Frist in 2008?
Robert Moran argues in National Review that it could happen -- that is, if Frist goes all-out to push Bush's agenda.
I definitely support many of Bush's policy proposals (i.e., anything that would reduce taxes and/or allow us to manage our own social security) -- and there's no doubt that Frist would benefit politically from being Bush's great facilitator.
But thinking ahead: the likability factor is a bitch. Would Frist even remotely have a shot at beating Hillary in 2008? Or Tennessee governor Phil Bredesen (of whom Glenn Reynolds often reminds us)? I don't have anything against Frist -- but speaking as an outsider to the game of Washington politics (as most Americans are), Frist strikes me as kind of a Dole II. A good guy, but a suit. Stiff. Not the good-natured, likable sort like GWB. The class treasurer, not class president.
If the Republicans are going to win in '08, they're going to need to nominate someone who can be every bit as likable as the president. People love good policy, but nowhere near as much as they love good personality. They like GWB because he seems like someone you might like to have over for a beer or a barbecue in your backyard. People want a president who isn't going to assume he's been elected as their superior; they want a president who understands and respects his fellow citizens.
And I think that's why Americans don't much like the cold, intellectual, stoic lecturing types. Of whom, I'm afraid, Frist is one. Marginally, but still.
If the Republicans could take a more likable character like Rudy Giuliani seriously -- and loosen up on the more socially conservative planks of the platform -- they'd be hard to beat. I have plenty of confidence in the Republicans' economic policies being good for the country, but Hillary's still going to be a tough candidate to defeat. They need someone with the moxie to keep the spark and flame alive in the party -- and I'm afraid Frist just doesn't have it. As Simon Cowell would say, he just doesn't have the X factor. Hillary would smoke him, policy achievements notwithstanding.
Anyway, it really is a long way off and a lot can happen between now and then. But it can't hurt to think ahead.
H/T: Howard Bashman.
Posted by Matt at February 15, 2005 4:33 PM
