George Pataki, the former New York Governor, has thrown his hat into the ring for the Republican nomination, because there’s nothing the GOP field needs more right now than yet another over-50 white dude with questionable conservative credentials whose career peaked more than ten years ago, vying for the nation’s top office.
George Pataki on Thursday officially announced his candidacy for the Republican presidential nomination, adding another long-shot candidate to an increasingly crowded 2016 primary field.
The former New York governor faces steep odds — he’s barely registering in national or state-level polls, he hasn’t been in office for nearly a decade, and his moderate stance on issues such as gun control and the environment make him an afterthought with much of the party’s conservative base. He’ll also struggle to win over establishment Republicans and donors who are drawn to bigger names such as former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie.
I’m not sure anyone liked Pataki when he was actually likable, even Establishment Republicans. He fits the bill in New York, where moderate Republicans are plentiful, but Pataki goes beyond even the traditional moderate mold. He’s deeply involved with Republicans for Choice, and has little recognition as a conservative mainstay in any area except for foreign policy – and then, only because he was governor of New York on 9/11, something his announcement video drives home again and again and again and AGAIN. All the video really needs is that Toby Keith song about putting boots in asses to make it truly the most patriotic thing you’ll see this week, and I’m counting whatever Rick Santorum has planned.
Fortunately, Pataki may just be in it to temporarily raise his status. Which leads me to the obvious question: why am I not running for President? Yes, I’ve not yet achieved that magic age where you can hold the nation’s highest public office, but that’s merely a footnote to my otherwise stellar list of qualifications. I’m a chick, I write things. I like drinking and babies. I enjoy a good BBQ and a better roadside attraction. And I’m looking to raise my profile. By all accounts, I’m more qualified than half the field.
Something to think about, I guess.
