Third, Romney has the proven ability to govern across America’s increasingly vast political divide. In a state where Republicans are only slightly more common than dinosaurs, Romney passed a health care bill with the support of a Democratic legislature—not to mention Teddy Kennedy—that serves as a model for other states and the federal government. Indeed, The Heritage Foundation, the most respected conservative think tank in Washington, wholeheartedly endorsed—and worked behind the scenes to help create—Romney’s plan. Why does Heritage like it? Because it does not provide universal health care financed by the government; rather, it keeps private insurance in the loop and only subsidizes people who are too poor to pay all of their insurance premiums—but even then, everyone must pay something. Far from a government hand-out, this plan embodies the innovative, forward thinking that America so desperately needs to respond to an escalating health care crisis.
Fourth, Romney is highly analytical and collaborative. He likes to look at a problem from a lot of different angles and then he asks the all-important question, “How do I build coalitions to get a viable solution passed through a legislature?” By 2008, the American people will demand a president who can think broadly about an issue based on principle, AND who can also build bridges to get things done. I think Romney can do both.
Now let’s turn to the problems surrounding a potential Romney candidacy.
Leadership Experience That Stops at the Water’s Edge
Romney lacks foreign policy experience, something I think will be a key factor in winning the nomination of either party in 2008. As Islamic radicalism continues to fester and China continues its rapid economic ascent, America will need a leader well-versed in the intricacies of global politics to shepherd her through many difficult challenges. One of Romney’s first priorities should be proving to the American people that he is a competent foreign policy thinker.
He’s From Massachusetts…
As the folks in Texas, Florida, Virginia and elsewhere might remember, Massachusetts is that little state tucked up there by New York—not exactly a breeding ground for conservatives. Romney will need to move to diffuse any rumors of Northeastern elitism and peg himself as an insurgent fighting against the liberal status quo in New England.
...And He’s a Mormom
If you’re like me, this doesn’t matter much. In fact, I think it’s actually a plus because it assures me that Romney shares my personal values. But Romney’s religion poses legitimate questions for many Americans, and he will most likely be forced to address the issue throughout his campaign. I asked Romney about the issue and here’s what he said: “Well, if my religious affiliation is the worst thing people can dig up on me, then I’m in pretty good shape.” Continuing, Romney said, “some people in Massachusetts were concerned about this as well, but once people got to know me, they saw I had solid ideas.”
I think the American people will have a similar reaction…once they get to know him.