TODAY, IOWA voters will narrow the field of presidential candidates. Five days from now, New Hampshire voters could determine the ultimate nominees.
Many Republican primary voters are still undecided. They've heard the candidates argue about who is the most true-blue conservative, but they realize the key questions are:
Who would live up to his words? Who is electable? Who would be the best president?
To help voters answer those questions, here's a Candidate Comparison Scorecard.
Rate each candidate, from 1 to 10, on all ten criteria. Then add and compare.
Here are my ratings, and some of my reasoning. 10 means perfect, 5 means average, 1 is abysmal.
Commander-in-chief: Does he have the knowledge and judgment to capably direct, and improve, the US military?
McCain-9 Giuliani-7 Thompson-6 Romney-5 Huckabee-3 Paul-2
McCain was a war hero; as senator he's become an authority on military preparedness and foreign affairs. Giuliani showed commander-in-crisis qualities after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. Romney has administrative experience but no foreign policy or military experience. Ditto with Huckabee, who has made gaffes proving it.
Credibility: Does he have a reputation for being believable and trustworthy?
McCain-9 Thompson-8 Giuliani-7 Huckabee-6 Paul-3 Romney-3
McCain is widely admired for his integrity. Thompson is respected as consistent. Giuliani earned praise as "America's mayor." Huckabee was a minister but is a shrewd pol. Paul is eccentric and radical. Romney has flipped and pandered on so many issues, he's increasingly perceived as slick or phony.
Catalyst: Is he effective in setting goals, focusing attention, and building support?
Giuliani-8 Huckabee-7 McCain-6 Romney-6 Thompson-4 Paul-1
Giuliani was a catalyst in the turnaround of New York. Huckabee won impressive Democratic support as Arkansas governor and made it a two-party state. McCain helped galvanize support for the troop increase in Iraq. Romney saved the 2002 Winter Olympics, but failed as governor to reform government or revitalize the state GOP. Paul is just a gadfly in Congress.
Creative: Is he an innovative problem-solver?
Giuliani-8 Huckabee-7 McCain-6 Romney-6 Thompson-5 Paul-2
Giuliani's policies as mayor helped reduce crime, welfare, and taxes. Huckabee won national recognition for initiatives in education and healthcare. McCain can be artful in forging consensus. Romney is known for his business acumen but showed little ingenuity as governor. Thompson is an actor, not a director. Paul is dogmatic, not imaginative.
Conscientious: Will he do the hard work and follow-through necessary for success?
Giuliani-8 McCain-8 Huckabee-7 Romney-7 Thompson-3 Paul-2
Giuliani was relentless as mayor. McCain has persevered as a candidate after everyone had counted him out. Romney is usually "results-oriented," but after only two years as governor he started running for president. Thompson is tired of denying he's lazy. Paul has no legislative accomplishments.
Candid: Is he genuine in expressing himself?
McCain-8 Paul-6 Huckabee-6 Giuliani-6 Thompson-5 Romney-3
McCain is known for his "straight talk." Paul speaks his mind, but downplays his less popular notions. Huckabee is Oprah-worthy in talking about his weight-loss. Giuliani can be cagey, but also impressively extemporaneous. Thompson is often blunt. Romney seems so programmed he has been called a Stepford candidate.
Convincing: Can he effectively persuade?
Giuliani-8 McCain-8 Huckabee-6 Romney-6 Thompson-5 Paul-2
Giuliani inspired the nation after 9/11. McCain can sway senators in both parties. Huckabee can preach without sounding preachy. Romney excels in PowerPoint presentations, but usually seems condescending. Thompson has gravitas - as an actor. Paul sounds weird to nonlibertarians.
Convictions: Does he have principles to guide his decision-making?
Paul-8 Huckabee-8 McCain-8 Thompson-8 Giuliani-7 Romney-3
Paul is a libertarian absolutist. Huckabee says he's guided by his Christian faith. McCain has a strong code of honor, and admits mistakes. Thompson is reliably conservative. Giuliani is more pragmatic. Romney has changed from a mild moderate to an indignant conservative - but, in business, "opportunistic" is now a compliment.
Compassion: Does he fight for the less privileged?
Giuliani-8 Huckabee-8 McCain-8 Romney-5 Thompson-4 Paul-3
Giuliani's policies helped move great numbers from welfare to jobs, and helped poor neighborhoods by cracking down on crime. Huckabee promotes empowerment through education and the arts. McCain is a strong advocate for wounded veterans and their families.
Courage: Is he willing to take the heat for unpopular decisions when he thinks it's best for the country?
McCain-9 Giuliani-8 Paul-8 Huckabee-7 Thompson-6 Romney-4
McCain has been a maverick, criticizing blunders in Iraq, then advocating the surge, while other GOP candidates were timid. Paul endures ridicule to champion his beliefs. Giuliani risked his life as a prosecutor in attacking organized crime. Romney apparently has the business view that "the customer is always right" since he leads by following the polls.
TOTALS: McCain 79, Giuliani 75, Huckabee 65, Thompson 54, Romney 48, Paul 37
Soon, it will be New Hampshire's turn to rate them.
Todd Domke is a Boston-area Republican political analyst, public relations strategist, and author.
