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Keep Hope Alive: Analysis Shows How Ted Cruz Could Win the Nomination... on the First Ballot

One important thing to keep in mind is that a lot of times the media tells you this or that primary is "proportional."

In fact, they're usually not. Illinois and Missouri were supposedly "proportional." That was shorthand for "Winner take all in the statewide race, then winner take all per Congressional District."

In fact, these "proportional" races turn out to be Winner Take Most, because the statewide winner usually wins almost all -- or just all -- of the Congressional Districts too.

Thus such races can quickly become de facto Winner Take All races, despite the media calling the "proportional."

BatesLine runs some numbers and finds that Cruz can get to 1237 by winning -- and this is tough -- by taking 51% in every contest from here on out.

Yes, I know, that's almost impossible right there. Still, even if one discounts this as being too implausible to seriously consider, one can discount it a bit and still see a path to getting something like 1150 delegates... and basically going into the convention tied with Trump, who'd also have about that many.

On the other hand, Ted Cruz should soon be getting about half of Rubio's supporters. Kasich gets around a quarter, and Trump gets 13%.


Posted by: Ace at 02:22 PM




Comments

(Jump to bottom of comments)

1 Really?

Posted by: HH at March 16, 2016 01:21 PM (DrCtv)

2 Since Kasich bailed on the FOX debate, effectively cancelling it, Cruz should challenge Bernie to a debate on Monday instead.

Posted by: Iblis at March 16, 2016 01:21 PM (9221z)

3 A rough road, to be sure.

My rule of thumb is if you have to talk about extraordinary circumstances to win a contest (be it an election or a football game), then it's probably lost.

I hope Cruz can do it though, but I have to be realistic and figure he cannot.

Posted by: VA GOP Sucks, proudly wearing the 'Andrew Branca Called You An Asshat' label at March 16, 2016 01:22 PM (PFy0L)

4 So you're saying there's a chance???????

Posted by: Lloyd at March 16, 2016 01:22 PM (MJuTN)

5 Keep Hope Alive: Analysis Shows How Ted Cruz Could Win the Nomination... on the First Ballot

If we lived in a sane world. But then again, if that were the case Obama would never have been elected.

Posted by: Iblis at March 16, 2016 01:23 PM (9221z)

6 >>>On the other hand, Ted Cruz should soon be getting about half of Rubio's supporters. Kasich gets around a quarter, and Trump gets 13%.

??????

Kasich I can understand.

But 13 percent to Trump? Huh?

Posted by: El Kabong at March 16, 2016 01:23 PM (MCmqp)

7
https://www.instagram.com/p/BDBS8bYGhWr/

Posted by: Bruce With a Wang! at March 16, 2016 01:23 PM (iQIUe)

8 Never tell me the odds. ~Han Cruz

Posted by: Flyguy at March 16, 2016 01:23 PM (3sOO0)

9 I hope Cruz can do it though, but I have to be realistic and figure he cannot.
Posted by: VA GOP Sucks, proudly wearing the 'Andrew Branca Called You An Asshat' label at March 16, 2016 01:22 PM (PFy0L)


Yeah, I feel the fix is in too. That's why I say hope for Ted, but concentrate on downticket races. Apparently a Tea Partier won the primary for Boehner's seat, so there's hope!

Posted by: Iblis at March 16, 2016 01:24 PM (9221z)

10 Tell me about the rabbits, George...

Posted by: Lenny at March 16, 2016 01:24 PM (nIGPZ)

11 test

Posted by: watchingcircus at March 16, 2016 01:24 PM (VbTye)

12 Stop confusing people with reality and math... just take your lumps and give up.

Posted by: Karl Rove at March 16, 2016 01:24 PM (12kBq)

13 Yeah I could win the lottery by this one wild trick, too.

Posted by: Christopher Taylor at March 16, 2016 01:25 PM (39g3+)

14 Ace I love you. But it's over. We should all welcome our new Trump Overlord. He will lead us to greatness once again.

Posted by: Lord Gulgoth at March 16, 2016 01:25 PM (bWvOd)

15 So you're saying there's a chance

Posted by: BacktoGA at March 16, 2016 01:25 PM (f5qwB)

16 Hope all you want, there's no stopping me now.

Posted by: Flaming Clown Boner at March 16, 2016 01:25 PM (12kBq)

17
Rick Scott endorsed Trump.

Posted by: Bruce With a Wang! at March 16, 2016 01:26 PM (iQIUe)

18 Dear Lord, I hope so.

Posted by: J.J. Sefton at March 16, 2016 01:26 PM (p4UlV)

19 Hmm. I can see Rubio's supporters split evenly between Cruz and Kasich, but far as I can tell, most of them really dislike Trump. But stranger things have happened.

Posted by: IC at March 16, 2016 01:26 PM (a0IVu)

20 THE TSA PUT A CHIP IN MY ASS

So it was a brain implant?

Posted by: HH at March 16, 2016 01:26 PM (DrCtv)

21 #NeverTrump never meant anything more than #Keepelectingtheguywechoseforyousimpletons

Posted by: Boone at March 16, 2016 01:26 PM (vq6QR)

22 Go for it. Cruz is okay with me too.

Posted by: Soona at March 16, 2016 01:26 PM (Fmupd)

23 I'm still amazed there are this many people answering their home phones.

Posted by: IP at March 16, 2016 01:26 PM (aQQbl)

24 SMOD on the second ballot.

Posted by: Roy at March 16, 2016 01:26 PM (VndSC)

25 So you're saying I still have a chance

Posted by: Jeb! at March 16, 2016 01:27 PM (12kBq)

26 LOL. Oh is that **ALL** Cruz has to do, huh? Just win 51% of every primary from here on out. Easy peasy.

Posted by: Monsieur Moo Moo at March 16, 2016 01:27 PM (0LHZx)

27 Yeah the best thing that can happen at this point is for no one having a majority.

Posted by: chemjeff @ phone at March 16, 2016 01:27 PM (MkZ6B)

28 Heh.

I just got an email from the university where I got my undergraduate degree. I was an anonymous "survey" of alumni. On a whim, I completed the survey at the link.

The survey was designed to query alumni attitudes about donating to the university, and to discover the reasons they do and do not donate. At the end they have a section titled "Anything more you'd like to add?"

This is what I wrote:

"This survey was atrociously written. It is half survey, half "push poll" in which a faux survey is intended to sway the opinion of the person being questioned. I feel the people who created this survey are so ignorant and unselfaware that they do not even know the difference between an honest survey and an attempt to manipulate people. And this ignorance speaks volumes about the type of education currently being offered at [university], where clear-sighted neutral accumulation and synthesis of facts and data has been replaced by "advocacy learning, " a.k.a. indoctrination.

I will not donate to [university] because of the politicized nature of instruction on campus these days. Only the hard sciences and a few specialty majors have survived the last few decades unscathed by the overwhelming tsunami of Gramscianism which has subsumed the entire university system. All liberal arts have been ruined, and most social sciences as well. The campus environment is toxic, as victim-bullies have seized complete control of the levers of power.

Furthermore, the university's admissions criteria these days are sickening, as the goal is no longer to meet the founders' mandate of admitting only the best high school graduates in the state, but rather has devolved down two separate paths, both of which violate the mandate: 1. In order to generate maximum income from out-of-state tuition, the university now admits far too many overseas students, solely as a way to get their parents' $$$. 2. Too much blatant violation of Prop. 209, with outrageous attempts to reinstate race-based admissions through the illegal "holistic admissions" process. For every overseas student admitted, and for every under-qualified student admitted, one slot for a qualified [state] graduating high school senior is denied. This is absolutely unacceptable.

Until the admissions process is 100% race-blind, and [state]-centric; and until the campus atmosphere stops being so oppressive, you will not get a dime from me."

Posted by: zombie at March 16, 2016 01:27 PM (jBuUi)

29
Is Rubio out? Suspended or canceled his campaign?

Posted by: J.J. Sefton at March 16, 2016 01:27 PM (p4UlV)

30 Any scenario that requires Cruz to be chosen by party mechanics or deal making is a guaranteed 100% no possible chance in hell failure. They'd rather cut out their own spleen with a grapefruit spoon than see him president.

Posted by: Christopher Taylor at March 16, 2016 01:27 PM (39g3+)

31 Tell me about the rabbits, George...Posted by: Lenny at March 16, 2016 01:24 PM (nIGPZ)

Even better, I'll show you the flowers. The pretty, pretty flowers.

Posted by: Carol, That Badass Chick from 'The Walking Dead', with a Gun at March 16, 2016 01:28 PM (UWlp+)

32 *draws target on The Rack*

I have no problem with the idea of a brokered convention. If no candidate has over (whatever it is I'm lazy), then away we go. That's fine. Those are the rules.

I have a huge problem if games are played with the nomination rules and/or if it turns into hey let's try to nominate someone who never ran in the primaries. That's an entirely different matter.

If that guy on the rules committee who is out there running around saying that no delegates are bound on the first round is correct, then what the hell is the point of the primaries? Same thing for going with, say, Ryan. Or, hell, me for that matter. Yeah. No.

Posted by: alexthechick - Secretary of Tits at March 16, 2016 01:28 PM (mf5HN)

33 Okay. So if Ted and The Donald are tied, or almost-tied, The Donald had better make a really fantastic deal to get either A) his supporters to not riot or B) at least some anti-Trumpers on board.

A) assumes he doesn't get the nom, B) assumes he does. Best-case scenario (IMO) is 1) he embraces the role of kingmaker and endorses Cruz, and then 2) the Establishment pinheads surrender en masse.

