Who's the "Next Guy" for the GOP in 2012?

The GOP has a nasty habit of choosing "whoever's next" to be their presidential nominee. That's how we ended up with Bob Dole in 1996 and John McCain in 2008. Neither nominee inspired GOP voters - they just had the best ground operation that was able to use the primary rules to their benefit. Right now Mitt Romney is sitting in the "whoever's next" chair, and that's not an inspiring choice for conservatives.

Mark Steyn, talking with Hugh Hewitt, does a little riff on the subject that's worth noting:

Hugh Hewitt: Oh, that brings me, though, to the NBC dictate, that they will run the first Republican debate at the Reagan Library on May 2nd, along with Politico. It will be hosted by Brian Williams. They just told people to show up. And you know, I’ve got to assume that Brian Williams and Chris Matthews talk a little bit. Why in the world would we allow, Mark Steyn, the conservative movement, to allow the MSM to mediate these debates?

Mark Steyn: Oh, come on, Hugh. I mean, I think Brian Williams is the perfect man to moderate the debate, and determine who is going to be this year’s Bob Dole or John McCain. We’re interested, I think in this political season, we need to identify as early as possible the decent, dignified Republican loser who knows how to give a great concession speech. And I think that’s what Brian Williams and NBC are hoping to get a jump on. And now if you’re actually interested in saving this country from sliding into a multi-trillion dollar abyss, then letting Brian Williams dictate your nominating process is a complete waste of time. But I’m not sure the Republican party at heart quite gets that yet.

The GOP doesn't have to do an NBC/Politico-sponsored debate, but you know the frontrunners won't want to make any waves with the mainstream media. It's a mistake.

Remember back when Fox News and the Congressional Black Caucus planned to host a Democrat debate during the last election? Barack Obama said he wouldn't participate (dissing his own people, no less) and the other candidates quickly pulled out as well. If Mitt Romney were to tell NBC 'no thanks' it would have the same effect on the GOP field and would allow them to hold their debates on their terms and not the MSM's.

Having NBC/Politico host the debate means the candidates will get questions on abortion, on creation/evolution, Obama's birth certificate, and other stuff that has nothing to do with their ability to be president but everything to do with trying to embarrass GOP candidates and get sound bites the Democrats can use against the GOP.

We don't need another Bob Dole or John McCain, and we don't need to let the MSM dictate our debate schedule or format.