Image by Getty Images via @daylifeFirst off, I think all the candidates showed that it IS NOT a thin field. They did very well for themselves. Whoever gets the nomination will have plenty of time to become known by the American people. Here's a few of my impressions and analysis.HERMAN CAIN - Came across as an insightful honest business man. But then I'm a fan of Godfather's Pizza. As much as I like him, his campaign is underfunded and not organized to the point where he can make a serious bid.
RON PAUL - Ron Paul is...well...Ron Paul. Loves to talk about the Federal Reserve, ultra-limited government and how most of everything is unconstitutional. He makes some great points and he'll hit a homerun or two in any debate. I would like to have more questions sent his way just to see how he would fit into the overall picture. I suspect his Libertarian side will hold him back from the nomination. He never really rises over 10 percent in the polls.
NEWT GINGRICH - He is very knowledgeable but too often came across as an angry negative candidate who is upset because he's no longer Speaker of the House.
RICK SANTORUM - He was very brave to stand up against big ag. Don't know how that will play in Iowa but I appreciated him taking a solid stand. He is very well spoken and I think he did very well. I'm not sure he has what it takes to raise money and he did get voted out of office. It's always kinda hard to bounce back after a loss and I don't think momentum is on his side.
TIM PAWLENTY - A sentimental favorite since I know Tim and I was on his Steering Committee the first time he ran for Governor. He had some great answers. I especially like what he had to say about religion in politics. However I felt he was weak with a few of his answers and he tends to be a bit on the dull side. He has a well organized campaign and could be a good "compromise" candidate if the convention is deadlocked between the tea party conservatives and blue blood mainstream moderates.
MITT ROMNEY - He takes on a very presidential appearance. He's very articulate but has a few moderate leanings what with Romneycare and his recent comments in support of the theory of Global Warming. He can raise money but I suspect at the end of the day he won't be conservative enough for most of the delegates.
MICHELE BACHMANN - I also have met Michele Bachmann when she first launched her poltical career. Now, I would have liked for her get a few more questions but I think she was terrific on the questions she did get. She looked great and was great answering the questions. She has a ton of charisma and that will go along ways with the delegates who are looking for someone who is not afraid to attack Obama. Plus, she's very good at raising money.
OVERVIEW - I think the winner was Bachmann. The good news is her entrance into the race will probably keep Sarah Palin out of the race. Not that I don't like Palin, it's just I don't feel she is a qualified as Bachmann. I know what everyone is saying, "the media will kill her, she's not electable".
I happen to think people are tired of politicians who say one message to one crowd and another message to another and then does nothing when they get into office. Also, never before has a president been re-elected with unemployment over 7 percent. This is a very polarizing president and it will be a very polarizing race. Regardless of who gets the GOP nomination, two things are certain. 1-the media will play the race card against the Republican. 2-this will be the most expensive election ever. Since those things will happen anyway, I would rather have a candidate who's not afraid to attack than lose with a John McCain trying to be too nice.
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