Tip:
Highlight text to annotate it
X
That Obama -- he's such an anomaly!
This is Buzz60, I'm Jay DeDapper.
When he was elected President, Barack Obama represented so many firsts -- first African
American, first Hawaiian-born, first Muslim (kidding!) -- that a lot of people forget
one other thing that makes his Presidency so rare. He was not a Governor.
Think about the guys before him: Governor Bush, Governor Clinton, Governor Reagan, Governor
Carter -- for the last 35 years we've preferred Governors as Presidents by a wide margin.
So, since the GOP is in desperate need of a reboot, which Republican Governors have
star potential?
Start with Chris Christie Ð sure he gave a widely panned keynote convention speech
that barely mentioned Mitt Romney Ð and sure some Republicans blame him for his post-Sandy,
pre-election bromance with Obama Ð but the guyÕs got charisma and street cred. If he
could only get past the social conservative hazing Republicans face in the primaries.
Next up, Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell. HeÕs a social conservative with classic politician
looks and heÕs from a state thatÕs become a central Presidential battleground. If he
can unite deep conservatives and raise big money, heÕs probably the frontrunner Ð who
is unfortunately very conventional.
And finally, donÕt forget Susana Martinez Ð New MexicoÕs Governor gave a great speech
at the convention, is wildly popular in a very blue state and checks two huge boxes
on the Republican voter wish list: sheÕs a woman and sheÕs Hispanic.
Of course those two things could also sink her fast in a primary process that chews up
and spits out candidates with broad appeal.