Election Update

So here we are.  A couple weeks out from the Iowa caucuses followed closely by the New Hampshire primary.  Tired of the coverage yet?  I know I am.  And I live in California.  Can't even imagine if I lived in Iowa or New Hampshire.  It would be brutal.  As we go through 2016 it's going to get even more intense, meaner, more grueling, more crazy accusations, and for some desperation will set in.  And that is on both sides.  

So this is my blog and I can do with it what I want, so I'm going to provide a periodic update from my perspective.  It will not be regular, just when the mood strikes.  Or I can't stand the stupidity any more.  I'll provide my thoughts on both sides because there is just so much to assess.  And remember, this is my view.  You might not agree.  You might think I'm full of crap.  Or you might think I'm a wise dude.  Whatever.  But what I hope is that you care, that you intend to vote.  If not, move along and live your life.  But do not ever, ever think you have any right whatsoever to comment or bitch or complain about the system.  Because you don't.

Here's where we are.  I'm a student of the Civil War.  That was the time of gravest danger to our country.  Period.  The peril to the Union was unprecedented.  That we survived is a testament to many things, not the least of which is the determination of our greatest President, Abraham Lincoln, to keep the Union together.  So I won't make a hyperbolic statement that we have never been in more danger.  But that doesn't mean we don't have really, really big problems.  We have a huge national debt that seems out of control.  We have lost a tremendous amount of prestige around the world.  We have made grave mistakes in national security strategy that will be tough to overcome.  We have been divided against ourselves and made to feel like a bunch of factions instead of Americans.  And we have a government that seems broken and incompetent.  Once again, from my perspective this all lies at the feet of Barak Obama.  He is, quite simply, the worst President in our history.  Oh, you could make a case that Andrew Johnson was worse for not carrying out Lincoln's intent and policies, but you'd be splitting hairs.  And the thing is, he could have been great.   But I really think he just didn't know how.  We elected a far left-winger who kowtowed to special interest groups without a spec of experience or any real accomplishments whatsoever, twice.  But...that's all history.  He has done the damage he's going to do, assuming he doesn't go even more rogue in the next year.

Here's a few soundbites that I think about the candidates.  As I said, either agree, disagree, or move along.

Hillary--she is a criminal.  She has exhibited dramatic incompetence her entire life.  But now she is a criminal.  She is spinning and lying about the email fiasco to deflect the fact that she has SAP info on her unsecured server.  She either doesn't get it, is breathtakingly stupid, or is a liar.  Simple as that. That's enough to disqualify her.  But her shameful performance as SecState during Bhengazi was terrible.  She in no way should she be CinC.  You can go back and look at some of my "Hillary" posts.  Decide for yourself.

Bernie--He is a democratic socialist.  That should be enough.  The reality is that he didn't do much in 25 years in the Senate.  The further reality is that he could not be elected.  The even further reality is that if by some chance he could get elected (which he can't), he could not get anything done.  His policies couldn't remotely get enacted.  So if he's the President, we have 4 years of nothingness.  Then again, maybe that would be good.  At least there would be minimal damage.

O'Mally--Please.  Irrelevant

Trump--I don't like that so many people like him.  He's brash, exhibits some racist tendencies, can be cruel, appears to be an inch deep and a mile wide, and says exactly what he thinks without any nuance whatsoever.  I worry about his depth.  I worry that he is a ready, fire, aim kind of guy.  I worry that he is writing a lot of checks that he can't cash.  So I got his book, "The Art of the Deal".  I still think all those things, but I also think he's a pretty smart guy.   And at least he has done things, accomplished things in his life.  He is a really, really smart businessman who has been extremely successful.  He's been talking about things that resonate with people.  "Make America Great Again"...who doesn't like that?  Immigration, trade, strong military, crime...all winning issues.  I also sense he'll reach across the aisle to get things done.  And I've seen some moderation and a turn to a more statesmanlike demeanor in the past few weeks.  Not a lot.  But some.  I'm still not sure what to think.  But one thing for sure.  I would vote for him every day and twice on Sunday before I'd vote for Cruz.

Cruz--Strident, smart, great debater, ruthless.  And a sleaze.  I sense a liar.  A guy who will say anything.  A guy who is a first term Senator and no one, literally no one, likes him.  I may worry about Trump and actions he would take a bit, but I'm scared to death of the actions Cruz would take.  I'm in the ABC camp...Anyone But Cruz.

Rubio--Smart, articulate, young, Latino, and personable.  He seems willing to reach across the aisle to get things done.  He can win.  But I worry that he is a first term Senator with limited experience.  Where have I seen this before?  But, he's my guy.  I think he's the guy who can win and reasonably turn the ship into the wind.

Kasich--Used to be my guy.  Experienced, smart, articulate.  But too much focus on the past.  Now seems sort of whiny.  If he gains steam and moves into contention, I'll be happy.  He would make a great President.  But I don't see it.

Christie--Could surprise.  He seems, more than any of the others, to fluctuate pretty wildly in the polls and with people's admiration.  It means something that he was elected in such a Democratic state like New Jersey.  His experience as a prosecutor would be good.  Think he'd make a pretty reasonable President.  But I just don't see it.

Jeb--Please.  Irrelevant.  Sad, but true.

The Rest--I think the only reason that they are still in is so that they can make the valid claim that they were a Presidential candidate and made it to a primary (which oh by the way they lost).  That info goes on the jacket of their book and into their resume when they apply for their job in a K Street lobby house.  Nothing else.

That's top level.  Obviously much more to each one.  I could sit here all night and write about Hillary.   But after a while I'd have to go throw up.  How any thinking person could support her is way beyond me.  The only good thing, and I mean the only good thing, is that it gets Bubba back in the spotlight.  And that is always good for a laugh.

As I said at the beginning, I'll update this as we go along.  I think after New Hampshire the field will narrow considerably.  It'll then be a little easier.  The Republicans will be down to 3 or 4 and Hillary will be under indictment.  I know, I know...wishful thinking!