Nathan Moore's Thoughts
Mitt Romney for President
Mitt Romney is the most qualified and best suited candidate in the Republican field to be the next president.
The case is an easy one to make. Romney’s success as a businessman is a quality no one else in the field, Democrat or Republican, can claim. That experience demonstrates a well-honed ability to manage people, delegate responsibility, problem solve, and prepare for the future. In short, his main life skills that would make him an exemplary public servant come from a life outside of politics, which is a quality I find desirable in any position of the public trust, and especially in a president.
What government experience he does have is battle tested. As a Republican governor of Massachusetts, he operated in one of the most politically hostile environments for anyone with an “R” after his name. Most importantly, he did so effectively, successfully balancing the state budget and doing so without a general increase in taxation. He promoted and achieved massive business relocation to his state, and improved Massachusetts’ credit rating. From a Republican point of view, the only blight on his governorship is his failure to win political gains for his party. In Massachusetts, that sin is forgivable.
Romney’s reorganization of the Massachusetts state government streamlined both the providing of services and the implementation of policy. His attention to critical government functions never lapsed. When a fatal accident occurred in the construction of the boondoggle known as “the Big Dig”, Romney pushed the legislature to hand him control of the previously independent Turnpike Authority, and promptly fired those in charge and replaced them with competent managers of his own.
He is also pro-life and opposes the creation of embryos for the sole purpose of stem cell harvesting. It appears now we are on the verge of producing stem cells in ways that no longer implicate the messy ethical considerations inherent in the process of creating life in order to destroy life, in order to preserve life. Though he previously held a different position, it appears to me his pro-life stance is genuine. Like Peggy Noonan recently said, your position can change once, but cannot change again. Mitt Romney is pro-life.
His plan for the economy is sound. Preserve the Bush tax cuts, reduce the lowest tax bracket from 10% to 7.5%, and lower corporate taxes from 35% to 20% by 2010 (the corporate tax rate is a pass-through tax, and is really a tax on every consumer in the economy – people pay taxes, not corporations). As well, Romney proposes to reduce the capital gains tax to zero for those making less than $200,000.00 per year.
Mitt Romney has the experience, the vision, the demeanor, and the poise to successfully lead this country. That is why he is my choice to be the next chief executive of the United States.
Linked by The Caucus – The New York Times Politics Blog
January 23rd, 2008 at 11:13 am
[...] Moore endorses Mitt Romney as his choice for President, a conservative whose previous endorsements include Bob Corker and Karl [...]
January 23rd, 2008 at 11:32 am
Interesting, I would’ve pegged you (or especially Sarah) for a McCain person.
January 23rd, 2008 at 11:35 am
Sarah might still be. At our last discussion, she hadn’t fully decided yet. Not speaking for my wife (which would be dangerous in almost all circumstances), I believe the finalists are Romney and McCain.
January 23rd, 2008 at 11:55 am
[...] Nathan Moore has voiced his support for Romney. His plan for the economy is sound. Preserve the Bush tax cuts, [...]
January 23rd, 2008 at 1:21 pm
You must be joking. After Michigan and I think Missouri or Louisiana, Massachusetts had the worst record on economic growth. In addition, if Romney panders anymore I will be beyond nauseaous. His claims in Michigan that he would revive the auto industry were a stretch even for a professional panderer like Mitt. One more thing, if he thinks the Iraq war is so good, why arent any of his 5 (that’s correct, five) sons in the military.
January 23rd, 2008 at 1:26 pm
You cannot view the state in a vacuum. A lot of the problems in Mass were inherited from his predecessor.
The Iraq question…well, it’s not worth much of a response. By that rationale, only the 1% of American citizens employed by the Department of Defense could decide matters of war. That’s just silly.
January 23rd, 2008 at 2:32 pm
Nathan -
Not to get heavily into anything here, but I don’t see any mention of:
1) socialized healthcare;
2) his anti-Second Amendment record;
3) his continually vacilating positions (or, as one could call them, lies, such as his hunting experience).
Plus, Mitt is pro-whatever when it comes to the life issue. It just depends on whom is addressing that day. (Hmmm… that sounds like a certain 42nd President…) And since when does Peggy F’n Noonan get to make the rules?!?!
I’m not really looking for responses here, and I do admit that Mitt has some high points, many of which you hit here. But his warts are considerable. Very considerable.
Cheers,
Rob
January 23rd, 2008 at 2:43 pm
Ha – I’ll give you answers! =)
Peggy doesn’t get to make the rules, but she’s right.
No one is perfect, of course. If I didn’t think his high points more than outweighed his negatives I wouldn’t support him.
As for his Second Amendment stance…I am concerned about that, but I’m fairly convinced Romney isn’t going to go there. Here’s hoping we hit a home run with Heller and make such concerns moot.
The Mass health plan he helped implement isn’t exactly socialized medicine. It’s plain no one is willing to employ my ideas to fix the health care problem, so I’ll just have to deal with imperfection.
In conclusion, I want a businessman in the White House. If you want effective change (not that knock-off faux change Obama is selling), let’s elect someone who understands private sector incentives, and put those American principles in the Oval Office.
January 23rd, 2008 at 3:39 pm
Man, Nathan, you really disappointed on this one. I respect your decision, but I didn’t see that one coming. If Sarah goes the other way, she’ll cement her position as the smarter Moore.
January 23rd, 2008 at 3:53 pm
Hey Justin,
The rumors of Sarah being the smarter Moore are long and well documented. I’m in no position to argue the point.
I demanded we have vows added for my protection…”for smarter and dubmer”.
