Of the contending Republican presidential candidates, two individuals stand out as more distinguished and palatable options for voters than the others, according to the majority opinion of this board.
Both Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz. and Mitt Romney, former governor of Massachusetts, demonstrate characteristics of strong leadership within their party and the potential to improve affairs in the United States beyond their current status.
This editorial board strongly endorses Sen. McCain as the Republican presidential candidate in the 2008 election.
Each candidate stands above the other on one type of issue: Romney on his economic initiatives and McCain on his positions regarding foreign policy and immigration.
Lamentably, however, neither candidate seems to have devoted substantial efforts or thought to the issues which distinguish his opponent. This has led the members of this board to the unfortunate compulsion of deciding the worth of each candidate on only his area of strength, and thus, on the board’s value assessments of economic issues versus those of international diplomacy.
McCain’s camp advocates increased cooperation with the European Union and a generally more diplomatic approach to the United States’ involvement in the Middle East. While, consistent with party line, McCain does not support a plan for the U.S.’ withdrawal of troops from Iraq, he has been vocal in his opposition of the treatment of POWs at Guantanamo Bay, an issue on which we agree.
His plans for immigration include a path to citizenship for the 11 to 12 million undocumented immigrants currently living in the U.S., which this board sees as an important component of immigration reform. Romney’s plans include no such path.
Sen. McCain advocates an economic stimulus plan of his own and has been outspoken and consistent against the Bush administration’s tax refund policy over the past few weeks.
While Romney outshines McCain in this area, McCain redeems himself with his plans on the issues of foreign diplomacy in the Middle East, immigration and environmental preservation.
Romney’s plans for the distribution of tax burdens and restrictions on predatory bank laws in the housing sector illuminate his clear dominance on economic issues, especially when compared to the economic stances taken by Republican opponents.
His proposals, especially in the arena of tax reform, would grant substantial relief to people of the lowest annual income bracket in the U.S., and would implement a system of investment for low-income citizens to garner financial security through the development of assets and shares in corporate bodies. This in turn would stimulate revenue and growth within said corporations.
Above all else, however, the board elects to endorse Sen. McCain for social, not economic reasons. Foreign policy should be of the utmost importance to American citizens and leaders, and while McCain’s economic plans are not as strong as Romney’s, his views on the spectrum of issues facing the nation make him a more desirable candidate.