Dick Armey, former Representative (R-TX) and House Majority Leader from 1995-2003, was guest host on CNBC's SquawkBox program this morning. His candor regarding the Presidential nomination races was quite refreshing.
On the Democratic side, Armey called Obama's candidacy "a joke." Noting the junior Illinois Senator's lack of any relevant accomplishments for the office of President of the US, Armey simply dismissed him as unelectable.
Hillary, he felt, actually has plans. Contrary to my own prior comments, Armey distinguished Hillary from her husband, erstwhile Democratic President Bill, in that Armey feels the latter had nothing aside from a simple ambition to be President.
In Armey's opinion, Hillary is different in that she espouses classic liberal Democratic, big-government programs to radically alter US society. In that sense, Armey declared that she is the Democrat's best candidate to represent their views.
On the Republican side, Armey feels that Guiliani will be nominated, and is the party's best candidate. He didn't even bother discussing Huckabee, whom CNBC co-anchor Joe Kernen dismissed as simply a temporary front-runner.
Armey didn't, to my recollection, provide details as to why he expects Guiliani to best Romney, but he did say that facing Hillary would give the former mayor of New York his, and his party's, best chance of retaining the White House.
Realizing how polarizing Hillary is, Armey feels that Giuliani will win the votes of otherwise apathetic Republicans who want to defeat Hillary, no matter which Republican does it.
On reflection, I found myself agreeing with Armey. I regret that this plain-spoken, sensible moderate conservative has left government service. Though active in two non-profit public service organizations, one dealing with national economic issues, and the other with retirement savings solutions for America, watching Armey this morning led me to feel that he is in no way devoid of value to provide for some Republican President's cabinet.
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