As the Republican candidates elbow their way to the podium, we should keep in mind what they already know about 2012. None of the "announced" (or even the posturing" candidates have a prayer of getting elected President of the United States.
So far, the GOP hasn't produced a credible alternative to the incumbent. Trump is doing what he's always done best: parading and promoting himself. The 20% or so of respondents to recent polls indicating they favored him probably did so as a joke.
Michelle Bachmann rants and raves in misleading, misinformed and often outright silly soundbites. She's the most recent version of Sarah Palin, who is now too busy making big bucks to consider being a comparatively low-paid President. Which is probably a good thing, since very few Americans still take her seriously.
Mike Huckabee seems to be a nice fellow, but too far right and a religious extremist in many eyes. Ron Paul has several ideas worth serious consideration, but is very much "all or nothing" in his approach.
Mitt Romney is a bright guy, but many other Christians view Mormonism as a "cult." Therefore, he would have trouble getting support from the right wing of his own party.
Newt Gingrich seems to have a lot of trouble keeping commitments, or even being respectful of the vows he's already made. He had a recent tirade about Obama raising so much money it would prevent a fair election. Has he read the Supreme Court decision which cleared the way for corporations to throw virtually unlimited funds into elections, presumably to favor candidates who will further minimize corporate tax contributions, and eliminate regulatory systems designed to protect the rest of society, in order to maximize profitability?
It's important for us to recognize the primary reason most of these people run is to satisfy their own egos. They love being the center of attention at rallies; being fawned and pandered and treated as though they were really important. Some make outrageous statements to make sure they're continuously on the 24-hour news cycle.
General Colin Powell is one of the most trusted figures in the U.S. He chose not to run because of the circus he and his family would have to endure. Have we finally reached the point in American politics where nobody worthy of being President will even consider running for the office?
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