THE REPUBLICAN REALITY SHOW

I cannot stop watching the republican debates and endless chatter that have defined the primary contest.  It is the best reality show on television. We are served up a daily combination of The Amazing Race and Survivor without the international locales. Each candidate makes alliances, breaks alliances, changes policy positions, twists sound bites and trades ear muffs for summer wear as they race from northern to southern states. No television producer could invent such a scenario.  

Each candidate has had their turn on top, subsequently been attacked by the pack and vetted by the media, has fallen behind and been compelled to shift strategy.  Some are gone due to past indiscretions.  Some are gone because of gaffes that even the tea party found too bitter to drink. Some stay in the race only to attack other candidates.  The themes of lust, revenge, betrayal, rejection, triumph and rebirth from political obsolescence are everywhere.

In the middle of this drama, several elements of substance have become apparent to this observer.  First, the libertarian label does not equal conservative republican.  The former are liberty anarchists and the latter require an element of Dick Cheney neoconservative blood when it comes to defense issues.  Second, the republican definition of job creation is really wealth creation, with jobs as a long shot by-product.  Unfortunately under this approach, as productivity increases, cash is hoarded by businesses, and costs must be lowered to create wealth, jobs are more likely to be lost than gained.

Third, like the game reality shows, being clever and showing endurance are more important than intellect and leadership. Fourth, like game show contestants, the candidates do not like unpredictability.  For example, the super PACs, that act like uncontrollable third party assassins and attack without warning are considered unwanted interference with the best laid plans. 

Lastly, as the republicans cannibalize their own, I find little worth saving from this 2012 “Survivor” stew pot.  Four years ago the democratic primary debate was an honorable discussion over whether this country’s first woman or first candidate of color should be elected president.  Both candidates were moderate on policy positions, yet transformational because of whom they were.  This year we have candidates operating on the ideological fringes who offer little of what voters want or need.  The best hope the republicans can offer is more George W. Bush.  The alternative is worse, much worse.  Remember that reality show winners do not do well in the real world.