Many a supporter will become disillusioned when their “Presidential Candidate” pulls out of the race to the point of losing interest in the entire process. Would you stop looking for an employment position if you didn’t get your first choice? No, you would instead try to find a position that was as good as you can get and that should also occur with supporting candidates for office. I understand that you need to work to pay the bills but you also need a government to make sure there is a country you’re working in. With that in mind here is my current top 5 (below) of the candidates that are seeking the highest office in the land. Please note that I also include eligibility and ability to govern as key factors because words need to follow with action.
Marco Rubio- Has the package including strong policy positions (especially in foreign policy key to this years election), strong character, different youth look for party, can get Reagan Democrats and independent woman to vote for him, knows how to work with other side without changing values, great story and can raise money for competitive race. His biggest negative is that he only served two years in the Senate and his change in immigration policy but these can work to his advantage with the right political messaging.
Scott Walker- Has most of the package and adds executive leadership to the package as well. His biggest negatives include having unions fired up against his run and he doesn’t have an strong appeal to Hispanics and woman. Which would make it a bit more difficult for him to be elected and lead the Marco Rubio.
Mike Huckabee- Effective governor who mounted a strong campaign in 2008 who has great oratory skills. His biggest negatives are some of the controversial decisions he made as governor (pardoning prisoners, tax increases etc) and can he get cross over votes as an outspoken social conservative who was an active minister.
Rick Perry- A governor with a strong track record of success in Texas and appeared to be the darling of the conservatives in 2008 until he opened his mouth in the debates. Can he recover from these blunders, change his image and raise the monies to run an effective campaign will have to be determined.
Ted Cruz- Strong policy positions and a darling of those who want outspoken leadership. Senator Cruz must though get votes from those who don’t share his way of getting things done and even those who might not agree with his positions in simple words is he likable enough to be elected and to govern effectively.
STRONG BACKUP- Ben Carson & Carly Fiorina- Intelligent candidates with great resumes except in the area of political experience. Will the American people vote for a person who has never been elected for office to hold the highest elected office in the land.
Just like any horse race this race might change depending on who gets ahead of who once the race has truly begun.