Pros and Cons of Republican Presidential candidates

Republican Party, Issues for the next President, Presidential Candidate

Written by Michael Vass

Not long ago I created a list of Pros and Cons of the leading Democratic Presidential candidates. To be fair and to see the differences I have complied a Pros and Con list for the leading major Republican candidates.

I do not presume that this list is all-encompassing. I recognize that while I have tried to be neutral, just as I was with the Democrats, I’m sure there are areas where my personal views entered. I do not claim my list is complete or how everyone feels. But I believe it is accurate.

Some issues may fall on both sides, because depending on personal views it is a positive or negative. Most are far more easily categorized. If you disagree, please make a comment and give your reasons why. You may be right, so why not share your thoughts?

You can see some of my source information at On The Issues and 2008 Election ProCon.

Now for the breakdowns (in alphabetical order):

Rudy Giuliani

Pros –

• 9/11
• For the Death Penalty
• Finish Iraq war
• No Nuke Iran
• Waterboarding (Torture ok)
• Mayor of largest U.S. City
• Lower taxes

  Cons –

• Mixed on Gun Control
• No International experience
• Flipped on gay marriage
• Mayor was highest level of public service experience
• Relies heavily on 9/11
• Flipped on Immigration policies
• Horrendous Civil Liberties (Amidou Diallo, Patrick Dorismond, ect)
• Sold out 42nd Street to corporations

  Mike Huckabee

  Pros –

• Governor
• Anti-abortion
• For the Death Penalty
• Finish Iraq war
• Anti-gay marriage
• For Privatizing SSI
• Anti-Gun Control
• Very Religious
• Fair Tax
• Pro Education
• Decent Minority Rights
• Against 3 strikes laws

  Cons –

• Virtually unknown to the general public
• Very Religious
• Anti-Torture
• Ok with Pathway to Citizenship
• Fuzzy on Immigration in general

  Senator John McCain

  Pros –

• For the Death Penalty
• Anti-Torture (he has huge conviction and reasons)
• Current Senator – Long term position
• Military Hero
• Anti-gay marriage
• Anti-Gun Control
• Strongly Finish Iraq war
• For Privatizing SSI
• Anti-Flag Burning
• Pro-Minority Bills
• Limit Judges Legislating

  Cons –

• Flipped on Abortion
• Mixed on Education
• Anti-Torture
• Pro-Pathway to Citizenship
• Pro-Immigration Reform

  Mitt Romney

  Pros –

• Former Governor
• Strong Business Experience
• Very Religious
• For the Death Penalty
• Finish Iraq war
• For Privatizing SSI
• Waterboarding (Torture ok)
• Pro-Education

  Cons –

• Few understand his religion
• Flipped Abortion
• Flipped gay marriage
• Unknown position about minorities
• Pro-GPS tracking of convicted criminals for life
• Mixed Gun Control
• Mixed Immigration policies

  Fred Thompson

  Pros –

• Former Senator
• Anti-abortion
• For the Death Penalty
• Pro-Education
• Anti-Gun Control
• Finish Iraq war
• Waterboarding (Torture ok)
• Reform SSI
• No Nukes in Iran
• Anti-Flag Burning
• Anti-Immigration

  Cons –

• Known for TV/Movie Roles
• Mixed on gay marriage
• Mixed on Minorities

Well there you go. I know I did not include the internet favorite Ron Paul. The fact is that while he may be popular on the net, his views are generally seen as extreme and nutty. He has no real following around the country on any poll. And as for Alan Keyes, where the hell did he come from? Are you kidding?

I hope this helps, because the most important decision in the last 3 decades faces the nation in this next election. In my opinion the Presidential Race of 2008 will determine the direction of the country for the next decade or longer, and most of the things done will be irreversible.

Your vote counts, don’t give it frivolously or cheaply.

admin @ December 13, 2007