How is the GOP doing so far?

LARRY ANDERSON
Larry Anderson

The Election 2016 cycle is in its infancy, but we know more now than we did.

That’s because the first Republican debate of the season took place a few days ago on Fox News.

This event attracted 24 million viewers. The huge number tells us that Americans are sounding out the candidates within a remarkably large field of 17 and are looking for alternatives to Hillary Clinton.

Let’s look at the Republicans with the understanding that those who lead now may falter; those lagging could rise. This examination is based on the debate, but other sources as well.

For convenience, I will group them according to their most important credential: as businessperson/physician, former senator/senator, and former governor/governor.

Businesspersons/physician: There are three: Carly Fiorina, Dr. Ben Carson, and mega-businessman Donald Trump.

Carly Fiorina, former head of Hewlett-Packard, clearly emerged as one of the winners of the debate. She showed poise, offered specifics, and demonstrated toughness, but she needs to smile more. She resembles Chandler Bing posing for his wedding photographer.

Ben Carson is one of my favorite candidates. I like his calm, cool demeanor and his message of patriotism and self-purposing. His intellectual conservatism is a needed contrast to Obama/Clinton’s brand of botoxed liberalism.

Donald Trump could do a lot for American business. He would confront illegal immigration too, but he is blunt, bombastic, and media fodder.

Senators: There are five: Rick Santorum, Lindsey Graham, Marco Rubio, Rand Paul, and Ted Cruz.

Rick Santorum, former senator from Pennsylvania, seemingly has taken running for president as his life’s work. He will stay where he is in my opinion.

Lindsey Graham is serious about national defense, but he has a sad demeanor and a single-note message. Not a keeper.

Marco Rubio has great passion, a friendly but serious personality, and a youthful message. A compelling rising star. I want to vote for him.

Rand Paul is a decent senator, I think, and works hard, but he came across as churlish in the debate. Very smart but a hard person to like.

Ted Cruz demonstrates great intellect and passion for what is right. He is the most conservative candidate in the pack, and, therefore, provides the greatest contrast to HRC. The Left despises him, but he doesn’t care — and neither do I.

Former governors/governors: The former governors running are James Gilmore III, Rick Perry, George Pataki, Mike Huckabee and Jeb Bush.

Jim Gilmore, former Virginia governor, seems nice but no one knows him outside his state. He will be the first casualty.

Rick Perry overwhelmed a bad economy with jobs and ideas in Texas. He doesn’t campaign great, but he did better in the debate than I expected. He could hang around if the money holds up.

George Pataki was a solid New York governor, but he will fade right after Gilmore. Not enough to go on.

Mike Huckabee has great communication skills and knows the media. He is a true conservative with an appealing message, especially to older white voters. He’ll hang around.

Jeb Bush did well as Florida’s governor, but he is a moderate, not a conservative. The Left would like to see him get the nod because they think the Clinton name would beat the Bush name. Not my guy yet.

The governors running are John Kasich, Scott Walker, Chris Christie, and Bobby Jindal.

John Kasich, I hope, will bring the key state of Ohio to the Republicans. He would govern D.C. like Eisenhower did: competent, thrifty, managerial. But America needs excitement too. Long but good shot.

Scott Walker is one of my favorites. Don’t let his pattern baldness fool you. He is one tough cookie, and he is a conservative in the Reagan vein.

Chris Christie is a born politician and loves his work. I like him, but the Jersey Democrat influence has to be strong. Would he lead or compromise too quickly? Dynamic, energetic, and direct. He has a lot going.

Bobby Jindal is a capable chief executive who reminds me of Kasich in style and concerns. He is articulate, determined, and very bright. A people person, too.

Based on what has been shown so far, these are, in my opinion, the best choices in each category: First, I am going with Carly Fiorina in the business category. She could whip HRC in a debate. Dr. Ben is hanging close though.

The best senator in the chase is Marco Rubio with Ted Cruz next.

The best of the governing class is Scott Walker for his tough conservatism and track record, but mainstream Bush has the most money and liberal Big Media wants him.

Of all those, who is most able to beat HRC? Marco Rubio because he breaks up her key demographics.

Youth, excitement, personality, and photogenic qualities could beat a pantsuit and boredom. And America needs a lift.