Impressions From Last Night's GOP Speed Dating Event

Last night almost all of the major candidates were in NH for a really weird "candidate forum." The format involved a local moderator who asked some strange questions to each candidate in blocks of about 3-5 minutes before the candidate was kicked off and another came in before the seat could get cold. It turned out there were two rounds of this and candidates sat in the front row watching the others while they waited their turn.

It was...weird.

There was no Trump or Huckabee. Cruz, Paul and Rubio were in DC and appeared via satellite (more on that in a minute).

So how did they all do? A few quick thoughts on each (not in any particular order):

Rick Perry: My first impression is he can not seem to find the sweet spot between HYPED UP ON ENERGY DRINKS and stoned on back pain pills. He was asked which agencies he'd eliminate which got a laugh because it hearkened back to the "oops" moment from 4 years ago. The problem is, he kind of rambled on and never actually answered the question. His inability to catch on nationally is a real surprise. I think his problem is that while he's clearly better prepared after the disaster of 2011/12, people have other choices this time who don't carry Perry's previous baggage. If the field were thinner, he'd probably be getting a second look but people have other options so they've moved on. It looks like he won't make the main debate this week, so he's kind of done.

Scott Walker was....there. This guy is a puzzle to me. He's just sort of there but he should be so much more or less. He's basically a talking point machine and once you've heard them a few times you don't need to hear them again. The only good part of this format was he didn't have time to tell his "I shop at Kohls" story, so that was good. And yes, I get he has to reach out to voters who don't pay much attention so the relentlessly on message stuff may work and be necessary. It is what it is. I just wanted more from him than a super safe campaign.

Ben Carson: Not sure why he's still running. His, God wants 10%, no deductions, no loopholes, so that's what the tax code should be, thing is never going to fly. He's really capitalized on that one prayer breakfast speech, huh?

Jeb Bush: Let me be charitable and say that this was an off night. Unless he's speaking about the joys of immigration he just seems disinterested. None of the Bushes are great speakers but at least with W. even when he mangled stuff you kind of got what he was trying to say. It wasn't pretty but it worked. Jeb...is not that lucky. Jeb's answer on Syria involved saying no to "boots on the ground" but yes to special forces. Um, ok. Then this....

Jeb: "In fact, I got a T-shirt that says--uh, at the Jeb Swag Store, that says I'm the, um, I'm the--my dad's the greatest man alive."
— Michael Barbaro (@mikiebarb) August 4, 2015

We've seen this movie before. Twice. We're going to see it a 3rd time because he's going to be the nominee.

Chris Christie: Says he wasn't ready last time but is now. The problem is, voters were ready for him last time but not so much now. He wants to be the guy who will level with voters about entitlements and things like raising the retirement age and means testing Social Security and Medicare. Ok but I think to sell that kind of stuff (which is near impossible but necessary) you have to do it by putting it into a shared sacrifice, for the good of America context. Christie says those things but his personality makes it sound like, "shut up and give men your damn Social Security." Not sure how that plays beyond a very limited audience.

John Kasich: Who let the Democrat in? His late arrival in the race is likely to bump Perry out of the main debate so there's something else to hate him for. He was asked what to do about sanctuary cities and haughtily dismissed the question by saying there's broad bi-partisan agreement to end them. This is what we political junkies call, "a lie". After dispensing that bull he went on to shill for amnesty. He also said while economic growth was good and necessary we then need spread it around to poor people because that's what God wants us to do. So...yeah.

Carly Fiorina: The candidate everyone thinks more people should be supporting while supporting someone else. She said she was against the status quo so much in such a short period of time I feared for the safety of anyone who made "status quo" their drinking game phrase. She served a purpose early on by taking on Hillary but that seems to have faded for now and Trump has the "successful business person" thing locked down so, yeah. I do wish her well in her campaign to be the VP pick though.

George Pataki: Yes, he's still alive and yes he was there and he said things. The best part was when he said he supported defunding Planned Parenthood and started to say something else but then stopped himself. I think he was about to remind everyone he was pro-choice but thought better of it.

Lindsey Graham: Screw this guy. He was the only one of the four Senators running who wasn't in DC to vote against Planned Parenthood yesterday. He also said he'd send troops to Syria and hold territory there. So if you liked the Iraq occupation and want to try it again in an even worse situation, Lindsey's your guy.

Rand Paul: Full disclosure, he's my guy for now. He's at his best when he finds ways to connect his libertarian beliefs with more mainstream conservative ones. He was asked if his opposition to the NSA meta-data collection was putting the country at risk. He made a good case for traditional constitutional protections and then compared the problem of expansive surveillance with the IRS targeting conservatives. You can argue about how they are different issues but as a political argument it was a smart way to bridge a gap. He was asked which country he'd visit first as President and he said Russia or China, which was....weird. So, that was not good. Overall he didn't say anything to make me jump off the bandwagon and really that's all I hope for with him.

Marco Rubio Strong against the Iran deal as you'd expect. His defense of amnesty, hawkish foreign policy and big surveillance were expected. Those who like that will continue to like that, I however continue to find myself immune to his particular charms. His defense of the war on drugs and taking a shot at the dangers of alcohol were just bonus reasons not to like him. And when he said ISIS is the biggest threat this country has ever faced, I laughed. There was this thing called the Soviet Union Senator. I've seem some of his supporters be down about his performance but I cut him some slack. Like Paul and Cruz he was on via satellite and he had the most trouble dealing with the delay. His appeal comes from his smooth "I Love America' speeches and that didn't translate in this format or delays. I'd give him a pass on that.

Ted Cruz: I find myself thinking, screw it I like him more and more. I hate myself for it a little bit to be honest. I find his overt religiosity a bit much at times for my personal taste and I prefer executive experience but damn it, at least he gets it. He did come up against the question every Senator has a tough time with...when has your character been tested in a crisis? He rambled on a bit about stuff and then kind of settled on how hard it is to be an outspoken Senator fighting the DC machine. It would have been a good answer to another question but it highlighted that some people have been there and had to make calls and some talk and vote. There's not much he or Rubio or Paul can do about that. If you prize executive experience, that's just not going to work for them. Otherwise he was strong and eloquent on Planned Parenthood and the normal stuff.

Overall...weird night but a good warm up for the coming debate season. Not sure anyone really helped or hurt themselves last night. It did provide some clues about who needs some work going into Thursday. If Jeb! doesn't get his act together he could create some trouble for himself (though he's going to win the nomination). Kasich will be a great dividing line. Anyone who thinks, "wow, that could be the guy" will effectively out themselves as an establishment hack. He's terrible. Rubio needs a solid performance to wash away what seemed to some of his supporters a weak showing. Cruz needs to do his thing and hope Trump flames out. And Paul needs to keep teh cray cray in check and hope he has a solid night while letting Team Establishment hit Trump and not him.

I forgot one: Rick Santorum Bring back the sweater vest! Only candidate who is talking about decreasing legal immigration which is interesting. Got hit with the "which woman should be on a bill" question and didn't have an answer ready. I bet most other candidates didn't have one either and were glad they didn't get asked. They'll need to have one picked starting this morning to be safe.

I forgot two! Bobby Jindal He's another guy who should be doing better but won't even make the big kid's debate. I don't know if it was his not well received State of the Union response a few years ago or what but he's just not getting any traction. I like the guy and would be opening to supporting him but the fact he didn't stand out from the crowd (not sure how he can at this point) is not a good sign. He's the youngest guy running so maybe in the future when the field's not so crowded. But this time...he's just getting lost in the noise.

Posted by: DrewM. at 10:02 AM

Comments

(Jump to bottom of comments)

1 First?

Posted by: Hello Kitty at August 04, 2015 10:04 AM (E5UB0)

2 Lots to read

BRB

Posted by: Village Idiot's Apprentice at August 04, 2015 10:07 AM (VPLuQ)

3 The question is moot.

Posted by: The Burning Time at August 04, 2015 10:10 AM (evdj2)

4 Barack Obama is a SCOAMT.

Posted by: AllenG (DedicatedTenther) - Derringer Bandit at August 04, 2015 10:10 AM (kff5f)

5 Burn it down.
Scatter the stones.
Salt the earth where it stood.

Posted by: AllenG (DedicatedTenther) - Derringer Bandit at August 04, 2015 10:11 AM (kff5f)

6 "We've seen this movie before. Twice."

Those three winning campaigns, who cares about them.

I gather you prefer Dukakis and Gore being president.

Just let the Bush hatred flow thru you.

Posted by: Bob from Ohio at August 04, 2015 10:11 AM (t3cNy)

7 Those three winning campaigns, who cares about them.

Certainly not conservatives.

Posted by: Grump928(c) at August 04, 2015 10:12 AM (evdj2)

8 MY DAD FOUGHT THE JAPS IN WWII !

*sob, sniffle*

Posted by: a little fat kid named Jeb at August 04, 2015 10:12 AM (1+7D3)

9 I watched the entire forum, and being a NH resident I took great interest in the evening.

I have to say I was pleasantly surprised by Fiorina. Job is dead to me. So is Rubio. I liked Walker. Dr. Carson showed he was out of his element (cabinet post definitely - Surgeon General?).
As stated here, Christie missed his window of opportunity.

Posted by: OurCountryIsScrewed at August 04, 2015 10:12 AM (DlmoZ)

10 Glad not to be mentioned.

Posted by: Seamus Romney at August 04, 2015 10:13 AM (gwG9s)

11 I'm not drawing hearts around any of their names, but my order of least repulsive is Carly, Cruzy, and Scotty.

Posted by: eman at August 04, 2015 10:13 AM (MQEz6)

12 5
Burn it down.

Scatter the stones.

Salt the earth where it stood.

Posted by: AllenG (DedicatedTenther) - Derringer Bandit at August 04, 2015 10:11 AM (kff5f)
Still there with you. Keep up the good fight!

Posted by: OurCountryIsScrewed at August 04, 2015 10:13 AM (DlmoZ)

13 At this point, what difference does it make?

Posted by: OregonMuse at August 04, 2015 10:14 AM (j1VIK)

14 I'm sorry. I don't do impressions. My training is in medicine.

Posted by: doctor rumack at August 04, 2015 10:14 AM (kivUY)

15 11
I'm not drawing hearts around any of their names, but my order of least repulsive is Carly, Cruzy, and Scotty.

Maybe not in that order, but I have to say those are my top 3.

Posted by: OurCountryIsScrewed at August 04, 2015 10:14 AM (DlmoZ)

16 "which woman should be on a bill" - this is where we need some collusion among all the campaigns. I think it would be hilarious if every candidate said "Sara Palin".

Posted by: thecoat at August 04, 2015 10:14 AM (j3QJG)

17 But...but....Jim Gilmore????????

Posted by: Shallow HAL 9000 at August 04, 2015 10:14 AM (VcOqI)

18 My God. We are finished.

Posted by: Shallow HAL 9000 at August 04, 2015 10:15 AM (VcOqI)

19 I'm glad I didn't watch.

Posted by: SH at August 04, 2015 10:15 AM (gmeXX)

20 Not much else to say. You think Paul is a serious candidate, I have to believe your comments are total BS.

Paul falls into the not a chance, but I'll mess up the vote. I love the guy went to Duke and has a hot wife.

NOT READY FOR PRIME TIME.

Posted by: Nip Sip at August 04, 2015 10:15 AM (0FSuD)

21 Immigration's the existential issue, hence the most vital one. Will we allow our sovereignty to be taken away forever by the FSA? Until someone at least makes the right noises, I've got to hold my nose and go with Trump. Even then, they are bought and paid for. They are not independently wealthy like Trump. How can any of them be trusted to do the right thing? Not that I trust Trump, but at least there is greater than a 0% chance that he will follow through on his promises.

Posted by: Hello Kitty at August 04, 2015 10:15 AM (E5UB0)

22 Art thread evaporated.

Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at August 04, 2015 10:15 AM (9mTYi)

23 I'll support the candidate who filibusters every question with an appeal to defund Planned Parenthood.

Posted by: SH at August 04, 2015 10:16 AM (gmeXX)

24 As a Founding Member of Team Burn it Down, I still like Trump.

That said, I'm still supportive of Perry - I saw what he did (and didn't do) here in TX for a million years (or maybe it just felt that way), and I'm hard-pressed to find someone who has a better resume when it comes to actual governing.

Of course, he's a campaign train-wreck, so make of that what you will.

My comment on Cruz is too long to cut & paste, you can read it in the dump thread. Short version- right now all we've got is words, and I'd really like some success.

After that? If I weren't on Team Burn It Down, I could support Walker or Jindal (in a primary), and I could even cast a General vote for Luap the Younger.

What would make my day, though, is for any Republican candidate to say, "The problem is that for too many years we have not had an opposition party. We have had de facto one-party rule in Washington since 2007. If we want to fix the messes made, Republicans must actually - in action as well as in word - oppose the Socialist/Progressive policies of the Democrats."

Posted by: AllenG (DedicatedTenther) - Derringer Bandit at August 04, 2015 10:16 AM (kff5f)

25 If Jeb! is the nominee it will not matter who the Democrat is. They could run Zombie Tray table and win.

Posted by: Velvet Ambition at August 04, 2015 10:17 AM (R8hU8)

26 Christie says those things but his personality makes it sound like, "shut up and give men your damn Social Security."

I'm a man so that's OK.

