Ron Paul, 76 years old.

Background:

"Congressman Ron Paul of Texas enjoys a national reputation as the premier advocate for liberty in politics today. Dr. Paul is the leading spokesman in Washington for limited constitutional government, low taxes, free markets, and a return to sound monetary policies based on commodity-backed currency. He is known among both his colleagues in Congress and his constituents for his consistent voting record in the House of Representatives: Dr. Paul never votes for legislation unless the proposed measure is expressly authorized by the Constitution. In the words of former Treasury Secretary William Simon, Dr. Paul is the “one exception to the Gang of 535″ on Capitol Hill. Ron Paul was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He graduated from Gettysburg College and the Duke University School of Medicine, before proudly serving as a flight surgeon in the U.S. Air Force during the 1960s. He and his wife Carol moved to Texas in 1968, where he began his medical practice in Brazoria County. As a specialist in obstetrics/gynecology, Dr. Paul has delivered more than 4,000 babies! He and Carol, who reside in Lake Jackson, Texas, are the proud parents of five children and have eighteen grandchildren. While serving in Congress during the late 1970s and early 1980s, Dr. Paul’s limited-government ideals were not popular in Washington. He served on the House Banking committee, where he was a strong advocate for sound monetary policy and an outspoken critic of the Federal Reserve’s inflationary measures. He also was a key member of the Gold Commission, advocating a return to a gold standard for our currency. He was an unwavering advocate of pro-life and pro-family values. Dr. Paul consistently voted to lower or abolish federal taxes, spending, and regulation, and used his House seat to actively promote the return of government to its proper constitutional levels. In 1984, he voluntarily relinquished his House seat and returned to his medical practice. Dr. Paul returned to Congress in 1997 to represent the 14th Congressional district of Texas. He serves on the House Financial Services Committee and the Foreign Affairs Committee. On the Financial Services Committee, Rep. Paul serves as the chairman of the Subcommittee on Domestic Monetary Policy and Technology. He continues to advocate a dramatic reduction in the size of the federal government and a return to constitutional principles. Dr. Paul is the author of several books, including The Revolution: A Manifesto, End the Fed, Liberty Defined, Challenge to Liberty; The Case for Gold; and A Republic, If You Can Keep It. He has been a distinguished counselor to the Ludwig von Mises Institute, and is widely quoted by scholars and writers in the fields of monetary policy, banking, and political economy. He has received many awards and honors during his career in Congress, from organizations such as the National Taxpayers Union, Citizens Against Government Waste, the Council for a Competitive Economy, and countless others. Dr. Paul’s consistent voting record prompted one Congressman to comment that “Ron Paul personifies the Founding Fathers’ ideal of the citizen-statesman. He makes it clear that his principles will never be compromised, and they never are.” Another Congresswoman added that “There are few people in public life who, through thick and thin, rain or shine, stick to their principles. Ron Paul is one of those few.” "("About  Ron Paul | Ron Paul 2012 Presidential Campaign Committee.").

("Fox's The Five Show Trashes Ron Paul - YouTube.")

I live in Vermont and recently Hurricane Irene damaged so much of our state. I agree with Ron Paul's position on FEMA. During work I heard many complaints about the restrictions and regulation's FEMA puts on the people in need. Yes it is good because not many were prepared to repair the damage financially but in my opinion and others it's a bureaucracy.

(Views, CNNby TheLiberalPacifist3,568.).

("Ron Paul Highlights at Fox News/ Google Debate - YouTube.").

I agree completely with Paul, he says his opinions bluntly and I believe he is good leader because he shares the same opinions as a majority of the citizens. He is not stating new facts because society has been continuously like this and he is just presenting the harsh reality. If I was a politician I would be saying the same things. The reason we are in debt is because we need to stop wasting money on issues that cannot be resolved and bring our money back to our country. We are suffering here in the United States but instead we help other countries. I believe the saying you must take care of yourself before you can help others applies directly to his opinion and the flaws in our society.

Gary Johnson 58 years old.

