Best Column

Why Mitch Daniels should run for president

The Indiana governor is the cream of the GOP crop, says David Brooks in The New York Times. But will he run?

Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels (R) is the Republicans' best hope to beat President Obama in 2012, says David Brooks in The New York Times. The Indiana governor (and former budget director for George W. Bush) has shown himself to be just the kind of "serious, competent manager" this country needs. Daniels understands that America's enormous debt is the "central moral challenge of our time." He realizes that the GOP must appeal to more moderate voters, even if that means rankling hardcore conservatives in the process. The only problem, Brooks says, is that because Daniels is "a normal person" who lacks "an insatiable desire for higher office, he's thinking about not running." Here, an excerpt:

The historic moment calls for someone who can restrain debt while still helping government efficiently perform its duties. Daniels has spent his whole career preparing for this kind of moment, and still he's thinking about not running. ... 

He couldn't match Obama in grace and elegance, but he could on substance. They could have a great and clarifying debate: What exactly are the paramount problems facing the country? What is government's role in solving them?

I hope Daniels gives us a chance to be part of that.

Read the entire article at The New York Times.

Recommended

Jamie Dimon 2024?
Jamie Dimon on Capitol Hill
Profile

Jamie Dimon 2024?

Chuck Todd to be replaced by Kristen Welker on NBC's 'Meet the Press'
'Meet the Press' anchor Chuck Todd.
Out with the old, in with the new

Chuck Todd to be replaced by Kristen Welker on NBC's 'Meet the Press'

Grand jury in Trump documents case to reportedly meet this week
Former President Donald Trump.
Baring Down on Donald

Grand jury in Trump documents case to reportedly meet this week

Can Chris Christie make a comeback?
A black and white photo of Chris Christie waving
Profile

Can Chris Christie make a comeback?

Most Popular

Is Trump's wall working?
International Border Wall Between Tecate California and Tecate Mexico.
Briefing

Is Trump's wall working?

Can Chris Christie make a comeback?
A black and white photo of Chris Christie waving
Profile

Can Chris Christie make a comeback?

YouTube to stop deleting false claims about 2020 election
The YouTube logo seen in London in 2019.
Reversing Course

YouTube to stop deleting false claims about 2020 election