2008 Woodie Awards
The race to replace President Bush begins
Ladies and gentlemen: the Republican candidates
Ryan M. Silberstein
Issue date: 3/6/07 Section: Editorial
Although the election is not for another 20 months, the 2008 presidential election is occupying a top spot in the media. Between Right now Rudy Giuliani, "America's Mayor," is leading polls with a sometime 2-1 lead over his nearest rival, Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz.
Besides Giulani and McCain, there are a host of other Republicans currently seeking the nomination, making this an exciting and vibrant field. I had the opportunity to listen to many of these candidates this past week at the Conservative Political Action Conference in Washington, D.C.
When considering presidential candidates, there are basically two phases of the campaign. In the primary phase, which officially kicks off in January 2008, one must consider candidates in relation to their "base" - a party's respective group of hardcore supporters. The bases of each party tend to be more conservative or liberal than the average American, but it will be the primary voters who determine which candidate makes it to the general election.
Rep. Duncan Hunter, Calif., speaks like an elder statesman not interested in politics, but in finding solutions that work to solve America's problems. He has a very conservative voting record and is credited with getting the first fence on the U.S.-Mexico border, which has curbed illegal immigration into San Diego.
The former Governor of Arkansas Mike Huckabee is the presidential candidate who most surprised me at CPAC. He gave an excellent speech and has a good record on social issues, strongly opposing abortion and gay marriage. As the first person in his family to graduate from college, he does not come from money, giving him a perspective on the poor and middle classes that other candidates lack.
Huckabee is also the first governor in the country to have a concealed carry permit for gun ownership in history. He does not have a strong record on economic issues, having increased spending and raised taxes while governor.
Rep. Ron Paul, Texas, is a self-described libertarian, and is pro-life, but clashes with many Republicans by advocating immediate withdrawal from Iraq. He also favors protectionist economics, which, combined with his low-name recognition, makes victory extremely unlikely.
Besides Giulani and McCain, there are a host of other Republicans currently seeking the nomination, making this an exciting and vibrant field. I had the opportunity to listen to many of these candidates this past week at the Conservative Political Action Conference in Washington, D.C.
When considering presidential candidates, there are basically two phases of the campaign. In the primary phase, which officially kicks off in January 2008, one must consider candidates in relation to their "base" - a party's respective group of hardcore supporters. The bases of each party tend to be more conservative or liberal than the average American, but it will be the primary voters who determine which candidate makes it to the general election.
Rep. Duncan Hunter, Calif., speaks like an elder statesman not interested in politics, but in finding solutions that work to solve America's problems. He has a very conservative voting record and is credited with getting the first fence on the U.S.-Mexico border, which has curbed illegal immigration into San Diego.
The former Governor of Arkansas Mike Huckabee is the presidential candidate who most surprised me at CPAC. He gave an excellent speech and has a good record on social issues, strongly opposing abortion and gay marriage. As the first person in his family to graduate from college, he does not come from money, giving him a perspective on the poor and middle classes that other candidates lack.
Huckabee is also the first governor in the country to have a concealed carry permit for gun ownership in history. He does not have a strong record on economic issues, having increased spending and raised taxes while governor.
Rep. Ron Paul, Texas, is a self-described libertarian, and is pro-life, but clashes with many Republicans by advocating immediate withdrawal from Iraq. He also favors protectionist economics, which, combined with his low-name recognition, makes victory extremely unlikely.
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