Notebook: Are you ready?

EDITORIAL MUG: Larry Anderson

The interim between the Republican debates and the Iowa/New Hampshire caucuses is a good time to review how America is trending politically. Much could change by November but let’s take a pulse anyway

Presently, the likely choices for president are incumbent Joe Biden for the Democrats and Donald Trump for the Republicans. It is not the matchup I want, but that hardly matters. What counts in the final determination is how the parties react and align and how voters respond to their options. Both candidates have issues.

Joe Biden’s problems extend from plummeting polls due to fading support, confidence and popularity, his questionable ability, age, and probable corruption. This politician doesn’t inspire loyalty, and the Democrats are nervous about selling the old boy a second time. However, there is nearly a year to go, and a lot could happen. The economy could continue to improve or maybe Joe will become coherent.

Under no circumstance should anyone take Uncle Joe too lightly because of his hefty baggage or crummy numbers. If the Democrat party finalizes him as their figurehead for another term, the full weight of the party will be behind him.

Donald Trump comes with his own issues which include having lost the last election. Also, the country is replete with Trump haters who would perish, figuratively speaking, before voting for him or supporting him if elected. His many enemies have successfully framed him with more legal problems than most people could handle. Nevertheless, Trump pushes on as blunt and dismissive as ever. I admire his fortitude but not his manner. I am an issues guy.

Presently, I support Ron DeSantis, the capable governor of Florida and, so far, the runner-up for the Republican nomination. DeSantis and others like him are the clear future for the party. DeSantis is 45, not 77 like Trump or 81 like Biden. He is sharp, committed and no one pushes him around. He is also a veteran, debates like a champ, knows the issues, and has an agenda that he explains with clarity. He is America first.

If DeSantis doesn’t beat out Trump this election season, he will still be governor of the third largest state. He will add to his credentials and be ready for 2028. I believe the Oval Office is in his future when he could go two strong terms. If Trump wins he will return to office a lame duck. That’s a disadvantage for him if Congress remains divided.

A surprise this time has been Vivek Ramaswamy, the corporate founder and newbie politician. His success and intelligence are impressive as is his concern for the direction America is headed. He defines that as well as anyone, and he doesn’t hold back. He would be tough in the presidency and would go after the corruption and waste that permeates Washington. I just don’t think he can overcome the numbers favoring Trump or DeSantis.

I wouldn’t hesitate to vote for Nikki Haley should she get the nomination. Her poll numbers have improved, and she demonstrated resilience in the recent debates. She’s a former governor and past senior diplomat to the UN which provides international creds. She would run an efficient presidency and would be a much better leader than, say, grouchy Hillary Clinton who is making some sneaky moves of her own. Watch her.

I think Chris Christi will be gone after Iowa and maybe before. Fine by me!

Who’s the spoiler? That would be Robert Kennedy, Jr. Kennedy started as a Democrat but was treated so horribly by his own party he went Independent. That’s a problem for Joe Biden because Kennedy could do very well in traditionally Democrat states such as Massachusetts where the Kennedy name is still iconic. He could take away enough votes from Biden to tip the scale. Go, Bobby!

The Democrats didn’t want Kennedy interfering with Biden bidness, but for a party claiming superior intelligence, they sure didn’t demonstrate it. The Democrats should have worked with Kennedy, but he isn’t as far left as current party leadership. He was dismissed by the leftist elite, but instead of fading, he re-loaded. Kennedy is polling very well presently and could be a closing factor.

This election will shake out as it always does. Are your ready for a wild ride?

Larry W. Anderson is a retired educator.