Gop Debate

When I tuned in they were discussing social security. Mitt Romney seemed to take a very liberal stance in his views toward Social Security, acknowledging its problems, but also promising to improve it. He sees it as a very helpful program and claims that Republicans have "always had... a recognition that [they] want to care for those in need." That does not sound conservative by any means. Governor Perry had a completely different view, calling Social Security a "Ponzi scheme." He seemed to be speaking in clichés and everything he said sounded like a sound bite. "Maybe it's time to have some provocative language!" "Let's get America working!" He never offered a real solution though. The only person with a fully developed plan for solving the problem of Social Security appeared to be Herman Cain, a candidate I had never heard of. He proposed the idea of copying the Chilean system of giving each worker in the country an individual retirement account. That was a nice alternative to the bickering over whether or not the program is working because obviously everyone has decided it is not.

Another big topic was Governor Perry's "executive order" to vaccinate all young girls for HPV. Ron Paul used this act to accuse Perry of hiding liberal views. Bachmann opposed Perry's actions because they increase government involvement in parenting. To me, every time Bachmann brings up parenting, she is just trying to play up the fact that she is a mother for mass appeal. The country is not looking for a mother; it is looking for a leader. Anyway, Perry's rebuttal was that he gave parents the right to opt out. He just wanted to prevent cancer. Romney defended Perry, but also agreed with his opponents. He seemed to play both sides very well (as a good politician should.) He assumed the role of peacemaker, reminding the other candidates that they all "love America" and are there to fix its problems. He even paid Obama a compliment, calling him a nice man, but questioned his ability to lead.

Overall, I think Romney carried himself very well. He actually answered questions directly, unlike other candidates who tried to redirect the conversation. He stayed relatively moderate, which is good when you are appealing to a huge group of people in a presidential election. However, I do not know how well he will be received by staunch Republicans because he is not extremely right wing and, therefore, he may not win the nomination. I guess if I had to pick a Republican, I would pick him.