Mitt the Passenger

Many people have asked me what Mitt should do now that he has suspended his campaign. As far as the election goes, he should do nothing. Mitt would best serve the Republican Party (and more so himself) by staying out of the election from here on.

To Josh in Seattle and Mike in Nashua, No Mitt should NOT be the Vice President. Under NO circumstances should Mitt affix himself to John McCain. If you missed Romney's speech to CPAC, he BOLDLY stated he and John disagree. Not only was he bold, but he also drew attention to the fact that he disagrees with John. There is no question Mitt is going to stay away from John (if he is as smart as I think he is).

Now Peg in Nashua and Jeb in St. Louis had an interesting idea: Mitt as an independent. This is a really bad idea. It is interesting, but a REALLY bad idea. This would further split the Republicans, and Mitt wants the Republicans to unite to defeat the Democrat. Running as a third party would guarantee a Democrat in the White House. No, Mitt should stay OUT of this election.

Mitt's best course of action is to hang in the background and watch. When it comes time to support candidates for Congress, Mitt should AVIDLY support the conservatives who will run to unseat Democrats. This will align Mitt with the conservative base of the Republican Party while making the memories of Mitt about whom he backed up in the congressional elections. This is just one more way for Mitt to align himself more strongly to the conservative base.

This is the game plan, and I hope Mitt follows it:

1. STAY OUT OF THE ELECTIONS FOR 2008!

2. Do not go back to the private sector.

3. Stay visible, but not too visible. Cut a sound bite every so often, but don't be "in your face" about it.

4. Find congressional races where a conservative Republican is trying to unseat a Democrat and support the conservative.

5. Visit many different parts of the United States. Get to know the people. Politics is about fame and perception.

Personally, I think it would be a mistake for Mitt to run for congress. I think he should throw his support behind conservatives who have similar beliefs to his own. I think Mitt has a much better chance in 2012 if he does what I have listed. Of course what I wrote is a rough outline that needs to be revamped, but I think it speaks to the heart of what Mitt needs to win next time around.