Rick Perry WAY out in Front Amongst Republicans

Rick Perry WAY out in Front Amongst Republicans

A Commentary by J. D. Longstreet

According to the Gallup Poll Perry has taken a huge lead among the Republicans seeking the GOP nomination for President of the US.

In an article entitled “Perry Zooms to Front of Pack for 2012 GOP Nomination” Gallup says the following:  “Shortly after announcing his official candidacy, Texas Gov. Rick Perry has emerged as rank-and-file Republicans' current favorite for their party's 2012 presidential nomination. Twenty-nine percent of Republicans and Republican-leaning independents nationwide say they are most likely to support Perry, with Mitt Romney next, at 17%.” (These results are based on an Aug. 17-21 Gallup poll)

The same article goes on to say:  “Perry is a strong contender among key Republican subgroups. Older Republicans and those living in the South show especially strong support for him, at or near 40%. Conservative Republicans strongly favor Perry over Romney, but liberal and moderate Republicans support the two about equally. Perry's support is also above average among religious Republicans.”

I think there is more to it than just the usual flurry when a new face enters the contest. I think Americans, especially republicans, are yearning for what we consider a “real” man as our leader.

Now – don’t be too quick to snicker. Much of America still loves the “cowboy” image, especially in their leader.  At the moment we are, for all practical purposes, leaderless.  We don’t like would-be leader who “lead from the rear.” 

America is in deep trouble and we are looking for a leader to ride to the rescue astride a great white stallion, packing trusty six-shooters, and waving his white Stetson overhead.  Yeah, it is an iconic figure, for sure.  But, I must admit that even an old dude like me, finds this image compelling.

Contrary to what some are saying about Rick Perry being the second coming of Ronald Reagan, I don’t believe that.  Reagan was one of a kind. It is not likely we will ever see his like again.

However, like Reagan, Perry says he believes in smaller government.  You may recall that in his announcement for his presidential bid he said:  “I’ll work every day to try to make Washington, D.C., as inconsequential in your life as I can.”  I like that and so do millions of other Americans coast to coast.

Also like Reagan, Perry believes government is not the answer. It is the problem.  He has said:   “America is not broken. Washington is broken.”  Americans understand that, and believe that.  We see it every day played out right before our eyes on the news channels.