Paul vs. Romney - The Virginia Primary - 2012

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the two candidates in the 2012 Virginia State Republican primary. It will provide pointers to their websites, a quick overview of those websites, and how their information addresses my own values. The article will also point to good discussions of how each of those candidates might match up against President Obama in the presidential election.

Each of us is different. We have different views of the world. We were raised differently. We were taught differently. As result, we have different notions of what it takes to be a leader. When we vote for a President, we aren't talking about whether we like the stance they adopt on each and every issue. We're talking about whether they have what it takes to be President of the United States. Can they lead this country through crisis? Again, each of us is different; we may have different views of what it takes to lead the country. But we should each know what that is before reviewing. It is helpful to know what values each of us hold closest to heart. These are subject of much discussion and debate between people, but in the end, our own personal values are unique to each one of us, and affect our choices when voting. Some folks vote strictly party line, some evaluate the issues, and others go by how they react to the person.

Most importantly to me, I look for the candidates view on constitutional authority and governance. The President swears an oath to uphold the Constitution when he enters office. One thing I look for at the web-sites is information regarding the candidates view and understanding of Constitutional responsibility.

Another thing I look for is how the candidate will go about reaching decisions on issues and concerns. In other words, how will they conduct the business of leading us while in office?

Since this is a Republican Primary, how do the candidates compare on their chances to beat Obama? (By the way, condolences to the Democrats, you get fewer choices than the Republicans, no choice at all in Virginia this year. In fact, no Democrat in the country gets a choice. That’s the way we roll.)

On the negative side, I keep an ear open for personal attacks. Engaging in kindergarten finger-pointing tactics in debates is a turn-off for me, no matter who does it. Tactics such as: finger-pointing, name-calling, manipulating an argument, or manipulating the perception of an opponent to make themselves look better; they are not what it takes to lead this country. Leading this country should not be about what it takes to win a popularity contest, or about who buys the most entertaining advertisements. Shame on us if we allow it to be so. Worse, shame on us for we have done so already.

But, that's just my view; your view may be different. Each of us is different after all, and that's OK. The point here is 'know what you value in a President'.

When you look at the web-sites, you will notice they both have menu items listed across the top. These are similar for the two sites, and are summarized in the table at left. I did a quick look at each item, just to make sure I was listing similar menu names together. The differences in menu names are indicated in the left hand column.

The item I had the most trouble with was the Endorsements section. Neither site pointed to their endorsements by that name, instead choosing to use a menu name that I inferred to be associated with their approach to governance. Romney, as a noted States Rights guy, listed his endorsements by States. Paul, known as a strong Constitutional representative, listed his endorsements by coalition.

I made note of a few items that to me helped to identify the difference between the two candidates.

• Under BIO: Romney is a former governor. Paul is a former representative. The Presidency is an executive branch position.
• Under Issues: Romney lists his top three issues as Jobs, Health Care, and Foreign Policy. Pauls’ top issue is a ‘Plan to Restore America’, followed by a list of twelve issues.
• Under Events: Paul provides his upcoming calendar. I could find nothing similar for Romney.
• Regarding the Constitution: Romney’s discussion of the Constitution is found in his responses on individual issues. Paul offered quotes in his ‘About Paul’ bio. I was left with impression that the Constitution was at the heart of Dr. Pauls core values. Quotes are below.

How do they match against Obama?

One writers views on how these two candidates would stack up in a Presidential battle against President Obama. Since we only have to worry about the two choices given us, only the two relevant links from the series ‘Matchup – View from the Border Fort’ are offered here. If you’re thinking ahead to November 2012, read the rest of the series. Enjoy, the writers style is anything but dry. If you agree with these articles, Romney is the better candidate to face Obama.

Don't worry if you've never heard the term 'waffleitis' before, I just made it up. For sake of clarity though, I'll define it here as 'the fidgeting behavior that occurs just before a change in position on an issue'. Also, if you have never heard the term ‘android politician' before, watch the videos at this article by fellow writer 'Credence2'. Governor Romney's run for office is inspiring folks to a new vocabulary.

On the other hand Dr. Paul's views on upholding the Constitution are recognized by his peers, andare expressed in the'About Paul' link at his web-site.

"Dr. Paul’s consistent voting record prompted one Congressman to comment that “Ron Paul personifies the Founding Fathers’ ideal of the citizen-statesman. He makes it clear that his principles will never be compromised, and they never are.” Another Congresswoman added that “There are few people in public life who, through thick and thin, rain or shine, stick to their principles. Ron Paul is one of those few."

"Dr. Paul never votes for legislation unless the proposed measure is expressly authorized by the Constitution."

All in all, I got a subliminal message from reviewing these web-sites:

• Dr. Paul advertises where he is going and why.
• Governor Romney advertises where he has been.

Given their ages, one would expect that to be the other way around.

One last set of thoughts on this particular primary. Please understand I'm an Independent voter and not a Republican. It seems to me that the Republican Party is acting in an elitist way by deciding through rule manipulations who they will offer as choices to the voters. Elitism, the idea that we know better than you, and will decide what is best for you, is one of the things that many people object to with the direction our government is heading. I would claim that this begins by contriving to limit our choices. If we do not make our own decisions, and do not take responsibility for our own actions, then how do we call ourselves 'free'? Do those in power regard voters as so simple that they can not think for themselves? Or, as in the movie Camelot, are they so separated from normal everyday people that they simply no longer understand?