Kremer’s Corner: Two parties, the same dilemma

Jerry Kremer

It is no secret that the national Republican Party is in deep trouble. 

Saddled with a presidential candidate who they never wanted, they must now go forward and try to compete in November, in order to avoid a major meltdown. 

With the control of the Senate and the House at stake, the Republican Party is at its lowest point in many years.

Despite the headache of the Republicans, the Democrats have some serious issues to resolve that could affect their fate for many years to come. 

Hillary Clinton must find a suitable candidate for vice president and despite the fact that many names are being floated; she will have a tough time finding the right person. 

Her selection process is made much more difficult because she may not be able to get any viable candidate from the U.S. Senate.

The problem with adding any sitting senator is that most of the good choices represent states that have Republican governors. If she were to pick a senator from a red state, more than likely the governor of that state would pick a Republican to replace him or her. 

With a very tight Senate race expected in November, every Democratic senator is needed for a hoped for majority. 

The dilemma that the Democrats face is the fact that there are not many hot prospects available to fill the No.2 spot. 

Yes, there are some attractive Hispanic public officials and one or two African-American prospects, but almost all of them have never been in any highly visible contest and there is some doubt that they have the charisma to help get votes for the ticket. 

And, remember, they also have to be good enough to take over the country, if the president steps down.

It looks like the Republicans are in just as bad shape when it comes to Mr. Trump picking his vice president. 

Having a choice between Chris Christie, Newt Gingrich, Ted Cruz or Marco Rubio, isn’t much of a choice. 

Christie can’t deliver New Jersey, as he currently has the worst approval ratings of any governor in his state’s history. 

Newt Gingrich isn’t loved by many of the long-time politicians and hasn’t the kind of charm that nasty Mr. Trump needs. 

Luckily, there are dozens of retired generals available who would love to be a Trump running mate.

Beyond the question of who will be in the second spot, is the bigger problem of who represents the future of either national party. 

The Democrats and the Republicans have a host of officials who are long-time members of AARP. 

Paul Ryan may be the future golden boy, but his lukewarm endorsement of Trump followed by a more tepid response to Trump’s attack on a federal judge, may hurt him in the long run. 

Just think if Bernie Sanders was 50 years old his age could have helped him.

The two political parties have another problem. 

With or without Donald Trump, the Republicans have been a fractured party, with faction upon faction. 

Conservatives, die-hard conservatives, Tea Party devotees, evangelicals and a lot of angry white men, don’t exactly add up to a unified anything. 

There is nothing than can happen between now and November that can put the GOP Humpty Dumpty together again. 

After Election Day, who can you point to in the second tier of Democrats, who will be helping build the next decade of leadership?  

Corey Booker and Chuck Schumer will be dominating the national stage, but there needs to be a much deeper bench of prospects to keep the party alive. 

The November election may produce a new crop of attractive prospects, but they will need a few years to learn the ropes.

It’s very clear that both parties, faced with aging pains, and crushing national issues, are in for a very big challenge. 

All those people who turned out at the polls for the first time this year are expecting a lot of new leadership and if they don’t get it, there will be two very dysfunctional parties in a lot of trouble.

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