The American Spectator : The Spectacle Blog : Now That He's Gone...

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Now that Mitch Daniels has announced that he will not seek the presidency (and enough time has passed to digest that news), I'll say that it would have been better for the GOP if he had. His decision to place his family's needs over his political ambitions, ironically, was the final proof that he was a candidate worth having.

That said, there are 6.5 million people in Indiana, and Daniels can do a lot to improve government for them as an undistracted governor over the next two years. And when January of 2013 rolls around, he will be looking for something else to do. A Republican (or Democratic) president should consider him for a cabinet position -- Treasury secretary? Daniels has by no means ruled out that possibility -- he told the AP that he expects "to find some way to be useful."

Lastly, Daniels mentioned that one reason he didn't run is because he has "three daughters just early in their married lives. Think about the disruption of that that it would have meant." Paul Ryan has also cited his children under the age of 10 as the reason he's not running for president. Apparently the ideal age for children of strong Republican candidates is between 10 and 20, no older or younger.

View all comments (5) | Leave a comment

jo blo| 6.1.11 @ 8:11PM

I'm not sure that his decision to not run based on family concerns is an indication that he would have been a good candidate.

The problem with our 'leaders' is that they don't put country first. Period. Remember that 'we mutually pledge our Lives, our Fortunes and our Sacred Honor' line? That means EVERYTHING. And if we read the history of those men, many did lose EVERYTHING, even their families. THAT'S the level of commitment that is required right now, and that's the level of commitment that no one running has.

James| 6.2.11 @ 3:25PM

Let's see you step up to the plate then. The aholes in our own party just stand by and watch as Palin and her family are persecuted by the left. How would you like this treatment?

We're weak and balless. We only have ourselves to blame.

Michael L. Hauschild| 6.1.11 @ 8:11PM

Or the ideal weight of children must be between 180 and 325. On that note, did you see where Huckabee is "rethinking" and admits that the possibility exists that conditions could allow for him to reenter the race.
The notoriety is as addictive as heroine.

Wayne | 6.1.11 @ 10:20PM

I have found that when someone doesn't want to do something it is very convenient to use the children as an excuse.

Mimi| 6.2.11 @ 7:52AM

Paul Ryan's children would love to romp on the Whitehouse lawn....And ....WE would love to have them there....Why would he want to cheat us out of WATCHING them grow-up ! Think of the JOY we would have!!!