Romney's game plan...
Romney will define himself in part by focusing on and highlighting enemies and adversaries, such common political targets as "jihadism," the "Washington establishment," and taxes, but also Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, "European-style socialism," and, specifically, France.
McCain is described as a war hero and maverick with a compelling narrative and a reputation for wit, authenticity, and straight talk. But he's also seen as "too Washington," "too close to [Democratic] Left," an "uncertain, erratic, unreliable leader in uncertain times." "Does he fit The Big Chair?" the document asks. The plan calls McCain, 70, a "mature brand" and raises questions about whether he could handle the rigors of leading the free world.
Giuliani is called an outside-the-Beltway rock star and truth teller who earned the nation's trust for his leadership of New York City's response to the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. But he is described as a one-dimensional Lone Ranger whose social views -- he supports abortion rights and civil unions for gay couples -- could destroy the "GOP brand." "We can't disqualify Dems like Hillary on social issues ever again" if Giuliani is the nominee, the document states.
The plan also touches on what it calls Giuliani's ethical issues,...It raises Giuliani's "personal political liabilities,"...But the campaign, according to the blueprint, also wants to avoid attacking either man too directly or harshly, in part because Romney wants their supporters to ultimately shift to him.
The plan concedes that, with McCain and Giuliani in the race, Romney is unlikely to be the top pick for those voters looking for a "war/strong leader." His goal appears to be establishing himself as a credible second choice for those voters, but the first pick for voters looking for an energetic, optimistic, and innovative chief executive. (A page titled "Own the future" dubs McCain the past, Giuliani the present, and Romney the future. )
The case for Romney, according to the plan, is this: "Mitt Romney, tested, intelligent, get-it-done, turnaround CEO Governor and strong leader from outside Washington, is a better candidate than McCain & Giuliani to ensure that America's strength is maintained so we can meet a new generation of global challenges."
The document underscores Romney's aim to become the "only electable choice" for socially conservative voters.AddThis
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3 comments:
Giuliani's attempt to frame the issues the Republican party should consider in electing their candidate are here:
http://www.nysun.com/article/49337?page_no=1
This is a smart move by Rudy, to pre-emptively frame the debate, and I'd expect nothing less from him. It certainly will be refreshing and interesting to see debates between Rudy, Mitt, McCain, and--if he enters--Gingrich. It will also be refreshing to hear talk about reduced government spending and fiscal discipline, which is certainly going to be a big element of Mitt and Rudy's campaigns.
I don't trust any of the big three and will be voting for Huckabee.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FazJu0vYs6g
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j6IDmv9aOm0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j6IDmv9aOm0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RM0_8hhmz0A
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N2lQpEwuMlQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kuRHnaQAYR0
I'll give you that Huckabee is trustworthy on social issues.
But he's raised taxes, as the Club for Growth pointed out here:
Governor Huckabee says he is a fiscal conservative," Club for Growth President Pat Toomey said, "but his ten-year economic-policy record as the governor of Arkansas is mixed, at best. His history includes numerous tax hikes, ballooning government spending, and increased regulation. To be sure, Governor Huckabee's record displays an occasional deference to a pro-growth philosophy, but that is only a small slice of a much bigger picture. The Club for Growth feels citizens deserve a full picture of where Governor Huckabee stands on the critical economic issues of the day."
He is also really soft on illegal immigration, and he's being very nebulous and vague on foreign policy. Plus, he's already hinting he might drop out before Iowa.
Brownback is looking like the pure SoCon who might have some staying power in this race.