It's always interesting comparing candidates after a debate. In the past week, I've had the opportunity to watch the current eight GOP candidates (Mitt Romney, Michele Bachmann, Rick Perry, Ron Paul, Herman Cain, Rick Santorum, Jon Huntsman, and Newt Gingrich) go at each other on issues ranging from health care to social security to jobs.
Rather than take on these hot-button issues, I've decided to look at certain general electability factors and compare each of the candidates on attributes like business experience, governance experience, tech awareness, and just how crazy each looks in comparison to the others.
Before I begin, I should tell you that I haven't decided who I'm voting for, or even if I'm voting Democrat or Republican. Just like the rest of America, I'm looking at each of these candidates and hoping one of them stands out as the next, best thing for America, our economy, our jobs, and our future.
So far, well, my opinion on them all, President Obama included, is that we've got a long way to go before anyone stands out from the crowd and distinguishes himself or herself as a clear winner. None of them has yet earned my vote.
Next: Government executive experience »
Government executive experience
There are two forms of governance experience worth measuring. How much experience each candidate has with national issues, and how much experience each has managing a large government organization.
This first measure, government executive experience, is almost always won by governors and former governors. The exception to this is Newt Gingrich, who ran the U.S. House of Representatives, itself quite the executive challenge.
None of the others have any government executive experience at all.
Next: National governance experience »
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National governance experience
National governance experience means that the candidate has had the opportunity to look beyond local issues and has had to deal with issues impacting America as a whole.
Although Mitt Romney hasn't had national governance experience, running a full Presidential campaign definitely exposes one to the issues facing America, so he's on this list -- but at the bottom. The other candidates don't even appear because...they have no national experience at all.
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Business experience
When it comes to the economy and job-production, we need to look to the candidates with solid business experience, people who've created and saved jobs, and have had the personal experience of hiring and firing employees.
All of the others have had some level of business experience, either working for other enterprises or operating their own professional practices. But none show the level of broad experience that would help transform an economy.
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Pomposity
The GOP is in a fight for identity. On the one side are the old-school, establishment Republicans and on the other side are the new, firebrand "I can't take it anymore" Republicans. When it comes to old-school, establishment Republicans, nobody can do pompous better. Of course, pomposity isn't necessarily a good attribute for electability.
There's not a whiff of pompousness in the other four candidates. On the other hand, they definitely show up in our "appears crazy" rating.
Appears crazy
One of the more enjoyable aspects of the new, modern GOP is the level at which some of its members appear fully nuts. This gives pundits and comics an almost infinite source of material. A few of the current eight candidates certainly provide some entertainment.
The other candidates seem to have their own weird ideas, but they're less likely to be off their meds.
Likeability
Likeability is an interesting measure in a Presidential election. Ronald Reagan, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush had it in spades, Lyndon Johnson, Richard Nixon, and George H.W. Bush didn't, and, apparently, neither does President Obama (he was incredibly likeable as a candidate).
Likeability is a factor in winning elections, but it tends to have more of a sway in good economic times than bad. When people are worried about how they're going to pay their bills, they're more willing to elect someone they don't like or identify with, but think can help, than in times when they feel secure.
In this election, likeability is a factor, but it's probably not what's going to make or break any candidate. That said, here's the leaderboard.
Tech savvy
It's been tough gauging technical savvy and policy with the current crop of candidates, because none of them has mentioned tech (with the exception of Romney's mention of smartphones vs. payphones) in any of the recent debates. While there will be a more exhaustive look at each candidates' tech policies in the future, let's see what we can find out.
Electability chance
Electability is an interesting question. First, which of these candidates can appeal to the Republican voters and win the primary race? That's a tougher question than it's been in years past, because there are essentially two Republican parties, the old-guard and the red-meat Tea Party conservatives. It'll be tough for any one candidate to walk the middle safely.
Then, the key question for GOP supporters has to be which of these candidates can defeat Barack Obama? For anyone to stand a chance going against all the power of an incumbent (and still surprisingly popular) President, the GOP candidate has to have enough middle-of-the-road appeal to attract independents and not scare them away.
Then, there's the issue of the wild cards. The first primary hasn't been fought and there's still a chance Sarah Palin, Donald Trump, Mike Huckabee, or some other wild card might join the race. That said, given the current field from the recent debate, here are my ratings, in order, of electability.
Sadly, the others aren't going to make it. Herman Cain has no experience and that's going to weigh against him, especially compared to the front runners. Jon Huntsman makes a lot of sense, but his manner shows it's clear he's in over his head. Rick Santorum has absolutely nothing unique going for him.
Finally, while Newt Gingrich is probably the most qualified candidate for President (and would probably make a good one), there's no chance he'll get elected. The best Newt can hope for is a cabinet post or an ambassadorship.
So, there you go. Another round of election predictions. If I were to call it today, I'd say the GOP slate will be Romney/Bachmann. Stay tuned for ongoing coverage and more crystal ball readings. What do you think? TalkBack below.