Posted by: Bertram Cabot Jr. at August 04, 2015 10:17 AM (W5DcG)

27 >>"which woman should be on a bill" - this is where we need some collusion among all the campaigns. I think it would be hilarious if every candidate said "Sara Palin".

That would be great.

Posted by: Lizzy at August 04, 2015 10:17 AM (NOIQH)

28 Jib!

Jab!

Job!

Jub!

Posted by: eman at August 04, 2015 10:17 AM (MQEz6)

29 23
I'll support the candidate who filibusters every question with an appeal to defund Planned Parenthood.

And this should be done during the national debates.

Posted by: OurCountryIsScrewed at August 04, 2015 10:18 AM (DlmoZ)

30 but my order of least repulsive is Carly, Cruzy, and Scotty

Carl Urban is running for President? As a Republican?

Posted by: AllenG (DedicatedTenther) - Derringer Bandit at August 04, 2015 10:18 AM (kff5f)

31
Just let the Bush hatred flow thru you.

By this point, it's well deserved.

Posted by: Pappy O'Daniel at August 04, 2015 10:19 AM (oVJmc)

32 Not one person in the country has Jeb's name on their lips, so why does he keep popping up in polls as if he was a favorite or even a consideration?

Posted by: Disgusted at August 04, 2015 10:19 AM (59jdD)

33 Short version- right now all we've got is words, and I'd really like some success.

------

Then you are setting an impossible bar for Cruz to meet. That may be fine and it may be a reason not to support him (or any Senator). But there is basically nothing Cruz can deliver in the next few months from his position as Senator.

Posted by: SH at August 04, 2015 10:19 AM (gmeXX)

34 Here you go, Stupid Party candidates--if you're asked which woman should be on a bill, you answer, "Hillary Clinton--on a bill of particulars."

Posted by: Furious George at August 04, 2015 10:19 AM (UlJ3l)

35 You foolishly dismiss Kasich.

Posted by: uncle jj at August 04, 2015 10:19 AM (9b2ES)

36 "which woman should be on a bill"

Jeane Kirkpatrick.

Posted by: Pappy O'Daniel at August 04, 2015 10:19 AM (oVJmc)

37 At this point, what difference does it make?

Also, nobody cares.

Posted by: HR braucht ein Bier at August 04, 2015 10:19 AM (/kI1Q)

38 Carl Urban is running for President? As a Republican?

Wut?

Keith Urban is dead?

Posted by: Village Idiot's Apprentice at August 04, 2015 10:20 AM (VPLuQ)

39 Thanks for this, Drew.
I don't have CSPAN, and couldn't get streaming to work, so I could only read the comments last night.

Seemed like a lot of love for Carly.
I really hope Perry ups his game, but I'm looking forward to watching the tier 2 debates more than I am The Trump Show on Fox this week.

Posted by: Chi at August 04, 2015 10:20 AM (ncdr/)

40 'And verily the mantle of leadership shall passeth from whence it came, from the father to the brother and thence unto the fattest red heifer brother who doth deserve it , because it's his turn. '

Posted by: the Book of Jeb at August 04, 2015 10:20 AM (1+7D3)

41 AllenG I also like Perry, can not figure out why he can not get traction.

Texas hate?

Posted by: Nip Sip at August 04, 2015 10:21 AM (0FSuD)

42 >>> "which woman should be on a bill" question<<<

This is why the political class and media are fcuking clowns. Why not put Cecil on the bill?

Posted by: Fritz at August 04, 2015 10:21 AM (UzPAd)

43 Urban Meyer's dead?!?

Posted by: Grump928(c) at August 04, 2015 10:21 AM (evdj2)

44 Still wrapping my head around Roger Simon's comment that opposing Jeb Bush is tantamount to supporting jihadist barbarism.

"Look, the worst thing about Jeb is, sadly, his name. Call him a RINO or whatever, but he jumped in tonight to say that our enemies were in a war against Western civilization ... those who say they would stay home if he's nominated are themselves at war with Western Civ."

http://tinyurl.com/p7py44v

Posted by: V the K at August 04, 2015 10:21 AM (O7MnT)

45 38 Carl Urban is running for President? As a Republican?

Wut?

Keith Urban is dead?
Posted by: Village Idiot's Apprentice at August 04, 2015 10:20 AM (VPLuQ)

Heart attack when he heard the news about Jeff Goldblum.

Posted by: eman at August 04, 2015 10:22 AM (MQEz6)

46 "which woman should be on a bill"

Minnie Mouse, because it's a Mickey Mouse question.

Posted by: Pappy O'Daniel at August 04, 2015 10:22 AM (oVJmc)

47 Where is Ted Nugent when we need him.

Posted by: Lion Steaks and Absinthe at August 04, 2015 10:22 AM (tBH1d)

48 Then you are setting an impossible bar for Cruz to meet. That may be fine and it may be a reason not to support him (or any Senator). But there is basically nothing Cruz can deliver in the next few months from his position as Senator.

I know. And it's probably not fair to him- he's apparently quite good at every other job he's had. But it is what it is. I've been burned too many times to trust anything but actions which have actual consequences. At this point, being a fire-brand has no real consequences for Cruz, so I don't really see that as useful.

Walker, Jindal, and Perry have all Governed- they've all made decisions the consequences of which they've had to live with and defend. Fiorina has as well, in a very different arena, as has Carson.

Posted by: AllenG (DedicatedTenther) - Derringer Bandit at August 04, 2015 10:22 AM (kff5f)

49 44 Still wrapping my head around Roger Simon's comment that opposing Jeb Bush is tantamount to supporting jihadist barbarism.

"Look, the worst thing about Jeb is, sadly, his name. Call him a RINO or whatever, but he jumped in tonight to say that our enemies were in a war against Western civilization ... those who say they would stay home if he's nominated are themselves at war with Western Civ."

http://tinyurl.com/p7py44v
Posted by: V the K at August 04, 2015 10:21 AM (O7MnT)

It is just fear of the truth.

Posted by: eman at August 04, 2015 10:23 AM (MQEz6)

50 Am I the only one who finds Minnie Mouse alluring?

Posted by: Bruce With a Wang! at August 04, 2015 10:23 AM (iQIUe)

51 And when he said ISIS is the biggest threat this country has ever faced,
I laughed. There was this thing called the Soviet Union Senator.

Well I think you can make a case that in some respects ISIS is more dangerous than the Soviet Union. At least the Soviet Union was a nominal government that bore some responsibility to its citizens and so had an incentive not to see its cities nuked out of its existence. ISIS doesn't seem to share that sort of responsibility. If one of their cities got nuked I think a lot of them would probably celebrate that as the herald of the end times and whatnot.

Posted by: chemjeff at August 04, 2015 10:23 AM (2ap0X)

52 If Jeb! doesn't get his act together he could create some trouble for himself (though he's going to win the nomination).

And I will not vote for him.

The GOPe can go gargle my balls.

Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing at August 04, 2015 10:24 AM (zF6Iw)

53 ¡ ¿ ¡ Jeb ! ? !

Posted by: Muldoon at August 04, 2015 10:24 AM (NeFrd)

54 Posted by: Nip Sip at August 04, 2015 10:21 AM (0FSuD)

I think it's a combination of a lot of things. The disaster of last election doesn't help. All the oxygen being taken by Jeb! and Trump doesn't help. The fact he's apparently a disaster on the stump this year doesn't help.

Posted by: AllenG (DedicatedTenther) - Derringer Bandit at August 04, 2015 10:24 AM (kff5f)

55 Walker, Jindal, and Perry have all Governed- they've all made decisions the consequences of which they've had to live with and defend.

-------

I like all three of those people. I'd prefer them to Cruz - but that is because I prefer Cruz in the Senate. That being said if come Texas primary time it is Jeb v. Cruz (something I doubt), I'm voting Cruz. I suspect you would too.

Posted by: SH at August 04, 2015 10:24 AM (gmeXX)

56 Woman on a Bill? Rhonda Rousey

Posted by: Chico Escuela at August 04, 2015 10:24 AM (a7Dd7)

57 39
Seemed like a lot of love for Carly.

I have to say she gained a lot of points with me last night. Can she make it the long haul? Probably not. VP Candidate? Sure.

International experience was touted. She was articulate. Nor did she try to sell campaign T-shirts.

Posted by: OurCountryIsScrewed at August 04, 2015 10:25 AM (DlmoZ)

58 Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing at August 04, 2015 10:24 AM (zF6Iw)

Ditto.

Posted by: AllenG (DedicatedTenther) - Derringer Bandit at August 04, 2015 10:25 AM (kff5f)

59 Oscar Meyer's dead?!?

Posted by: some random meathead at August 04, 2015 10:25 AM (1+7D3)

60 What? Suburbia is dead?

Posted by: Muldoon at August 04, 2015 10:25 AM (NeFrd)

61 And when he said ISIS is the biggest threat this country has ever faced,
I laughed. There was this thing called the Soviet Union Senator.

-----

Well this is the problem of this type of short answer sessions. I don't fault him for answering ISIS. Perhaps he could have connected it to the SU and said we have faced terrible threats before and this country has overcome them.

Posted by: SH at August 04, 2015 10:26 AM (gmeXX)

62 Carly Fiorina: The candidate everyone thinks more people should be supporting while supporting someone else.

This perfectly sums it up.

Posted by: Grump928(c) at August 04, 2015 10:26 AM (evdj2)

63 Now rank them in order of best sex tape.

Posted by: eman at August 04, 2015 10:26 AM (MQEz6)

64 That being said if come Texas primary time it is Jeb v. Cruz (something I doubt), I'm voting Cruz. I suspect you would too.

Depends on what the nomination race looks like at the time.

If they make it Texas and Trump still has a shot, I may well throw my vote for the Burn It Down candidate.

If it were ONLY between Jeb and Cruz- or Jeb, Cruz, and (say) Carson? Yeah, I'd go for Cruz.

Posted by: AllenG (DedicatedTenther) - Derringer Bandit at August 04, 2015 10:27 AM (kff5f)

65 Don't forget me.

Posted by: Jim Gilmore at August 04, 2015 10:27 AM (xTnzP)

66 AllenG I also like Perry, can not figure out why he can not get traction.

Texas hate?

Can't answer a fvcking question intelligently.

Posted by: rickb223 at August 04, 2015 10:27 AM (P8HwW)

67 Can't answer a fvcking question intelligently.

Posted by: rickb223 at August 04, 2015 10:27 AM (P8HwW)

Also, I get the idea that he prepared for the last election, instead of this one.

Posted by: AllenG (DedicatedTenther) - Derringer Bandit at August 04, 2015 10:28 AM (kff5f)

68 Did ¡Jeb's! T-shirt say "I'm with stupid ^"?

Posted by: Muldoon at August 04, 2015 10:28 AM (NeFrd)

69 >>Now rank them in order of best sex tape.

I'm waiting to see who Kim Kardashian supports.

Posted by: Lizzy at August 04, 2015 10:28 AM (NOIQH)

70 Let me tell you about Paul. He is pi$$ing off nearly everyone in Kentucky that would vote for him by pulling shenanigans in being able to run for two Offices at the same time.

Kentucky is an either or State when it comes to running for Political Office as the State law says you can only be on the ballot for one Office. And this B$ about calling the Republican Primary a Caucasus and keeping it off the ballot is not going over well with a majority of Republican Voters.

Posted by: The Great White Scotsman at August 04, 2015 10:28 AM (iONHu)

71 so apparently no one came off well? just wonderful.

Slow Joe is already looking at new dishes with the presidential seal of approval.

Posted by: mallfly at August 04, 2015 10:28 AM (qSIlh)

72 mmmmmm beep

Posted by: citizen 349567812 at August 04, 2015 10:29 AM (LPHFE)

73 "Am I the only one who finds Minnie Mouse alluring?"

Hey...

Posted by: Goofy at August 04, 2015 10:29 AM (VPLuQ)

74 'And verily the mantle of leadership shall passeth from whence it came, from the father to the brother and thence unto the fattest red heifer brother who doth deserve it , because it's his turn. '

Posted by: the Book of Jeb at August 04, 2015 10:20 AM (1+7D3)

LMAO. Funny, I missed that book.

Posted by: Blano at August 04, 2015 10:29 AM (w1ewr)

75 Where is Ted Nugent when we need him.

Hunting.

Posted by: rickb223 at August 04, 2015 10:29 AM (P8HwW)

76 Perry should have gone with the laconic Texan persona. Slow short answers delivered in a growl.

Posted by: Grump928(c) at August 04, 2015 10:29 AM (evdj2)

77 I'll give this round to Huckabee.

Posted by: Pappy O'Daniel at August 04, 2015 10:29 AM (oVJmc)

78 Good grief, I read the whole thing. Don't ask me why. Yes, Jeb! is going to be the nominee. So tell me why any of the rest of this nonsense matters? So we can pretend the process of choosing a candidate exists?

Screw that.

Posted by: BurtTC at August 04, 2015 10:29 AM (l6K1I)

79 71
Slow Joe is already looking at new dishes with the presidential seal of approval.

Funny thing is -right now he is the most centrist of the democratic candidates. Nascar doesn't turn left as fast as those ass-clowns have the last few months.