I don't see 1) or 2) as especially likely, so that's all the gaming-out I care to do.

Unless there's some dark horse who'd be acceptable-ish to Trumpians, Cruzers, and also the Establishmentos?

I don't see anyone, but we'll see.

Posted by: Lance McCormick at March 16, 2016 01:28 PM (u0s1P)

34 The bit about Rubio supporters doesn't ring true. It would seem to me as if Rubio folks would be likelier to go Kasich than Cruz. Other than that, food for thought.

Posted by: Brother Cavil, signalling the trebuchets at March 16, 2016 01:28 PM (9krrF)

35
I'm still amazed there are this many people answering their home phones.>>>

I usually get it before the 3rd ring

Posted by: Little old lady at March 16, 2016 01:28 PM (XtAzU)

36 sounds like the berniebots defending senile grampa's chances.

by the way, time for a Trump vs Cruz vs Hillery V Senile four way debate. I can already hear Sanders grousing that "Donald Trump is worth more than the bottom ten percent of the population!" and Trump makes a face and says, "So how is that my fault?"

Posted by: Satan of the GOPe at March 16, 2016 01:29 PM (qSIlh)

37 I have a stupid/serious question, it was more relevant last night before Rubio graciously stepped aside (too late, but was expecting him to try to hang on until the convention).

So I'm a Trump supporter, I'm sort of hanging by a thread right now, but still technically backing him. I don't get to vote until closer to the convention. I get that there are reasoned principled scenarios where folks are on the #nevertrump bandwagon. I don't agree but, whatever. We saw last night, the #nevercruz people come out of the closet also.

The scenario outlined about for outright victory is implausible, but certainly exists, same for Trump to lock it up, still doable, but more difficult losing Ohio.

Kasich is still in the mix to deny delegates to the both of them, they are rightly threatening to deny him access to the convention.

Is it possible in this or an alternate dimension that Trump and Cruz can bury the hatchet? That's mainly on Trump, but if they said "screw it we'll team up". I don't think it's likely, and this isn't some Erick Erickson fever dream, but if it did happen, if they could get together and say "hey we are both being conspired against, as are the voters of every state" would this have any impact at all on the #nevertrump people who aren't also #nevercruz?

I'm not on board with Hillary in the white house. The establishment has for the time being been more or less vanquished. I can live with either guy (despite the polling to the contrary, I think Cruz loses if he's the nominee, and Trump can win), but this to me seems like a winning combination

Posted by: Dr. Shatterhand at March 16, 2016 01:29 PM (n/ogz)

38 21 no Boone it means "Trump is a dangerously uncomservative authoritarian"

Posted by: chemjeff @ phone at March 16, 2016 01:29 PM (MkZ6B)

39 The trouble is I see neither Cruz nor Trump as willing to support the other man in the event of a tie.
So then we go to a third ballot and we get the GOPe pick and a third party.

Now if that happens I can see Sanders going fourth party and we get to see America with the Italian political model. (Which could mean porn stars winning seats in congress so there is that)

Posted by: Big V at March 16, 2016 01:29 PM (BAHqV)

40 But 13 percent to Trump? Huh?
Posted by: El Kabong at March 16, 2016 01:23 PM (MCmqp)

Anyone vapid enough to support Rubio is vapid enough to say to themselves "well, if I'm gonna pick another candidate it might as well be the one WINNING"

Posted by: Phone of kari at March 16, 2016 01:30 PM (5YBwp)

41 Either way, I'll be in the tub until this is all over in four years

Posted by: Kqeef Olberwoman at March 16, 2016 01:30 PM (12kBq)

42 One more time:

Announce Carly Fiorina as the VP running mate and he can win this thing outright. My pet theory.

Posted by: Oregon Atarian at March 16, 2016 01:30 PM (q509P)

43 The winner take most thing is also why Trump is still fairly likely to beat 1237. A bunch of states looking like Illinois will put him well on his way.

Posted by: Jake (irregular) at March 16, 2016 01:30 PM (FfwgN)

44 27 LOL. Oh is that **ALL** Cruz has to do, huh? Just win 51% of every primary from here on out. Easy peasy.
Posted by: Monsieur Moo Moo at March 16, 2016 01:27 PM (0LHZx)


If you actually clicked on the link and read the article, it's not as farfetched as you seem to think it is.

But go ahead and poo-poo, Moo Moo.

Posted by: J.J. Sefton at March 16, 2016 01:30 PM (p4UlV)

45 This made my day:

Rick Wilson
@TheRickWilson

If you're looking for the man who really crowned Donald Trump, look no further than Right to Rise


mike murphy
@murphymike

You fool. That is so stupid on so many levels; you're just groveling for coins from your box wine tycoon.

Posted by: weft cut-loop at March 16, 2016 01:30 PM (A/3fN)

46 The more we hear calls to get behind Trump the less chance Cruz has. Even though as of today many won't consider voting for Trump, that will change as people begin to soften to him; which will happen. So I think the current figures will be way off as the weeks go on.

Posted by: Walknot at March 16, 2016 01:31 PM (FnHBZ)

47 The trouble is I see neither Cruz nor Trump as willing to support the other man in the event of a tie.

I see Trump's ego too big to support another man, and Cruz too strong in his convictions to support Trump, so probably you're right.

Posted by: Christopher Taylor at March 16, 2016 01:31 PM (39g3+)

48 about that lottery ... there are only 2 possible outcomes so you have a 50 / 50 chance at winning the lottery .. right ?

Posted by: E.T. at March 16, 2016 01:31 PM (yq4gk)

49 Brokered convention no matter what, assuming Kasich stays in. You'd better hope for me then because the base will burn it down* at that point.



*Metaphorically speaking, of course.

Posted by: Yellowstone Caldera '16 at March 16, 2016 01:31 PM (RD7QR)

50 Form what I've seen, the Rep deal makers are as afraid of Cruz as they are Trump, more actually. If he leads Trump without reaching the magic number they'll snatch the nomination from him and hand it to Kasich, Rubio, Jeb, or any of a dozen others they find palatable. If he reaches the threshold great but, let's face it, that isn't going to happen.

Posted by: Motorhead at March 16, 2016 01:31 PM (2QKRB)

51 Did someone mention The Rack?

Posted by: Bandersnatch at March 16, 2016 01:31 PM (1xUj/)

52 I found out today a friend of mine is a big Trump guy. He's non-white, lives in very liberal area, has a college degree from one of them fancy east coast colleges and works in an industry that is very liberal.

It really surprised me he's for Trump but then again it's 2016, nothing should surprise anyone anymore.

Posted by: Monsieur Moo Moo at March 16, 2016 01:32 PM (0LHZx)

53 *crosses fingers*

Posted by: Grump928(c) says Free Soothie! at March 16, 2016 01:32 PM (evdj2)

54 During the 2008 election I had the DSA website from web archives. That laptop hard drive crashed but I remember the names of congress people that were listed. Pelosi, et al and members of the Black Caucus among others. Does anyone have that in their hard drives. It was back when a bunch of us from footballs were doing a lot of digging for anything on TFG.

A group is remobilizing to protest under this name. Just wanted to familiarize myself with the details.

Posted by: watchingscircu at March 16, 2016 01:32 PM (VbTye)

55 I wish Cruz would make a strong, clear play for Trump supporters by coming out and saying : I know your angry at the Gop, I know you're frustrated at being told you're stupid and racist and need to shut up. I know that bc they do it to me all the time. I feel your pain. i know Trump is saying lots of things that resonate with you because you've been told to shut up so much. And I think you're right yo feel that way. But please, I would like you to take a moment and look at mr trump's record, his long history of outspoken support of precisely the people who call you dumb and racist. I know he's saying the right things now, but remember how our current president was also someone who knew how to say just the right things to the right people. If you REALLY think he will follow through on conservative principles, then please go ahead and support him. But all I'm asking us that you take a close look at his history and see if it matches with what he is saying today.

Posted by: JeremiadBullfrog at March 16, 2016 01:32 PM (7Q4Ez)

56 I think the party should look for someone with a wide stance on the issues

Posted by: Larry Craig at March 16, 2016 01:33 PM (12kBq)

57 32 *draws target on The Rack*

Jokes about the Empress' rack in 3...2...1...

Posted by: Brother Cavil, signalling the trebuchets at March 16, 2016 01:33 PM (9krrF)

58 That was my analysis days ago; when you were on about the only path to victory for Cruz was for Trump to lose FL and OH.

But, keep in mind, that means Cruz winning NY and CA; winner-take-all states.

It's running the table; it's Aaron Rodgers tossing a 60 yard bomb as time expires to win the game 5 games in a row.

Yes, there's hope.

I don't think it's terribly realistic, though.

Posted by: RoyalOil at March 16, 2016 01:33 PM (fQ/0p)

59 16 Hope all you want, there's no stopping me now.
Posted by: Flaming Clown Boner at March 16, 2016 01:25 PM (12kBq)

At last I know who I can support with a clear conscience: Flaming Clown Boner/Blind Child Tears '16: Surrender Hope, It's Easier That Way!

Posted by: joncelli, gone Shakespearean at March 16, 2016 01:33 PM (RD7QR)

60 Are the odds high enough I should bother reading Ted's book? Or just return it to the library for future history.

Posted by: DaveA at March 16, 2016 01:34 PM (DL2i+)

61 This is the bargaining phase, right?

Posted by: Duke Lowell at March 16, 2016 01:34 PM (kTF2Z)

62 I'm so ronery

Posted by: Marco Rubio's Garbage Can at March 16, 2016 01:34 PM (12kBq)

63 Rubio is out.

He made a poor decision to stay in. He, as the leader, should have thought more carefully about what was happening.

