Rick Perry WAY out in Front Amongst Republicans

Rick Perry WAY out in Front Amongst Republicans

A Commentary by J. D. Longstreet

According to the Gallup Poll Perry has taken a huge lead among the Republicans seeking the GOP nomination for President of the US.

In an article entitled “Perry Zooms to Front of Pack for 2012 GOP Nomination” Gallup says the following:  “Shortly after announcing his official candidacy, Texas Gov. Rick Perry has emerged as rank-and-file Republicans' current favorite for their party's 2012 presidential nomination. Twenty-nine percent of Republicans and Republican-leaning independents nationwide say they are most likely to support Perry, with Mitt Romney next, at 17%.” (These results are based on an Aug. 17-21 Gallup poll)

The same article goes on to say:  “Perry is a strong contender among key Republican subgroups. Older Republicans and those living in the South show especially strong support for him, at or near 40%. Conservative Republicans strongly favor Perry over Romney, but liberal and moderate Republicans support the two about equally. Perry's support is also above average among religious Republicans.”

I think there is more to it than just the usual flurry when a new face enters the contest. I think Americans, especially republicans, are yearning for what we consider a “real” man as our leader.

Now – don’t be too quick to snicker. Much of America still loves the “cowboy” image, especially in their leader.  At the moment we are, for all practical purposes, leaderless.  We don’t like would-be leader who “lead from the rear.” 

America is in deep trouble and we are looking for a leader to ride to the rescue astride a great white stallion, packing trusty six-shooters, and waving his white Stetson overhead.  Yeah, it is an iconic figure, for sure.  But, I must admit that even an old dude like me, finds this image compelling.

Contrary to what some are saying about Rick Perry being the second coming of Ronald Reagan, I don’t believe that.  Reagan was one of a kind. It is not likely we will ever see his like again.

However, like Reagan, Perry says he believes in smaller government.  You may recall that in his announcement for his presidential bid he said:  “I’ll work every day to try to make Washington, D.C., as inconsequential in your life as I can.”  I like that and so do millions of other Americans coast to coast.

Also like Reagan, Perry believes government is not the answer. It is the problem.  He has said:   “America is not broken. Washington is broken.”  Americans understand that, and believe that.  We see it every day played out right before our eyes on the news channels.

Does any one remember, “core value?”  Core valises are those things you believe in.  Core values are those things that you attempt to build your very existence around, and those things you will fight to the death to defend.  Core values make you want you are and they make a nation what it is.   When a people lose sight of their core values they are finished.  When a nation loses sight of its core values it, too, is done for. 

Mr. Perry, we are told, shares the core values of conservative Americans who make up the majority of the American population and the electorate.

America is fed up.  It wants a change from the malaise of the Carter Administration brought back by Obama.  Perry promises to do just that. 

We desperately need another “Morning in America.”  Americans are ready.  Get the government off our backs, free up business, and allow Americans to get back to work.

Conservatives have been hesitant about Mitt Romney viewing him only as a last ditch republican to vote for just to attempt to unseat Obama.  Nobody I have spoken with was enthusiastic about Romney.   Many feel he is not that much different from Obama.

But with the differences between Perry and Obama are almost retina searing.  All one has to do is observe the left’s reaction to Perry.  A skunk in an elevator filled with leftists, stuck between floors, could not upset them more. 

Rest assured the left will very soon begin firing volleys of hateful accusations in the direction of Gov. Perry.  It is in keeping with their philosophy of destroying anyone who disagrees with them.

We are assured that Gov. Perry is a “Hard Core” conservative.  Good. I have had about all ever want of “compassionate conservatism” with George W. Bush. 

In my opinion, Independent voters are more likely to support a REAL conservative than a candidate who only “appears” conservative.  Gov. Perry will win the majority of the Independent vote.

Americans are fed-up.  We want a President who actually believes in American Exceptionalism. We like winners.  We LOVE being the winner – and we hate failure.  We are not wired for accepting second best… at anything.

We are sick to death of the current crop of American leaders preaching that America is in decline and that we have to accept that.  No we do not! And we are about to prove it.

It is time for Americans to put their house in order once again. We intend to do that in November of 2012.

J. D. Longstreet