Back ground:
"Johnson, who has been referred to as the ‘most fiscally conservative Governor’ in the country, was the Republican Governor of New Mexico from 1994-2003. Governor Johnson brings a distinctly business-like mentality to governing, believing that decisions should be made based on cost-benefit analysis rather than strict ideology.
An avid skier, adventurer, and bicyclist, he has currently reached four of the highest peaks on all seven continents, including Mt. Everest. Governor Johnson, who has been referred to as the ‘most fiscally conservative Governor’ in the country, was the Republican Governor of New Mexico from 1994-2003. A successful businessman before running for office in 1994, Gov. Johnson started a door-to-door handyman business to help pay his way through college. Twenty years later, he had grown the firm into one of the largest construction companies in New Mexico with over 1,000 employees. Not surprisingly, Governor Johnson brings a distinctly business-like mentality to governing, believing that decisions should be made based on cost-benefit analysis rather than strict ideology.
Johnson is best known for his veto record, which includes over 750 vetoes during his time in office, more than all other governors combined and his use of the veto pen has since earned him the nickname “Governor Veto.” He cut taxes 14 times while never raising them when he left office, New Mexico was one of only four states in the country with a balanced budget. Term-limited, Johnson retired from public office in 2003. An avid skier, adventurer, and bicyclist, he has currently reached four of the highest peaks on all seven continents, including Mt. Everest. In 2009, after becoming increasingly concerned with the country’s out-of-control national debt and precarious financial situation, the Governor formed the OUR America Initiative, a 501c(4) non-profit that promotes fiscal responsibility, civil liberties, and rational public policy. He traveled to more than 30 states and spoke to over 150 conservative and libertarian groups during his time as Honorary Chairman. He has two grown children- a daughter Seah and a son Erik and currently resides in a house he built himself in Taos, New Mexico.Scaled the highest peaks of 4 continents, including Everest. Competed in the Bataan Memorial Death March, a 25 mile desert run in combat boots wearing a 35 pound backpack. Iron man Triathlon Championship, several times. Mountain biked the eight day Adidas Trans Alps Challenge in Europe." ("About Gary Johnson.").

("Former Gov. Gary Johnson: Phony Capitalism, The System Is Up for Sale 1/2 - YouTube." )

("Gov. Gary Johnson: Cut Spending by 43% - and Cut Social Issues from GOP Agenda - YouTube." ).

I don't agree with his fair tax plan simply our cost of living cannot increase because of the effect  the economy has already had on citizens financials. I also think he has the right idea about the endless drug war, but because of the seriousness of this subject he should not be so impulsive. I don't think he is the worst canidate, but I don't think his plan well work for our situation compared to other politicians experience and ideas. Also because he is not as publicized as much as others in debates it's difficult to get a idea of who he is as a politician.

Jon Huntsman 51 years old.

Back ground:

"Jon Huntsman Jr., at 51 years of age, has lived a varied and remarkable life in business and public service.
As governor of one of the most conservative states in the country, Jon built a strong executive record by cutting taxes, reducing waste and growing Utah's economy. Thanks to the free-market policies implemented by Gov. Huntsman, Utah weathered the economic storm and grew jobs while the rest of the country saw substantial job loss. Jon also has extensive foreign policy experience -- a passion that was sparked at a young age. When he was 19, Jon embarked on a two-year mission trip to Taiwan, where he learned to speak Mandarin Chinese and Taiwanese Hokkein. He was later named U.S. Ambassador to Singapore, becoming the youngest head of an American diplomatic mission in a century. As U.S. Trade Ambassador under President George W. Bush, Jon helped negotiate dozens of free trade agreements with Asian and African nations.His commitment to service rises above partisan politics. Asked by President Obama in 2009 to serve his country once again, Jon was unanimously confirmed by the U.S. Senate as ambassador to China. He turned heads by shunning motorcades, preferring instead to ride his bicycle and interact with the Chinese people. As ambassador, he worked closely with American business owners to facilitate commerce in the growing Asian market, bringing jobs and capital back to America. Jon occasionally butted heads with the Chinese government as he stridently advocated for the release of American citizens wrongfully imprisoned.
In the private sector, Jon is a successful businessman with hands-on job creation experience. He served as an executive in his family's business, which built hundreds of products and employed thousands of people. Using his international experience and language skills, Jon has helped the company compete and expand globally.Shortly after becoming governor in 2004, Jon began implementing his 10-point plan for jump starting Utah's economy -- including historic tax reform. He simplified the tax structure and cut taxes by more than $400 million -- the largest tax cut in the state's history. He maintained his fiscal responsibility even in the midst of the national economic recession. Rather than raise taxes or use accounting gimmicks, Jon cut waste and made government more efficient. As a result, Utah held its AAA bond rating and earned national accolades for debt management. Under his leadership, Utah ranked number one in the nation in the job creation and was named the best-managed state by the Pew Center. In 2008, Jon spearheaded and passed comprehensive, market-based health care reform. While other states relied on government control and individual mandates, Jon delivered reforms that give consumers freedom to choose and negotiate their own coverage in a competitive marketplace. He also signed landmark legislation to protect the sanctity of unborn life and defend the Second Amendment.When he is not working or spending time with his family, Jon enjoys riding his Harley and considers himself a street food connoisseur, frequenting taco stands. He is also an avid motocross racer, which has been a passion his entire life. Jon Huntsman, Jr. is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania. He and his wife Mary Kaye have seven children, including two adopted girls from China and India." ("Jon Huntsman’s Record: Governor, Ambassador, Entrepreneur | Huntsman 2012").