Consider also, that if he'd dropped and endorsed Cruz, he'd have a cabinet position for sure.

Sec of state, for example.

Then he resigns in two years, and does governor of Florida.

Instead, he decides to risk all for what?

Posted by: Harun at March 16, 2016 01:34 PM (UBBWX)

64 If you actually clicked on the link and read the article, it's not as farfetched as you seem to think it is.

But go ahead and poo-poo, Moo Moo.
Posted by: J.J. Sefton at March 16, 2016 01:30 PM (p4UlV)

____

It's an absurd proposition. It's like saying the 3-6 team can make the playoffs. All the have to do is win their next 7 games, while the other team has to lose their next 7 games. Yeah sure, technically it's possible, but realistically ain't never gonna happen.

Posted by: Monsieur Moo Moo at March 16, 2016 01:34 PM (0LHZx)

65 As see-saw as the vote has been so far, there's really no way to be sure one way or another. However, after last night, I really do not see Cruz winning at all. One more run like that and Trump has the big mo and the image of invincibility back. That's really hard to beat.

It might come down to events on the street and around the world. The more lunatic awful stuff the left does, and the more terrorist/immigration tragedy around the world that takes place, the better Trump does. The more stable the news and the world is, the better Cruz does, it seems so far.

Posted by: Christopher Taylor at March 16, 2016 01:34 PM (39g3+)

66 It's gonna be a hell of a circus fire in Cleveland

Posted by: PT Barnum at March 16, 2016 01:35 PM (12kBq)

67 Damn you and Cruz, Ace.


After November 2012 I have been trying so hard not to ever hope again. This might be almost doable. It is certainly not impossible.

Posted by: obnoxious ahole at March 16, 2016 01:35 PM (AVevg)

68 Based on that article's interpretation of how things could work, I think it's plausible that Cruz could walk in with the nomination won. The only problem is GOPe perfidy and known use of larceny. In fact, only democrats are more (slightly) dishonest.

Posted by: Eromero at March 16, 2016 01:35 PM (zLDYs)

69 ... so, that's what we're going with? Do you think Ted Cruz is going to do BETTER in New York than he managed in South Carolina, Alabama, etc? He's going to take all the delegates in California and New Jersey? That he is actually going to win Arizona in the teeth of the governor and famous anti-immigration sheriff?

This stages of grieving thing is getting silly.

Posted by: trev006 at March 16, 2016 01:35 PM (MEHba)

70 If wishes were fishes..

Posted by: Needs to Know at March 16, 2016 01:35 PM (N7G17)

71 OK, I'm out for the rest of the day. The malware/ransomware notices which pop up when I come here are freezing up my computer. Sad face!

Posted by: zombie at March 16, 2016 01:36 PM (jBuUi)

72 >>>68 Damn you and Cruz, Ace.
After November 2012 I have been trying so hard not to ever hope again. This might be almost doable. It is certainly not impossible.

He is a bastard.

I had the tub filled and the toaster plugged in, all ready to go.

Posted by: El Kabong at March 16, 2016 01:36 PM (MCmqp)

73 Bitch, please...

Posted by: jwest at March 16, 2016 01:36 PM (Zs4uk)

74 71 - zombie, same thing for me. Had to take out text and tried five times to post.

Posted by: watchingscircu at March 16, 2016 01:37 PM (VbTye)

75 This planning is resembling wishcasting more and more to me.

Posted by: *Mikey NTH - The Outrage Outlet has the Asbestos Undershorts You Need for Your Internet Flame-Wars! at March 16, 2016 01:37 PM (hLRSq)

76 As much as I want Cruz, the problem is that he has only gotten 27% of the primary vote thus far. The anti-Trump votes have not coalesced behind him, yet, and I don't have faith they will in the near future.

Posted by: Beorn at March 16, 2016 01:37 PM (dGF4J)

77 Sorry for the OT but this is surprising....not.

http://pjmedia.com/instapundit/229216/

Posted by: steevy at March 16, 2016 01:37 PM (B48dK)

78 If that guy on the rules committee who is out there running around saying that no delegates are bound on the first round is correct, then what the hell is the point of the primaries? Same thing for going with, say, Ryan. Or, hell, me for that matter. Yeah. No.



Posted by: alexthechick - Secretary of Tits at March 16, 2016 01:28 PM

They aren't even pretending to hide the fact that they want to do that. Are they that stupid and arrogant? Amazingly YES! Imagine them giving it to Miss Congeniality AKA Kasich. Oh yea, that's a swell idea GOPee.

Posted by: Minnfidel at March 16, 2016 01:37 PM (btH0m)

79 I had the tub filled and the toaster plugged in, all ready to go.


Can't you use the hair dryer?

Posted by: Toaster Fucker at March 16, 2016 01:38 PM (1xUj/)

80 I run Firefox with adblocker, noscript, and ghostery and never have these problems with ads and such. I don't really like Firefox but I have to admit with the addons, its really smooth sailing.

Posted by: Christopher Taylor at March 16, 2016 01:38 PM (39g3+)

81 Friend of the Blog Rick Wilson

Posted by: AoSHQ Stylebook at March 16, 2016 01:38 PM (evdj2)

82 "basically going into the convention tied with Trump, who'd also have about that many." i.e. each with 1150.

In which case the GOPe will screw both Trump and Cruz for not being at 1237, unless Cruz cuts some kind of deal with the GOPe, no? GOPe ambassadors have been been joining Cruz's camp.

Don't forget Rule 40. Kasich hanging in can have the effect of denying Trump and Cruz absolute majorities in many states. Another excuse to say that neither satisfied the literal rules. Which is why Kasich has become a GOPe rent boy. He's taking Soros money too.

Arizona next week can be an interesting and fair test. I haven't seen a poll. Trump has been weaker in the West and will be hugging Sheriff Joe in the run-up. Let the best man win. If Cruz can't beat Trump in AZ he should reconsider being a GOPe catspaw. If he can win strongly, then he's got a case for hanging in.

Posted by: Ignoramus at March 16, 2016 01:38 PM (r1fLd)

83 And when Trump wins the next primary we'll see articles with the following:

OK everyone, don't panic. All Cruz has to so is win 125% of the vote in 53 state primaries and he's got this. Don't lose hope!!

Posted by: Monsieur Moo Moo at March 16, 2016 01:38 PM (0LHZx)

84 Trump losing at the convention despite having more delegates will make me so hard that my dick will gain a spot on the periodic table.

Posted by: Hollowpoint at March 16, 2016 01:38 PM (xp84N)

85 "Yes, I know, that's almost impossible right there."

I propose that me name this plan Operation Sho-Go in honor of another incredible long shot plan.

Posted by: *Mikey NTH - The Outrage Outlet has the Asbestos Undershorts You Need for Your Internet Flame-Wars! at March 16, 2016 01:38 PM (hLRSq)

86 "Don't forget Rule 40. Kasich hanging in can have the effect of denying Trump and Cruz absolute majorities in many states. Another excuse to say that neither satisfied the literal rules. Which is why Kasich has become a GOPe rent boy. He's taking Soros money too. "

Trump already has that taken care of, Kasich hurts Cruz exclusively on that point.

Posted by: Dr. Shatterhand at March 16, 2016 01:39 PM (n/ogz)

87 76 As much as I want Cruz, the problem is that he has only gotten 27% of the primary vote thus far. The anti-Trump votes have not coalesced behind him, yet, and I don't have faith they will in the near future.
Posted by: Beorn at March 16, 2016 01:37 PM (dGF4J)


I want Cruz too, but how can he win when Trump can beat all comers when there were 17, and Cruz never did?

Posted by: Iblis at March 16, 2016 01:39 PM (9221z)

88 77 Sorry for the OT but this is surprising....not.

http://pjmedia.com/instapundit/229216/
Posted by: steevy at March 16, 2016 01:37 PM (B48dK)

Yeah. "Canadian muslims fear repercussions from tomorrow's terror attacks."

Posted by: joncelli, gone Shakespearean at March 16, 2016 01:39 PM (RD7QR)

89 Oh, geez. And as this thread is unfolding, FNC is talking about the good chances of Katshit winning the nom.

Posted by: Soona at March 16, 2016 01:39 PM (Fmupd)

90 Honestly, if there is a contested convention, than Cruz and Trump should agree on a Dark Horse candidate, and then endorse that candidate.

Sure, there will be whining about "muh democracy!!1!", but that will be limited if their coice of Trump or Cruz endorses the candidate.

So, which Dark Horse candidate would fit the bill?

Posted by: The Contested Hat at March 16, 2016 01:40 PM (vBeA5)

91 >>>"Don't forget Rule 40. Kasich hanging in can have the effect of denying Trump and Cruz absolute majorities in many states. Another excuse to say that neither satisfied the literal rules. Which is why Kasich has become a GOPe rent boy. He's taking Soros money too. "

Cruz should just ignore Trump and focus all fire on Kasich then. Trump is a known and nothing's going to ding him from Cruz.

Run ads of Kasich peeing at the urinal, hands on hips, wanting to chat awkwardly with the guy next to him.

Posted by: El Kabong at March 16, 2016 01:41 PM (MCmqp)

92 Kasich has orders to stay in. Nobody will have a majority in Cleveland and the GOPe will bless us with their candidates of choice.

Ryan/Kasich: cuz who the f#%k needs borders anyway?