Posted by: OurCountryIsScrewed at August 04, 2015 10:30 AM (DlmoZ)

80 66
AllenG I also like Perry, can not figure out why he can not get traction.

Texas hate?

Can't answer a fvcking question intelligently.

I think Perry was and is better than he comes across. I also think that he suffers from some form of stage-fright that turns him into an self-immolating idiot when he is under the lights. He turns low hanging curves into self-hanging nooses.

Posted by: some random meathead at August 04, 2015 10:30 AM (1+7D3)

81 Whoever thinks Donald Trump would make a good president is staright up retarded

Posted by: citizen 349567812 at August 04, 2015 10:30 AM (LPHFE)

82 A woman on the Bill?
Every night it's someone different!

Posted by: Eagle's secret service detail at August 04, 2015 10:30 AM (ncdr/)

83 Can anybody give me one good reason why Perry is running?

Anybody?

Posted by: Brother Cavil, down with Eph 6:12-13 at August 04, 2015 10:31 AM (2l5vw)

84 he jumped in tonight to say that our enemies were in a war against Western civilization

Fuck, the Democrat candidates are in a war against Western civilization. And I'm not so sure Jeb's not, either.

Posted by: HR braucht ein Bier at August 04, 2015 10:31 AM (/kI1Q)

85 75
Where is Ted Nugent when we need him.

Hunting.

LIONS

Posted by: OurCountryIsScrewed at August 04, 2015 10:31 AM (DlmoZ)

86 Perry should have gone with the laconic Texan persona. Slow short answers delivered in a growl.

****

"Yep"

"Nope"

"Mebbe"

Posted by: Muldoon at August 04, 2015 10:31 AM (NeFrd)

87 I want to like Cruz, but I'm not going to. His recent mistakes in the Senate and wishy-wshy immigration "stance" disqualify him, unless he does a major 180 pretty damn quick. And "do" is the operative word: he can talk it up like a champ, but I want to see him DO something. For Once.

The rest? Nuh-uh. If SMOD had struck whatever Moose Lodge Hall or motel conference center they were in last night, no one outside a few political junkies would have noticed.

If the election were held today, my vote would go to Trump. Or Vermin Supreme.

That was the greatest gathering of None-of-the-Aboves in recent history, second only (and narrowly) to the last Democrat convention.

Posted by: MrScribbler at August 04, 2015 10:31 AM (0atQl)

88 Sounds like a perfectly forgettable evening.

Posted by: Ricardo Kill at August 04, 2015 10:31 AM (LA7Cm)

89 Am I the only one who finds Minnie Mouse alluring?

She does have a nice tail.

Posted by: Mickey Mouse at August 04, 2015 10:31 AM (S+el1)

90 Whoever thinks Donald Trump would make a good president is staright up retarded

Anybody who thinks that's the point has the brainpower of a microcephalic flatworm.

Posted by: Brother Cavil, down with Eph 6:12-13 at August 04, 2015 10:32 AM (2l5vw)

91 Whoever thinks Donald Trump would make a good president is staright up retarded

Posted by: citizen 349567812 at August 04, 2015 10:30 AM (LPHFE)
Thank you for your support.

Posted by: Teh Donald at August 04, 2015 10:32 AM (oVJmc)

92 so the relentlessly on message stuff may work and be necessary

------

If I were Walker, I would follow this strategy. W was very good at it. It is especially good if you are not as good on your feet. But it also works. It gets old for people who follow on a daily basis, but that is a very small subset of the population. If you are going to hear a candidate one time, you want to hear the best stuff.

Stay on message Scott.

Posted by: SH at August 04, 2015 10:32 AM (gmeXX)

93 Slow Joe is already looking at new dishes with the ~~presidential~~ President Elect seal of approval.

FIFY

Posted by: rickb223 at August 04, 2015 10:32 AM (P8HwW)

94 "Not one person in the country has Jeb's name on their lips, so why does he keep popping up in polls as if he was a favorite or even a consideration?"

------------------------------------------------------------
It is a lot like the WWE. The heal, the hero and the match was predetermined by the corporation. Then walk the isle, style and profile, and put on a good show for the masses. Then the announcer comes in and say " And the winner is..."

Posted by: OTB at August 04, 2015 10:32 AM (ShdUd)

95 I'm from Texas and live in Austin. I like Perry & voted for him.
I would again if he were the nominee. Perry has the problem of that indictment hanging over him which isn't helping. That said, I also have luv for Cruz, might be Texas bias? I'm also liking Carly more, she would work as an attack dog VP.

As far as all these high ranking Texas repubs getting indicted, I say witch hunt. First they got Libby, then Perry, and now working on Paxton.

Posted by: lindafell de Spair at August 04, 2015 10:33 AM (L78vw)

96 Slow Joe is already looking at new dishes with the presidential seal of approval. Posted by: OurCountryIsScrewed at August 04, 2015 10:30 AM

Chinet?

Posted by: MrScribbler at August 04, 2015 10:33 AM (0atQl)

97 Ha! What a bunch of chumps and chumpesses....

These idiots are like Omega Theta Pi's Greg Marmalard, bumbling, stumbling morons who can't even get jacked off.

I on the other hand am like Delta Tau Chi's Eric Stratton, cool, calm and ready to lay pipe at a moments notice.

Vote Trump!2016....because I don't think of it as work.

Posted by: Donald Trump at August 04, 2015 10:33 AM (D0NZx)

98 Women on a bill? Jenner of course.

I think every GOP candidate should deal with all of the War on Women! questions with transwomen deflections.

Should employers provide birth control pills to women employees? No - because this is discrimination against women who don't ovulate like Jenner. We need to get over our transphobia.

Posted by: gwelf at August 04, 2015 10:33 AM (nyxv/)

99
And Jeb! will not be the nominee

Posted by: citizen 349567812 at August 04, 2015 10:34 AM (LPHFE)

100 Am I the only one who finds Minnie Mouse alluring? She does have a nice tail.
Posted by: Mickey Mouse

How would you know? You Goofy fvcker.

Posted by: rickb223 at August 04, 2015 10:34 AM (P8HwW)

101 Slow Joe is already looking at new dishes with the presidential seal
of approval.

Posted by: OurCountryIsScrewed at August 04, 2015 10:30 AM

Leave the cork on the fork, Ruprecht.

Posted by: Teh Donald at August 04, 2015 10:35 AM (oVJmc)

102 most of them have zero hope of me casting a vote for them....

Posted by: phoenixgirl, i was born a rebel at August 04, 2015 10:35 AM (0O7c5)

103 /sock

Posted by: Pappy O'Daniel at August 04, 2015 10:35 AM (oVJmc)

104 I like what Cruz says, when I read it. His personality grates on me in a visceral way. I don't know if I ever voted for someone for POTUS I did not find likeable. He would be the first.

Posted by: Baldy at August 04, 2015 10:35 AM (sEXjW)

105 Whoever thinks Donald Trump would make a good president is staright up retarded

Well said.

Posted by: Rachel Jenteal at August 04, 2015 10:35 AM (1+7D3)

106 So it's all a prelude to ¡Jeb's! eventual coming out party?

It'll be a Jebutante ball.

Posted by: Muldoon at August 04, 2015 10:36 AM (NeFrd)

107 For those of us in the LiB crowd, a Joe Biden presidency has great entertainment value potential.

Posted by: Chuck Graham, Now Standing! at August 04, 2015 10:36 AM (UlJ3l)

108 It is a lot like the WWE. The heal, the hero and the match was predetermined by the corporation. Then walk the isle, style and profile, and put on a good show for the masses. Then the announcer comes in and say

"Letttttttttttttts get ready to rumbllllllllllllle!"

Posted by: rickb223 at August 04, 2015 10:36 AM (P8HwW)

109 World Wide ¡Jeb!

Posted by: Muldoon at August 04, 2015 10:36 AM (NeFrd)

110 "which woman should be on a bill" - Ann Coulter, or Grace Slick.

Posted by: Hello Kitty at August 04, 2015 10:36 AM (E5UB0)

111 I don't like any of the candidates. They are all assholes.

Posted by: Vic at August 04, 2015 10:37 AM (GpgJl)

112 35
You foolishly dismiss Kasich.

Posted by: uncle jj at August 04, 2015 10:19 AM (9b2ES)

You smoking dope this early? Would you share?

Posted by: Nip Sip at August 04, 2015 10:37 AM (0FSuD)

113 Trump 2016 : Boats and Hos

Posted by: some random meathead at August 04, 2015 10:37 AM (1+7D3)

114 Cruz has just got to lose that 1950's look he sports, and also he has to figure out how to be more comfortable in civvies. If he isn't wearing a suit he looks like he wants to be.

Posted by: MTF at August 04, 2015 10:38 AM (LISuA)

115 You might not have Jeb!mentum, but Jeb!mentum has YOU.

Posted by: BurtTC at August 04, 2015 10:38 AM (l6K1I)

116 Maybe if we made a campfire and sang songs.

Posted by: That annoying guy in Aliens at August 04, 2015 10:39 AM (RD7QR)

117 If he isn't wearing a suit he looks like he wants to be.

-----

Then just wear the suit.

Posted by: SH at August 04, 2015 10:39 AM (gmeXX)

118 How would you know? You Goofy fvcker.

Posted by: rickb223 at August 04, 2015 10:34 AM (P8HwW)

1 drunken night and I'm labeled for life.

Posted by: Mickey Mouse at August 04, 2015 10:39 AM (S+el1)

119 Why do pundits think Jebbie will be the nominee? He is going to lose all the early primary states, and his donors will be in a panic almost immediately.

Posted by: MTF at August 04, 2015 10:39 AM (LISuA)

120 "which woman should be on a bill"

Annie Oakley
Molly Pitcher

Posted by: Ricardo Kill at August 04, 2015 10:39 AM (LA7Cm)

121 'Ours is not to question why, ours is to Vote Jeb! or die.'

Posted by: some random meathead at August 04, 2015 10:40 AM (1+7D3)

122 I'm from Texas and live in Austin. I like Perry & voted for him.
I would again if he were the nominee. Perry has the problem of that indictment hanging over him which isn't helping. That said, I also have luv for Cruz, might be Texas bias? I'm also liking Carly more, she would work as an attack dog VP.

As far as all these high ranking Texas repubs getting indicted, I say witch hunt. First they got Libby, then Perry, and now working on Paxton.

Posted by: lindafell de Spair at August 04, 2015 10:33 AM (L78vw)

The indictment is bullshit and everyone here knows it. He's already had one charge dropped, IMHO the other one will be also, and I believe they've moved that department that got the indictment out of Austin.

I think (and hope) Paxton will get by too. I saw a word for it the other day: "lawfare."

Democrats can't win any other way down here, so they go nitpicking, mainly with grand juries based in Austin, which could get nuked for all I care.

Posted by: Blano at August 04, 2015 10:40 AM (w1ewr)

123 >>Rand Paul: Full disclosure, he's my guy for now.

Stop the fucking presses!
There is ONE republican acceptable to Drew. Let's nominate Rand before Drew changes his mind and throws us back into turmoil.

Posted by: Tushar at August 04, 2015 10:40 AM (j/0FK)

124 >>>Women on a bill? Jenner of course.<<<

Have you seen Jenner's face lately? I saw a profile shot of shim and it reminded me of this:

tinyurl.com/nzecj65

Posted by: Fritz at August 04, 2015 10:41 AM (UzPAd)

125 I'm all about beating up Jeb! but I'm not sure the "no troops but SF" thing is the way to go.

Let's face it, that's basically what we do now. "No boots, but trainers."

He just failed to use the euphemism. For that, we may actually want to be thankful, maybe people will start to see the truth.

Posted by: tsrlbke PhD(c), rogue bioethicist at August 04, 2015 10:41 AM (tM4uk)

126 On a $1 bill? Misty the stripper, of course. She's the only reason to have ones in the first place.

Posted by: BurtTC at August 04, 2015 10:41 AM (l6K1I)

127 117 If he isn't wearing a suit he looks like he wants to be.
-----
Then just wear the suit.
--------------
But how do his creases look???

Posted by: lindafell de Spair at August 04, 2015 10:41 AM (L78vw)

128 1 drunken night and I'm labeled for life.
Posted by: Mickey Mouse

Doggy is a style, not a partner.

Posted by: rickb223 at August 04, 2015 10:41 AM (P8HwW)

129 All right, we got seven canisters of CN-20. I say we roll them in there and nerve gas the whole fucking nest.

Posted by: Grump928(c) at August 04, 2015 10:42 AM (evdj2)

130 Are we Brazil yet?

Posted by: Shallow HAL 9000 at August 04, 2015 10:42 AM (VcOqI)

131 The Perry indictment is total horseshit.

The Paxton thing, though, I don't know. Don't know anything about the guy.

Posted by: Ricardo Kill at August 04, 2015 10:42 AM (LA7Cm)

132 Why is it that everyone thinks Jeb is inevitable? Sure, he's going to have the cronyism bucks in his pocket, but at the end of the day someone's got to, you know, vote for him, and I haven't found anyone willing to yet, not just among conservatives but among run of the mill LIV Republicans. I think everyone is fooling themselves if they think money is going to overcome that.

