Is Rick Perry the next president of the United States?

According to this opinion piece on Fox News he is (Fox News? What a surprise!). McCullough says:

#1 - Perry has created more jobs than Obama.

Wrong! I've lived in Texas for over 20 years and I know a little bit about the state. Ask any Texas history or political professor and he'll tell you that the position of governor is one of the weakest positions in the country. There is very little a governor can do in this state. Perry did not and could not single-handedly bring jobs to the state. Granted, he's done more with the position than anyone else, but that doesn't account for the jobs. He's largely been the beneficiary of previous administrations and legislatures that have created conditions that make Texas pro-business and pro-energy. Plus, being a big oil state, whenever oil prices go up, guess what? We make money! Plus, our energy infrastructure (unlike California) was built for growth.

#2 Perry Respects the importance of Small Business.

Can't argue with that too much. He loves attracting businesses by giving away freebies and corporate tax breaks (i.e. corporate welfare). But as I stated before a governor doesn't have very much power and as President, he would have even less. A president CANNOT create jobs!

#3. Perry Understands the Issue of State Sovereignty.

True, Perry likes being governor of the "Lone Star" state so much that he once joked about seceding from the United States. How can Republicans call themselves patriotic and at the same time want to break off from the USA? Makes no sense. I guess that's why people wave rebel flags - because they're "true patriots". But remember, this is exactly what they said about Bush and he changed his tune as soon as he joined the Federal branch. I don't know if Perry will be so willing to give state's more power once he's on the other side of the fence.

#4 Perry Has Core Convictions

He does have core convictions - gun rights, pro-business, lower taxes, etc. - pretty much all the Republican platform core issues. The question is do those translate into national convictions? In other words, as president he must represent the whole country - not just the Right Wing. Can he/will he make the transition? I doubt it. He's too far to the right when the country needs a Centrist to bring together both sides of the aisle (in my opinion).

#5 He appeals to all 3 categories of conservatives.

Can't argue with this one either. He's fiscally and socially conservative. He's for smaller government, gun rights, and appears to be religious. No arguments there. But again, does that translate to the national stage? He may get the conservative seal of approval but there is one big bogey man in the closet - the country already had a former governor from Texas running things for 8 years and things didn't go so well. I'm betting most Americans don't have the stomach for a repeat of the Bush era.

http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2011/06/24/five-rea...

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