May 17, 2011
Mike Huckabee announced Saturday night he isn’t running. I can’t say I blame him. He told me last year he didn’t think he’d do it. He’s making money and having fun.
So what now? The rest of the field is not exciting the base, much less the rest of the country. I join Rush Limbaugh in believing President Obama is beatable, but someone has to lead and soon.
Here’s what I suggest: optimism wins over pessimism. Forget opinion surveys and focus groups. Speak your convictions. That’s what people want to hear. Principles overwhelm pragmatism.
Tell people to stop looking to government as a first resource, but rather as a last resort. The greatness of America isn’t in Washington and government; it’s in you and me, look to yourself and do for yourself. We’ll help the truly needy, but not everybody. We can’t afford it. School choice for a better tomorrow, lower taxes and reduced spending so there is more for those who make it. If I were running, that would be my platform.
Cal Thomas is a nationally syndicated columnist based in Washington, D.C.