Posted by: Weirddave at August 04, 2015 10:42 AM (WvS3w)

133 No one wants Trump.

The voters don't want Bush or Christie or (sorry) Perry.

Walker is small beer, microbrew, awesome but too local. Let's see how you handle a national stage and maybe next time you're the guy.

Cruz will be the nominee, behind the evangelicals and tea Partiers, because he's religious, principled, minarchist, brilliant -- and oh yes, Hispanic.

There's a small chance Paul could upset by pulling in all the libertarian vote in a crowded field, but realistically we should hope for Cruz/Paul.

Posted by: TallDave at August 04, 2015 10:42 AM (74ZYB)

134 I think it comes down to Walker, Cruz, Rubio and maybe even Trump after the early primaries. All the wanna-be's will disappear once they lose a couple of primaries, except I think Cruz and Rubio are such strong campaigners they will stick around, despite third place finishes in the early states.

Posted by: MTF at August 04, 2015 10:43 AM (LISuA)

135 I want to see one of Boehner's outcasts (Amash, Huelskamp, etc.) introduce a bill to rename everything named after Robert Byrd because we want to move on from our nation's racist past.

Posted by: Furious George at August 04, 2015 10:44 AM (UlJ3l)

136 Leave the cork on the fork, Ruprecht.

Thread winner.

Look no matter how bad you think the GOP candidates look, they still look like George Washington Lincoln compared to the bozos on the Democrat side.

Joe "Ruprecht" Biden, seriously?
Bernie "Pinko" Sanders?
Hillary "so corrupt, arrogant, and venal no one word suffices" Clinton?
That other guy nobody remembers and will not vote for?

Their lineup is a pile of reasty warthog feces. They are just awful, the worst set of presidential candidates since the GOP gave us in 1996. Even worse. These guys don't deserve to win dog catcher. It would war my heart, but I know one of them is going to win, and I'm sure its Hillary no matter how she's polling right now.

Posted by: Christopher Taylor at August 04, 2015 10:44 AM (39g3+)

137 ♫♪♫

Every little breeze seems to whisper ¡Jeb! please!
Words in Twitter-ese tweet out # ¡Jeb! please!
Each little rose tells me it knows
I love ¡Jeb!

Posted by: Muldoon at August 04, 2015 10:44 AM (NeFrd)

138 You'll get over Rand soon enough when Ted mops the floor with him. He's not even in the same league intellectually. And he IS Ron's boy, as much as he tries to hide it. I am all for libertarianism until you get to their child-like view of world affairs. Whenever they talk about defense doctrine and state-craft I want to pat them on the head and hand them a lollipop.

Posted by: Alamo at August 04, 2015 10:44 AM (2XJxO)

139 Well aren't you two fancy?

Posted by: AverageDave at August 04, 2015 10:45 AM (87y4e)

140 "which woman should be on a bill"

Annie Oakley
Molly Pitcher

Posted by: Ricardo Kill at August 04, 2015 10:39 AM (LA7Cm)

Raquel Welch
Christie Brinkley
Jane Seymour
Barbara Eden
Julie Newmar

Posted by: Blano at August 04, 2015 10:45 AM (w1ewr)

141 I didn't get a chance to listen to the entire C-SPAN event last night, but I liked the format. It wasn't much different than a debate because during debates, master debaters talk about what they want to anyway, regardless of the original question. The best part of debates is having someone bitch slap the media, or each other. Everyone is waiting for that one sound bite ala Reagan and the microphone.

Regarding Jeb!, his answer on what to do with ISIS was nothing more than what the current administration is doing, which is obviously not enough by a long shot. And Lindsey Grahamnesty--almost every time a defense related question comes up, he invokes John McCain's name. I'm starting to think they are having an affair. Just because they've never been seen in coitus, doesn't mean they aren't bumping uglies.

Posted by: @PeeteySDee at August 04, 2015 10:45 AM (h+rml)

142 Accept my inevitability, senors.

Posted by: Jebmentum at August 04, 2015 10:45 AM (87y4e)

143

Hey Drew,

I did not watch last night's interviews. So I am very thankful that you took the time to summarize them for me. Seriously: thanks.

I'll only take the time to note that it is pretty damn obvious that Ted Cruz is our (i.e., conservative's) guy. He. Is. The. MAN. - He is who we want or SHOULD want.

No executive experience? - Granted, I generally prefer governors auditioning for the role of president because both are executive positions.
However, I place the consistently and _eloquently_ espoused beliefs of conservatism above experience. (For instance, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush were executives before they were presidents.)

I am not saying that NO experience is necessary. Not at all. Of course, experience is necessary.
And while it is not as good as serving as a governor, being a US Senator is significant experience.
Ted Cruz - at least as well as anybody - has seen and knows how the bullshit DC apparatus works. He's been there. And watched that.
- I think that not only does he know about that sad bullshit but that he also knows how the stinkiest bullshit operates. And he HATES it. - That's experience we can rely on.

Unless Bobby Jindall throws his hat in: I'm Ted Cruz all the way. And GOD DAMMIT, I can't figure out why the HELL the rest of my fellow conservatives are not!

What the fuck, people????!!

Posted by: _Dave_ at August 04, 2015 10:45 AM (l2dSQ)

144 Doggy is a style, not a partner.

Posted by: rickb223 at August 04, 2015 10:41 AM (P8HwW)

Not for some people (from what I hear anyways).

Posted by: Blano at August 04, 2015 10:46 AM (w1ewr)

145 Good analysis across the board.

But --

"We're going to see it a 3rd time because he [Bush] is going to be the nominee."

I wish you and others would knock this shit off. It's too glib, and there has never been more cause to refute the assumption.

Posted by: rrpjr at August 04, 2015 10:46 AM (s/yC1)

146 I see we are paying for federal cops now to police Baltimore. Before they sent those cops they should have made it contingent on firing that incompentent scrunt of a mayor.

Posted by: Vic at August 04, 2015 10:46 AM (GpgJl)

147 Glad I missed it.

Posted by: Feh at August 04, 2015 10:46 AM (G4d43)

148 "AllenG I also like Perry, can not figure out why he can not get traction. "

People recognize that a president needs to make smart decisions.

One of Perry's first decisions was to hire Steve Schmidt.

That alone disqualifies him from just about everything.

Posted by: jwest at August 04, 2015 10:47 AM (P/xrJ)

149 I would hope that the mayor would have no say over the federal cops in Baltimore.

Posted by: Bruce With a Wang! at August 04, 2015 10:47 AM (iQIUe)

150 Unless Bobby Jindall throws his hat in: I'm Ted Cruz all the way. And GOD DAMMIT, I can't figure out why the HELL the rest of my fellow conservatives are not!

Cruz supported TPP and voted for the Iran deal. A lot of conservatives don't trust him.

His bridge burning exercise with McConnell, where he called him a liar, did give him some serious cred though. More things like that and he can move up the rankings.

Posted by: Bevel Lemelisk at August 04, 2015 10:48 AM (FhT/k)

151 Walker is small beer, microbrew, awesome but too local. Let's see how you handle a national stage and maybe next time you're the guy.

You're like the guy that won't hire young people until they get some experience.

Posted by: Christopher Taylor at August 04, 2015 10:48 AM (39g3+)

152 132 119

If Jeb is "inevitable" but can't win any early primaries, then his "inevitable" cloak falls away and everyone only has "never was".

Posted by: MTF at August 04, 2015 10:48 AM (LISuA)

153 at 87
I want to like Cruz, but I'm not going to. His recent mistakes in the Senate and wishy-wshy immigration "stance" disqualify him, unless he does a major 180 pretty damn quick. And "do" is the operative word: he can talk it up like a champ, but I want to see him DO something. For Once.

What kind of drugs are you on? squishy on immigration BS. He even got the Trumps seal of approval on his position.

All you Jeb is inevitable people are smoking crack. Not a single person have I found that gives a rats behind about JEB. He's even polling behind several others in FL.

Float the lie and see if you rubes will believe it.

Posted by: brainpimp at August 04, 2015 10:48 AM (zosQc)

154 Oh, and we totes forgot, Paul apparently pandered to CAC a bit last night...

Posted by: Brother Cavil, down with Eph 6:12-13 at August 04, 2015 10:48 AM (2l5vw)

155 People wish to deny Jeb!s inevitability, I get that. Don't get mad about it though. You'll just be that much madder when we are saying we told you so in a few short months.

Posted by: BurtTC at August 04, 2015 10:49 AM (l6K1I)

156 "Raquel Welch
Christie Brinkley
Jane Seymour
Barbara Eden
Julie Newmar"

Yes
Yes
Yes
YES!
Okay

Posted by: Ricardo Kill at August 04, 2015 10:49 AM (LA7Cm)

157 So...we're still fucked.

Posted by: Insomniac at August 04, 2015 10:49 AM (2Ojst)

158 What the hell is a Federal Cop?

Posted by: Grump928(c) at August 04, 2015 10:49 AM (evdj2)

159 Thanks for watching that thing. I tried to watch but it gave me Attention Deficit Disorder.

Posted by: Kate Powell at August 04, 2015 10:50 AM (UO62U)

160 I've given up on anything useful emerging from the process. When somebody pledges to decimate the bureaucracy, declare martial law in the inner cities, cut the tax and law codes by 90%, and pass constitutional amendments making it impossible for anybody at some arbitrary level of consanguinity with a previous officeholder to themselves hold office then I'll vote for him/her/xe. Otherwise, I'm rooting for SMOD/Yellowstone Caldera 2016.

Posted by: That annoying guy in Aliens at August 04, 2015 10:50 AM (RD7QR)

161 Also, given the number of posters who apparently share the name, I think the HQ has reached Peak Dave.

Posted by: Brother Cavil, down with Eph 6:12-13 at August 04, 2015 10:50 AM (2l5vw)

162 133
No one wants Trump.

Sorry , but that is personal wishcasting on your part. The numbers don't bear out your thesis.

Trump , like him or hate him is a one-man self-fueled marketing machine.

Of course I'm so old that I remember when conservatives actually PREFERRED a presidential candidate with business experience over life-long government leeches.

Posted by: some random meathead at August 04, 2015 10:50 AM (1+7D3)

163 132 Why is it that everyone thinks Jeb is inevitable? Sure, he's going to have the cronyism bucks in his pocket, but at the end of the day someone's got to, you know, vote for him, and I haven't found anyone willing to yet, not just among conservatives but among run of the mill LIV Republicans. I think everyone is fooling themselves if they think money is going to overcome that.
Posted by: Weirddave at August 04, 2015 10:42 AM (WvS3w)

The establishment-backed candidate has won every open primary since Reagan, and usually that candidate's last name is Bush.

Posted by: Bevel Lemelisk at August 04, 2015 10:50 AM (FhT/k)

164 Walker is small beer, microbrew, awesome but too local.

***

So we're gonna be stuck with Coors Light in 2016?

If so, can we at least get Nachos as the veep candidate?

Posted by: Muldoon at August 04, 2015 10:50 AM (NeFrd)

165 One of Perry's first decisions was to hire Steve Schmidt.

That alone disqualifies him from just about everything.

While I'm not disagreeing with you, I think you overestimate how much people give a shit about that sort of thing.

Posted by: HR braucht ein Bier at August 04, 2015 10:51 AM (/kI1Q)

166 158 What the hell is a Federal Cop?
Posted by: Grump928(c) at August 04, 2015 10:49 AM (evdj2)

FBI, DEA, ATF, Marshal Service, BLM, Department of Education...

Posted by: Insomniac at August 04, 2015 10:51 AM (2Ojst)

167 Ted Cruz - at least as well as anybody - has seen
and knows how the bullshit DC apparatus works. He's been there. And
watched that. - I think that not only does he know about that sad
bullshit but that he also knows how the stinkiest bullshit operates. And
he HATES it. - That's experience we can rely on. Posted by: _Dave_ at August 04, 2015 10:45 AM

We can rely on him to get flimflammed and bamboozled by Bitch McConnel and then whine about it like a little girl?

We can rely on him to bail out when something important comes up -- like the ChoomTrade bill, which had the bad taste to get passed while he was out fundraising -- and cave to Choom Boy and his pet Nuclear Muzzies like the rest of the Senate?

We can rely on him to go reeeeeeal easy on illegals?

Yeah, I'm gonna put my faith in that dude. Maybe team him up with Paul Ryan (again) or Baby Paul.

Posted by: MrScribbler at August 04, 2015 10:52 AM (0atQl)

168 Unless Bobby Jindall throws his hat in: I'm Ted Cruz all the way. And GOD DAMMIT, I can't figure out why the HELL the rest of my fellow conservatives are not!

My concern with Ted Cruz is that although he's great at talking, he's had little chance to actually play it out or have any position of actual authority or leadership. The closest glimpse we got was the filibuster, which for me more than overcomes his TPP and Iran votes.

Being a great talker and an ideologue is what got us President Obama. I don't know if he has any chops beyond being a great talker or ideologue.

Plus, I'm certain that the next president is going to face a disastrous world economic collapse, and I'd rather him not be the guy in office when it happens.

Posted by: Christopher Taylor at August 04, 2015 10:52 AM (39g3+)

169 The establishment-backed candidate has won every open primary since Reagan, and usually that candidate's last name is Bush.

I think I see the problem here.

