Picking a Candidate

Voters should be comparing how each candidate’s positions on issues line up with their own positions on issues. 

I believe our economic problems stem from the federal government’s 100 year drift into non-compliance with the US Constitution (as written). I think we need a President who would close all unconstitutional federal departments, agencies and programs. So, the candidates with legislative records I would support are limited to those who vote NO on unconstitutional bills.  That would be Rand Paul and Ted Cruz, with very high scores on the Conservative Review website.

The other candidates whose primary experience is as a governor of a state, need to pledge a return to the US Constitution with some evidence to back that up. I see this in Bobby Jindal. For those with no political experience, I see adherence to the US Constitution in Ben Carson.

The debates should include a raise of hands of candidates who would close unconstitutional federal departments, agencies and programs and send these functions to the “States and the People”.

Streamlining the Process

In the first debate on 8/6/15, most candidates struggled to recite the “talking points” they use to present their credentials. 

All candidates should have their complete resumes, their relevant “accomplishments” and their position on all important issues on their websites. But because voters don’t typically read each website, well-publicized TV venues should allow all candidates to “tell their stories” before the debates even begin. Then the questions should be about their positions and previous actions.

The Real Issues

Sovereign debt, money printing, campaign finance, job-killing excessive immigration and economy-killing regulations all need to be reversed to save the economy. Threats to real US defense through excessive government debt, “refugee” resettlement, Muslim immigration, open borders and Obama’s policies are real threats. Threats to US sovereignty from the UN, TPP, campaign finance, excessive federal spending and Congressional dysfunction are real. Each candidate should be questioned extensively on these issues.

Donald Trump is addressing the real issues and gets the credit for bringing immigration to the debate, because excessive immigration steals jobs that should go to US citizens. Excessive immigration is the major cause of real US unemployment at 38% nonparticipation. Senator Jeff Sessions has been the lone voice opposing excessive immigration. All candidates need to address immigration thoroughly in all its forms.

The US government is insolvent, with a national debt approaching $20 trillion and unfunded liabilities of $124 trillion. Federal spending needs to be reduced and job-killing policies need to be reversed.

Federal Reserve policy of increasing the money supply by 450% and charging zero interest has created a stock market bubble that will burst soon.  Candidates need to address this.

The EPA is pushing to reduce carbon and make our electric bills “skyrocket”.  Candidates need to address this.

Secondary Issues

The “Fair Tax” has its problems and looks like a “kick the can” tactic.

NSA surveillance vs. the 4^th Amendment deserves its own debate, but warrants are necessary and errors are unacceptable.

We now know that every GOP candidate is pro-life. That’s not a big surprise, but it’s secondary to saving our economy. That clarification will only reinforce support for Democrats by one-issue Democrat voters. The Planned Parenthood scandal is a break for pro-life.

Tactics

GOP candidates should not attack each other during the debates. But general election issues are relevant to see how candidates would attack the Democrat candidate. The Iran deal is bad and is a general election issue.

Non-Issues

Voters cannot base their votes on likeability or one issue positions. The current process isn’t tight enough to avoid electing another Obama. It isn’t safe to just elect the best talker.  

Megyn Kelly’s gotcha question to Trump is dirty politics. These questions are irrelevant and unhelpful. The media needs to loosen their grip on political correctness and focus on real threats to our national survival. The argument that gotcha questions are legitimate is debatable.

Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader