Who Will Lead Us?

It seems like just yesterday that the mid-term elections were being held, yet already, the field is thick with candidates vying for their spot in the 2008 Presidential campaign. I haven't been around for all that many elections, but I am fairly certain that the campaigning has rarely started so early and with such vigor. It seems as though a war is being waged for the hearts and minds of the American public and only one side will come out ahead. Whichever side wins will weild more power than ever before and yet at the same time be held responsible for whatever happens in an increasingly dangerous world.

To say that the job opening is huge is an understatement. I certainly don't want it, nor do many other well-qualified people and who can blame them? It is an often thankless job that ages a person prematurely, places the weight of the free world on his shoulders and expects him to never make a mistake in judgement, both professionally and personally. To say that this job is for the weak of heart, weak of character, weak of stomach and weak of mind is also an understatement. Very few candidates meet the standards and even the ones who will make it to or through the primaries will not be perfect. The task is daunting and choosing the right candidate to vie for the Presidency is of the utmost importance. So who will lead us?

Thus far, as a Christian conservative Republican, the choices are underwhelming. So far, there are several contenders, yet none have really ignited the interest of the conservative Republican base.

John McCain is too cozy with the press and the liberal left on important issues to be a good staunch conservative candidate. Many true conservatives have a great deal of discomfort with McCain and with good reason. He cannot be trusted to represent the Republican base.

Rudy Giuliani is a proven leader. He led New York city to a lower crime rate and then, on the single most catastrophic day in American history, Giuliani led amidst the chaos of the terrorist attacks on September 11th. He is brave, well-spoken, likeable, well-known and firm on his stances, yet many Christian conservatives struggle with his much more liberal domestic policies on abortion and same-sex marriage. He would certainly be a strong voice in the war on terror, which is hugely important, but to many (myself included) the war on traditional Christian family values is equally important.

Next in line is Massachusetts governor and former 2002 Winter Olympic CEO Mitt Romney. Romney first made news when he eliminated a $379 million dollar operating deficit and successfully organized the Salt Lake City winter olympic games mere months after the terror attacks of 9/11. Clearly, he seems to be yet another strong leader, and it would seem, he also has a strong financial sense. However, his Mormon religion might be a stumbling block to some and he is still somewhat unknown, at least compared to the powerhouse names McCain and Giuliani.

California Representative Duncan Hunter has also announced his bid for the presidency. Hunter has an excellent voting record that Christian conservatives can (and should) cheer, but he is relatively unknown, associated with some scandal and largely considered a long-shot.

So far, no one really sparks a huge interest among those currently in the running for President. However, a small sizzle seems to be starting among the base surrounding former Tennessee Senator Fred Thompson. Although he has not yet announced a bid for the presidency, many speculate that he will and if he does, he may be the candidate to watch.

I have to admit, I know little about Thompson, but I have heard bits and pieces of interviews and most of an interview yesterday with Laura Ingraham, and thus far, I am impressed. Thompson seems to know where he stands on the issues, he can communicate his ideas effectively and he seems to interested in serving his country rather than simply power-hungry. It could be interesting.

In the meantime, I plan on keeping an eye on the race and all the candidates, both Republican and Democrat. America's future is too important to turn a blind eye and a deaf ear on all that is transpiring around us.