Posted by: Brother Cavil, down with Eph 6:12-13 at August 04, 2015 10:52 AM (2l5vw)

170 FBI, DEA, ATF, Marshal Service, BLM, Department of Education...

Are they running the streets of Baltimore?

Posted by: Grump928(c) at August 04, 2015 10:52 AM (evdj2)

171 The question , beyond a general direction, is not about specific issues any more since both 'Party's (aka The Cartel ) are aligned against anyone out here who gives a damn.
We need a no- BS fighter.....one whose will is greater than the POS whores he/she is facing.
Trump appeals to people even though his positions on the issues are incoherent .
It is his unswerving WILL to fight the whores that makes him appealing. .

Posted by: Lower Class person whose opinions need to be guided at August 04, 2015 10:52 AM (7GI9v)

172 170 FBI, DEA, ATF, Marshal Service, BLM, Department of Education...

Are they running the streets of Baltimore?
Posted by: Grump928(c) at August 04, 2015 10:52 AM (evdj2)

Hell if I know.

Posted by: Insomniac at August 04, 2015 10:52 AM (2Ojst)

173
When is someone going to rate my forum performance?

Posted by: Zombie Harold Stassen at August 04, 2015 10:53 AM (OiFtZ)

174 "What the fuck, people????!!"

Walker has executive experience and a pile of skulls. Cruz does not. Cruz would make one hell of a press secretary, though.

I think Fiorina has a lock on any VP slot.

If Jeb is the nominee, Hillary wins.

Posted by: Feh at August 04, 2015 10:53 AM (G4d43)

175 No one hurt themselves but people's chances are finished based on the Trump Clown Show.

Got it. o.O

Posted by: Y-not on the phone at August 04, 2015 10:53 AM (RWGcK)

176 If one of these candidates ever responded to one of the cute, cartoonishly "gotcha" or plainly inappropriate questions with the following he'd probably get a 5 point bump in the polls overnight:

"Not a question for me to answer, nor of real interest to the American people. Try another."

Or, as to the questions of character -- "a man is not the most reliable witness to his own character. I am offering my record of performance and my ideas for what I believe this country needs in this time of trouble -- I leave the verdict of character to the voters."

Anything to jam some of these dumbass questions back down the throat of the moderator. Too much solicitation going on, too much eagerness to keep up the illusion of the grand interrogative.

Posted by: rrpjr at August 04, 2015 10:53 AM (s/yC1)

177 What woman should be on a bill?

The Statue of Liberty. She's a lady.

Posted by: parteagirl at August 04, 2015 10:54 AM (Plx/u)

178 Woman on the bill? Hedy Lamarr.

Posted by: Count de Monet at August 04, 2015 10:54 AM (JO9+V)

179 As things stand, Walker is my minimum standard. I could vote for that guy. He's not my favorite, but he's tolerable.

Posted by: Grump928(c) at August 04, 2015 10:54 AM (evdj2)

180 Are they running the streets of Baltimore?
Posted by: Grump928(c) at August 04, 2015 10:52 AM (evdj2)

Here you go. Apparently it's only a handful of federal agents helping with homicide investigations:

http://tinyurl.com/p48q3eh

Posted by: Insomniac at August 04, 2015 10:54 AM (2Ojst)

181 Cruz has argued a significant amount of cases in front of the SCOTUS....and won. He was also Texas' AG, the youngest one in history. He is persistent and pretty much has stuck to his principles and promises. He certainly doesn't go along to get along, he stands his ground, even if he's alone. He's is actually doing what his constituents want him to, not what the gop light wants, even if he is punished for it. He's fearless against the establishment.

Posted by: lindafell de Spair at August 04, 2015 10:54 AM (L78vw)

182 A post wherein Drew attempts to entice Horde members into committing seppeku by repeated references to the inevitability of Jeb!

Not yet, Drew. I won't commit to offing myself until 2016 at the earliest. (sharpens blade)

Willing to vote for -- Cruz, Paul, Walker
Hold my nose time -- Fiorina, Trump, Perry, Jindal
Where's my blade? -- the rest of 'em

Posted by: GnuBreed at August 04, 2015 10:55 AM (jPlFu)

183 Posted by: rrpjr at August 04, 2015 10:53 AM (s/yC1)

I'm sure half of why Trump is the frontrunner is because he berates reporters when they ask him questions he dislikes.

Americans want to see rudeness to the self-styled elite. We hate the self-styled elite.

Posted by: Bevel Lemelisk at August 04, 2015 10:55 AM (FhT/k)

184 And "do" is the operative word: [Ted Cruz] can talk it up like a champ, but I want to see him DO something. For Once.

Well he did do something once - the filibuster. Yes, it was technically talking, but he did put himself on the line and personally took a stance when nobody else in congress would. It could have cost him enormously in politics, it was a huge risk that actually paid off very well in 2014 for Republicans.

But I'm with you in the main: I want to see him do more.

Posted by: Christopher Taylor at August 04, 2015 10:56 AM (39g3+)

185 165 One of Perry's first decisions was to hire Steve Schmidt.

You're kidding? He hired this miserable POS popinjay?

Posted by: rrpjr at August 04, 2015 10:56 AM (s/yC1)

186 For what it's worth I like Walker. Carly, and Perry...... The rest I can take or leave, except Bush who I can't take.... Not too fond of Rand Paul either.... trump? What can I say?

Posted by: donna at August 04, 2015 10:56 AM (hUdMz)

187 >>Woman on the bill? Hedy Lamarr.

Good choice!

Posted by: Lizzy at August 04, 2015 10:56 AM (NOIQH)

188 Willing to vote for -- Cruz, Paul, Walker
Hold my nose time -- Fiorina, Trump, Perry, Jindal
Where's my blade? -- the rest of 'em
Posted by: GnuBreed at August 04, 2015 10:55 AM (jPlFu)

Remember, down the road, not across the tracks.

Posted by: Insomniac at August 04, 2015 10:56 AM (2Ojst)

189 All women should be on me. Many have been. More to come!

Posted by: Bill in Chappaqua at August 04, 2015 10:56 AM (gwG9s)

190 Count de Monet at August 04, 2015 10:54 AM

That's HEDLEY!

Posted by: Alamo at August 04, 2015 10:56 AM (2XJxO)

191 Steve Sch*idt's presence in a campaign means that campaign is going to tank.

Posted by: boulder terlit hobo at August 04, 2015 10:56 AM (yW3YC)

192 His, God wants 10%, no deductions, no loopholes, so that's what the tax code should be

It is reasonable to remind people that government , which does nothing of value, steals three times as much of our income as God asks for.

Posted by: Methos at August 04, 2015 10:56 AM (ZbV+0)

193 "...Anything to jam some of these dumbass questions back down the throat of the moderator. Too much solicitation going on, too much eagerness to keep up the illusion of the grand interrogative. "

Posted by: rrpjr at August 04, 2015 10:53 AM (s/yC1)

I thought the moderator did a pretty good job last night, keeping the bullshit to a minimum. He was so much better than what we've come to expect from the MSM, with every other question a "gotcha".

Posted by: jwest at August 04, 2015 10:57 AM (P/xrJ)

194 190 Count de Monet at August 04, 2015 10:54 AM

That's HEDLEY!
Posted by: Alamo at August 04, 2015 10:56 AM (2XJxO)

Nitwits, halfwits, bulldykes and Methodists!

Posted by: Insomniac at August 04, 2015 10:57 AM (2Ojst)

195 He hired this miserable POS popinjay?

I had hoped that hiring him and Barbour was a form of protection. But it sadly appears that Perry is listening to them.

Posted by: Grump928(c) at August 04, 2015 10:57 AM (evdj2)

196 If Obama can get elected twice anyone the elites want will be put in office.
Bring back memories of: The dead voting, Voters bragging they voted multiple times, precincts where 100% of the vote went to Obama. (That is not possible), illegal vote, rigged machines. That their is 5 votes to your 1.

Posted by: OTB at August 04, 2015 10:57 AM (ShdUd)

197

Hey, unless I'm mistaken: Ted Cruz did not _support_ the horrible TPP.
He was lied to by the LEADERSHIP (McConnfuckall) about it.

- That should NOT be held against Cruz.

Simple note: I will not vote for Jeb Bush under any circumstance.

Obama could be running for a third term, and I would not vote for Jeb!

I'd show up and write in Donald duck.
- Excuse me!
I meant to say that I'd write in Donal Trump. AND I DAMN WELL WOULD TOO!!

Posted by: _Dave_ at August 04, 2015 10:57 AM (l2dSQ)

198 My concern with Ted Cruz is that although he's great at talking, he's had little chance to actually play it out or have any position of actual authority or leadership. The closest glimpse we got was the filibuster, which for me more than overcomes his TPP and Iran votes.

Being a great talker and an ideologue is what got us President Obama. I don't know if he has any chops beyond being a great talker or ideologue.

Plus, I'm certain that the next president is going to face a disastrous world economic collapse, and I'd rather him not be the guy in office when it happens.
Posted by: Christopher Taylor at August 04, 2015 10:52 AM (39g3+)

Then maybe you'll consider the opinion of someone who has campaigned for and met Ted Cruz and knows his father.

Ted is the real deal. His head, his heart, his passion, are all in the right place.

Posted by: parteagirl at August 04, 2015 10:58 AM (Plx/u)

199
Walker has executive experience and a pile of skulls. Cruz does not.

I can only take one inexperienced, junior senator President per lifetime.

Posted by: some random meathead at August 04, 2015 10:58 AM (1+7D3)

200 There's a new NBC/WSJ poll that says 65% of the people say the country is headed in the wrong direction. How can this be? Prezzy Historic has given us BarryCare, gay marriage, armed Iran, low unemployment (if you ignore the participation rate) no inflation (if you ignore the cost of everything), great race relations (if you ignore the race riots), peace in the world (if you ignore ISIS and the attacks on US soil). How can be think we're headed in the wrong direction? It must be racism. How come the Republicans can't capitalize on this? Stupidity and timidity would be the answer.

Posted by: TheQuietMan at August 04, 2015 10:58 AM (493sH)

201 "Hedy Lamarr."

That's "Hedley."

Posted by: H Lamar at August 04, 2015 10:58 AM (LA7Cm)

202 What woman should be on a bill?

The Peace Dollar Lady Liberty was kinda hawt.

https://tinyurl.com/p6juoyo

Posted by: rickl at August 04, 2015 10:58 AM (zoehZ)

203 *golf clap*

I'm looking for the necklace of skulls and street smarts.

Trump would need brains in his cabinet. He would do well to drop some names now and then. Swagger is fine, but there's a need to drop the swagger and put up the goods at some point.

Posted by: Feh at August 04, 2015 10:59 AM (G4d43)

204 From Fox:

Under the program, two special agents from each of the federal
government's five crime-fighting agencies (the FBI, DEA, Secret Service,
U.S. Marshals Service and the ATF) will help investigate cases for the
next 60 days.

Posted by: Vic We Have No Party at August 04, 2015 10:59 AM (GpgJl)

205 Hey, unless I'm mistaken: Ted Cruz did not _support_ the horrible TPP.
He was lied to by the LEADERSHIP (McConnfuckall) about it.

I find it hard to believe that Cruz could be fooled by that turtle.

Posted by: Bevel Lemelisk at August 04, 2015 10:59 AM (FhT/k)

206 Oops, sorry, Alamo.

Posted by: H Lamar at August 04, 2015 10:59 AM (LA7Cm)

207 Being the AG in Texas's... unique... constitution counts as an executive position. Probably counts more than being Governor.

Posted by: boulder terlit hobo at August 04, 2015 10:59 AM (yW3YC)

208 The establishment-backed candidate has won every open primary since Reagan, and usually that candidate's last name is Bush.

And that's why the party wants open primaries.

To contain conservatives with liberals voting.

Posted by: Pappy O'Daniel at August 04, 2015 10:59 AM (oVJmc)

209
He was so much better than what we've come to expect from the MSM...

Posted by: jwest

How condescendingly arrogant and typically republican to degenerate the highly vaulted media who serves the nation for the greater good.

Posted by: Candy Crowley at August 04, 2015 10:59 AM (OiFtZ)

210 He was also Texas' AG, the youngest one in history

Solicitor General. Not AG.

Texas Attorney General is an elected position, Solicitor General is an appointed one.

For the record.

Posted by: AllenG (DedicatedTenther) - Derringer Bandit at August 04, 2015 10:59 AM (kff5f)

211 Being the AG in Texas's... unique... constitution counts as an executive position. Probably counts more than being Governor.

Posted by: boulder terlit hobo at August 04, 2015 10:59 AM (yW3YC)

Again- he wasn't AG. His first elected office, to my knowledge, is the one he currently occupies.

Posted by: AllenG (DedicatedTenther) - Derringer Bandit at August 04, 2015 11:00 AM (kff5f)

212 @165

I agree. Perry just doesn't seem to get shit right. I am pissed about it. His fcuking fag glasses aren't going over with me. Maybe the chiks like it.

He is suppose to be a grown up. Wear grown up shit.

Posted by: Nip Sip at August 04, 2015 11:00 AM (0FSuD)

213 200 There's a new NBC/WSJ poll that says 65% of the people say the country is headed in the wrong direction.

The silliest question in politics. People always say it's heading in the wrong direction for a trillion different reasons.

