Dear editor,
I read with much interest editor Susan Lynn’s comments about Nikki Haley.
I watched most of the Republican debate last week, until the moderators lost —or forfeited — control. The next morning I read several reports in metro newspapers that confirmed the opinions at which had I arrived.
Let us look at the candidates:
First, I think the debate showed three of the former governors, if they remain in the race, are bound to be non-factors.
I suspect Asa Hutchinson (Arkansas) and Doug Burgum (North Dakota) are good men (of the WASP variety), who mean well and have talent for governing, though I think their lack of support, financial and among voters, has amply shown a clear view of what lies ahead.
Chris Christie (New Jersey), the self-appointed Donald Trump antagonist, is in the field for that purpose only and knows full well he doesn’t have a ghost of a chance of winning the nomination.
Mike Pence certainly took his handlers’ plea to heart to be aggressive, but still came across short on solid conviction and too quick to talk outside the debate’s rules. When pushed into corners, he was a bit rude, which I thought questioned his character.
Ron DeSantis, for all the time he has spent on the campaign trail — probably to the delight of Floridians — and money he has raised, stumbled often. Also, he is too conservative for many voters. Rewriting history that flies in the face of facts is a sin.
Vivek Ramaswamy was forward to a fault. He has much to learn before he may project a serious challenge for high office, no matter how much money he has at his disposal. I suspect much of his worship of Trump is meant to position himself for the vice presidency. Trump loves those who put him on a pedestal. But, Heaven help us if he is the nominee.
That leaves Tim Scott, a senator from South Carolina of 10 years, and Haley, well-seasoned in the intrigue and ramifications of national politics.
I find both breaths of fresh air.
However, Scott’s time is in the future, when he would be more able through experience and age to cope with the vast and varied duties of being in the Oval Office, or anywhere else on a singular national scale. He has shown repeatedly to be a kind, caring individual who wants to bring factions together and honestly make the United States the true envy of the world.
That leaves Haley.
She is sensible, has seasoned expectations of high office from being a governor and serving as ambassador to the United Nations, and is firm in her belief that when it comes to social, cultural and all other aspects of daily life the nation is one and not divided along ethnic, financial or intellectual lines.
