The Wall Street Journal editorial page, easily my least favorite site on the web, bemoans the weak Republican field. Michele Bachmann, they claim, “has a record of errant statements” (as if the Journal doesn’t), has seemed “on occasion less principled than opportunistic” (Oh, snap!), and (the topper) “Americans are already living with the consequences of electing a President who sounded good but had achieved little as a legislator and had no executive experience.”
As for Mitt Romney, well, if he could buy respect he would, but the Journal ain’t buying. He “gives little evidence that he has convictions beyond faith in his own technocratic expertise.” (I guess that’s a bad thing.) OK, that leaves us with Rick Perry. “The questions about Mr. Perry concern how well his Lone Star swagger will sell in the suburbs of Ohio, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania, where the election is likely to be decided. He can sound more Texas than Jerry Jones, George W. Bush and Sam Houston combined, and his muscular religiosity also may not play well at a time when the economy has eclipsed culture as the main voter concern.” That is to say, hey, we love the guy, but other people might not. Don’t blame us! We’re the fucking messenger!
I really wonder if the Journal is afraid Perry can’t win the presidency. I think they’re afraid he can. I think the East Coast Republicans are becoming more and more afraid that they have zero control over the Republican Party, that, in their guts, they’re wondering if they really wouldn’t rather have Obama in there than Rick Perry. They don’t understand these people. Sure, sure, they say they’re in favor of free markets, and strong defense, but once they get in power, well, you don’t know what they might do! They might do anything!
“Perhaps someone still off the field will step in and run,” sighs the Journal. “Now would be the time.” Are you listening, Chris Christie?
Afterwords
I’m probably over reacting, but I think Chris Christie’s presidential dream exploded when he had to go into the hospital for an asthma attack. When you’re that fat, you can’t have any health problems. I think Bill Kristol, Ross Douthat, and even the Wall Street Journal are beginning to fear that by the time the 2012 Republican nominating convention is done, they will find themselves between a very hard rock and a very hard place. Not to support the Republican nominee will lead to their banishment from the Republican Party. But supporting the Republican nominee will require them to commit intellectual suicide. In 2008, I was amazed to see David Brooks openly attack Sarah Palin, because I always thought of Dave as the ultimate weasel. But if Bill Kristol et al. take a walk in 2012, I’d be stunned, stunned beyond belief. Guys, for this comic relief from the ongoing gruesomeness of Obama’s record, much thanks.
