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AJC endorses...Romney?

I didn't see this one coming:

For Republicans, it's time to be realistic.

And the reality is that the next president could be handed a Congress controlled by Democrats, as George W. Bush was in 2006. That demands a leader with experience in working with the opposition party.
[...]
On a national level, "by expanding and deregulating the private health insurance market, we can decrease costs and ensure that more Americans have access to affordable, portable, quality, private health insurance," he said.

In addition to a pragmatism toward the opposition, another practical concern for Republicans is electability. To win the White House, Republicans need a nominee who can be competitive in states drifting Democratic — Ohio or Colorado, among others.

Romney can. On policy matters, the great differences are between the two parties — not, frankly, the serious contenders in either field.

It is for that reason that purists should recognize that the crucial test is which of these candidates can win in November. In all respects, Romney looks, sounds and acts presidential, projecting competence and the intelligence to deal comfortably with policy nuance and complexity. In a perilous world, whether the peril is terrorism, global competition or a tanking economy, Mitt Romney is the Republican who inspires confidence in his ability to lead.

Posted by Jason on January 27, 2008 01:28 AM |

Comments

In many respects I can agree with the AJC statements. However, it appears likely that they are following the lead of so many in the legislature.

Purists are less 'unhappy' with Romney than with McCain.

Pragmatists would agree that Huck cannot carry the national electorate, and McCain is like electing a moderate Democrat.

Delegate count is a key factor to avoid a brokered convention. The fat lady sings in a a couple weeks.

Posted by: Larry Stanley | January 27, 2008 08:24 AM

While McCain is not my choice, why would conservatives be less unhappy with Romney?

McCain has issue, immigration and McCain Feingold, I give him pass on the tax cut vote, he did support tax cuts with spending cuts.

Lets look at Romney... A FEE is the same as a tax, so he raised taxes as Governor. He was pro-choice now he is pro-life. He was against the Bush Tax cuts now he is for them. Healthcare for all in Mass... but I will not do that for the country. Romney was for Brady Bill now he runs from it. And on and on we go.

At least we know where McCain is... He does not change as the wind blows. I will not be voting for either on election day in Georgia. It looks like Wooten is once again trying to curry favor with elected officials. He liked Thompson when he had the bandwagon, now he likes Mitt.

Posted by: Publius V. | January 27, 2008 08:38 AM

Larry,

I would enjoy a brokered convention. I am currently leaning toward "None of the Above", so a brokered convention becomes my only hope.

Posted by: Joe | January 27, 2008 09:19 AM

Joe, you and I agree.

Publius V, 'happy' or 'less unhappy' are matters of perception. You are correct on all counts.

McCain reminds me somewhat of the days when Zell Miller acquired the nickname "Zig Zag" because he voted conscience rather than party line. Though I cannot say his kind of aisle-crossing is anything that fosters trust.

Multiple-Choice-Mitt, it seems, would be more open to influence from conversative factions. At least he has not sought national acclaim for tweeking the noses of those whose votes he seeks.

Posted by: Larry Stanley | January 27, 2008 09:31 AM

"Though I cannot say his kind of aisle-crossing is anything that fosters trust."

Larry,
This is part of the problem. If you think you have all the answers, you will not listen to anyone else. If you can't cross the aisle to get things done every once in a while, then it becomes about special interests.

I think McCain is exactly the type of Republican we need right now. Everything you complain about McCain is exactly what will help him win the General Election against 'Billary'.

I truly believe McCain is the only Republican that can beat 'Billary'.

Posted by: joe.politico | January 27, 2008 06:49 PM

joe.politico, you may be correct that McCain can combine the voter segments to beat Hildebeast - if she is the nominee.

McCain has crossed the aisle more than once in a while. He teamed up with Dems on global warming, emigration, free speech. He wants to close Gitmo. He opposes a federal marriage amendment. All these are hot buttons for many conservatives.

A strategy to beat Hillary is prudent. But a strategy to connect with the Republican core constituency will take Independent, moderate and cross-over votes away from Obama...

I do not want a Democrat in the White House, especially while they control the Congress. I just believe that McCain has played too close to the fire and has folks thinking they will get burned.

Posted by: Larry Stanley | January 27, 2008 07:57 PM

He opposes a federal marriage amendment.

Good, absolutely unnecessary.

Posted by: Harry Johnson | January 27, 2008 08:56 PM

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