Posted by: The Nayden Broad at March 16, 2016 01:41 PM (gK0FI)

93 He would also need a unicorn

Posted by: MrKnowItAll at March 16, 2016 01:41 PM (egzLR)

94 90 Honestly, if there is a contested convention, than Cruz and Trump should agree on a Dark Horse candidate, and then endorse that candidate.

Sure, there will be whining about "muh democracy!!1!", but that will be limited if their coice of Trump or Cruz endorses the candidate.

So, which Dark Horse candidate would fit the bill?
Posted by: The Contested Hat at March 16, 2016 01:40 PM (vBeA5)

ME!

Posted by: Yellowstone Caldera '16 at March 16, 2016 01:41 PM (RD7QR)

95 As a Cowboys fan I have some experience with this. If this, this, this, and this happens plus the Cowboys win all the rest of their games...

Posted by: Duke Lowell at March 16, 2016 01:41 PM (kTF2Z)

96 I'm for Cruz. I don't think he can win the nomination. If he wins the nomination, I think he loses to Hillary. I'm going to vote for Cruz anyway.

Posted by: grammie winger, watching the fig tree at March 16, 2016 01:41 PM (dFi94)

97 >>>90 Honestly, if there is a contested convention, than Cruz and Trump should agree on a Dark Horse candidate, and then endorse that candidate.

Can we run Batman?

Posted by: El Kabong at March 16, 2016 01:42 PM (MCmqp)

98 Does anyone have a trump card? This bridge is tough!

Posted by: Killerdog at March 16, 2016 01:42 PM (Lle3P)

99 If Trump dropped dead today, he would still get about 20% of the remaining delegates.

The only reason he wouldn't still win is the amount of money opposing forces would put into trying to tell everyone Trump's dead.

Posted by: jwest at March 16, 2016 01:42 PM (Zs4uk)

100 But, keep in mind, that means Cruz winning NY and CA; winner-take-all states.

Posted by: RoyalOil at March 16, 2016 01:33 PM (fQ/0p)


Since neither of those states is winner-take-all, one has to wonder where you are getting your information.

Posted by: HTL at March 16, 2016 01:42 PM (AprKJ)

101 I want Cruz too, but how can he win when Trump can beat all comers when there were 17, and Cruz never did?



Because Trump's unfavorables are yuuuuuuge!

Posted by: rickb223 at March 16, 2016 01:42 PM (gR+IE)

102 Even if not the first round, if Rubio's and Kasich's delegates all got to Cruz on round 2, well Trump will just have to cry like a baby and call for riots. Eff him.

This is why I thought it was good for Kasich to stay in to win Ohio.. he denied 66 votes to Trump that can be used at the convention..

Posted by: Chi-Town Jerry at March 16, 2016 01:42 PM (so+oy)

103 Time to release Project Orca 2.0?

Posted by: RWC - Team TTBTFW at March 16, 2016 01:42 PM (mEZce)

104

Be sure to check out Drudge's headline about Soros's Brownshits and their plans for this summer.

Posted by: BackwardsBoy at March 16, 2016 01:43 PM (LUgeY)

105 Perception is 9/10 of the law.

Posted by: eleven at March 16, 2016 01:43 PM (aIjzc)

106 I want Cruz too, but how can he win when Trump can beat all comers when there were 17, and Cruz never did?

Well he did a few states but overall yeah, Trump has proven he's able to come out on top when he has many opponents.

Now that Rubio and Bush are out, all that's left as the great GOPe hope is Kasich and he's just not going to do it.

So will those Rubio votes go to Kasich to give him a nice solid number 3 ranking state after state? Or will they go to Cruz and make him more competitive? We'll see. It seems like the round of elections around Texas they went for Cruz. What happens next is just a puzzler.

Posted by: Christopher Taylor at March 16, 2016 01:43 PM (39g3+)

107 5 Keep Hope Alive: Analysis Shows How Ted Cruz Could Win the Nomination... on the First Ballot

----------------------

Ha. Just had someone come by a few minutes ago and said he gamed out Cruz's path to victory and said, "he's crazy if he thinks he could win, he's toast, it's insane."

So...

How about everyone but Trump drop out and end this now?

Let's all unite behind Trump now for an united front against the Democrats.

End the petty squabbles before anymore damage is done.

Posted by: Make America Great Again at March 16, 2016 01:43 PM (LXJ1e)

108 Open the spreadsheet yourself! Then switch ONLY New York, New Jersey and California to the Trump column, by the same margins.

Bang, and Trump's back again. I guarantee that any donor with more money than brains will look at that spreadsheet and FIRE the consultants who try running Ted Cruz's Hail Mary victory past him.

Wouldn't you?!

Posted by: trev006 at March 16, 2016 01:44 PM (MEHba)

109 Don't forget Rule 40

It was meant to be temporary and can easily be changed.

Posted by: Hollowpoint at March 16, 2016 01:44 PM (xp84N)

110 *draws target on The Rack*


We're gonna need a bigger brush!

Posted by: Chief Brody at March 16, 2016 01:44 PM (JO9+V)

111 90 Honestly, if there is a contested convention, than Cruz and Trump should agree on a Dark Horse candidate, and then endorse that candidate.

Sure, there will be whining about "muh democracy!!1!", but that will be limited if their coice of Trump or Cruz endorses the candidate.

So, which Dark Horse candidate would fit the bill?
Posted by: The Contested Hat at March 16, 2016 01:40 PM (vBeA5)

In all seriousness, I would rather have Jindal or Walker, since (A) they were actually in the campaign, (2) they are serious people, and (iii) they are conservativeish. But that won't happen and we would get Ryan or even John "Dad's A Mailman" Kasich.

Posted by: joncelli, Longbow Afficianado and Phalangist at March 16, 2016 01:44 PM (RD7QR)

112
"applied one assumption...That the anti-Trump forces coalesce behind Ted Cruz, who manages a 51% win in every remaining contest. That's 51% of the vote statewide, 51% in each congressional district (if delegates are allocated by CD), 51% in caucuses and conventions."




Yeah -- about that....

Posted by: Laurie David's Cervix at March 16, 2016 01:44 PM (kdS6q)

113 104

Be sure to check out Drudge's headline about Soros's Brownshits and their plans for this summer.
Posted by: BackwardsBoy at March 16, 2016 01:43 PM (LUgeY)

That is the DSA and why I was asking about web archives.

Posted by: watchingscircu at March 16, 2016 01:44 PM (VbTye)

114 "I want Cruz too, but how can he win when Trump can beat all comers when there were 17, and Cruz never did?
Posted by: Iblis at March 16, 2016 01:39 PM (9221z)"

It's the whole ceiling of support thing, however the problem seems to be that now that the rest of the gang is out of the race, most people don't want Cruz either. Trump had his 30 percent or whatever, but it hasn't grown much, the whole consolidation lane theory was supposed to allow someone to pass him. Seems like it's too late now though.

Posted by: Dr. Shatterhand at March 16, 2016 01:44 PM (n/ogz)

115 Since Kasich bailed on the FOX debate, effectively cancelling it, Cruz should challenge Bernie to a debate on Monday instead.

-----

FOX should turn it into a Ted Cruz Q&A session. Give him all the time to answer questions that Trump and Kasich would have had. Might be boring but it will be a lot of free air time. That'll teach 'em to skip debates.

Posted by: Kevin DuBrow at March 16, 2016 01:45 PM (bMcUX)

116 Cruz isn't the best at making moves on Trump voters. He's not a master persuader or deal maker.

See how Trump could coax Carson to go against his own wishes and endorse a guy who compared him to a child molester.

Trumpkins might be beaming at this skill, except it can be turned on your and yours.

Posted by: Harun at March 16, 2016 01:45 PM (UBBWX)

117 Be sure to check out Drudge's headline about Soros's Brownshits and their plans for this summer.

If they were smart, they'd stay home. All their antics do is remind people how pissed they are at what has happened to America and that helps Trump.

Posted by: Christopher Taylor at March 16, 2016 01:45 PM (39g3+)

118 65 As see-saw as the vote has been so far, there's really no way to be sure one way or another. However, after last night, I really do not see Cruz winning at all. One more run like that and Trump has the big mo and the image of invincibility back. That's really hard to beat.


***********

Ted is Dead.

Ace talk to Meatball.

I was on every county website--I'm sure Brandon saw the same bloodbathe I did.

Speaking of counties though Ruffini over relies on counties to make an argument/map in support of Ted.

The general is a state by state contest for votes in the electoral college.

What contest--swing state does Cruz win?

Then go look at --Pennsylvania polling because who doesn't want to throw salt in their eyes?

Kasich--because if this thing balkanizes you want the Croat.*

(* I know--pfffffftttt.)

Posted by: TrumpenFuror at March 16, 2016 01:45 PM (mcm0N)

119 Draws target on the rack.


Gets distracted.


Stares at rack.

Posted by: eleven at March 16, 2016 01:46 PM (aIjzc)

120 Cruz has no chance:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gE4h6tOgVgc

Posted by: Burton Cummings at March 16, 2016 01:46 PM (YlqSL)

121

That is the DSA and why I was asking about web archives.

I thought that's who you were referring to.

TFP is probably salivating at the thought of being able to declare martial law. Those useful idiots would be the perfect excuse.

Oh. Joy.

Posted by: BackwardsBoy at March 16, 2016 01:47 PM (LUgeY)

122 Oh, geez. And as this thread is unfolding, FNC is talking about the good chances of Katshit winning the nom.
==========
Kasich could win 100% of the remaining delegate--and that includes not just the winner-take-all states like NY and CA--but also ALL the delegates from the proportional states, and he will get . . . 1221.

