Mitt Romney demonstrated the very real pitfalls involved in trying to play the role of The Enforcer of the Conservative Movement and the Republican Party.

I have to believe, given the almost immediate and devastating responses from McCain, Giuliani, Thompson, etc, that this was the most eagerly awaited political comparison since Lloyd Bentsen stood onstage praying for Dan Quayle to liken himself of JFK.

This year, perhaps more than any in my political memory, voters are searching for authenticity, both personal and political.  I think we’re all very tired of politicians who talk a good game, but then fail to deliver, or deliver the opposite of what they promised.

One of my theories on the continued strength of Giuliani is that he’s displaying an old fashioned virtue, honesty, and it’s working with voters.  He’s not pretending to be something he isn’t.  He isn’t telling me he agrees with me on every issue that’s important to me.   He’s not pretending that his personal life has been perfect.  He’s admitted mistakes and tried to learn from them.  I don’t know about you, but I can identify with that.

The Romney strategy makes so little sense because he has an interesting story.  Successful businessman.  Fixed the Olympics.  Governor of Massachusetts.  But there are a heck of a lot of us who just aren’t going to take seriously the idea of Mitt Romney handing out the litmus test for what it means to be a Republican or a conservative.  He just wasn’t there  fighting with us often enough to have acquired that kind of standing.  It takes someone like Newt to pull that off.    

For all his positive qualities, he’s simply not credible as THE CONSERVATIVE.  His past defenses of the pro-choice position, his calling himself an Independent during the Reagan years, his attacks on the Flat Tax, his refusal to support the Contract with America, his record as Governor of Massachusetts, and on down the line, just don’t qualify him as THE CONSERVATIVE.

The many people I know who work for him and have spent time him say his change of position on key issues is sincere and heartfelt, that it had nothing to do with his running for President. 

I have no reason to doubt them, but maybe it’s my cynical nature that causes me to be just a wee bit skeptical.   I think many other conservatives have the same reaction.  The BS meter goes off. 

There are no perfect candidates.  All have strengths and weaknesses.  Our nominee and the next President will be the one who presents his personal story and policy agenda in the most authentic and straightforward fashion.  At the end of the day, that’s why I think our nominee beats Hillary.  Voters will spot a candidate trying to be something she’s not.

(Welcome, readers, from one of our favorite blogs, The Corner!)