It's fair to question the views and actions of President Barack Obama and the four GOP hopefuls who want to replace him. But given Obama's manifestly failed presidency and the fact that the Republicans who are challenging him leave something to be desired, at some point we the people have to acknowledge our role in this bad political melodrama.
The Obama economy is one of long-term unemployment, needlessly high gas prices, record national debt, heavier dependence on food stamps, ineffective "stimulus" and massive subsidies for unworkable green energy schemes. That is coupled with oppressive, expensive ObamaCare and its assault on the freedom of conscience of religiously affiliated charities, hospitals and schools. Then there is the president's alarming naiveté on the threat posed by terrorists and radical Muslim regimes.
The trouble is, we had no reason to expect better when Obama was elected. He had little experience and few accomplishments outside "community organizing." Nothing in his record suggested he would be even an adequate -- much less a great -- president. So whatever criticisms may justly be heaped on Obama, we should remember that he did not vote himself into office. It took the help of millions of voters who were willing to overlook his inexperience, his ardent liberalism and his long-term association with radicals such as the Rev. Jeremiah Wright.
Our nation is now paying a price for our own naiveté, and many Americans are looking for a Republican to ride to the rescue. The Free Press has endorsed former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum, and we believe he has the best combination of conservative principles as well as an ability to connect with voters in swing states. But we do not pretend Santorum is a Washington or Lincoln. He has some weaknesses, one being that he is not always an effective debater. That could be important if he faces the glib Obama in debate.
Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney has business experience but is weighed down by his Massachusetts health care reform, which is a lot like ObamaCare, and by reversals on issues such as abortion. Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich is a fine debater and has achievements such as his key role in balanced budgets and welfare reform. But he also has a good bit of personal baggage. And Texas Congressman Ron Paul is fiscally conservative but has unrealistically optimistic views that Iran is not a serious threat.
Whatever their weaknesses, any of these four candidates is head and shoulders above Obama.
But it should deeply concern the American people that in election after election, we are setting our sights no higher than someone whose main qualification is being better than the other guy.