The Three Candidate
General
On February
16 several major news stations covered Donald Trump’s claims that the RNC has
violated the contract he signed late last year pledging to be loyal to the
party and forego a third party presidential bid. In an election year where
Trump is constantly pulling between 20 and 40 percent of the Republican vote,
we are headed toward an obvious issue.
If Trump
wins the Republican nomination he will face either Bernie Sanders or Hillary
Clinton in a traditional Republican vs. Democratic standoff.
If Trump
doesn’t win the Republican nomination - things get interesting. His recent
broadcasting of the now voided RNC contract is a clear indication that he would
run as a third party candidate. Though Trump has had solid numbers since the
beginning of the race, his supporters are boldly more supportive of him than of
the party. So what happens when the Republican party loses up to 30% of the
party votes? Hello President Clinton/Sanders. Who will be able to garnish
enough votes to overthrow a Democratic President? Not Jeb. Not Rubio. Not even
Cruz. Each of these candidates does well with hard line, far right
conservatives - but none of them appeal to the swing vote. With these
candidates against Trump AND Hillary/Sanders - we lose.
So what’s
the alternative? Enter John Kasich. When Trump begins his third party bid and
exits the Republican scene, we need a candidate who will appeal to republicans
and moderate democrats as well. A candidate with a proven conservative record.
A candidate who is tough on abortion, fiscally conservative, and who has a
proven record of fighting against Obamacare. Kasich stands out as a candidate
who appeals to members of both parties. He is clearly republican in values and
voting record - while also maintaining a common sense approach to dealing with
issues such as immigration and medicaid. Ohio is a prime example of how he
confronts issues like poverty and drug abuse with the end goal of enabling the
non-working class to become contributing members of society while achieving
fiscal and physical health.
Rather than
running from tough issues such as healthcare, he confronts them head on with
practical approaches that produce documented results. Rather than launching
personal attacks on fellow candidates, he confronts them head on with facts and
a positive message. The Republican party needs to be strategic and intelligent
with their selection to represent the party. This election is no longer just
about who has the best personality or who has the most money - it is about who
has the cards to be successful in the General Election.
-Cameron Ventura
