Recently in John Mercurio: Commentary Category
Republicans may not pitch a full-fledged battle over President Obama's nominee for the Supreme Court. Regardless of whom he selects, however, there still will be fireworks this summer. Anyone who doubts that should consider the GOP's past few weeks, which offer a glaring illustration of what stands between the party and power: a supreme lack of national leaders.
Between fallout from the Republican National Committee's sex-club scandal and the Southern Republican Leadership Conference in New Orleans, one theme has emerged: While the party remains unified on messaging and policy, they struggle to unite behind someone who can lead the party from its feudal state to national dominance. While this challenge is common for parties out of power, failure to address it can hinder their revival.
Consider, for example, former Gov. Sarah Palin and former Speaker Newt Gingrich, who stirred the biggest debate and drew the most headlines in New Orleans. Let's be honest: Neither Palin nor Gingrich plans to lead the party in 2012. Neither one wants to be king. Kingmaker? Perhaps.