Posted by: Bevel Lemelisk at August 04, 2015 11:01 AM (FhT/k)

214 I had hoped that hiring him and Barbour was a form of protection. But it sadly appears that Perry is listening to them.

Posted by: Grump928(c) at August 04, 2015 10:57 AM (evdj2)

Exactly.

Posted by: AllenG (DedicatedTenther) - Derringer Bandit at August 04, 2015 11:02 AM (kff5f)

215 Frustrated with Perry. And I think Walker must have more charisma than he showed last night==he won the governorship of Wisconsin. People from that state are not boring.

Posted by: Mike at August 04, 2015 11:02 AM (ISxUB)

216 I'm not drawing hearts around any of their names, but my order of least repulsive is Carly, Cruzy, and Scotty.

Yup, those are my top 3.

Cruz's "cooking bacon on the barrel of a gun" stunt was pretty awesome, Walker's drive-progs-crazy cred is well established, and Fiorina did such a good job short-circuiting the media's attempts to Palinize her that they don't want to interview her any more.

Posted by: Ian S. at August 04, 2015 11:02 AM (S+N7W)

217 ISIS is the biggest threat this country has ever faced, I laughed. There was this thing called the ~~Soviet Union~~Washington DC

FIFY

Posted by: Methos at August 04, 2015 11:02 AM (ZbV+0)

218 "Probably counts more than being Governor."

The Governor is notoriously weak in Texas. A vestige of the aftermath of Reconstruction. Lt. Governor and Speaker are more influential.

Posted by: Ricardo Kill at August 04, 2015 11:02 AM (LA7Cm)

219
I should get credit for bulldozing the rock.

Posted by: Rick the Hick Perry at August 04, 2015 11:02 AM (OiFtZ)

220 As things stand, Walker is my minimum standard. I could vote for that guy. He's not my favorite, but he's tolerable.

I think that's a good way of putting it. With some strong stances on a few topics Trump-style, he could rocket to the front runner.

Granted, the AFL-CIO would be out with shotguns forcing people to the polls to stop him, but they don't really amount to much these days.

Honestly, if people weren't so wrapped up in this, if they were looking at it objectively, they would think the Republicans have a heck of a great cast of potentials out there.

Jindal, Cruz, and Rubio are all not the usual "old white guy" candidate, and are fresh to voters who know virtually nothing about them.
Walker is calm and quiet but efficient and covered with the blood of his enemies, and scars from their pathetic attacks - none of them on his back. The guy is unassuming and mild seeming but he's built a throne of the bones of his political enemies in a hostile state.
Even people I wouldn't want to see in office like Fiorino ooze competence and calm ability, with real charisma.

Our problem is as conservatives we've been stabbed in the back once too many times, and seen the left's outrageous crazy crap go too far, so we want a Godzilla to show up and stomp everyone and everything into oblivion. There is no such candidate. Even Ronald Reagan wasn't the Ronald Reagan that people remember and hold up as the standard.

Posted by: Christopher Taylor at August 04, 2015 11:02 AM (39g3+)

221 Its not executive experience that disqualifies Senators, its Corker.
Cruz, Paul and yes even Rubio voted for Corker.
So despite Rubio's posturing, he chose to give Iran the bomb. Screw him, this is just another amnesty style walkback from a dishonest candidate.

Posted by: HowardDevore at August 04, 2015 11:03 AM (1lln4)

222 Thanks AllenG. I reacted to a comment and forgot what position he'd actually held.

Guess I better head to the Barrel now.

Posted by: boulder terlit hobo at August 04, 2015 11:03 AM (yW3YC)

223 You all have permission to shoot me the in face with a Barrett M107 .50 Cal from ten feet away if Jeb Bush is the nominee.

I liked George Bush the Elder, and I liked W even more, but fuck me to death with a flaming supernova, another Bush would be the death of the Republic, not that it has much life in it. G-d help us all.

Posted by: Sharkman at August 04, 2015 11:03 AM (72D6h)

224 Swagger is fine, but there's a need to drop the swagger and put up the goods at some point.

I am a Walker-leaner but I love Trump's tax plan.

4 brackets; 1-5-10-15%; kill death tax corporate tax
My 5-part tax plan involves reforming the income tax. The government confiscates way too much of your paycheck. The tax code is also a very complicated system that forces Americans to waste 6.1 billion hours a year trying to figure it out.

What does that tell you? It tells me that it's time we restore simplicity sanity to the income tax. Here's my income tax plan:

Up to $30,000, you pay 1%
From $30,000 to $100,000, you pay 5%
From $100,000 to $1 million, you pay 10%
On $1 million or above, you pay 15%

It's clear and fair. Best of all, it can be filled out on the back of a postcard and will save Americans big bucks on accountants and massive amounts of time wasted attempting to decipher the tax code.

Posted by: some random meathead at August 04, 2015 11:03 AM (1+7D3)

225 How would you know? You Goofy fvcker.

Posted by: rickb223 at August 04, 2015 10:34 AM (P8HwW)

Mickey wanted a divorce from Minnie and went to court.
The judge said he could not grant a divorce just because Minnie was crazy. Mickey said I didn't say she was crazy, I said she was fucking Goofy.

Posted by: Velvet Ambition at August 04, 2015 11:04 AM (R8hU8)

226

Pinging back @ #174:

If Walker is the nominee: I will definitely vote for him.

However, I think that Walker is clearly inferior to Ted Cruz.

Walker looks to be a moderate who did an excellent but wholly NECESSARY job at pushing back against the retarded unions in a northern liberal state. I applaud that.

But Mr. Walker has yet to convince me that he is a genuine conservative.

Maybe Walker will take the time and trouble to research conservatism and push the line. Until then, he's a distant but utterly viable SECOND best.

Posted by: _Dave_ at August 04, 2015 11:04 AM (l2dSQ)

227 "Frustrated with Perry."

About the only ones who haven't outright shot themselves in the foot are Trump, Walker, Fiorina, and, Jindal. The rest are all limping from self-inflicted wounds.

Posted by: Ricardo Kill at August 04, 2015 11:04 AM (LA7Cm)

228 Is Perry just a frat boy in over his head?

Posted by: Feh at August 04, 2015 11:05 AM (G4d43)

229 222 Thanks AllenG. I reacted to a comment and forgot what position he'd actually held.

Guess I better head to the Barrel now.
Posted by: boulder terlit hobo at August 04, 2015 11:03 AM (yW3YC)

Now, now. The barrel is for serious things like formatting errors, not something as trivial as getting facts wrong.

Posted by: Bevel Lemelisk at August 04, 2015 11:05 AM (FhT/k)

230 FTSB - Breaking: 5th PP Selling Baby Parts Video-A Tray Full Of Aborted Baby Parts

The horror, the horror ...

Posted by: Grump928(c) at August 04, 2015 11:05 AM (evdj2)

231 I think the HQ has reached Peak Dave.

Hellz ya.

Posted by: HAL 9000 at August 04, 2015 11:05 AM (NF2Bf)

232 Sorry Allen, you're right. He's was Texas' lawyer.

Posted by: lindafell de Spair at August 04, 2015 11:06 AM (L78vw)

233 215
Frustrated with Perry. And I think Walker must have more charisma than
he showed last night==he won the governorship of Wisconsin. People from
that state are not boring.

Posted by: Mike at August 04, 2015 11:02 AM (ISxUB)

ha ha! Best joke of the tread.

Posted by: Nip Sip at August 04, 2015 11:07 AM (0FSuD)

234 Hey, unless I'm mistaken: Ted Cruz did not _support_ the horrible TPP.
He was lied to by the LEADERSHIP (McConnfuckall) about it.

I don't buy that as smart a legal mind as Cruz was bamboozled by the GOPe. I'll buy he saw something in it we don't or felt he had to in an election year, but not that he was fooled.

Ted is the real deal. His head, his heart, his passion, are all in the right place.

I don't doubt any of that. I just have yet to see him prove he has the skills and competence to lead any executive position. Its a very different job than legislation, or lawyering.

Posted by: Christopher Taylor at August 04, 2015 11:07 AM (39g3+)

235 Oscar Meyer's dead?!?
Posted by: some random meathead at August 04, 2015 10:25 AM (1+7D3)

That's really too bad. I loved their vietnamese sausages.

Posted by: no one, ever at August 04, 2015 11:07 AM (wKcQA)

236 It looks like he won't make the main debate this week, so he's kind of done.
-----------------------

A lot of people are thinking that the secondary debate will be the more interesting one. Part of that has to do with Trump being himself in the primary debate, and part of it has to do with claims that the shorter time for each candidate in the secondary debate will lead to a tighter (and more useful) focus in responses.

Posted by: junior at August 04, 2015 11:08 AM (3m3mw)

237 "Wisconsin"

True, Wisconsin people are so extroverted they look down at *your* shoes.

Posted by: Feh at August 04, 2015 11:09 AM (G4d43)

238 Art up.

FTSB?

Posted by: Eagle's secret service detail at August 04, 2015 11:09 AM (ncdr/)

239 if Jeb! is the GOPe choice, it's because they WANT to lose.

Posted by: redc1c4 at August 04, 2015 11:09 AM (I8nxO)

240 199
Walker has executive experience and a pile of skulls. Cruz does not.

I can only take one inexperienced, junior senator President per lifetime.

Oh yea Obama's lack of experience THAT was his problem.

WOW.

Posted by: brainpimp at August 04, 2015 11:09 AM (zosQc)

241 A lot of people are thinking that the secondary debate will be the more interesting one.

Other than Trump, I think just about everyone thinks so. Definitely more interesting candidates that people want to know more about in the second tier one.

But other than political junkies, nobody really gives a rat's furry tail about debates. And why have one so early?

Posted by: Christopher Taylor at August 04, 2015 11:10 AM (39g3+)

242 Here's the juice:

There's a 90% chance that Jeb will be the nominee.

I will not vote for him in the primary. I will vote for him in the general (unenthusiasticly).

We'll see how it goes.

Posted by: I Work for Dick Jones at August 04, 2015 11:10 AM (5YOwm)

243 224 >> I am a Walker-leaner but I love Trump's tax plan.

Oooooh, I like that plan. Some actual meat (policy position) from the Trumpster.

This dog might hunt.

Posted by: GnuBreed at August 04, 2015 11:10 AM (jPlFu)

244 228
Is Perry just a frat boy in over his head?

Posted by: Feh at August 04, 2015 11:05 AM (G4d43)

Not sure, but the head cheerleader at Texas A M is not a small deal.
It's a BIG FCUKING deal. Bigger than being governor for three terms.

Posted by: Nip Sip at August 04, 2015 11:10 AM (0FSuD)

245 230
FTSB - Breaking: 5th PP Selling Baby Parts Video-A Tray Full Of Aborted Baby Parts

The horror, the horror ...

Fvck that Prog-owned judge and his gag order.

Keep at 'em CMP.

http://tinyurl.com/puvr583

Posted by: some random meathead at August 04, 2015 11:10 AM (1+7D3)

246 FTSB - Breaking: 5th PP Selling Baby Parts Video-A Tray Full Of Aborted Baby Parts

Fuck you, Judge.

Posted by: Pappy O'Daniel at August 04, 2015 11:10 AM (oVJmc)

247

Pinging back at # 198:

You're saying you WOULD NOT want the 180 degree reversal in ideology that horrible president Obama has given us???

You said that Ted Cruz is an "ideologue" - one who is clearly diametrically opposed to Obama.
- And you DON'T want that??

What the hell??!!!

Of course we want that!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: _Dave_ at August 04, 2015 11:10 AM (l2dSQ)

248 Now, now. The barrel is for serious things like formatting errors, not something as trivial as getting facts wrong.

Otherwise, the HQ would be in a barrel.

Posted by: rickb223 at August 04, 2015 11:11 AM (P8HwW)

249 226

I'd take someone who calls themselves a moderate and governs conservatively over someone who calls themselves conservative and governs moderately any day.

Posted by: joe at August 04, 2015 11:11 AM (34w2E)

250 We have open primaries here. The State Republican Party has sued twice to close them knowing that no judge will side with them.

They do not want closed primaries. If they wanted them all it would take is a simple vote in the Statehouse. They have controlled both House and Senate for years and now they even have the governor.

Posted by: Vic We Have No Party at August 04, 2015 11:12 AM (GpgJl)

251 This whole thing about restricting the first debate to some "top ten" is utter bullshit. I do not understand why this crap is allowed to stand.

Let 'em ALL in. Split 'em up if you "have" to.

Posted by: Tex Lovera at August 04, 2015 11:12 AM (wtvvX)

252 Oh yea Obama's lack of experience THAT was his problem.

WOW.

Posted by: brainpimp

That's what you took from my comment?

Judging by your #OUTRAGE! I am guessing a Cruz supporter?

Posted by: some random meathead at August 04, 2015 11:12 AM (1+7D3)

253 "Am I the only one who finds Minnie Mouse alluring?"

Hey...

Posted by: Goofy at August 04, 2015 10:29 AM (VPLuQ)

I didn't say she was crazy, I said she was fucking Goofy!

Posted by: Mickey Mouse at August 04, 2015 11:13 AM (Myqtp)

254 Oooooh, I like that plan. Some actual meat (policy position) from the Trumpster.

I long for a day when people are impressed not by what a candidate says they'd do if they mind controlled congress, but as a president. The executive department does not write law.

