The 2012 Presidential Election: Obama vs. Gingrich or Romney

It is fair to say that after summer has passed, the Republican candidate will be either Gingrich or Romney. Paul and Santorium really have little chance, although, perhaps they will be selected for Vice president, which I also doubt. Sarah Palin, while many laugh at her, remains viable as a VP, she is popular even with some democrats because she is "normal folk" and outside the political box. John McCain might even be a VP, whoever the VP choice is, the strategy is to appeal to the Republicans and those Democrats that are sitting on the fence, and there are many!

As far as President Obama, there could be no better VP candidate choice for him other than Hilary Clinton. If this were to happen, the Democrats would win in a "slam dunk". End of story. She has been an excellent Sec. of State, yet, talk is that she is not interested in this secondary position. But, talk is cheap at this early stage.

I tend to think that Newt Gingrich would really challenge Obama in debates, much better than Romney, who is more uneasy in these forums. Gingrich comes across as someone who analyzes the problems, gets professional opinions and make a decision. He is a deeper thinker much like Obama is. Both are great debaters in their own way. Both are very comfortable in this forum. Romney is fine yet is less secure and tends to stumbles at times.

The only other surprise to this election year is Donald Trump. He has said that he will not make a definitive decision about his quest for President. This will not come until May or so and will depend on who is the Republican candidate. If Donald Trump enters the race, it toss the Republicans into divisions. Many think Trump is tough but knows what to do about the economy and to take a stand on it and foreign policy. Others, feel like it would be a catastrophe for the party.

Right now, all eyes are on the Republicans, who they eventually choose to take on Obama is critical. Obama inherited a lot of chaos from the Bush administration but not all of the economic mess can be attributed to Bush. Obama is partially to blame. He knows it and owns up to it. He has made some bad moves, some good moves. Of course, when any president has a half the government from one party and the other half, from the other party, the result is a mess because of a lack of cooperation.

There is more than enough blame to go around for both political parties in this election year!