1) Mitt Romney will make this election about Barack Obama.
Considering the current state of the economy, Barack Obama has a record that no incumbent would choose to run with. There is a reason that “Generic Republican” does so well in the polls against Obama. Republicans do need to put forward a contrasting vision, but this election should ultimately be a referendum on Obama. That is exactly what a Mitt Romney candidacy would allow. While other candidates have been distracted by side issues, Romney has consistently been able to stick to message. That consistency will be very valuable in the general election.
2) Mitt Romney has a history of turning things around.
With the economy still struggling, joblessness plaguing millions of Americans, and American debt continuously increasing, this country needs a change in direction. Fixing entities that are in trouble happens to be exactly what Mitt Romney has spent much of his life specializing in. As CEO of Bain Capital, Romney oversaw the investment and renovation of several struggling companies. Furthermore, Romney successfully led the effort to save the 2002 Winter Olympics, which had previously been plagued by a bribery scandal and a huge budget deficit. This is exactly the type of turnaround management that America now requires.
3) Mitt Romney knows how to create jobs.
Unemployment continues to remain at unacceptable levels and more people leave the work force on a daily basis. Republicans need a nominee that understands how to create jobs. Mitt Romney has a proven record of job creation. People can argue about exact numbers, but there is no argument that Romney is the only candidate remaining that has contributed to significant job creation in both the private and public sector.
4) Mitt Romney has executive experience.
The presidency is a unique role that can only be compared to the executive position at the state level. Mitt Romney is the only remaining Republican candidate that has executive experience. As Governor of Massachusetts, Romney had to perform executive duties similar to those that will be required of a president. These duties include submitting a budget, appointing judges and selecting a competent cabinet. Considering how complex our government has become and the example Obama has set for what happens with an inexperienced president, executive experience is an important trait for the nominee.
5) Mitt Romney will be on a short leash as president.
While the other candidates are being billed as the conservative alternatives to Romney, Romney will require a full coalition of Republican voters to win. This means that other candidates will be free to govern as they please once elected assuming they have a mandate from conservatives, while Romney will understand that conservatives will oppose and fight him when he strays. As Jonah Goldberg eloquently explained, “it is better to have a president who owes you than to have one who claims to own you”. Mitt Romney will owe conservatives if he is elected, and that is a debt he will have to pay to be a successful president.
About Allen Ginzburg
