After much conversation with my family and due consideration of the work involved, I have decided not to announce my candidacy for the Republican nomination for President of the United States. I understand this may come as a shock and even a disappointment to many of you. My decision is, however, final. I will use this forum to explain my decision and beg for your understanding.
First, there already is a loud-mouthed, opinionated, know-it-all individual in the race so my candidacy would be redundant. I doubt we need another one. Secondly, we have what is tantamount to half the population of the country already announced, and I don’t like to be in crowds. Third, the effort it will take to fix the mess our country is in will take two lifetimes, and I don’t think I have that much time left. There are of course other reasons, but I think you understand my feelings.
I therefore thought I would take this opportunity to offer considerations of the candidates who have announced and give you some of my opinions.
The Democrats: I don’t trust Hillary Clinton, period. To me she is a political opportunist with empathy for Hillary and no one else. She would be dangerous to this country. Sanders and Warren are joke punch lines. Both are far-left liberal socialists who would be better off in Europe where they could live in the socialist paradise of, say, Greece. If I had to pick a Democrat it would be Jim Webb, former senator from Virginia. Webb is a former military man who comes much closer to what this country needs than any other Democrat currently running.
Now the Republicans: My favorite is Gov. Mike Huckabee. He’s a good man with executive experience. I recognize he is far behind at this time, but you never know what might happen. Number two is Gov. Scott Walker, another with executive experience and a proven record of problem-solving. He also has shown tremendous courage in the face of difficulty. Gov. Rick Perry is next on my list. A daring and effective former governor who is exactly what we need as we face adversaries who need to see our true nature. How about Chris Christie? He would make Putin look like the little puppy dog he is. He would also put Iran in their place and that is not in possession of nuclear weapons. Finally on this list is Sen. Marco Rubio. Rubio is a young, attractive individual who has a real future in our government, but he is very young. I would prefer him as the vice president.
I understand there are many others I have not commented on. They are at the bottom of my list as they are with most others. The exception might be Jeb Bush. I like him, but circumstance, I believe, will be his doom.
The coming election will be one of the most important in our history. Of primary importance is the danger the world faces and the reality we are the only nation with the resources and courage to fix it. We absolutely cannot entrust this country to political hacks or loud-mouthed self-promoters. It’s for that reason, among others, that I say, as did Lyndon Johnson facing almost certain defeat, I will not seek, nor will I accept, the nomination for President of the United States.
I hope all of my supporters will understand and get serious about picking a candidate who can and will beat Hillary and return this country to its greatness.
