Don't Miss the Right Candidate

In our search for a presidential candidate we often get so fixated on finding the 'perfect' candidate that we miss the right candidate. As each election cycle rolls on, we scrutinize, question and judge EVERYTHING these people say. Don't get me wrong, we absolutely should do that. They are running for the most important job in the world and so they deserve to be vetted in full. However, it is critical to understand that this is a process. Each presidential cycle, candidates announce their campaigns and try to make a splashy entrance into the race. They give a big speech with all of their supporters surrounding them, typically in one of their strongest geographical areas of support. That's when the process starts. Sure lots of things happen before the official entrance but there is always the caveat of this person 'might' run. The moment they step foot on the stage and say the magic phrase “I'm running for president of the United States” it begins. Everything these individuals say from that point forward is analyzed, dissected and talked about to the point of nausea in the media. They get judged for what they say, how they dress, how they do their hair and even what they eat. “So and so candidate ate a cheeseburger, are they healthy enough to lead our country?” Alternatively, “so and so candidate ate a plain salad today, are they relaxed enough to connect with the average voter?” They can't win no matter what they do and that's the point. Especially on our side of the political spectrum. It's no secret the mainstream media is in the tank for the Democrat party. We as republican primary voters must accept this and move on knowing that isn't going to change. So how do we handle that? Start by understanding that everything said about a candidate in the context of an election has a purpose behind it. Whether that purpose be to persuade you they are awesome, convince you they are not suitable for the job or just casual observations by someone apathetic to the eventual outcome. It is up to us the listener to discern the motives behind what is being said. A best practice for this, consider the source. Having said that, it is important to remember that no one is perfect. This should go without saying but unfortunately it cannot. In our age of digital media and 24 hour news pushed to our cell phones we are inundated with information. We get the good, the bad and the ugly and it can be a challenge not to allow that information sway your own opinions with the each passing day. It will drive you nuts, trust me. We must learn to filter out what is important and what is not. Do you want to vote for someone you agree with 99% of the time but has no chance of winning? Or would you rather vote for the person who is actually on the ballot that you agree with on 80% of the issues? The choice should be an obvious one, unfortunately we allow ourselves to be persuaded with the daily stumbles or slight shortcomings. Do your homework on the candidates, find out what they stand for and then allow the process to unfold. Some will do some great things and every one of them will undoubtedly do something stupid at least once. The point is, how do they handle the successes and the failures? How do they carry themselves MOST of the time. How did they vote or make decisions in MOST cases. What is their vision for tomorrow or do they focus on the yesterday's? The right candidate for me is the one that can articulate an inspiring vision for tomorrow. Someone who will promise me that America's better days are ahead of her. Then, I will look at their record and decide if that gels with what they are saying. I will then look for consistency in that message. Do they waver in their resolve? Do they hold their ground when questioned? It is okay if they make a mistake here and there. What matters to me is what they are trying to be and if I think they are smart enough and talented enough to make that happen. Don't miss the right person for the job because they aren't perfect. If you look for perfection, you will be find a perfect outcome, disappointment.

#RonnieR