Sorry shitbag Kasich--you need 1237 to win.

Anyone saying Kacich has ANY path to the nomination is a lazy, lying sack of shit.

Posted by: RoyalOil at March 16, 2016 01:47 PM (fQ/0p)

123 So...



How about everyone but Trump drop out and end this now?



Let's all unite behind Trump now for an united front against the Democrats.



End the petty squabbles before anymore damage is done.





Posted by: Make America Great Again at March 16, 2016 01:43 PM (LXJ1e)
===========================================

Um, because some of us would actually like to cast an actual vote. I like to pretend that still means something. Plus I don't like the fact that states such as Iowa and New Hampshire and Nevada get to decide who the nominee will be. Similar to the way I feel that blogs should avoid coronations.

Posted by: grammie winger, watching the fig tree at March 16, 2016 01:47 PM (dFi94)

124 New York POST poll...

Hmmmm......

Posted by: Don Quixote at March 16, 2016 01:47 PM (RK8AH)

125 So, which Dark Horse candidate would fit the bill?

------------

Ok,what the hell, I'm not doing anything at the moment. I'll do it.

Posted by: Duke Lowell at March 16, 2016 01:47 PM (kTF2Z)

126 'Then, in the spirit of Granny D, the Selma to Montgomery marchers, Cesar Chavez and the farmworker pilgrimage, and others who walked for freedom, we will set out on a 10 day, 140-mile march from Philadelphia to the Nation's Capitol,' states the website.


*types

*deletes

**checks ammo stores

Posted by: RWC - Team TTBTFW at March 16, 2016 01:48 PM (LdVxD)

127 I see Pixy don't daylight.


Typical.

Posted by: eleven at March 16, 2016 01:48 PM (aIjzc)

128 Here I was minding my own business, ignoring Ted's latest entreaty to donate. Then Ace shows me math that contains a smidgen of a glimmer of hope. I like math. So, I'm off to give Ted more money.

Posted by: Muad'dib at March 16, 2016 01:48 PM (ByLlW)

129 Basically, Kasich and Rubio supporters have to decide if they can stomach Cruz.

Otherwise, its Trump, or a brokered convention.

I will assume the dead ender establishment will go for the brokered convention. At each chance they have had to stop Trump, they have chosen the path that doesn't work but avoid accepting Cruz. They will do this again. Kasich fever will now hit.

My prediction is Trump wins at the brokered convention. He has the ability to get people to make deals - Carson endorsement for example, or establishment figures they can "manage him."

Posted by: Harun at March 16, 2016 01:48 PM (UBBWX)

130
If that guy on the rules committee


Well we know where they get their gavels.

http://www.videobash.com/video_show/
mexican-bomb-hammer-party-337351

Posted by: DaveA at March 16, 2016 01:48 PM (DL2i+)

131 Cruz can win NC without much problem in the General, I expect.

Posted by: Lincolntf at March 16, 2016 01:48 PM (2cS/G)

132 Trump had his 30 percent or whatever, but it hasn't grown much

Last night his support was much higher than 30%. Its grown. How much will it grow? Who knows. Here there be dragons, as Bill Whittle says. People can pontificate and predict and guess all they want but none of us have a clue. Every week that goes by, nobody expects.

Posted by: Christopher Taylor at March 16, 2016 01:48 PM (39g3+)

133 Lefty and Scamp 2016!


(Lefty and Scamp are the pet names bestowed by Eris on the component parts of the Rack).

Posted by: Bandersnatch, Team Lefty and Scamp at March 16, 2016 01:49 PM (1xUj/)

134 Be sure to check out Drudge's headline about Soros's Brownshits and their plans for this summer.

Posted by: BackwardsBoy at March 16, 2016 01:43 PM (LUgeY)

Is that the Drudge headline just below the picture of Cruz' father handling snakes as part of some arcane, extremist fringe ritual which is sure to indicate that Cruz himself is Not Like You?

Drudge has something of a credibility problem nowadays. I know, I know, so did the Weekly World News back in the day, but at least the Weekly World News had Batboy.

Posted by: troyriser at March 16, 2016 01:49 PM (UWlp+)

135 Um, because some of us would actually like to cast an actual vote. I like to pretend that still means something.

Posted by: Every Bernie Sanders voter at March 16, 2016 01:49 PM (VndSC)

136 Oh, and there are 704 delegates alone in just the pure winner-take-all states left.

Trump wins those and loses every other state and he has . . . 1365--easily winning the nomination.

Posted by: RoyalOil at March 16, 2016 01:49 PM (fQ/0p)

137 So you're starting to realize Cruz has no chance?

Posted by: The Lizard, Ted Cruz at March 16, 2016 01:50 PM (Mt8T4)

138 If you're seeing Kasich fever, that means they think they can avoid Cruz.

This is nonsense, but its all they have.

Posted by: Harun at March 16, 2016 01:50 PM (UBBWX)

139 So, which Dark Horse candidate would fit the bill?

Sarah Palin?

Posted by: DaveA at March 16, 2016 01:50 PM (DL2i+)

140 Then, in the spirit of Granny D, the Selma to Montgomery marchers, Cesar Chavez and the farmworker pilgrimage, and others who walked for freedom, we will set out on a 10 day, 140-mile march from Philadelphia to the Nation's Capitol

And by walk, I mean "ride in busses most of the way and have the press cover the start and finish where some of us walk"

Posted by: Christopher Taylor at March 16, 2016 01:51 PM (39g3+)

141 Did y'all see Trump's awesome high-five moment with Carson?


Posted by: eleven at March 16, 2016 01:51 PM (aIjzc)

142 >>>Ha. Just had someone come by a few minutes ago and said he gamed out Cruz's path to victory and said, "he's crazy if he thinks he could win, he's toast, it's insane."
So...
How about everyone but Trump drop out and end this now?
Let's all unite behind Trump now for an united front against the Democrats.
End the petty squabbles before anymore damage is done.
++++++

So...my vote doesn't *really* matter and I should get behind a guy I don't really like that was chosen for me by people I don't agree with because if I don't Hillary and The Democrats are going to win?

That sounds awfully familiar.

Posted by: El Kabong at March 16, 2016 01:51 PM (MCmqp)

143 138 If you're seeing Kasich fever, that means they think they can avoid Cruz.

This is nonsense, but its all they have.

Posted by: Harun at March 16, 2016 01:50 PM (UBBWX)

So is Kasich Fever one of those antibiotic resistant strains?

Posted by: joncelli, Longbow Afficianado and Phalangist at March 16, 2016 01:51 PM (RD7QR)

144 I know, I know, so did the Weekly World News back in the day, but at least the Weekly World News had Batboy.

Any paper with batboy is worth reading.

Posted by: Christopher Taylor at March 16, 2016 01:51 PM (39g3+)

145 Is that the Drudge headline just below the picture of Cruz' father handling snakes as part of some arcane, extremist fringe ritual which is sure to indicate that Cruz himself is Not Like You?

Drudge has something of a credibility problem nowadays. I know, I know, so did the Weekly World News back in the day, but at least the Weekly World News had Batboy.

Posted by: troyriser at March 16, 2016 01:49 PM (UWlp+)

Must have replaced the picture.

Posted by: RWC - Team TTBTFW at March 16, 2016 01:52 PM (mEZce)

146 OT - Some feel good news:

Jared Fogle beaten and bloodied in prison yar ambush

http://www.tmz.com/2016/03/16/jared-fogle-prison-fight-beating/

Posted by: The Contested Hat at March 16, 2016 01:52 PM (vBeA5)

147 "Last night his support was much higher than 30%. Its grown. How much will it grow? Who knows. Here there be dragons, as Bill Whittle says. People can pontificate and predict and guess all they want but none of us have a clue. Every week that goes by, nobody expects.
Posted by: Christopher Taylor at March 16, 2016 01:48 PM (39g3+)"

I get you I was just oversimplifying, in a few states it's been way higher, but generally his support levels have grown slower than say Cruz. I think there was some analysis done on how he performs around where the polls have him, and the other guys were overperforming. We'll know when the polls taken after Rubio leaving start rolling out.

Posted by: Dr. Shatterhand at March 16, 2016 01:52 PM (n/ogz)

148 Maybe we should wait a day or two and see if the recently unemployed senator who worries about living paycheck to paycheck gets an offer from the frontrunner.

Secretary of Defense might sound pretty good right now.

And all he would need to do is give one endorsement and a blowjob.

Posted by: jwest at March 16, 2016 01:52 PM (Zs4uk)

149 Posted by: JeremiadBullfrog at March 16, 2016 01:32 PM (7Q4Ez)

I am only speaking about the Trump supporters I know personally, and I will say that with them these conversations have already happened and don't make a dent. My friends and family that are voting Trump are voting pure emotion right now. He hit the right emotional buttons at the beginning of the campaign and that's what won them over and no amount of reasoning is changing it. I've tried and tried and tried and get screamed at and accused if being brainwashed by the establishment (which is hilarious because I was the one screaming about the establishment for years prior to Trump, but I digress).

For the Trump supporters I personally know it's a matter of not being able to reason people out of positions they didn't reason themselves into to begin with. Again, that's just the people I know, so I don't claim to speak about every supporter.

Posted by: Mandy P. (Not Patinkin), lurking lurker who lurks at March 16, 2016 01:52 PM (KkVB6)

150
"If Cruz has a bare majority of support in the remaining contests, he enters Cleveland with 1289 bound delegates, enough to win the nomination on the first ballot. That doesn't depend on any of the unbound delegates voting for Cruz. Trump would enter Cleveland with 734 bound delegates. "



Which means, given Trump's current apx delegate count of 464, that in all the remaining contests, he wins only another 270 delegates, while Cruz wins another -- 917. In New England and the West Coast.

