Presidential Candidate Rundown

MSNBC.com recently reported their idea of the current Republican rankings. I've included them below along with my views on each of the candidates.

1. Rudy Giuliani - I like the guy but I won't vote for him. As a pure leader, he's head and shoulders above any one else running from either party. He's got a messy personal life that sets a bad example for our children though and he and I are very much at odds on some key issues including abortion and FairTax.

2. Mitt Romney - I have no idea who this guy is. His views are constantly changing. Personally he's probably a really great guy but I don't trust him. He's too much of a politician. One thing I really respected about Rudy was in one of the first debates when he was really drilled on abortion, he was upfront about things that he knew wouldn't be very popular with "the base." I don't see this from Romney.

3. Fred Thompson - I like Fred for the most part. He hasn't been in the spotlight quite as long as the others have so we don't know as much about him yet, though. The thing that concerns me is whether or not he wants it. There's a fine line. Romney wants it too much. He seems willing to compromise his beliefs to get votes. This definitely isn't the case with Thompson. I respect this to a degree. I just hope it's not a lack of passion. I want someone who believes very strongly in the vision and direction that they have for the nation. I'm not sure Thompson has that.

4. John McCain - I respect John. I think he's straight talk on most things most of the time but like most politicians he's got that political streak that rears its head from time to time. I can't stand the whole campaign finance reform, though. I also question if wants it a little too much.

4. Mike Huckabee - If I had to vote for president today I'd vote for Huckabee. He's got a great personality for an elected official. He seems to genuinely respect the office and the issues but at the same time he doesn't take himself too seriously. He and I see eye to eye on most issues. He also seems willing to listen to opposing views. He has strong views of his own but he's willing to listen and discuss other viewpoints. I really like the guy but I fear if he doesn't win big in one of the first couple of primaries that he won't have the cash to stay in the race.

6. Ron Paul - This guy is a character. He's in the race for entertainment value. His views are too libertarian some key issues for my taste. I refer to myself as a republicatarian so I agree with some of his issues. Isolationism isn't a valid option, though.

7. Duncan Hunter - From what little I know about Duncan Hunter, I like him. I don't think he has any chance at all of winning and I question his experience. Historically Governors have a better chance at winning the Presidency than do Congressmen.

8. Tom Tancredo - I like his position on immigration by and large. This guy's a one issue candidate. He'll end up bowing out of the race and lending his support to someone who's willing to back a portion of his immigration view. He doesn't have any real shot of winning, though.