining confidence in his ability
to survive. He needs a life raft
that suggests quality. In
political terms, that would be a game changer.
There are others that should be considered including
Senators Portman and Coburn, former Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice, along
with Governor Mitch Daniels. They are clearly qualified and would bring good
judgment and balance to the ticket.
But no one has the heavyweight appeal of Jeb Bush who
enjoyed a highly successful run as Governor of Florida and has a demonstrated
ability to work with both parties.
In short, he can successfully govern and that is key.
Further, his appeal goes well beyond a narrow party base and
he would likely capture a large
segment of middle America. It goes
without saying that his presence on the ticket would give the party real
steadiness at the top.
Names like Governors Pawlenty and Jindal are advanced on the
grounds that they are considered “safe”.
In other words, they will not overshadow Romney nor will they attract
negative attention. At least that
is the speculation.
However, I would respectfully disagree. If the principal Republican argument is
that President Obama has not successfully led this nation out of its financial
crisis then one would expect the Republican team to have demonstrated
excellence in this area.
As stated, Romney is having difficulty and needs some
serious shoring up with a solid VP pick.
Bush, Rice, Daniels, Portman, Colburn all have solid financial credentials.
Pawlenty possesses many political skills but financial management is not one of
them. Against the repeated advice
of rating agencies, Pawlenty borrowed heavily to balance budgets and left
Minnesota with a massive deficit and a downgraded credit rating. In addition, he presided over the largest property tax
increases in the state’s history. That
is hardly a platform from which to launch criticism of Obama’s fiscal
management.
However, in another twist, the issue that could ignite some
national interest is the continuing saga of a Minnesota Republican Party deeply
in debt and allegations of serious – possibly criminal – mismanagement by
Pawlenty’s choice for party chairman.
The last thing Romney needs is more distraction.
With a campaign currently floundering, Romney would be well
advised to do what his father would do – pick the most talented individual for
the well being of the nation. That
is always the safest choice. For
my money, it is Jeb Bush.
