Mike Huckabee

The best argument against democracy is a five-minute conversation with the average voter. – Winston Churchill

A friend of mine pointed out that Mike Huckabee, the baptist minister that believes in bible inerrancy, won the Republican primary in Iowa. He suggested it might be good fodder for one of my rants.

Here’s the thing though. You can hardly be surprised. Overtly religious right wing conservatives are as thick as thieves in the system, and 36 per cent of Iowa’s population identify themselves as evangelical Christians. Iowa is not even in the thick of the bible belt.

I also do not think I am alone in having no faith in the US political system at all (not that I consider Canada that much better). I have come to believe in the old adage that anyone smart enough to do the job is smart enough not to want it.

Is it too much to ask that a president is someone exceptional? That seems like it should be a minimum requirement. Should you meet the president at a dinner party you should walk away thinking “Wow, that guy was really something.” Yet so often I am left looking at the winner and thinking “Really? This is the cream of the crop? This is the best the country has to offer?” Frankly, I have more faith in the system for choosing Miss America than I do the President of the United States. At least with Miss America you are bound to be impressed. She’s likely to have a Master’s in Political Science, is an accomplished singer, magna cum laude graduate, a Rhodes Scholar finalist, an engaging orator, and looks great in a swim suit. I say put her in business suit and see if you can get her a democratic nomination.