US to defund UN under Rick Perry ….and Republican crowd applauds

by Etse Sikanku

Texas Governor Rick Perry suggested Thursday he will consider cutting back US support for the United Nations. In the fifth Republican debate hosted by CNN and the Western Republican Leadership Conference, Perry called on Americans to reconsider supporting the UN financially.

"I think we have to have a serious conversation about defunding the United Nations,' Perry said.

The US is the highest contributor to the United Nations since the organization was founded in 1945. US support for the UN has continued to rise over the years with current figures estimated at about $513.6 million. Cutting back on US support for the UN is not a new theme in the Republican Party. Former US ambassador John Bolton has been a longtime critic of the UN. As far back as 1994, Bolton categorically denounced the existence of the UN.

“There is no such thing as the United Nations. There is only the international community, which can only be led by the only remaining superpower, which is the United States,” Bolton said.

Perry earned the support of the conservative crowd gathered at the Sands Expo Convention center in Las Vegas when he called on America to pull the plugs on the global body.

"I think we should defund the United Nations," Perry said.

The crowd cheered.

Though other candidates did not specifically mention the UN, there was a general consensus on scaling back US foreign assistance. Texas Congressman Ron Paul said he will cut all US foreign aid abroad.

In the midst of a tumultuous economic crisis, sky rocketing unemployment rates and increasing poverty levels cutting back on foreign aid emerged as one of the major themes in yesterday’s debate. The Texas governor called working with international organizations like the UN and subjecting America to international systems a “travesty”.

"Why are we funding that organization?" Perry asked.

The crowd cheered.

Republican candidacy now all but Romney’s to lose

Yesterday’s GOP debate failed to provide the sharp come back Rick Perry had sought after his edgy performance in the last debate. If anything at all, it was Mitt Romney who won the day not only through his solid grasp of economic issues but his growing ease as a front runner. Romney looked presidential and confident throughout the night while Perry jumbled and fumbled with generalities and little specificities.

Herman Cain the growing tornado within the Republican party kept up with his speedy "Hermanator" image by holding his own among a crowded field. As usual he was clear, crisp, simple and “bold”. Cain used the opportunity to further promote his 999 economic agenda; something which has caught on with his audience and news media. Mr. Cain will not get the nomination but he’s proved to us all what an astute marketer he is.

The New Hampshire debate I believe will signify the end the also runs like Bachman and Santorum. I doubt Bachmann is in it for the big prize as I can sense an angling for a Vice presidential slot based on the body language between Romney and herself. As I said before I don’t see Gingrich or Paul dropping out. These candidates are in the race because of ideological and philosophical beliefs they hold dearly and will like to promote as long as the opportunity is still available.

Polls show Romney far ahead in New Hampshire but Iowa is still up for grabs. If Perry wins Iowa which is still likely because Romney has decided not to campaign there, then he’s still very much in it. However if Iowa goes to Romney and he wins New Hampshire then this nomination could be locked up earlier than anyone we all think. The other candidates have to win Iowa to have any chance of continuing at all. If things remain as they are, this race is all but Romney’s to lose.

Republicans go head to head in fourth presidential debate as primary season draws closer

The Republican presidential nominees will go on stage for the fourth primary debate this evening. Will Rick Perry make a political comeback after his fumbles in the last debate or will Mitt Romney hold steady?

What about rising star Hermain Cain? Will the former Godsfather pizza executive stamp his authority on the GOP ticket or is this the case of another nine-day wonder from Mr 9-9-9?

For candidates like John Huntsman and Michelle Bachman, this is going to be a moment of zenith as they try to breathe some life into their campaigns. Anything less than spectacular should see their campaigns heading towards the exit.

Newt Gingrich and Rick Santorum have enough energy and firepower to get through the debate and still hold steam but a fiery but disciplined performance tonight should help their cause. In a field which is still as open and undefined as it is right now, this debate presents yet another opportunity for any of the nominees to make a strong claim for the flagbearership.

This is going to be the first debate after Tea Party favorite Sarah Palin and establishment star Chris Christie announced their refusal to seek the GOP nomination. From this standpoint there is a much clearer sense of who is running and who isn't but the fact that conservatives are still searching means the big prize could still be anyone's taking.

GOP field shapes up as Sarah Palin declines to run

Tea Party maverick Sarah Palin, whose eccentric vice-presidential candidacy electrified conservatives during the 2008 presidential elections, has finally announced she’s not running for president.

End of a circus

Palin’s decision means Republicans are stuck with an unsatisfactory presidential field. As the New York Times correctly reported, the eventual candidate will either be a moderate who will alienate a section of the party or an extremist who will eventually cost them the presidency. Michael Shear writes that:

Republican voters are going to pick a challenger for President Obama who is a pragmatic member of the party’s establishment — or they will coalesce behind a firebrand whose primary appeal is to the Tea Party movement.

At a time when the economy and Obama’s approval ratings are tanking, this looks like a good scenario for democrats.

King maker

Now that Palin has announced she’s not running, the battle for her endorsement has officially begun. Though her image within the GOP is at an all time low, many within the Tea Party still adore Palin. Her endorsement will be much sought. Currently Michelle Bachman is the Tea Party proxy within the current crop but I doubt Palin will endorse her. If the race ends up being between Romney and Perry Palin might end up standing behind the latter.

Mrs. Palin’s decision not run will not be the end of her political career. In fact as she admits, she now has even more latitude to comment or criticize without feeling trapped by campaign officials. She might even end up on the Vice-presidential ticket.

With both she and Christie deciding not to run, conservatives now have no choice but to choose among the current crop. Time is not on their side.