'kay.

Posted by: Laurie David's Cervix at March 16, 2016 01:53 PM (kdS6q)

151
Um, because some of us would actually like to cast an actual vote. I like to pretend that still means something. Plus I don't like the fact that states such as Iowa and New Hampshire and Nevada get to decide who the nominee will be. Similar to the way I feel that blogs should avoid coronations.
Posted by: grammie winger, watching the fig tree at March 16, 2016 01:47 PM (dFi94)

-----------------------

Well, you could move to Iowa for the next go round to fix that.

Cruz supporters never shied away from telling other people to get out.

Posted by: Make America Great Again at March 16, 2016 01:53 PM (LXJ1e)

152 Yea, I'm sure everyone will rally around Miss Congeniality Kasich.

Posted by: Minnfidel at March 16, 2016 01:53 PM (btH0m)

153 I know off-topic. This is link I found to Bernie Sanders speeches and talks to DSA but I don't have real player on this laptop right now to listen.

http://tinyurl.com/j8c9fjr

Posted by: watchingscircu at March 16, 2016 01:53 PM (VbTye)

154 My prediction is Trump wins at the brokered convention. He has the ability to get people to make deals - Carson endorsement for example, or establishment figures they can "manage him."



Posted by: Harun at March 16, 2016 01:48 PM (UBBWX)


Just before the Dem Primary Hillary gets indicted...

Repub conventions is brokered because Trump does not get to 1237.

Ryan / Romney vs. Biden / Liawatha....

Shit.... I oughta go put money down on this race...

Posted by: Don Quixote at March 16, 2016 01:53 PM (RK8AH)

155 Well if Trump skips this next debate it is Cruz's chance to demolish Kasich and make the play for those votes. I think Rush was correct when I heard him say that no one is going to persuade Trump primary voters away from him.

And *I* would say that rather than alienate your existing base by trying to pander to the Kasich viewpoint in any way, just go in with intention to demolish him.

Posted by: Palerider at March 16, 2016 01:53 PM (dkExz)

156 Late July is too late to start a third party bid..

14 states, Texas being the first in May, have deadlines for ballot access before the GOP convention.. another 20 states close by 2 weeks after.

There's at least 7 states that ban presidential moves to a different party with their sore loser laws.. ain't nobody making a third party run this year.

Posted by: Chi-Town Jerry at March 16, 2016 01:54 PM (so+oy)

157
Repub conventions is brokered because Trump does not get to 1237.



Ryan / Romney vs. Biden / Liawatha....
***
What difference, at this point, does
it make?

Posted by: 18-1 at March 16, 2016 01:54 PM (X7E8f)

158 154 I know off-topic. This is link I found to Bernie Sanders speeches and talks to DSA but I don't have real player on this laptop right now to listen.

http://tinyurl.com/j8c9fjr
Posted by: watchingscircu at March 16, 2016 01:53 PM (VbTye)

It would be interesting to see if they attack Hillary when Bernie drops out.

Posted by: joncelli, Longbow Afficianado and Phalangist at March 16, 2016 01:55 PM (RD7QR)

159 A lot can happen between now and the convention....

Posted by: donna at March 16, 2016 01:55 PM (/dSsq)

160
So...my vote doesn't *really* matter and I should get behind a guy I don't really like that was chosen for me by people I don't agree with because if I don't Hillary and The Democrats are going to win?

That sounds awfully familiar.
Posted by: El Kabong at March 16, 2016 01:51 PM (MCmqp)

--------------------

Well, its the same argument Cruz supporters use on Rubio, Carson, etc.

Posted by: Make America Great Again at March 16, 2016 01:55 PM (LXJ1e)

161 Heh. Venezuela shutting down for a week due to electricity crisis.

Socialism always does a bang up job.



ps - there is no monday gop debate.

Posted by: Guy Mohawk at March 16, 2016 01:55 PM (ODxAs)

162 GOPe wanted Ryan/Kasich. Ryan apparently is an adequate enough politician to ditch that after he heard all the groans. Rush is still talking about it. Hasn't heard Ryan's latest. Rush played clip of some guy named Shaffer? pushing it. Rush is also playing all the talking heads trying to spin Kasich's Ohio debacle as a big win.

I think Cruz will take a deal from Trump and suspend his campaign. Otherwise Cruz will be froze out like Fred Thompson was. And it won't be Trump doing the stiffing. Trump and Cruz can help each other a lot.

Posted by: scorecard at March 16, 2016 01:55 PM (1uTkE)

163 This is the source of Bernie's enthusiasm-vs-votes gap:

bit.ly/1nJt4LO

Posted by: Ghost of kari - certified inane at March 16, 2016 01:56 PM (xuouz)

164 Good thing Bill France Jr. is not in charge of the primaries.

The late race cautions for unspecified "debris on the track" to bunch up the field for a green-white-checker finish would astound.

Posted by: Count de Monet at March 16, 2016 01:56 PM (JO9+V)

165 Cruz supporters never shied away from telling other people to get out.

Posted by: Make America Great Again at March 16, 2016 01:53 PM (LXJ1e)
====================================

I have never urged anyone to get out of the race. I've seen you make that plea on more than one occasion. If you're confident that Trump can win, he should have no problem defeating those left in the race. We don't do coronations here.

Posted by: grammie winger, watching the fig tree at March 16, 2016 01:56 PM (dFi94)

166 (Which could mean porn stars winning seats in congress so there is that)

Posted by: Big V at March 16, 2016 01:29 PM (BAHqV)

As long as they aren't too overweight I don't think it would be a bad thing.

Posted by: Killerdog at March 16, 2016 01:56 PM (Lle3P)

167 But, keep in mind, that means Cruz winning NY and CA; winner-take-all states.



Posted by: RoyalOil at March 16, 2016 01:33 PM (fQ/0p)



Since neither of those states is winner-take-all, one has to wonder where you are getting your information.
=========
NY is winner-take-most/all.
CA is winner-take-all.

You reading something even the linked article doesn't know?

Posted by: RoyalOil at March 16, 2016 01:57 PM (fQ/0p)

168 Did y'all see Trump's awesome high-five moment with Carson?

Posted by: eleven at March 16, 2016 01:51 PM (aIjzc)

Was that before or after Dr. Carson was assured that Trump doesn't mean anythingTrump says publicly?

And why aren't you Trump supporters the least bit disturbed by that statement since it's paraphrasing what Carson said regarding their meeting?

Posted by: troyriser at March 16, 2016 01:57 PM (UWlp+)

169 Well, if Cruz is going to actually have a shot, next Tuesday is the time to start; 98 Delegates are available in Arizona and Utah.

Posted by: MTF at March 16, 2016 01:57 PM (4MRvZ)

170 GOPe wanted Ryan/Kasich. Ryan apparently is an adequate enough politician to ditch that after he heard all the groans.

Posted by: scorecard at March 16, 2016 01:55 PM (1uTkE)

Not to get personal but is this the same Ryan that said he didn't want the Speakership?

Posted by: Golfman - Xenophobe Extrodinaire at March 16, 2016 01:57 PM (jIgQw)

171 If you're confident that Trump can win, he should have no problem defeating those left in the race. We don't do coronations here.

Posted by: grammie winger, watching the fig tree at March 16, 2016 01:56 PM (dFi94)

If anything, either Kasich or Cruz dropping out would be worse for Trump at this point. I agree with you completely, and insist that both stay in to avoid the coronation. Indeed!

Posted by: trev006 at March 16, 2016 01:57 PM (MEHba)

172 Arizona will be the litmus test. If Cruz wins AZ and Utah, then we have a race where Cruz has an excellent chance of going into the convention leading. But if Trump wins AZ with his closed border agenda, then this is all mathematical wish casting.

Posted by: Dave in Fla at March 16, 2016 01:57 PM (GfnT3)

173 ...ps - there is no monday gop debate...

And Trump is blaming Megyn Kelly's pms for that.

Posted by: scorecard at March 16, 2016 01:57 PM (1uTkE)

174 With little fanfare and almost no news media attention, some of the same radical groups involved in shutting down Donald Trump's Chicago rally last week are plotting a mass civil disobedience movement to begin next month.

They intend to march across the East Coast in order to spark a "fire that transforms the political climate in America."

The operation, calling itself Democracy Spring, is threatening "drama in Washington" with the "largest civil disobedience action of the century." The radicals believe this will result in the arrest of thousands of their own activists.

"We will demand that Congress listen to the People and take immediate action to save our democracy. And we won't leave until they do -- or until they send thousands of us to jail," the website for Democracy Spring declares, channeling rhetoric from the Occupy movement.

The group is backed by numerous organizations, including the George Soros-funded groups MoveOn.org, the Institute for Policy Studies, and Demos.

Posted by: George Stephanopoulos at March 16, 2016 01:57 PM (e8kgV)

175
Well if Trump skips this next debate it is Cruz's chance to demolish Kasich and make the play for those votes.
Posted by: Palerider



Ummm -- there isn't going to be a next debate. Was canceled.

Posted by: Laurie David's Cervix at March 16, 2016 01:57 PM (kdS6q)

176 If Cruz made a deal with Trump then I would be very disappointed with him. It would make me jump to third party even faster.

Posted by: chemjeff @ phone at March 16, 2016 01:58 PM (MkZ6B)

177 I think Cruz will take a deal from Trump and suspend his campaign. Otherwise Cruz will be froze out like Fred Thompson was. And it won't be Trump doing the stiffing. Trump and Cruz can help each other a lot.
Posted by: scorecard at March 16, 2016 01:55 PM (1uTkE)

---------------------

This is wisdom speaking.

