Rabbit, Run

The only candidate in this cycle that I have contributed to is Scott Walker. I like him a lot, because he pisses off public sector unions, and he seems like a decent human being. He's one guy that would shrink the size of government. I want someone who will eliminate entire cabinet positions, like energy and education and housing, for starters.

But I don't know yet if he is Presidential Material. I don't care that he didn't finish college. He comes off as kind of a dork. And that would disqualify him on the basis of my Grand Unifying Theory of How People Pick Presidents And Buy Automobiles.

Virility. Trump has virility to spare, with his interchangeable wives and his yuge construction projects. His buildings are just gigantic representations of his phallus.

Walker has a lot of desirable masculine characteristics. He rides a Harley, and governs effectively. But is he a guy that I would fix my sister up with? I'm not sure that she would be attracted to him. Maybe he should grow a beard.

The immigration debate is an area where the media claims he is equivocating. Last week, he was asked by Kasie Hunt, "We should end birthright citizenship?" Walker replied, "Yeah, to me it's about enforcing the laws in this country." This is being framed by the media as a starting position against anchor babies. I'm not sure that's true. I read his reply as more about the responsibility of a chief executive, to enforce the laws.

This media encounter was followed by an interview with John Harwood, in which Walker said, "I'm not taking a position on it one way or the other. I'm saying that until you secure the border and enforce the laws, any discussion about anything else is really looking past the very things we have to do." There's that phrase again, "enforce the laws." This is being framed as an indecisive position, but it's actually a sign of his consistency on the issue.

Then yesterday, he was asked by Clinton operative George Stephanopoulus, "So you're not seeking to repeal or alter the Fourteenth Amendment?" Walker replied, " No. My point is any discussion that goes beyond securing the border and enforcing the laws are things that should be a red flag to voters." How interesting that in three different interviews Walker mentions "enforce the law" yet the media is spinning this as flip-flopping.

What this is, is further proof that Walker understands the mandate of the executive. He knows how to stay in his lane, how to lead, and how to tell the difference.

This nominating contest is a little like a horse race. Trump is the rabbit, and has the early lead. Trump is setting the pace by starting important conversations. Walker can stay in the race by avoiding mistakes, and allow Trump to tire himself out.

I would like to see Walker take on some wedge issues. When it comes to abortion, never say the words "Planned Parenthood." The name itself is an appeal to emotion. Also, the brand recognition, or what accountants call "goodwill," is still inherent in the name. Just call them an "abortion provider." If anyone asks whether he would support defunding Planned Parenthood, reject the premise of the question.

A politician who says they want to defund Planned Parenthood should be a "red flag to voters." Walker should say that he is concerned whether any laws were broken (executive function). And whenever the opportunity arises, present the ethical dilemma inherent with abortion (moral leadership). Before the laws can change, hearts must.