A Ray Of Sunshine

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Run, Haley, Run!

by Orthovector

President Obama and the congressional Democrats are busily, almost frantically, sewing the seeds of a future devastating defeat.  An ‘earthquake’ to borrow Peter Ferrara’s term

(http://spectator.org/archives/2009/07/15/2010).

The country is waking up to reality and getting over its infatuation with The One.  The inherent contradictions in his argument that we must spend trillions in order to balance the budget are now apparent to the slowest voter.  The silliness of his foreign policy initiatives in Moscow and Cairo are becoming an embarrassment to all.  People are starting not to trust this president, who is so good at explaining how he is not really doing whatever it is that he really is doing.

Henry Waxman pursues the socialization of medical care like a man possessed by the knowledge that this is his last, best chance, and on that he’s probably right.  Defense is being cut and suicidal energy policies are being pushed.  Meanwhile vast sums are being spent on propaganda to support these flower child (to quote Peter Ferrara again) programs.  Are these acts, however dangerous in the short run, born of desperation?

Call me crazy but I’m encouraged.

However, in order for these seeds of destruction to germinate in the near term they require lots of watering and fertilizing.  That has to be done by Republicans that people will listen to and take seriously.  Here we have a problem.

Palin, I have to say, is indeed a train wreck.  She just doesn’t have it to lead this party.  Enough said.

Ensign and Sanford are men without chests.  Romney has no credibility on health care, since his own little creation is fast bankrupting Massachusetts.  Mitch Daniels (a personal favorite) steadfastly rules out a presidential run. 

Let me offer up for your consideration another option: Haley Barbour.

Barbour is probably the smartest, most astute Republican politician today, possibly excepting New Gingrich, who has anything approaching national stature.  His resumé is impressive, if also a little problematic.  Former chairman of the Republican National Committee, he had much to do, along with New Gingrich, with developing the Contract With America and with ‘nationalizing’ the mid-term Congressional elections of 1994, which resulted in a major Republican triumph.

He played a major role in the 2000 campaign of George W. Bush.  After that, he came home to Mississippi where he has been the best governor the state has known at least since the Civil War, and probably ever.  Best known for his highly competent handling of the Katrina disaster, he also was responsible for the second wave of tort reform that ended completely Mississippi’s once-deserved reputation as the trial lawyer’s dream.

In recent interviews he has demonstrated an insightful understanding of domestic and international issues, plus a master strategist’s appreciation of the condition of the Republican Party, and the Democratic Party.

Weighing him down is his stint as the head of Big Tobacco’s principal lobbying firm.  Also, as governor he resisted for much too long and without a plausible explanation the raising of the cigarette tax, leaving him open to obvious accusations.  There is also a rumored problem with drinking.  Finally, as he says, fat boys from the South don’t get elected President.

Nevertheless, although he offers innocent reasons he has made trips to Iowa and New Hampshire in recent months.  That might be, as he says, related to his position as head of the Republican governors.  Still, Iowa and New Hampshire?

So there, in this season of mourning and healing for Republicans: a possible ray of sunshine from Yazoo City, Mississippi.  And if you don't choose to run, please, Haley, help us find a decent candidate.  Please!