Sorry I haven't posted in awhile—I've been busy with life and we've had some deaths in the family. It sounds so anodyne, doesn’t it?
Anyway, here's my quick and dirty takeaway on the Republican field of candidates running for President of the United States.
Herman Cain: his appeal has reached its zenith. Those who were going to be won over by his manner and his 9-9-9 plan, have been. I will miss, though, the undeniably charming way he pronounces "Chile" and "Chilean model." And his humor.
Rick Perry: he just didn't have enough time to get up to speed. The other contenders have had a lot of practice campaigning nationally and debating each other; he just seems out of his depth and I suspect he will sink. Plus, what the hell is going on with his facial expression when other candidates are talking? It's a cross between "where am I?" and "oh, look, butterfly!"
Michelle Bachman: she had a very good run and she conducted herself with aplomb. Unfortunately, she also has what I like to call the "batshit crazy" strain in her. I follow, I follow, I follow what you're saying, then suddenly, whoa Nelly, she just said what?
Newt Gingrich: looks and talks and acts like a Pasha. He's just having fun, I think. He's the guy everyone likes to hear talking, but no one wants to have dinner with.
Rick Santorum: despite his assurances that he's operating from a place of Christian values, he seems really pissed off. I think the difference between what he's saying and how he's saying it makes it difficult to trust him.
Ron Paul: he sells it like he means it, and that's because he does! I like him because even though I don’t agree with many of his positions, I know what he would do and say when he's in office. He wouldn't survive one term, though, and I mean that literally. His head would explode.
Mitt Romney: wow. So it comes to this. I think Romney will get the nomination and I hope he gives Obama a good run for the money. He's clear, he seems more human than I've seen in the past, and I am absolutely certain that he will always be pragmatic. Always.
John Huntsman: I want him to succeed, I really do. But he just can't get any air. He's too calm and contained, and he hasn't demonstrated anything more than a really excellent ability to look like a genuinely good listener.