("Jon Huntsman on ABC's "Top Line" - YouTube." )

I agree with his position on all the topics he brings up. This is a politician with outstanding credentials and is devoted to our country and the people. I can say this because in my research I did not find any negative information. He has done well to protect his public image and he does not feed into the pointless drama in politics instead hes focused on a plan to save our country and help the citizens by listening to our opinions.

("Jon Huntsman: I Want America To Save America! - YouTube.")

This is one of my favorite debates, all I can say is I agree with Huntsman. The war in Iraq is a big issue and I believe the government is keeping us at war so they have control because of the constant state of fear. Huntsman shares my position on foreign involvement, because hes an ambassador I trust his knowledge with foreign involvement. I think he shares the same opinions as many Americans and I would be honored to have him represent United States in foreign affairs especially. Rick Santorum in my opinion is a example of a politician that is willing to sacrifice our democracy for a war that is completely unnecessary.

Newt Gingrich, 68 years old.

                                            

                          ("Meet Newt | Newt Gingrich 2012.").

Back ground:
"Newt Gingrich is the architect of the “Contract with America” that led the Republican Party to victory in 1994 by capturing the majority in the U.S. House for the first time in forty years.Under Newt’s leadership, Congress passed the first balanced budget in a generation, leading to the repayment of over $400 billion in debt.  Congress also cut taxes for the first time in sixteen years and reformed welfare, leading to over sixty percent of welfare recipients either getting a job or going to school.  In addition, the Congress restored funding to strengthen our defense and intelligence capabilities, an action later lauded by the bipartisan 9/11 Commission.Born in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Newt's experiences as the son of a career soldier convinced him at an early age to dedicate his life to his country and to the protection of freedom. Realizing the importance of understanding the past in order to protect the future, he immersed himself in the study of history, receiving his Bachelor’s degree from Emory University and Master’s and Doctorate in Modern European History from Tulane University. Before his election to Congress in 1978, Newt taught History and Environmental Studies at West Georgia College for eight years. He represented Georgia in Congress for twenty years, including four years as Speaker of the House.Newt served on the Defense Policy Board under President George W. Bush, which provided strategic counsel to the Pentagon and Secretary of Defense on how to better address threats facing the United States.  He is also the longest-serving teacher of the Joint War Fighting course for Major Generals at Air University and taught officers from all five services as an honorary Distinguished Visiting Scholar and Professor at the National Defense University.  In 1999, Gingrich was appointed to the United States Commission on National Security/21st Century, the Hart/Rudman Commission to examine our national security challenges as far out as 2025. The Commission's report is the most profound rethinking of defense strategy since 1947.In 2003, Newt founded the Center for Health Transformation to develop free market health care reforms to foster a 21^st Century System of health and health care that is centered on the individual, prevention focused, knowledge intense and innovation rich.  Newt also served as the Co-Chairman of the National Commission for Quality Long-term Care and the independent congressional Alzheimer’s Disease Study Group.Newt and his wife, Callista, host and produce award-winning documentary films, including A City Upon a Hill, Nine Days that Changed the World, Ronald Reagan: Rendezvous with Destiny, and Rediscovering God in America. Together, Newt and Callista also author photo books and record audio books.Newt is the author of twenty-three books, including thirteen New York Times bestsellers.The Gingrich's reside in McLean, Virginia. Their family includes two daughters and two grandchildren." ("Meet Newt | Newt Gingrich 2012.").

(Views, CNN by TheLiberalPacifist3,568).