Posted by: Make America Great Again at March 16, 2016 01:58 PM (LXJ1e)

178 Posted by: Make America Great Again at March 16, 2016 01:53 PM (LXJ1e)

Aw you don't like people talking about the possibility you're hero might go into the convention basically tied?

Posted by: Joe Hallenbeck at March 16, 2016 01:58 PM (PMkYS)

179 Don't forget ya got to win 8 states. You see Katshit winning 6 more?

Posted by: CSMBigBird at March 16, 2016 01:58 PM (jsWA8)

180
If anything, either Kasich or Cruz dropping out would be worse for Trump at this point. I agree with you completely, and insist that both stay in to avoid the coronation. Indeed!

I agree. If it was only Trump the media would have to release all the stuff they were saving....

Posted by: donna at March 16, 2016 01:58 PM (/dSsq)

181 "I think Cruz will take a deal from Trump and suspend his campaign. Otherwise Cruz will be froze out like Fred Thompson was. And it won't be Trump doing the stiffing. Trump and Cruz can help each other a lot.
Posted by: scorecard at March 16, 2016 01:55 PM (1uTkE)"

Which goes back to me question above... let's say this can actually happen, Cruz decides he's not going to be screwed over, Trump promises to stop calling him a lying canadian, and they team up. Does Cruz as the VP have any #neverTrump people walking back from the Hillary phone banking promises?

Posted by: Dr. Shatterhand at March 16, 2016 01:58 PM (n/ogz)

182 Posted by: scorecard at March 16, 2016 01:55 PM (1uTkE)

Ryan said the exact same thing about being Speaker of the House...

He didn't want it... then took it reluctantly... as the unity candidate... supposedly.

If the play works... you keep it in the playbook.

Posted by: Don Quixote at March 16, 2016 01:59 PM (RK8AH)

183 "If Cruz made a deal with Trump then I would be very disappointed with him."

Ditto. I would be very disappointed.

Posted by: Drider at March 16, 2016 01:59 PM (bdzyz)

184 ps - there is no monday gop debate.
Posted by: Guy Mohawk at March 16, 2016 01:55 PM (ODxAs)

Trump won't be helped by any further debates. They favor Cruz. So he demurs.

He is in it to win it.

Also, this saves me from the fevered sepukku fantasies I have while watching the GOP debates.

Posted by: Ghost of kari - certified inane at March 16, 2016 01:59 PM (xuouz)

185 I think Cruz will take a deal from Trump and suspend his campaign. Otherwise Cruz will be froze out like Fred Thompson was. And it won't be Trump doing the stiffing. Trump and Cruz can help each other a lot.

Posted by: scorecard at March 16, 2016 01:55 PM (1uTkE)



Cruz will be under a lot more pressure to do that after Rubio endorses Trump.

I'm sure there would have been more endorsements of former candidates, but Trump appears to be limiting the offers to only the ones who really count.

Posted by: jwest at March 16, 2016 02:00 PM (Zs4uk)

186 Let's see how a two and a half men race can be

Posted by: Skip at March 16, 2016 02:00 PM (fizMZ)

187
BTW -- the analysist for this senario of a Cruz-nami?"

"Voted Tulsa's Favorite Blogger, 2007 and 2008, by the readers of Urban Tulsa Weekly"

And there is no higher accolade one can have.

Posted by: Laurie David's Cervix at March 16, 2016 02:00 PM (kdS6q)

188 "I know, I know, so did the Weekly World News back in the day, but at least the Weekly World News had Batboy."

Speaking of which...

https://i.chzbgr.com/full/1275201280/h0B7B74EF/

Posted by: torquewrench at March 16, 2016 02:00 PM (noWW6)

189 "Keep Hope Alive"

Whether Hope wants it or not.

Posted by: Misfortune & Pestilence at March 16, 2016 02:00 PM (oJffz)

190
Cruz will be under a lot more pressure to do that after Rubio endorses Trump.


I don't see that happening unless there is some sort of pay off.. politically speaking of course...

Posted by: donna at March 16, 2016 02:01 PM (/dSsq)

191 "176 If Cruz made a deal with Trump then I would be very disappointed with him. It would make me jump to third party even faster.
Posted by: chemjeff @ phone at March 16, 2016 01:58 PM (MkZ6B)"

I guess that answers my question!

So having Cruz on the ticket and teeing him up to get the nomination handed to him in 4 or 8 years for another run, after hopefully a successful administration is not an attractive thing?

Cruz is going to support the nominee even if it's Trump.

Posted by: Dr. Shatterhand at March 16, 2016 02:01 PM (n/ogz)

192 Well if Trump skips this next debate it is Cruz's chance to demolish Kasich and make the play for those votes. I think Rush was correct when I heard him say that no one is going to persuade Trump primary voters away from him.

Posted by: Palerider


The debate was cancelled.

The moose RINO out front should have told you.

Posted by: weft cut-loop at March 16, 2016 02:01 PM (A/3fN)

193 And why aren't you Trump supporters the least bit disturbed by that statement since it's paraphrasing what Carson said regarding their meeting?


Posted by: troyriser at March 16, 2016 01:57 PM (UWlp+)

Who said I'm a Trump supporter?

This place is giving me the douchechills.

Posted by: eleven at March 16, 2016 02:01 PM (aIjzc)

194 174 With little fanfare and almost no news media attention, some of the same radical groups involved in shutting down Donald Trump's Chicago rally last week are plotting a mass civil disobedience movement to begin next month.

They intend to march across the East Coast in order to spark a "fire that transforms the political climate in America."

The operation, calling itself Democracy Spring, is threatening "drama in Washington" with the "largest civil disobedience action of the century." The radicals believe this will result in the arrest of thousands of their own activists.

"We will demand that Congress listen to the People and take immediate action to save our democracy. And we won't leave until they do -- or until they send thousands of us to jail," the website for Democracy Spring declares, channeling rhetoric from the Occupy movement.

The group is backed by numerous organizations, including the George Soros-funded groups MoveOn.org, the Institute for Policy Studies, and Demos.
Posted by: George Stephanopoulos at March 16, 2016 01:57 PM (e8kgV)

Just like BLM: Big claims but no actual agenda. What do they want? It doesn't matter; they have no cause but disruption.

Posted by: joncelli, Longbow Afficianado and Phalangist at March 16, 2016 02:01 PM (RD7QR)

195 I agree. If it was only Trump the media would have to release all the stuff they were saving....

Posted by: donna at March 16, 2016 01:58 PM (/dSsq)

If you mean no one else in the Republican Party has that stuff, how good at politics could they possibly be? Let's see if Ted Cruz can withstand Bryan Fischer and Kevin Swanson around his neck in New York, whether it's fair or not.

Posted by: trev006 at March 16, 2016 02:01 PM (MEHba)

196 "drama in Washington" with the "largest civil disobedience action of the century."

Again, doing so only helps Trump get elected. The more freakies and violent thugs take to the streets and cause problems, the more people remember why they considered Trump to begin with. And the worse people tied to this -- like Hillary -- look.

The radicals believe this will result in the arrest of thousands of their own activists.

This ain't 1962. Their "activists" don't want to take one for the team, don't see it as a badge of victory, and don't want to be arrested and jailed for the cause. They get really, really mad when arrested, not grinning and proud like those old activists used to.

Posted by: Christopher Taylor at March 16, 2016 02:01 PM (39g3+)

Posted by: eleven at March 16, 2016 02:01 PM (aIjzc)

198 Please, I beg of you. Pull the plug. Let me go.

Posted by: Hope at March 16, 2016 02:01 PM (oJffz)

199 Ryan said the exact same thing about being Speaker of the House...



He didn't want it... then took it reluctantly... as the unity candidate... supposedly.



If the play works... you keep it in the playbook.

Posted by: Don Quixote at March 16, 2016 01:59 PM (RK8AH)
==============================================

Aw crap, then I'd get stuck with that little weasely Democrat that runs against him every two years. Shoot, I can't remember his name. I think it rhymes with booger.

Posted by: grammie winger, watching the fig tree at March 16, 2016 02:01 PM (dFi94)

200 Cruz is going to need 79% of the remaining delegates. Bernie just needs 76%. If he pulls it out, perfect, but I'll be surprised if the votes from Marco massively flee to him, instead of some going to him, some to Kasich and some staying home. He has a lot of catching up to do in any case, good luck.

Posted by: Potatoer at March 16, 2016 02:01 PM (8u5sK)

201 ...Is Rubio out? Suspended ...

Yes. Suspended. Delegates still bound (nominally).

Posted by: scorecard at March 16, 2016 02:02 PM (1uTkE)

202 troyriser you know the answer to your question.
When Trump's liberal / authoritarian past is brought up: "That was so long ago, it means nothing, look at what he said yesterday "

When Trump's statements from yesterday are contradicted by Trump's statements from today: "Oh he is just staking out a bargaining position "

*headdesk*

Posted by: chemjeff @ phone at March 16, 2016 02:02 PM (MkZ6B)

203 Here's a thought: Vote for the person that you support. Stop voting for the person that "can win" or is "electable" or "appear to be the front runner".

I get it, everyone wants to vote for the winner. No one wants to risk voting for someone who ends up losing. They feel like they have lost so they either stay home or vote for the person they don't support but everyone says will let them feel like a winner.

Look where voting for the "most electable" or "guy most likely to win" has gotten us over the past... 30 years?