You said that Ted Cruz is an "ideologue" - one who is clearly diametrically opposed to Obama.
- And you DON'T want that??

I want him to be more than that. Charismatic ideologues make great candidates but poor executives.

Posted by: Christopher Taylor at August 04, 2015 11:13 AM (39g3+)

255 @241 But other than political junkies, nobody really gives a rat's furry tail about debates. And why have one so early?
-----------------

Because of the slim chance that Santorum and Huckabee will have appearances that are disasterous enough to convince them to drop out early?

Posted by: junior at August 04, 2015 11:13 AM (3m3mw)

256 I find it hard to believe that Cruz could be fooled by that turtle.

Posted by: Bevel Lemelisk at August 04, 2015 10:59 AM

Dude was damn good at racing to the lectern and saying "Mommy! Nasty, mean ol' Mitch lied to me! Waaaaaah!" And -- this is for you, Christopher Taylor -- his filibuster showed us that, if nothing else, Cruz has the bladder of a Titan.

Otherwise, he's still a worthless political hack hoping ethnicity will get him ahead.

Posted by: MrScribbler at August 04, 2015 11:13 AM (0atQl)

257 Hey Drew,

I did not watch last night's interviews. So I am very thankful that you took the time to summarize them for me. Seriously: thanks.

I'll only take the time to note that it is pretty damn obvious that Ted Cruz is our (i.e., conservative's) guy. He. Is. The. MAN. - He is who we want or SHOULD want.

No executive experience? - Granted, I generally prefer governors auditioning for the role of president because both are executive positions.
However, I place the consistently and _eloquently_ espoused beliefs of conservatism above experience. (For instance, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush were executives before they were presidents.)

I am not saying that NO experience is necessary. Not at all. Of course, experience is necessary.
And while it is not as good as serving as a governor, being a US Senator is significant experience.
Ted Cruz - at least as well as anybody - has seen and knows how the bullshit DC apparatus works. He's been there. And watched that.
- I think that not only does he know about that sad bullshit but that he also knows how the stinkiest bullshit operates. And he HATES it. - That's experience we can rely on.

Unless Bobby Jindall throws his hat in: I'm Ted Cruz all the way. And GOD DAMMIT, I can't figure out why the HELL the rest of my fellow conservatives are not!

What the fuck, people????!!

THIS X 1000!!

I want a fucking CONSERVATIVE as President. Someone who reflexively chooses the conservative option when things come up. I'll take that over some nebulous "executive experience" any day of the week and twice on Sunday.

Posted by: Weirddave at August 04, 2015 11:14 AM (WvS3w)

258 Cruzbots giving Romneybots a run for their money.

heh.

Posted by: some random meathead at August 04, 2015 11:14 AM (1+7D3)

259 And the correct response to "Which woman do you think should be on the $10 dollar bill?" should be

"WHO THE FUCK GIVES A DAMN? We've got much bigger problems, dumbass."

Posted by: Tex Lovera at August 04, 2015 11:14 AM (wtvvX)

260 I am NOT a surly asshole!

Posted by: El Jeb!! at August 04, 2015 11:15 AM (hKyl0)

261

Pinging back at comment #234:

I think you make good points.
I would like Ted Cruz to speak yet more to his vote in favor of TPP.
- That was an awful vote on Ted's part.

However, we should at least keep an open mind that Ted, as a Republican, (_reasonably_) put trust in the Republican leadership and was so misled.

Posted by: _Dave_ at August 04, 2015 11:15 AM (l2dSQ)

262 I want him to be more than that. Charismatic ideologues make great candidates but poor executives.

Yeah, that Reagan guy SUCKED!

Posted by: Tex Lovera at August 04, 2015 11:16 AM (wtvvX)

263 Walker has executive experience and a pile of skulls. Cruz does not.

I can only take one inexperienced, junior senator President per lifetime.
Posted by: some random meathead at August 04, 2015 10:58 AM (1+7D3)

Obama has not been a disaster because he was an inexperienced senator. He has been a disaster because of HIS IDEAS!

Posted by: parteagirl at August 04, 2015 11:17 AM (Plx/u)

264 Yeah, that Reagan guy SUCKED!

The exception proves the rule. In any case, he proved he was more than simply a charismatic ideologue by his time in California actually being an executive. Cruz has not, we have no idea if he can do the job or not. He has zero experience in the area. Maybe he'd be good, but who knows? That's my concern

Posted by: Christopher Taylor at August 04, 2015 11:17 AM (39g3+)

265 Here's the case for Perry:

He has unquestioningly been the most successful governor of the last two decades.

I have truly believe he would be the best President among the choices, but, God, he just doesn't come across well on television.

Posted by: I Work for Dick Jones at August 04, 2015 11:18 AM (5YOwm)

266

PINGING back at comment #257:

AMEN _BIG TIME_ WEIRD DAVE!!!

- HALLELUIAH!!!!

Posted by: _Dave_ at August 04, 2015 11:18 AM (l2dSQ)

267 There was this thing called the Soviet Union Senator.

A Soviet Union Senator? Is that something the Russkis mounted on the tip of an SS-18?

Commas are your friend, Drew...

Posted by: Additional Blond Agent at August 04, 2015 11:19 AM (PMGbu)

268 Maybe we should move differently then before. We keep doing the same old "hold your nose" voting. How about we agree on some issues. Everyone nag their "man" about these issues. Everyone tell their "man" the person who scores the most "issues" will get their vote. It might be better than the popularity contest elections we are now doing.
Just kidding. Vote the issues. I denounce myself for even suggesting the idea.

Posted by: OTB at August 04, 2015 11:20 AM (ShdUd)

269 Honestly, if people weren't so wrapped up in this, if they were looking at it objectively, they would think the Republicans have a heck of a great cast of potentials out there.

Can't speak for anyone else, but it seems to me that, outside the ones I'll Never Vote For, they fall into roughly two groups (+ Trump, Team Burn it Down).

Those with populist chops
Those without.

Those with populist chops have a chance.
Those without don't.

I will agree that, strictly technically, we have a much better field than we did 4 years ago. Our quibbles (except when talking about Trump, Jeb, Christie, or Rubio) are fairly minor, and virtually everyone here could get past them by the General.

But when selecting the candidate we wish to support, a lot of people are looking for Populist Chops because for the purposes of actually winning the election, those are highly important.

So we're trying to balance Populist Chops with Good Ideas.

Posted by: AllenG (DedicatedTenther) - Derringer Bandit at August 04, 2015 11:20 AM (kff5f)

270 "I am a Walker-leaner but I love Trump's tax plan."

There is only one tax plan that's a game changer, and that's the Fair Tax Plan.

Huckabee is proposing it. I think one of the others too. If someone had the ability to talk about it, it would be a big as immigration.

Nothing could transform the country faster and better than the Fair Tax Plan.

Posted by: jwest at August 04, 2015 11:21 AM (P/xrJ)

271
I put my hat in the ring for the $20!

Posted by: Lena Dunham at August 04, 2015 11:21 AM (OiFtZ)

272 For those of us in the LiB crowd, a Joe Biden presidency has great entertainment value potential.

Yeah, you'll burn alright. A veritable laff riot when Slow Joe accidentally launches nuclear missiles and the Russians return volley.

Posted by: Additional Blond Agent at August 04, 2015 11:22 AM (PMGbu)

273 If you want to know what a Joe Biden presidency would be like, I give you President Tug Benson from Hot Shots II.

Posted by: Pappy O'Daniel at August 04, 2015 11:24 AM (oVJmc)

274 So we're trying to balance Populist Chops with Good Ideas.

I dunno how you're defining the word, AllenG, but where I come from "chops" refers to ability and talent, not potential and wish-casting.

I'm hoping those who are getting steamed up over a particular candidate because of what he says (at certain times) will eventually realize that what's needed is someone who has been there and, much more important, has done something about what bothers him.

Every time I see people defending a couple of the doofi on last night's debate, I can only think of the Krispy Kreme teevee spot, where he looks teh voters right in the eye and tells 'em Choom Boy isn't looking out for them, but he will. Schwarzenegger would be proud of him.

Posted by: MrScribbler at August 04, 2015 11:26 AM (0atQl)

275 Okay, Santorum is moving up on my list if he is talking about reducing legal immigration.

I think Jeb! is in trouble which is why Kasich jumped in the race. Kasich and Rubio are going to suck up Jeb! votes but not money.

Posted by: WOPR at August 04, 2015 11:26 AM (nRvEn)

276

Pinging back at Christopher Taylor at comments #264 and # 234:

Mr. Taylor please remember that our beloved Ronaldo [MAGNUS] Reagan as governor of California regrettably signed into law horribly pro-abortion statutes.
Reagan was fooled.

But that did not make Reagan not a conservative.
- Please keep this in mind regarding Ted Cruz and TPPP.

Posted by: _Dave_ at August 04, 2015 11:26 AM (l2dSQ)

277 Obama has not been a disaster because he was an inexperienced senator. He has been a disaster because of HIS IDEAS!

Posted by: parteagirl

Calm down , Cruzzies.

I like Ted.

I don't like litigators. As has been pointed out repeatedly, they tend to give a lot of good speeches but are not very good at achieving actual goals.

Posted by: some random meathead at August 04, 2015 11:29 AM (1+7D3)

278 Granted, the AFL-CIO would be out with shotguns forcing people to the polls to stop him, but they don't really amount to much these days.

That's because a great number of their skulls are piled up in Walker's basement.

Posted by: OregonMuse at August 04, 2015 11:31 AM (j1VIK)

279 Yeah, that Reagan guy SUCKED!

Twice elected Governor Reagan.

Posted by: Grump928(c) at August 04, 2015 11:31 AM (evdj2)

280

Signing off now. I am two drinks into serious drinking. (As promised I will not drink and post here - or anywhere.) So time to call it a morning.

Good morning all.

Posted by: _Dave_ at August 04, 2015 11:32 AM (l2dSQ)

281

Oh, by the way: I totally FEEL THE VELVET.
yum

Posted by: _Dave_ at August 04, 2015 11:33 AM (l2dSQ)

282 273 If you want to know what a Joe Biden presidency would be like, I give you President Tug Benson from Hot Shots II.

Posted by: Pappy O'Daniel at August 04, 2015 11:24 AM (oVJmc)

I think a Joe Biden presidency would be AWESOME:

1. Unserious
2. Unintelligent
3. Incompetent

Exactly the kind of president that America deserves.

Posted by: OregonMuse at August 04, 2015 11:34 AM (j1VIK)

283 That's what you took from my comment?

Judging by your #OUTRAGE! I am guessing a Cruz supporter?

Yea, it turns out, that's the point you made and the point we picked up.

I'm guessing you're a Jebanaut.

Posted by: brainpimp at August 04, 2015 11:34 AM (zosQc)

284 Burn it down.
Scatter the stones.
Salt the earth where it stood.

Posted by: AllenG (DedicatedTenther) - Derringer Bandit at August 04, 2015 10:11 AM (kff5f)

-----------------------------------------------------------
"Can't speak for anyone else, but it seems to me that, outside the ones I'll Never Vote For, they fall into roughly two groups (+ Trump, Team Burn it Down)."
Posted by: AllenG (DedicatedTenther) - Derringer Bandit at August 04, 2015 11:20 AM (kff5f)

--------------------------------------------------------
I don't get it. Not trying to be antagonistic here. Just don't understand the difference between everyday the upper quote compared to the lower you would never vote for. *face-palm* I don't get it. Can you explain the discrepancy without name calling and/or foul language. The question is submitted in good language and intent.

Posted by: OTB at August 04, 2015 11:34 AM (ShdUd)

285 Carson's support baffles me (outside of the angling for a cabinet position thing) - way too soft spoken for what the base really wants right now.

When he started on his tax plan, I really thought he was going to re-roll out Hermain Cain's 9-9-9 thing again as Cain had started out with the "if 10% is good enough for God then 9% is good enough for government" line but Carson flubbed it with a rambling non-specific answer. Lighter version of Cain won't go very far.

Overall, Cruz is more my guy at the moment and Fiorina is growing on me. I imagine she'd be higher right now if not for Trump.

Posted by: Arcadehero at August 04, 2015 11:36 AM (uTGdw)

286 I'm for Carson.

It's twuu! It's twuuu!

Posted by: Lilly von Schtupp at August 04, 2015 11:37 AM (3iOkP)

287 I want him to be more than that. Charismatic ideologues make great candidates but poor executives.

The current POS in the White House disproves that. He's been a FANTASTIC executive and has achieved almost everything he set out to do.

Posted by: Weirddave at August 04, 2015 11:38 AM (WvS3w)

288

Meh,, Whatever, I got this....

Posted by: Hillary Clinton at August 04, 2015 11:39 AM (HSmrB)

289 Calm down , Cruzzies.

I like Ted.

I don't like litigators. As has been pointed out repeatedly, they tend to give a lot of good speeches but are not very good at achieving actual goals.

You cool your ladies parts down. When we want to know Oprah's thoughts on the election, we'll call you.

It's adult time here and you are past your bedtime.

Posted by: brainpimp at August 04, 2015 11:39 AM (zosQc)

290 Drew, how many primary campaign videos of Jeb giving the liberty award to Hillary do you think it will take to make him fade away.

