When it comes to my vote it may be all in the name.
So with that being said, I sat down to dissect and analyze the GOP presidential hopefuls and their names figuring it may help me decide my vote in the upcoming New Hampshire primary.
- Newt Gingrich — Born Newton Leroy McPherson. His mother later remarried and he took the last name Gingrich. Newton is a unit of measurement of physical force. But if I’m not mistake doesn’t a good witch’s brew consist of one eye of Newt? Sorry, Mr. Gingrich, I can’t vote for a man whose name is associated with the ingredients in making a witch’s brew.
- Michele Bachmann - Born Michele Marie Bachmann. Bachmann originates from Switzerland and Germany as a description of the bearer as dwelling near a brook. Dwelling near a brook? For some reason this image reminds me of the late Chris Farley’s SNL portrayal of a motivational speaker who was “Living in a van down by the river!” Sorry, Ms. Bachmann, you may be better off down by the river under a bridge than running our country.
- Ron Paul — Born Ronald Ernest Paul. Ernest is derived from the Germanic word ernst, parallel to the English word earnest, approximately meaning honest and trustworthy. Ron does seem like a trustworthy politician which is real rare in today’s political scene. I don’t feel comfortable with a president with two first names. Is it Ron, or is it Paul? With a name like Ron Paul, he sounds more like a pope than a president.
- Jon Huntsman - Born Jon Meade Huntsman, Jr. Jon is a shortened form of the common given name Jonathan, meaning "God has given." In the year of 2008, Jon was the 527th most popular name in the United States; its popularity has declined steadily since its peak in 1968 as #65. Ironically, the decline of his name coincides with his presidential efforts.
- Rick Perry — Born James Richard Perry. Richard derives from the Germanic elements "ric" (ruler, leader, king) and "hard" (strong, brave, court), therefore it means 'powerful leader' as well as 'King's Court.' With due respect, Mr. Perry, you don’t know Richard when it comes to running for president and the polls show it.
- Rick Santorum — Born Richard John Santorum. They say you can’t have too many Richards in this race, but actually in this case we have two Richards too many.
- Mitt Romney — Born Willard Mitt Romney. Mitt was named after hotel magnate J. Willard Marriott, his father's best friend, and his father's cousin Milton Romney. Milton derived from the place names; from the Old English middel (middle) and tun (settlement); or mylentun (settlement by the mill). So after days of fact finding and scientific deliberation on who I may vote for based on a name, I choose Mitt Romney. Mitt is a good name because it reminds me of baseball and I like baseball. Pretty scientific stuff huh! So with much fanfare I "throw" my vote to Mitt. Hopefully in his next debate he will be a "home run" and be a "hit" with the voters. Sure his healthcare plan in Massachusetts seemed to have been an "error," but he’s still on "base" with today’s issues. OK, I’ll stop the baseball analogies, but remember — when you’re at the voting booth, if you don’t vote your conscience vote for the best name available.
