Presidential?

During the Republican debate, Governor Romney challenged Governor Huntsman’s acceptance to serve his country as Ambassador to China under a democratic administration of Barack Obama. Huntsman’s answer, perhaps rightly so, was that he “put his country ahead of politics.” Isn’t that what we should expect from anyone seeking to be elected President of the United States? We have experienced the results of politics ahead of country. In the words of P.J. O’Rourke, “Democrats are the party that says government will make you smarter, taller, richer, and remove crabgrass from your lawn. The Republicans are the party that says government doesn’t work and then they get elected and prove it.” Politics ahead of country brought us Katrina, the Iraq war, the loss of 4000 American soldiers, and countless other tragedies. When Governor Romney first denied having any responsibility for the anti-Newt attack ads run by a super-PAC supporting his candidacy and then followed up by repeating, almost word-for-word the contents of those ads it is hard to imagine him acting at all presidential should he win election. His economic proposals will result in greater income disparities as well as increased deficits. In the movie, “The American President”, the character played by Richard Dreyfus accused the character played by Michael Douglas of not acting presidential. Governor Huntsman’s actions when he agreed to serve as Ambassador to China was far more Presidential than anything any of the other Republican candidates either did or have done throughout their careers. Unfortunately which Republican could best lead the country is being trumped by which Republican can claim to be the most conservative. Fortunately, that political tactic is the best insurance for the re-election of Barack Obama.