I was on the radio the other morning and I brought up the prospect of Gov. Rick Snyder running for president.
Frankly, I just don’t see it. Reports have it that Snyder has some interest in running for president in 2016. And he hasn't done much to discourage such talk.
I say he’s dreaming.
It’s not that he’s not an able governor. But sorry, the nerd thing just doesn’t work for president. He lacks charisma for the job.
Vice President? Maybe. But his wife recently told Lansing political reporter Tim Skubick that he wouldn't be interested in running for vice president.
Snyder is smart. But he’s not politically astute enough to play in the big league. And he's been too weak at times.
For a while it looked as if he might be Bill Milliken-Republican, a moderate who appealed to both parties, someone who wouldn't be held hostage by the Tea Party. But he has caved to ultra-conservative branch of the Republican party at times, hurting his prospects of being a Milliken-like governor.
For one, he signed into law right-to-work legislation after he had expressed opposition, saying it was too divisive. He’s caved on other issues as well.
Plus, he’s just been such a wimp when it comes to same-sex-marriage. You’re for it or against it. It’s not complicated. Not sure about it? Research it. Sit down and think about it. Then take a stand and own up to it.
But in this last election he took the spineless route, saying he would support whatever the courts decide. On the national stage, you get hammered by the media, and your opponents, for taking such wishy-washy stances.
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie might not get the nomination in 2016. The same for Jeb Bush. But when you stack up Snyder against such brand names with strong personalities – particularly Christie – Snyder doesn’t stand a chance.
So while it may be fun to dream, my advice to Snyder is this: Focus your energy on serving the Michigan electorate (or customers as you sometimes refer to them), because you’re wasting your time chasing that presidential dream.
Sorry.
