Analysis of Candidates: Fred Karger

Today we take a look at...

Fred Karger

As the first openly gay candidate, and as a Republican, Fred Karger has found himself in a bit of a dilemma. Disliked by his own party, Karger has been forced to strike out on the campaign trail as an Independent candidate. Do not be fooled though, for he is a staunch fiscal Republican who worked with Ronald Reagan on his campaigns. Being a gay activist however, he refers to himself as a progressive Republican, and displays socially liberal beliefs. 


Having worked for 30 years as a campaign adviser for California Republicans, and also as a political strategist for such companies as Philip Morris, Karger has a lot of experience under his belt. As a gay activist, Karger founded "Californians Against Hate" to promote equal marriage. He worked hard to try and save gay marriage in California, though in the end it was banned. 


Karger has experienced his fair share of criticism and even abuse due to his presidential candidacy. While campaigning in Iowa recently, Karger was threatened by the Republican National Committee. They vowed to "work overtime" to destroy Karger's chances and keep him out of the race as a presidential hopeful. In addition, Fox News refused to allow Karger to participate in the Republican debates due to a supposed lack of support. However, its clear that this decision was due to prejudice rather than numbers, since Rick Santorum has participated in several debates though his numbers remain lower than Karger's.


Karger's message is strong and clear. He wants to revamp the republican party to make it more inclusive and open to other groups, such as the gay community. His campaign slogan is "Fred Who?", a clever pithy phrase that is as catchy as "I Like Ike" during the Eisenhower campaign. 


Here are some words from the man himself:

• "I will work tirelessly to bring back the spirit in every man, woman and child to help remake America the land of opportunity and equality for all" - Opening Statement delivered at press conference at Southern Republican Leadership Conference New Orleans, LA April 10, 2010
• “I think that kids are confined in a classroom and bored.  I think we need to get them out; the buses take kids to school, park and take them home so let’s utilize those buses and drivers and get out in the community and see what’s out in the world and make school more interesting and fun so kids want to learn.”
• “We have to discourage companies from sending jobs overseas… I want to work with these corporations to incentivize them to keep these jobs in America.”
• “I want a path to citizenship for immigrants already living in the country, as well as greatly improve border security to discourage future law-breaking.”
• Anti-war: prefers diplomacy to nation-building
• “We need to immediately start energy conservation in this country.  We can lessen our dependence on foreign sources by this voluntary common sense approach [right now].”
• Believes in lowering the voting age to 16 or 17
• “I believe in the Republican philosophy of less government, keep government out of our lives.  That is a very personal, private choice between a woman, her doctor, her family and her faith.”  (abortion)
• “I believe that marijuana should be legalized, taxed and controlled.  I think that the current laws are onerous and tying up our prison system.”  
• “I want to bring back the civility, optimism and humor that Reagan had.”

http://fredkarger.com/