I'd like to see them in the primary because in the general, Hillary will be running that in all fifty states 24-7 and then he'll fade.

Posted by: Dirks Strewn at August 04, 2015 11:43 AM (QdAXQ)

291 For those of us in the LiB crowd, a Joe Biden presidency has great entertainment value potential.

The scary part is... when you compare Joe Hairplugs against the other democrats:

- Cankles McFelony
- Martin O'Raintax
- The Commie from Vermont
- that other guy
- that other, other guy

Biden is the smart, honest, sane one.

Posted by: V the K at August 04, 2015 11:44 AM (O7MnT)

292 There was this thing called the Soviet Union Senator.

A Soviet Union Senator? Is that something the Russkis mounted on the tip of an SS-18?

Teddy Kennedy

Posted by: Weirddave at August 04, 2015 11:44 AM (WvS3w)

293 Jeb is the candidate the GOPe, Hillary, and Begonia most want to see running against Hillary.

Posted by: V the K at August 04, 2015 11:45 AM (O7MnT)

294
Jeb is the candidate the GOPe, Hillary, and Begonia most want to see running against Hillary.

Posted by: V the K at August 04, 2015 11:45 AM (O7MnT

.............................

Yep...

Posted by: Hillary Clinton at August 04, 2015 11:50 AM (HSmrB)

295 I watched the whole thing, the least I can do.

I liked the format especially for the squirm factor. Don't underestimate squirming. We are often our true selves under the squirm.

The format was awkward for the candidates and served to bring out the blah in some candidates. I'm looking at you Jeb! (and of course Kasich, Carson, Pataki). I found myself wishing that Trump was there, or better yet that one of them would "shake it up".

I'm a Cruz girl because I think he is a firebrand. It is my hope that Cruz will be the recipient of Trump support when the time comes. I trust Cruz, as far as these things go.

Drew, you're insistence that Jeb! will win the nom is silly. There is next to no support for this guy. Zip, zilch, nada. Big donors drop the dough, but their 13 votes can't sway an election. If Trump is proving anything, it's that populism is going to win the day. Folks are fed up, the undercurrent outside the oligarchy is deep and unsettled. The same old, same old just isn't going to fly.

As I've been telling everyone I know; it won't be Jeb! and it won't be Hillary. They all think I'm an idiot, but I'm an idiot with a Plan B, so if I'm wrong and Let it Burn wins the day I'm ready.

PS - I was playing the Status Quo drinking game and almost missed the second hour of the forum.

Posted by: Miss Bossy at August 04, 2015 11:55 AM (b9164)

296 Well, knowing that Drew favors Rand Paul explains a lot.

Drew thinks that Scott Walker staying on-message might work? Might work?

Has worked. Does work. It's how all high-level politicians get elected.

Having a cute, little, extemporaneous chat session for the edification of political junkies may be fine for some obscure policy conference, but that is not how one gets elected to high office.

The most consistent thing about this primary season thus far is how Walker went to the top-tier in January and has stayed there despite all the little bursts of enthusiasm for every other candidate up to, and including, Trump currently. Bush is the only other candidate so consistent and that's almost entirely due to name recognition and his large campaign bank account.

Walker is also everybody else's second choice if he isn't their first. That's called consensus. Even in self-selecting internet polls on websites like this one, where people are arguably more informed and more stridently conservative, Walker is always number one or two, sometimes one by a large margin.

Scott Walker and Jeb Bush are the only two candidates actually running for president. Everybody else is in it for something else. People need to wrap their minds around that reality.

Posted by: trumpetdaddy at August 04, 2015 12:03 PM (ljZD2)

297 Posted by: Miss Bossy at August 04, 2015 11:55 AM (b9164)

Well said. You're right about Cruz. He played the Trump card the most shrewdly (or sincerely) and will be the one who gains the most at such time.

Posted by: rrpjr at August 04, 2015 12:27 PM (s/yC1)

298 Here's the case for Perry:
.
Posted by: I Work for Dick Jones at August 04, 2015 11:18 AM (5YOwm)

It doesn't really matter. He's got to make the case. He didn't, and he can't.

Posted by: rrpjr at August 04, 2015 12:30 PM (s/yC1)

299 Rand Paul: "Undocumented Citizens." #TheresYourProblem. If held at gunpoint, I'd vote Cruz, but no one on the GOP ticket looks like a game changer. All we're debating is who will be more competent manager of the ever-expanding welfare state.

Posted by: SocietyIs2Blame at August 04, 2015 12:33 PM (V0f0p)

300
I think part of why otherwise good candidates just can't seem to get traction is the breadth of the field in general and the lack of not-Trump oxygen in the party. It's a pretty good situation for the establishment guy. The pack of characters keeps stirring the pot, and no one who isn't establishment-certified gets any consistent attention.

John Cornyn/Texas Republican Party used it to great effect in the last election cycle. He saw what happened to Dewhurst against Ted Cruz and he wasn't going to see any strong conservative challenger come put of the primary. The Texas Republican Primary for Senator was packed, including a retired House of Representative guy (I forget his name). Instead of a serious single Cruz-type candidate emerging, the Rep kept the clown-car atmosphere stirred, and had way too much non-serious attention.

The result was that no one who could challenge the failure known as John Cornyn could emerge from the pack, so Texas got another 6 years of Dear John. Hopefully, Cornyn gets primaried again in 2020.

Posted by: Advo at August 04, 2015 12:36 PM (7vbG1)

301 #295 "There is next to no support for this guy. Zip, zilch, nada."

Every poll has him at 10-15% nationwide. More than zip.

The people who post comments here, Hot Air and NRO do not like him but those 100 people are not the whole country.

There are plenty of average GOP voters who like the Bush family.

Posted by: Bob from Ohio at August 04, 2015 12:42 PM (t3cNy)

302 She was on a bill last night, if you know what I mean, and I think you do...

Posted by: Donald Duck at August 04, 2015 12:43 PM (4BGeF)

303 "296 "Scott Walker and Jeb Bush are the only two candidates actually running for president."

That is why they will be the last two standing.

Posted by: Bob from Ohio at August 04, 2015 12:44 PM (t3cNy)

304 #302 was a response to #46, by the way.

Posted by: Donald Duck at August 04, 2015 12:46 PM (4BGeF)

305 $20 says TDaddy drops the Walker beard and goes full Rubin for Bush by the FL primary

Posted by: SocietyIs2Blame at August 04, 2015 12:51 PM (V0f0p)

306 $20 also says Jeb as nominee results in more stay at home voters vs 2008 than Romney - likely twice as many

Posted by: SocietyIs2Blame at August 04, 2015 12:53 PM (V0f0p)

307 Walker delivers the same essential message in the same amiable, non-threatening way, every time.

He isn't campaigning for the right-wing political junkies. They already know who he is and what he's done. He's campaigning for the broader electorate who only sees him once or twice on television while being busy going about their day. He is guaranteeing that every time they see him, they hear what he wants them to hear, and see him how he wants to be seen.

The particular forum or question doesn't matter. Some people get all jiggy for someone like Trump (or Newt last time) who attacks the media directly. Normal people who don't pay attention don't ever see that nor do they generally like it. It looks stupid and immature to them. Just ask President Gingrich how effective it is beyond a small sub-set of the electorate.

Walker, and all true pros at this game, use the media to get out the message they want out. He doesn't care what they ask him, he'll talk about what he wants to talk about and what he wants LIVs to hear him saying.

It isn't about stroking conservatives' "hate-the-media" desires; it's about getting to 50%+1 in every state where that is possible.

Posted by: trumpetdaddy at August 04, 2015 12:55 PM (ljZD2)

308 @305, what's your email address so I know where to go to get my $20?

I've followed Scott Walker since 2010 and I wholeheartedly believe he is the real deal. I hope a majority of the Republican primary electorate thinks the same way once the actual voting starts.

Posted by: trumpetdaddy at August 04, 2015 12:58 PM (ljZD2)

309 Bob,

While you cite Jeb's 10-15% as love for the Bush family (?) Then you could say that double that equals whole-hearted swooning.

Most recent Florida poll results:
Trump 26%
Jeb! 12%
Rubio 10%

Trumped in their own state (and mine).

Jeb! is milquetoast, wrapped in elitism. A boring snob who does not strike one as a deep thinker. I don't see the appeal and I don't think I am alone.

Posted by: Miss Bossy at August 04, 2015 01:15 PM (b9164)

310 After watching this some things:

Cruz - Even with the lack of accomplishments in the Senate, he is more qualified than a certain community organizer was in 2008. (5 wins out of 9 times in the Supreme Court).

Walker - I really want to like the guy but so far nothing stands out in terms of personality. That could be a problem but then after the O maybe not.

Perry - As a Texan myself, I like Perry but he found out it was better to be Governor of Texas than the U.S. President (and wouldn't be? It's TEXAS!)

Rubio - ehh

Jeb - I liked W better...

Lack of Trump ---Thank god he was not there. No matter what I will not vote for this guy. Not even for President.

Finally, Good Lord there are just too many in this race!

Posted by: RGallegos at August 04, 2015 01:20 PM (fv5/b)

311 Jeb! is only running for President because he thinks being President is the family business now, and it's his turn. That family has always been a wholly owned subsidiary of the House of Saud.

Kasich is an Ohio Republican in the proud tradition of George Voinovich, Mike DeWine, Bob Taft, and (lest we forget) John Boehner.

Weirddave @287, respectfully disagree. This guy got everything Jimmeh Url couldn't get because...well, that is left as light exercise for the reader.

Posted by: Clayton Hartwig at August 04, 2015 01:38 PM (Ft3+l)

312 Carson is soft-spoken, which would work well in the general election. He also has the highest likeability with the lowest name recognition.

But there is a lot of anger out there, which Trump taps into, so how this all falls out is anyone's guess.

Posted by: Levin at August 04, 2015 01:44 PM (eOdp2)

313 "which woman should be on a bill"

Me.

Oh, other than me? Margaret Sanger, of course. Grrl Power!

Posted by: Hillary! at August 04, 2015 01:48 PM (1CroS)

314 Nice review, DrewM. Thanks for doing what I simply don't care to anymore.

Too busy eying stones to be scattered.

Posted by: AnonymousDrivel at August 04, 2015 01:50 PM (1CroS)

315 With respect to Cruz, if you substitute "Western Civilization" and "rule of law" for concepts you find "overtly religious," that might help understand him better.

Posted by: jumpinhere at August 04, 2015 02:18 PM (gEPdP)

316 The establishment does like Jeb, but it's not like 2000 where W was just the guy coming in and everyone pretty much knew it.

W ran against McCain and Alan Keyes. That was pretty much the field. Forbes and Bauer and Hatch brought up the tail. My God.

I predict this will be a very competitive primary that will come down to who takes Texas (and Cruz will take Texas).

Posted by: TallDave at August 04, 2015 02:20 PM (/s1LA)

317 #309 I am just saying that GOP voters like both George Bushes and do not share the hatred of Jeb too many here seem to relish in.

There is some "dynasty" fatigue he has to get over but the voters will be fair to him. Which does not mean he will automatically win either

Posted by: Bob from Ohio at August 04, 2015 02:21 PM (t3cNy)

318 Keep in mind folks, Texas is waaaaaaaaay more important this year. In 2012 they voted in May, now it's March 1st -- AND they're switching to a modified winner-take-all.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Republican_Party_presidential_primaries,_2016

Texas will likely be picking the GOP nominee, and maybe the Dem.

And that's why Cruz will be the nominee.,

Posted by: TallDave at August 04, 2015 02:38 PM (/s1LA)

319 "Modified winner-take-all" means proportional. If Perry and Cruz both last until 1 March, they will split the vote and Walker will win Texas. There are also a number of other states on 1 March, which diminishes Texas' importance. Especially if Walker wins/finishes 2nd in the four prior contests, IA, NH, SC, NV.

Posted by: trumpetdaddy at August 04, 2015 03:26 PM (ljZD2)

320 Not sure, but the head cheerleader at Texas A M is not a small deal.
It's a BIG FCUKING deal. Bigger than being governor for three terms.

Posted by: Nip Sip

being head milkman is a big deal. to aggies. no one else gives a shit. the man is retarded.

Posted by: X at August 04, 2015 03:53 PM (xGNLA)

321 (As a Floridian)

Jeb Bush was a reasonably good Governor.

As for speeches, the only time I ever recall him being on top of it all is when a state-wide disaster was approaching. This man should not be President. He SHOULD be head of FEMA.

Posted by: Kathy Kinsley at August 04, 2015 08:17 PM (P1Mfe)

322 trumpetdaddy -- The Texas system is only partially proportional, it will still tend to award many more voters to the winner. The GOP is discouraging WTA in all states, so Texas is still the biggest deal.

And Texas is of course just much bigger. I believe if Cruz wins Texas by about 10% (say, taking every district and getting to 40% overall) he'll get more votes from Texas than any other state in March has in total, and way more than any other state will actually allocate.

"allocating three delegates from each of the state's three dozen congressional districts to the candidate with the most votes in each respective district and divvying up the rest statewide based on the votes cast."

Posted by: TallDave at August 05, 2015 01:50 PM (74ZYB)

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