Though there are now 17 bona fide Republicans seeking the 2016 nomination, two of them will be best able to compete effectively against the Democrats. They’ll both compete for the presidency, but there’s a way both can be victorious. America needs experienced leadership — that means a governor, not a Washington fixture. Most Americans realize the federal system needs repair, the national debt is perilously large, the IRS is politicized, the executive doesn’t communicate with legislators due to mistrust, and transparency only appears after exhaustive efforts. A refreshing start is required — and the best ticket for 2016 is Bush-Kasich. Here’s why.
{mosads}Jeb Bush was Florida’s governor from 1999 to 2007. A confident leader, he left his state in solid fiscal health and his policies have been touted as effective and lasting. Since leaving the governorship, he’s achieved private-sector success. Saddled (or blessed) with a last name that is either praised or criticized due to father George H.W. and brother George W.’s respective services as president, Jeb Bush has been sober about having to “earn” the nomination. Impressive in person, he looks questioners in the eye and demonstrates a sincerity that convinces one that he cares about both the questioner and the question. His answers are not pat or obviously rehearsed. He shows humility, a grasp of issues, a modern political approach and a self-describef “joyful” nature, all qualities that make him endearing in person. Happily married to a Hispanic wife, Bush has experienced life: the trauma of helping his struggling child, the agony of political defeat and the joys of fatherhood and political prominence. He’s raised millions, largely because of his name and political reputation, and refreshingly, he’s vowed not to tack to the political right to gain the Republican nomination, only to tack back to the middle to win the presidency. He offers Republicans the best path to victory in 2016, having successfully run an important state, showed fundraising prowess and remained relatable to the Hispanic vote (he speaks Spanish only when at home).
John Kasich was elected Ohio’s governor narrowly in 2010 and overwhelmingly in 2014. A former 18-year Ohio congressman, his prominence as a no-nonsense chairman of the House Budget Committee (from 1995 to 2001) led to a balanced budget and paid down $500 billion in national debt. In the private sector, Kasich achieved post-congressional success with Lehman Brothers and as a Fox News host. Viewed by some as a centrist, and at the very least a leader with practical policies, he hails from an important Electoral College state. He’ll bring common sense and a compassionate heart to the race for president and his political experience is an asset. Forceful in his policy positions and unafraid of political combat, he’s generally a happy warrior, open to new ideas, but reliant on conservative solutions that work for the common good — an approach that has made him popular in Ohio. He’ll deny any vice presidential interest, but for the good of America should accept the No. 2 position, if offered, setting himself up for a bright political future.
Though there are other candidate combinations that would serve America well, a Bush-Kasich ticket would project strength, capability and dignity, qualities America has been lacking in recent years. Americans should encourage the ticket from now through Election Day.
Hillary Clinton will assuredly represent Democrats in 2016. Intelligent, accomplished and driven, she was America’s first lady during her husband’s presidency, a New York U.S. Senator (from 2001 to 2009) and secretary of State (2009 to 2013). She’s either beloved or despised by voters. Her biggest drawbacks are perceived dishonesty and untrustworthiness. Politically calculating, hard-edged and a grudge-holder, she strives futilely to dispel her cold persona. So far, her refusing to answer normal press inquiries affirms her secretive nature; her “ends justify the means” credo has fed public distrust. Though often politically shrewd and extensively traveled as secretary of State, her accomplishments are few. Her role in the Benghazi tragedy remains as unexplained as her decision to keep private emails while a government employee and her relationship with the Clinton Global Initiative. Drama, intrigue and unconventionality surround her; what you see is not what you get. She declares herself poor while commanding $300,000 per speech, obviously attempting to captivate voters attuned to income inequality. Her presidency would leave voters constantly wondering if she’s telling the truth.
The Bush-Kasich ticket can best compete against the Democrats because voters of both parties are ready for integrity and reliability in government. They’re the Republicans who can galvanize America and win the presidency in 2016.
Nethercutt is a former U.S. representative from Washington state, serving from 1995 to 2005.