She agreed. I feel secure.
January 23rd, 2008 at 4:35 pm
Nathan -
Points taken, but I think I’ll have to decline (unless it’s a Romney/Thompson ticket, at which time I will have to have a meeting with myself).
A point on Heller – I have been working with the NRA and several of the groups filing amici in the case. Heller will in no way make the gun control issue moot. In fact, I would be surprised – even in victory – if it have any far reaching consequences outside of the District. The Court narrowed the question in a way that kind of tips their hand, and Kennedy is in no way a sure thing. Bottom line: don’t look to Heller to bail out any candidates for ‘08.
Cheers,
Rob
January 23rd, 2008 at 6:25 pm
As long as you got her signature on the dotted line, you’re golden.
And, the Mitt is dreamy. I’ll give you that. Most fantastic head of hair on a 60-year-old I may have ever seen. Anybody else think he sort of looks like Mr. Fantastic (from the comic book, not the stupid movies)?
January 23rd, 2008 at 7:04 pm
Nathan, at least we have Mitt as our second choice in common. If he’d just replace his tax advisor (I support the Fair Tax), he’d get my vote in the primary.
January 24th, 2008 at 11:33 am
I’ll support either one against whoever gets the Demo nod. With the whole field being left of Hillary Clinton; well, that says it all.
Fred was my guy but, alas, that’s not happening. I worry about Romney being a Mormon. The evangelicals consider The Mormons a cult and that’s a bigger problem than any of the pundits have realized. I’ve met a few guys in their 60s and 70s who are on board with Hillary and that scares me as much as it shocked me. We’re going to need every vote we can get to beat her unless Bill is successful in alienating the black vote over the Obama spats.
February 1st, 2008 at 1:12 am
What a wonderful essay in support of the man I hope seeks the nomination for the GOP. McCain doesnt desrve it and he should be the Democratic nominee – then they can battle it out. Mitt is great and McCain is sleezy and childish. Mitt has the experience, the intelligence, the grace, the eloquence, and the temperment to be a world class leader.
Great piece of writing, refreshing and candid!
June 18th, 2008 at 4:52 am
I agree, Mitt should have been the candidate for the Republicans. He so would have won! Oh well, there is always 2012
June 19th, 2008 at 3:29 pm
This just in (Muncie Free Press) from Indiana’s leading political analyst and commentator, Brian Howey:
“My Prediction: A month ago, I would have been comfortable predicting a McCain-Romney ticket. But if McCain wants to attract Hillary Clinton voters, he might look at young, attractive Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin who is creating considerable buzz these days. If I had to bet: McCain-Palin. At this point, I think the gender opportunity trumps geography.”
June 21st, 2008 at 6:18 am
Mac Pick Palin Veep BEFORE Hil Campaigns w/Obama!
In addition to her overwhelming attraction on the oil/energy issue and the female/disaffected Hillary voters, her human interest story will generate millions and millions of dollars worth of publicity and media coverage — essentially free to the McCain campaign — more than offsetting Obama’s reported money advantage.
June 22nd, 2008 at 7:51 am
A commenter on another post says it much better than I can:
“They say McCain reads the blogs, so here goes —
Senator McCain- Don’t let the campaign kibbitzers muddle things up.
First and foremost, Sarah Palin shares your values. She killed the bridge to nowhere. Need we say more?
As for the politics, Sarah Palin transcends geography. Her constituency, like yours, goes beyond state lines.
She will get your ticket access to voters all over the country based on who she is and what she stands for. Because she’s young, a woman, a mother with young kids, she will grab media attention more than any other potential candidate.
Gov. Palin also has a son in the active duty military. You have very wisely taken your son’s service in Iraq off the table as a campaign talking point. That is and should be respected. But others can talk about it and reflect on what it means.
A McCain-Palin administration would be the first in memory which has family members in uniform during wartime from both the President and Vice President. That would be a powerful statement as to the importance of national service, especially in uniform.
Most importantly, any Vice President should be ready to step up and serve in the event she is needed. Frankly, who is really ever ready? Gov. Palin is as ready as anybody, she is a quick learner, and in her public career has exhibited the courage and decisiveness needed for a great leader.
Godspeed to you in your campaign and in making this important decision.”
June 22nd, 2008 at 5:36 pm
I can see it all now, Alaska Gov Sarah Palin’s husband, Todd, introducing Sarah as the next Vice President of the United States at the Republican National Convention later this summer, to the tune of Shania Twain’s “She’s Not Just a Pretty Face”.
Here it is:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GMlcZDorjuE
Just imagine!!! (Dems, eat your heart out)
June 23rd, 2008 at 10:21 pm
I agree, I think Mitt is the best to be considered President, but too bad he is no longer a candidate. I do hope that McCain chooses Mitt has his Veep. He is definitely the best to assist McCain at this time. Mitt for V.P.!!!!
June 24th, 2008 at 3:09 am
McCain we need to win so please please choose Romney!
June 24th, 2008 at 3:12 pm
Mitt Romney has disappeared off the campaign trail for a couple of months now, but I’ve come across this outstanding interview in which Romney gives his perspective on why Barack Obama stands no chance at winning the General Election while also warning that McCain should appeal more to the conservative masses if he is to win the Presidency and carry those high approval ratings with him.
June 25th, 2008 at 8:46 am
Romney Interview: Being President Would Be “An Apprenticeship” For Obama
Here is a great Video Interview with Romney, check it out. Would Mitt Romney agree to be John McCain’s running mate if asked? Hear his answer. Read
the Full Story — Go Here Now.