I'm Leaning Toward Mitt Romney

As the subject title states, I am leaning toward Mitt Romney now.  I know he is known as the great "flip-flopper."  I know he has the albatross of "Romneycare" around his neck. I know he is known as a "moderate Republican" which runs counter to all that I believe the Republican Party should be.  I have several other issues with the former governor of Massachusetts.  At one time, prior to this year, there is no way I would have voted for Mitt Romney.  That was before Newt Gingrich came to the forefront of the Republican race for President.  Gingrich is thought of as a "conservative" in some circles. That is total, complete nonsense.  His declaration of Rep. Paul Ryan's budget deficit cuts as "right-wing social engineering" told me all I need to know about this man.  His backdoor amnesty plan for illegal aliens clinched it for me.  He is a big government Republican that we all hoped and prayed had gone the way of the dinosaur.  

The more I learn about Ron Paul, the less I like him.  I would probably vote for Gingrich before I would this anti-Israel, anti-military, isolationist candidate.  Rick Santorum is making inroads in Iowa.  But, he simply doesn't have the drawing power to sustain any kind of momentum for long. Rick Perry may make a move. But, he's probably positioning himself for a future run now. Michelle Bachmann is finished and simply doesn't seem ro realize it.  So, why am I leaning toward Mitt Romney, you may ask?  Simply because he is the strongest candidate, the one who has the best chance at beating President Obama.  I know he is having difficulty getting past that 25% support level.  That will change after Iowa, one way or another.  Right now, Ron Paul and Mitt Romney are neck and neck in Iowa.  No one knows who will win that caucus.  If Romney wins Iowa and then wins New Hampshire (where he is heavily favored), the race is basically over.  The rest of the state contests will be simply window dressing.  So, Mitt Romney is my candidate for now.  Will he beat Obama?  I think he can as long as he doesn't make any big mistakes during the campaign. But, with the news media in President Obama's corner, that will be next to impossible for any Republican candidate.

Glenn Beck Would Prefer Ron Paul

I've listened to Glenn Beck since his days on CNN Headline News.  I have not always agreed with him on a number of issues such as his belief that we should have increased immigration, doom and gloom on the economy and a variety of issues.  But, I have always admired his steadfast beliefs whether I agree with him or not.  One thing about Glenn Beck, you always know what side of the issue he is on.  He is not really pleased with the Republican Presidential candidates.  He has made that known for quite some time.  He does seem to be rather fond of Michelle Bachmann (for reasons I can't understand).  But, other than her, he has little regard for the Republican field.

All this being said, I was shocked when I saw where Glenn Beck stated he would vote for a Ron Paul third party candidacy rather than vote for a potential Republican nominee Newt Gingrich.   Of course, Mr. Beck realizes that a Ron Paul third party candidacy would ensure an unprecedented disaster with an Obama second term.  If you hated Obama's first term, you would despise his second term.  Glenn Beck knows this.  So, why would he come out and say what he did about a Ron Paul third party candidacy?  Is it because it is his principles that are involved? That doesn't make a lot of sense to me.  Beck has repeatedly said in the past that sometimes "You have to do the difficult things in life, things that you really don't want to do."  But, you do it for the betterment of your country.  He has often quoted George Washington (of whom he and I share great respect) of the hardships endured in reaching your goal.  Now, anyone that has read this blog knows how I feel about Newt Gingrich.  I feel he is a RINO, a big government Republican that really has no place in conservative circles.  But, reality is that Newt Gingrich may be the Republican nominee! I have reluctantly accepted that.

Beck is missing the larger goal here.  The goal being to put President Obama out of office.  Inasmuch as I dislike Gingrich, I will happily push the lever for him in November of 2012.  If Glenn Beck can't see what is at stake here, in beating Obama, then all he has said in the past is meaningless.  It will be a sacrifice to vote for Gingrich.  But, as Glenn Beck surely must know, it is for the greater good of this country that Obama be turned out of office.  That is what all Republicans must focus their attention.  That is what Glenn Beck must also focus his attention on as well.