This debate between Ron Paul and Newt Gingrich lead to me to believe that Gingrich would be willing to sacrifice the democracy that the United States stands for easily. I can relate to someone that would have a gut reaction to do anything to protect the country, but a responsible president would need to think about all aspects of decisions instead of acting impulsively.

("Ron Paul SLAMS Newt Gingrich! - YouTube." )

This video has a bias against Newt Gingrich, but some facts seem credible because of the structure and support in the video. I am not in favor of this canidate because hes is always changing positions on issues that I cannot figure out what he really stands for. I see potential for him being and extremist for power. Gingrich has many credentials, but if he was lobbying then that is a credible reason of how he obtained them. Based on my reasearch I think he is another congress man that is money and power hungrey that doesnt have the best intrest of the United States in mind.

Michele Bachmann, 55 years old.

Background:

“Elected in 2006, Michele is the first Republican woman to be elected to the U.S. House of Representatives from Minnesota. Prior to serving in the U.S. Congress, Michele was elected to the Minnesota State Senate in 2000. Michele sits on the Financial Services Committee (FSC) and the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. In July 2010, Michele hosted the first Tea Party Caucus meeting. She is seen as a champion of Tea Party values including the call for lower taxes, renewed focus on the Constitution and the need to shrink the size of government. Michele is a graduate of Anoka High School and Winona State University. She received her J.D. at the O.W. Coburn School of Law at Oral Roberts University and an L.L.M. in Tax Law at the College of William and Mary. She has been married to Marcus for more than thirty years and they live in Stillwater where they own a small business mental health care practice that employs nearly 50 people. Michele and Marcus have five children, Lucas, Harrison, Elisa, Caroline, and Sophia. In addition, the Bachmann family has opened their home to 23 foster children, which has inspired Michele to become one of Congress' leading advocates for foster and adopted children, earning her bipartisan praise for her efforts.” (“Michele Bachmann for President”).

(Michele Bachmann Dirty Little Secret Exposed on Crazy Ad - YouTube.").

This video is a campaign ad where Michele Bachmann shows her support for Israel. This may seem like she has good intentions at first, but this video proves her extremist views on Christianity. The connection to AIPAC I think directly displays Bachmann’s personal interests in the election.

("Christians Should Control Government - Michele Bachmann & Dominionism - YouTube.").

This video may not be completly credible, but it does mention simular facts that appear in multiple videos. If one was to analyze her statements they directly state that she is an christain extremist. In my opinion a government offcial should never push religion on a mass of people. The United states is democracy that stands for freedom of religion.

("Bachmann HPV Mental Retardation Story - YouTube.")

This video shows Bachmanns complete lack of proffesionalism because she takes hear say and uses it as an attack towards Rick Perry. She is running for president and is using flase information as arguements. This tells me she is not a good canidate to run our country. We cannot have a president that doesnt check the facts before publically speaking about a topic.

In conclusion on Michele Bachmann I do not think she is fit for president and is very risky choice. We need someone who is not an extremist and is professional about their comments and arguements.

Introduction.

            In this upcoming presidential election there is Barrack Obama representing the democrats and nine republican candidates. All the republicans have the same general ideas for a solution. The proposal they offer is,

          “- Major cut in government spending by cutting unnecessary government programs.

-         Repeal Obama care because it effects the quality of health care and free market. Also causes lack of jobs because of employer’s uncertainty.

-         Simplify the tax code by having less brackets and cutting taxes for job creators.

-         Eliminate the death tax

-         Repeal Dodd-Frank because it’s creating credit problems for business and families. It has unnecessary and expensive regulations which are bringing down the economy. It does little to protect wall street and doesn’t prevent future financial crisis.

-         Use natural resources to minimize foreign involvement, by converting to sustainable and renewable energy resources.

-         Increase more exports so the United States is more competitive by expanding trade.

-         Enforce immigration laws.

-         Eliminate EPA unnecessary regulations which well provide more money to create jobs

-         Overall they want to pave pathway to renovation and find permanent solutions.”  (Scott).

United States citizens should base their opinions on the politicians personalities, events happening in the presidential race, and their specific plans to achieve theses common goals. If people were to just look at the candidates pages they would probably vote for someone that they do not prefer because it’s not the full picture. It’s important to research mindfully for information’s credibility and for people to think about what they want society to be. Voters need to be educated so they can vote responsibly because it’s an important choice to make.