Ninety-Nine Problems and Obama Isn’t One of Them

January 20, 2009 marked the date Obama was elected the 44th President of the United States.

Marking three years to date Obama stepped into office.

Three years later, having the ability to look down the barrel of an endless and eager supply of potential candidates, Republicans are headed towards the November general elections with a candidate who fails to spark the same passion and excitement that Obama was able to ignite in what was arguably the most effective presidential campaign in history.

With Rick Perry suspending his presidential campaign, the question now left to ask is how long until Santorum, Paul, and Gingrich follow suit.

From the beginning of the presidential campaign, its seems Republicans have been flocking towards a candidate who was able to unseat the current presidential incumbent. From day one, that candidate has been Mitt Romney. Romney, being the clear and predictable Republican nominee, has divided his party into two—individuals who vote based on personal convictions or sacrifice their personal convictions for an individual who is the lesser of two evils when put up against Obama?

Santorum just recently announced the certified winner in Iowa, is counting the clock until he takes a seat on the sidelines with fellow former candidates is merely bumps on the road towards Romney's nomination. Santorum’s inevitable exit and Paul’s extremist stance only leaves one true candidate fit to compete against the moderate nature of Romney: Gingrich.

Portrayed by the Romney camp as a Washington insider who lacks the skill set of a leader, Gingrich is still rising in South Carolina polls as the primary date looms closer.

The only obstacle in Gingrich’s South Carolina run comes from an all too familiar figure.

Last night, Gingrich's ex wife, Marianne Gingrich's highly publicized interview aired on ABC, which aired out the dirty laundry that has haunted Gingrich at the worst of moments. Will this bombshell affect primary results? That’s for South Carolinians to decide. The information shared by Marianne is nothing new. In fact, she previously mentioned this in August.

Though her motives can be questioned, it brings up a recurrent question for voters: should we consider moral values when considering a candidate?

Politicians are now being judged on personal and moral values, in addition to their ability to solve economic and social problems. The beginning of last night's Republican presidential debate began with a question on Gingrich's ex wife's allegations, which provoked a heated and vehement response from Gingrich.

With a win in South Carolina, Romney appears to have locked the race up and this latest bombshell for the Gingrich camp may only have minimal effect.

Three years to the date of the inauguration of President Obama, the Republican party has had time to pick a candidate that would inspire voters and instill passion within the downtrodden.

From the pool of current nominees, many voters have the right to be disappointed. In fact, infuriated at the candidates presented before us.

There are many unchecked holes that have the potential to sink Republican attempts to unseat Obama. According to current polling, South Carolina will mark Santorum’s withdrawal and lead to a three-man horse race. Gingrich will continue to put forth a futile fight, while Paul will remain a polarizing figure for staunch conservatives.

Republicans have had a countdown until Obama’s end, but with the current pool of candidates they are making him sit a little easier in what was once a hot seat.

Republicans show a clear desire for an individual who can win as opposed to a mere reflection of their political ideology. Passion and intellect have taken a backseat for and to Obama's presidency; a facet clearly seen in their desired nominee, Romney.

January 20, 2013 is only a year away and despite a desire to unseat Obama, Republicans must first find a way to unite their party around a candidate who symbolizes the uneasiness and discontent in conservative voters.

Until then, they’ve got ninety-nine problems and Obama isn’t one of them.