...don't think Johnson necessarily needs tons of critical thinking skills

You are correct, but there is a minimum requirement of skill. The skills are SO lacking in the political class that if Mr. Johnson develops some ability he could succeed.

He needs to be able to form an argument and express it persuasively, spot the weakness in his opponents (and his own) points and exploit them.

I tend to agree.

Look, most office holders are shallow thinking opportunists, which is why people like Madison still stand out after generations of "politicians".

If Mr. Johnson proves himself a clear and critical thinker that would do wonders to boost support for him holding public office.

In other words, can he state "what he believes and why he believes it" and why the other side is wrong?

Granted, they've had decades of practice.

The resurrection of the U.S. auto industry was good for middle class America, and as we have repeatedly observed over the past 3 years, if it is good for the vast majority of Americans, then it is bad for the GOP.

It was only good for the UAW.

The Obama administration screwed GM Bondholders, and the retirement funds of the glorious workers for whom Pres. Obama is supposed to be looking out.

Also, how about the GM dealers that got "effed " by Pres. Barry? Those dealership workers and suppliers are out on the street.

But the Unions? They made out like bandits.

I see the d-bag brigades @ the Un-yun have put down their bongs long enough to make some posts and vote their displeasure.

I think Mr. Eastwood loves this country and thought, in his words, this was an ad "...about job growth and the spirit of America. ...”

I also think the weasels at Chrysler / DNC / Obama administration exploited that and worded the ad so as to imply something else.

It's not comedy, it's the Onion.

Of course when Greece declares bankruptcy everyone will lose, and the benefits of state workers and union members will be dramatically cut anyway. Left wing critics of capitalism decry the selfishness of the free market? What about the selfishness in inherent in welfare economics?

The left will use any economic pain as an indictment of the "greedy capitalists" that seek to "abuse the workers of the world"....or some other such drivel.

This happens, like clockwork, when the socialists run out of money, they always blame a boogeyman for their failure.
They rally the same people they've been defrauding into voting or demanding EVEN MORE government control.

While Cameron insists Americans will have to learn to “live with less,” ...

Ah, you see Comrade Cameron's cunning plan.
He does not include himself in this edict as he a Canadian (soon to be Kiwi?) and therefore not guilty of disgusting "American" behavior.

Although he is more than glad to be paid in dirty American money.

I hope the government finds an endangered species on his land and confiscates it all, that would be poetic justice.

You need to read about or see the work of more directors.