Where's the New RNC?

If a conservative in America needs to become even more depressed, one need only look at the recent CPAC confab in Washington. They gathered to commiserate and strategize. They even had the fire-em-up address by Rush to raise the blood lust and regenerate the fighting spirit.

But, then they took a straw poll. Admittedly such an exercise is meaningless at this point, but it highlights a failure to learn from experience. There has long been a tendency to employ a "wait your turn" philosophy when seeking presidential contenders. That gave us Bob Dole's disasterous attempt against Bill Clinton's second term. It was his turn, but he was way over the hill as far as voters were concerned. He had exceeded his "best if served by" date.

Last go-around the primary voters rejected the favorites. Rudy never got out of the gate. Thompson fell flat for lack of enthusiasm--either his or the voters. Romney got discarded as a religious cultist, not viable for the far right of the party. And, before we knew it we had McCain. It was his turn.

Against the Obama whirlwind of youthful appeal, John fell flat. He got a boost of freshness when Sarah Palin came on board, but then she got muzzled and managed into inanity. Within ten days she was a caricature of what she really is. The left labeled her as shallow and inexperienced and it stuck. We couldn't nail the headliner of the opposition with the same charges although they were much more applicable on that side of the aisle.

So, CPAC took a straw poll for 2012. The winner? Mitt Romney! How loud can I say, NO!!!!???? He didn't work this time, he won't work next time. Even if he is qualified in spades.

The RNC needs to cultivate and nurture its rather significant crop of youthful rising young stars. Palin has time to be recreated and polished. Sanford, Perry, Crist, Palenty and Jindal are all potential powerhouses. Let them be noticed, but most importantly, let them be themselves.

Jindal got the chance to shine last week doing the rebuttal to the President's address to Congress. All the reviews are in and he booted it. Here's an excellent perspective:

Better Served Fresh

Can't we learn from the Palin fiasco? Jindal is a remarkable talent. He got where he is on his skills, intellect and capability. Let him show that to the people. Don't micro-manage and stifle that.

Will he be on the ticket in 2012? I can't predict. But let's stop looking back and start to look at the future. There is incredible talent and freshness in our shopping cart. We don't need to cook the vegetables until all the flavor and vitamins are out of them and they turn gray. Let's apply a light hand and an open mind to show what is there.