Following the second Republican debate held June 13th in New Hampshire I was asked by some of my readers who I thought would be on the GOP's ticket in 2012. Without batting an eye, I said Mitt Romney and Michele Bachmann. Frankly, my answer surprised a lot of people but it seems only natural to me, let me explain why.
Let me preface my remarks by saying that I am not sold on Mitt Romney as a candidate, even if he is touted as the front runner. I think he has many weaknesses, such as "Romneycare" in Massachusetts, and his Mormon background will not sit well with the Christian Right. Nonetheless, his business persona and stints as governor and head of the 2002 Winter Olympics in Utah are some pretty impressive credentials as a manager. His stand on the issues will be welcomed by moderates who are still leery of conservative principles as embodied by Bachmann, a Tea Party favorite.
Bachmann on the other hand is an unapologetic conservative who has not only energized the Tea Party but the Republican race as well. Whereas the Main Stream Media tolerates moderates like Romney, they despise conservatives like Bachmann who will undoubtedly be targeted for attack.
A Romney/Bachmann ticket will be viewed by some as an unholy alliance who will keep each other in check. Individually they will be unable to defeat Obama. Together though, there is considerable synergy. Romney desperately needs conservative votes which Bachmann can deliver. Only with Michele on the ticket will conservatives believe Romney is committed to overturning Obamacare and the other socialistic policies of the president. In other words, Bachmann will give Romney conservative credibility. Likewise, Romney will stifle criticisms about Bachmann from moderates. And while the press will be distracted attacking Bachmann, Romney will be free to attack Obama and his programs. Although Romney will be portrayed as a Washington outsider, Bachmann is the insider who can run interference for him.
Together they will be a slick team. Very poised, very confident, and with considerable political moxie. The media will try to draw a comparison between Romney/Bachmann and the 2008 team of McCain/Palin. The difference here was that McCain was viewed as simply too old and Palin was an unknown quantity who, of course, has defined herself since the election. Both Romney and Bachmann are younger, polished, and well known. Frankly, Romney/Bachmann will make a rather formidable tag team, much stronger than the Obama/Biden ticket.
However, can the two work together? Do they even like or respect each other? Frankly, it doesn't matter as they both realize the common goal is to oust the president which, as they both know, is the most important objective. Besides, politics always makes strange bedfellows.
To see if I'm right about the Romney/Bachmann ticket be sure to watch how the two address each other during the campaign, particularly in the remaining GOP debates. Bachmann's star is on the rise, and the only thing that could possibly derail my prediction is if she eclipses Romney. If this happens, there will be pressure to add another conservative as her running mate. Unfortunately, this will not work. Face it, Bachmann needs Romney just as much as Romney needs Bachmann.
Keep the Faith!
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Tim Bryce is a writer and the Managing Director of M. Bryce & Associates (MBA) of Palm Harbor, Florida and has over 30 years of experience in the management consulting field. He can be reached at timb001@phmainstreet.com
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Copyright © 2011 by Tim Bryce. All rights reserved.
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