We go through this every four years, selecting the president of the United States. In 2012 like elections past there are two primary candidates to choose from. Barack Obama is a Democrat from Chicago and has held the office for the past four years. He is being challenged by Republican Governor Mitt Romney of Boston. Four years ago Obama was wildly popular, earned 53% of the vote, even as he inherited a failing economy from the previous administration. The message then was hope and change. My hope with this paper is to change the minds of Obama supporters convince them to vote for Romney.
First lets look at an issue. The health of our country and the prospects for its future will be determined on our success in creating good jobs for those that want them. The most recent jobs report by the Department of Labor showed an unemployment rate of 7.9%, basically unchanged since Obama has taken office in 2009. Real unemployment which includes underemployment and people not satisfied with their jobs is significantly higher. Even though that report showed a monthly increase of 177,000 jobs, many job seekers remain disillusioned with the slow rate of growth. In this election voters are clamoring for jobs, job security, high wages, better benefits, and are looking to their President to bring that about. Obama has had four years to address this and its not working, regulations are too stringent, small businesses are struggling, and more companies are outsourcing jobs. Romney’s background in business is a pretty good predictor of his future behavior. He has promised that if elected to create 12 million jobs in the next four years. In fact he’ll even reach across the isle to help President Obama obtain a job in the private sector.
The second component which favors Romney over Obama is relevant real world experience. For me the most effective President is a practical one, one who chooses problem solving over party politics and best interests of the country over ideology. Since leaving Harvard Obama’s route to the White House includes time in a law firm, community organizer experience, and a partial term in the United States Senate. Romney’s resume also includes a community organizer component. He presided over arguably the most successful Olympic Winter Games after taking over as CEO at a time when the Games were straddled with scandal, debt, and disorganization. Further he turned deficits into surpluses as the chief executive of a democrat-dominated, Commonwealth in Massachusetts. Finally in a bottom-line business Romney and his partners at Bain Capital built companies, hired employees, and generated profits. Workers receive wages of which they pay taxes which help pay for services the federal government provides in the form of aid to the elderly, much needed nutrition for new borns, infrastructure for communities, and security for our country. Such an ROI would be welcome in the White House.
The third component in comparing candidates is personality. We’ve seen past Presidents throw the football on the White House lawn, mountain bike through the trails of Texas, and even President Obama shoot hoops with college greats. Likability helps voters relate and connect with their candidate. A terrific family, a great smile, and enjoys a burger from Five Guys, Obama has done a masterful job in demonstrating he’s “one of the guys.” Conversely Romney’s personal narrative has come about with little detail and late in the game. While some focus on his privileged upbringing, the son of a former auto executive and governor of the state of Michigan, Romney has also raised a large family, served in his church, and been a friend to many. While I don’t think presidents should be chosen primarily on their personality it does play a role in a day where Americans are obsessed with American Idol, America’s got Talent, and Dancing with the Stars. This is America’s ultimate popularity contest, so for the record Romney’s good looking hair, his love of peanut butter and honey sandwiches, and his skill at navigating the waters of Lake Winnipesaukee may not get him elected President, for now. But it shouldn’t hurt.
To determine the ultimate Survivor on November 6th, Obama supporters will look at whether their candidate delivered on the promise of hope and change. If you recall his record on jobs and look at his professional background, you’ll come to the conclusion its time for a new Presidential personality. Romney is not a lifelong politician, but has a career of turning building, creating, and sustaining a better way of life.
