The first three GOP presidential contenders are freshman Senators (sound familiar?). In the order of their presidential announcement the contenders are Ted Cruz (Texas), Rand Paul (Kentucky), and Marco Rubio (Florida). All of them, right out of the gate, have set a course to draw a bright line between the Democrat and the Republican field regarding the purpose and role of government; however, within the Republican field, the delivery of each contender’s message and the issues they have chosen to highlight starts the differentiation among them.
What is government’s purpose? Republicans believe the government exists to promote the freedom of self-determination, with the undergirding of public infrastructure which only the whole can provide. For example, national defense is the greatest public good, for no individual alone can provide that level of protection for himself, nor the nation. When a nation is adequately protected, then the individual has the freedom to make individual choices for his own life. Fundamentally, Republicans believe government’s purpose to promote self-determination is accomplished by protecting the homeland (national defense), being fiscally responsible (taxing/spending), and defending civil liberties (more comprehensive than civil rights).
Ted Cruz is Constitution driven. From star Harvard law student, to clerk for Justice Rehnquist and Texas Solicitor General, his expertise in the law is evident and he is superior in this realm. His debate skills are unparalleled and he has garnered the respect of even the most ardent Democrats. Alan Dershowitz comes to mind.
Rand Paul is pursing an economic liberty focus. As a doctor he has experienced first hand how to run a business and make payroll. He’s the only candidate who has made deliberate connections with the Black community and depressed economies (namely, Detroit) to bring a problem-solving plan to the table. p.s. You can even make a campaign contribution via bitcoin!
Marco Rubio is marketing more of an idea than capitalizing on an issue. His “new generation” theme is a direct challenge to the Democrat contender(s). Just as a much younger, inexperienced, and charismatic contender named Barak Obama overcame Clinton’s, “her’s to lose status”…Rubio may prove to be a deja vu, except GOP-style.
What is government’s role? Republicans believe in limiting government. Whether directly articulated or not, it is on that premise people take sides in politics. Each side can make compelling arguments, but fundamentally it is the Constitution on which our Nation was founded and issues should be adjudicated. Read what each Republican contender articulated during their presidential announcement about the government’s role:
“And that the purpose of the Constitution, as Thomas Jefferson put it, is to serve as chains to bind the mischief of government. “–Ted Cruz
“The Constitution restrains government.” –Rand Paul
“…the family, not the government, is the most important institution in our society.” –Marco Rubio
One more thought for the road. Senator Claire McCaskill (D-Missouri) said on ABC’s, “This Week” regarding Hillary Clinton’s presidential bid, “It’s about policy.” Interesting she declared that because Clinton’s campaign website has nary a tab listing her policy positions (https://www.hillaryclinton.com/). Bernie Sanders’ campaign website (https://berniesanders.com/) is still under construction indicating, “BERNIE SANDERS FOR PRESIDENT• COMING 5.26.15” No policy positions there either.
Contrast that void with each of the GOP’s campaign websites which explicitly list and explain their policy positions (http://www.tedcruz.org/record/
http://www.randpaul.com/issues
https://marcorubio.com/category/issues/). If labels and prejudices were set aside and the issues were critiqued using logic/reason, personal responsibility, and the Constitution, oh what a beautiful debate there is to be had!
Specifically, if the Black community were to focus on the platform regarding religious, education, and economic freedom, the Democrat monolithic Black vote be would be severely challenged. For it is the party of Lincoln which still upholds, “…these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights…” All of the GOP campaign kick-offs were covered in prayer and acknowledgement of God, the Creator. Not so with the Democrats.
Cynthia Shaffer
Political Editor & Commentator
ReelUrbanNews.com
Cynthia resides in Northern California.
The views and opinions expressed in the published commentary are independent of ReelUrbanNews.com and Michael Gracey Reel Media.
