Quote of the Day

"On account of being a democracy and run by the people, we are the only nation in the world that has to keep a government four years, no matter what it does." - Will Rogers

I have a strong suspicion I'll be complaining about that very topic in about two years.

Now that I'm on the topic, I guess this is as good a time as any for me to do a rundown of the available presidential contenders and who I'm endorsing.

Democrats

Barak Obama - Seems like a nice enough fella' but man is he a hardcore socialist! Not only that, but he seems to be rather incompetent on policy details and I'm sure his tax and spend dreams would only be made worse by the inevitable ham-fisted implementation. If he were nominated, I fear he would be unbeatable but I'd never vote for him and may even be inclined to vote against him no matter who the Republicans nominate. Word of advice to the Democrats: Put Obama back in the oven. In 12 years he'll be completely unstoppable and moderately effective as President.

John Edwards - I can't even take this guy seriously. No way. He's unelectable no matter who the Republicans put forward. Write that down.

Hillary! - Her nomination is the best hope the Republicans have of winning but she's no slouch and any campaign against her would be a brutal, no-holds-barred affair. I have a strong feeling that in matters of foreign relations she'd be a passable to good President but her ridiculous attachment to HillaryCare! is a deal breaker and I'd never vote for her either barring specific circumstances described later.

Others - Let's be serious, shall we?

Republicans

Mitt Romney - Seems like a very competent man in general but his knowledge or opinions on gun control, foreign policy and health care are pretty much anathema to me. I'd vote for him over any of the Democrats but I wouldn't be thrilled about it.

John McCain - In many ways I'd enjoy voting for McCain as he's almost exactly perfect on foreign policy and generally stands with me on other important issues. His flirtation (maybe, marriage and separation is more appropriate) with the open borders crowd has me worried and he is, in general, too statist in his approach to most things (see McCain-Fuckgold). I'd vote for him and feel pretty good about it but again, not thrilled.

Ron Paul - He and Kucinich should split off and start the Tin-Hatted Elves party and run for President of Mars.

Mike Huckabee - It is rare in life to find something perfectly emblematic of your opinion of something. If one man represented everything I find loathsome or embarrassing in the Republican establishment, Huckabee would be that man. He's demagogic, statist, theocratic and exclusive to the point of bigotry. He has no firm position but leads with his emotions. He is the worst possible candidate on the right and he's worst than a couple on the left. If Huckabee is the Republican nominee I will never vote for him and if the Democrats nominate Hillary! I'd vote against him. I can't imagine a worse scenario for conservatism in this country than having the Stupid Party live up to its name by bumping this liberal bumpkin up to the national stage. We'd be screwed.

And now, for the only man I actually like for President...

Fred Thompson - He is a strict Federalist, not too religious, believes in America, tough on our enemies, strong for our friends and above all, knows that if we maximize freedom in this country everything will continue to get better.

I've never seen a more appealing candidate in my adult life and probably won't see another. Sure, he isn't the most animated individual but his hostility to the media and propensity for straight-talk are the best possible qualities a President can have. I will be voting for him in the primary and would be proud to vote for him in the general election. Too bad he's not going to win.

Depending on the nominations, I may have to sit this one out.