Vote your conscience. So what if your ultimately guy loses? Would you rather be part of the losing team but have been honest with yourself or part of the "winning" team and end up with someone you can't stand?

There is no saving the country, turning things around, or real winning scenario where everything will be great in 4 years, 8 years... 20 years, no matter who wins. Might as well vote your conscience for the person that you believe has the best chance of a least nudging things in the right direction and spend the next however many pointing and laughing at everyone who voted for the "winner" that stabs them in the back repeatedly.

Posted by: Damiano at March 16, 2016 02:02 PM (XItbt)

204 "Cruz will be under a lot more pressure to do that after Rubio endorses Trump. " I don't think there is any chance of that happening. No way Rubio endorses Trump. He was selling #neverTrump bumper stickers.

Posted by: Dr. Shatterhand at March 16, 2016 02:02 PM (n/ogz)

205 Read Cruz's statement he had during a confirmation hearing for a federal judge. He basically said no one is fit for office who supports the Kelo decision. If he accepts anything from Trump I would lose all respect for Cruz.

Posted by: Joe Hallenbeck at March 16, 2016 02:03 PM (PMkYS)

206 But Rubio was polling 12%. Cruz is at about 20 and Trump is at 49.6% nationally. I know it is a delegate game but 13% of 12 is 1.56 which kicks him over 50. Then you have the bandwagon effect, etc and et al. Trump is reaching critical mass and the loony lefties disruptions will push it higher. Even with all of the Rube's votes going to Cruz it brings him to just low 30's. The numbers are not there and I say that as someone who voted for Cruz already in Texas. Polling trends I have been following: Reuters http://preview.tinyurl.com/zyyhgf9 Kasich staying in makes it even worse for Cruz but doesn't hurt Trump.

Posted by: Lester at March 16, 2016 02:03 PM (2UPXV)

207 Looks like everyone could use a pick me up:

https://goo.gl/IJINUm

Posted by: physics geek at March 16, 2016 02:03 PM (MT22W)

208 I have never urged anyone to get out of the race. I've seen you make that plea on more than one occasion. If you're confident that Trump can win, he should have no problem defeating those left in the race. We don't do coronations here.
Posted by: grammie winger, watching the fig tree at March 16, 2016 01:56 PM (dFi94)

--------------

Ok, Cruz supporters never said "Rubio needs to get out now", "Carson needs to get out now".

Common on, its been a constant refrain for weeks. Never once was there a comment "you know guys maybe we shouldn't be advocating denying someone's right to choose who they want"

BTW, Cruz getting out now does not keep you from voting for Cruz. When the primary comes around, go ahead and do it. In NC yesterday we could've still chosen any of them.

Posted by: Make America Great Again at March 16, 2016 02:03 PM (LXJ1e)

209 What's the analysis if Cruz only gets 40% of the vote in the Northeast? That's probably the best he can hope for.

If Cruz doesn't want a contested convention - he's going to have to get out.

If Cruz wants a contested convention - then he should stay in - while also trying to keep Kasich in a little loner.

Do you really think Cruz wants a contested convention?

Posted by: doug at March 16, 2016 02:03 PM (KSaLw)

210 Reminds me of when Dan Rather said "What Kerry needs at this point is the equivalent of Tom Brady coming off the bench to rescue him. But it's still too close to call" hours after the rest of Planet Earth called the election for Bush in 2004.

Ah, Bush's re-election. Fond memories of pre-insane America.

Posted by: CrustyB at March 16, 2016 02:03 PM (GvSpB)

211 Ho can anybody have 'Kasich fever'? Those two words don't belong in the same sentence.

Posted by: IC at March 16, 2016 02:03 PM (a0IVu)

212
The operation, calling itself Democracy Spring, is threatening "drama in Washington" with the "largest civil disobedience action of the century." The radicals believe this will result in the arrest of thousands of their own activists.


Democracy Spring? Is that anything like Recovery Spring/Summer/Winter/Fall? I mean what is their idea of Democracy? Free everything and no cops? We are so screwed....

Posted by: donna at March 16, 2016 02:03 PM (/dSsq)

213
See how Trump could coax Carson to go against his own wishes and endorse a guy who compared him to a child molester.


Coax? The correct term is "bribe".

Posted by: Hollowpoint at March 16, 2016 02:03 PM (xp84N)

214 You can talk divination all day long. I'm a Cruz supporter, but I just don't see how he overcomes the Trump momentum. Combined with the very defiant mood of voters, the unusual demographics Trump is pulling and his almost historic appeal to Independents Trump may not only win, but he may just bowl over the paper tiger, soon to be indicted Democrat.

Make him earn it? Sure and he's willing to do that to the convention and beyond. The man is just tenacious.

Posted by: Marcus T at March 16, 2016 02:04 PM (87pu1)

215 "Keep Hope Alive"

Whether Hope wants it or not.

Posted by: Misfortune & Pestilence at March 16, 2016 02:00 PM (oJffz)


Around here, Hope has filed a DNR order.

Posted by: Hrothgar at March 16, 2016 02:04 PM (wYnyS)

216 I'm going to anger some folks with this, but it's what I think. The Trump supporters will not support anyone else, no matter how that alternative is determined to be the nom. Jesus Christ himself could descend from the clouds, and the Trump supporters would dismiss him as a tool of Paul Ryan and Mitch McConnell. They're perfectly willing to lose this election, because for the first time in a long time, they control the outcome, and they're not about to surrender that power. They'd rather install Hillary in office.

Posted by: pep at March 16, 2016 02:04 PM (N9/s+)

217 My hope is alive, Ace; It just isn't in Cruz (whom I support and like a lot) getting the nomination.

And I read your commentary, but I skipped past all the comments following simply because I didn't want to read all the "Cruz is a loser; Na-na-na-nah-hah!" posts.

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at March 16, 2016 02:04 PM (w4NZ8)

218 ...What do they want?...

FS isn't flowing as fast or as deep as it use to.

Posted by: scorecard at March 16, 2016 02:04 PM (1uTkE)

219 General Custer, I see a way out!

Which way, son!

Oh, never mind.

Posted by: Headless Body of Agnew at March 16, 2016 02:04 PM (FtrY1)

220 Vote your conscience. So what if your ultimately guy loses? Would you
rather be part of the losing team but have been honest with yourself or
part of the "winning" team and end up with someone you can't stand?

Posted by: Damiano at March 16, 2016 02:02 PM (XItbt)

==============================


Thank you !

Posted by: grammie winger, watching the fig tree at March 16, 2016 02:04 PM (dFi94)

221 Cruz will be under a lot more pressure to do that after Rubio endorses Trump.

I'm sure there would have been more endorsements of former candidates, but Trump appears to be limiting the offers to only the ones who really count.Posted by: jwest at March 16, 2016 02:00 PM (Zs4uk)

Rubio endorsing Trump? Where have you heard that? That makes no sense at all, not during the primaries, especially since Rubio styled himself as the anti-Trump.

Posted by: troyriser at March 16, 2016 02:04 PM (UWlp+)

222 *headdesk*


Posted by: chemjeff @ phone at March 16, 2016 02:02 PM (MkZ6B)

I never would have thought so many people I kind of thought I knew could start behaving like this.

This is a creepshow.

Posted by: eleven at March 16, 2016 02:04 PM (aIjzc)

223 You are assuming that enthusiasm to vote in the primary will remain high for the challenger(s) all the way to June. I say that will not be the case. Once 'your guy' is out of the race, many voters just say, 'oh, well, guess I'll just sit this out then.' I have done that before. When the likelihood of my candidate winning is incredibly unlikely or my choice drops out. Enthusiasm wanes. People stay home.

Expect that for Cruz. You are thinking that the same number of voters will vote in the primary even with their candidate out. I just throw some serious doubt on that. Sorry.

I expect the popularity of Trump to only escalate from here and his voters to dominate the primaries more and more. We will see gains for Trump in the next wave and a stagnation for Cruz. He might gain slightly from Rubio dropping out, but I say that most Rubio supporters just will decide not to throw their vote behind anyone.

Only time will tell. Cruz's path is incredibly unlikely. Once AZ and UT vote most of the states left are Trump-leaning or solid Trump states.

Posted by: K-E at March 16, 2016 02:04 PM (69sTo)

224 And why aren't you Trump supporters the least bit disturbed by that statement since it's paraphrasing what Carson said regarding their meeting?
Posted by: troyriser at March 16, 2016 01:57 PM (UWlp+)

Because just like Trump critics who hear "I will lead the glorious revolution for global socialism" when Trump says "Let's Make America Great Again" we hear what we want to hear when politicians speak.

When Ben Carson, the only person in the race less eloquent than Donald effing Trump, says "there are two sides to Trump" as an explanation for why he's endorsing him, what I get from that is that he's acknowledging Trump has an obnoxious, brash PR persona and a different private persona. Just like we're all totally aware he does.

Carson was endorsing him. I assumed he was trying to say something positive, not doing a twisted rhetorical version of morse-code-blinking T-O-R-T-U-R-E

Posted by: Ghost of kari - certified inane at March 16, 2016 02:05 PM (xuouz)

225
CA is winner-take-all.
Posted by: RoyalOil


172 total delegates

10 base at-large / 159 re: 53 congressional districts / 3 party

Posted by: Laurie David's Cervix at March 16, 2016 02:05 PM (kdS6q)

226 Would Cruz fare better against Hillary than Trump? Most of us like Cruz, but the average LIV will see him as extreme. Worse, this idea of him having a weird, "punchable" face is pervasive. I don't get it, but it's real, and voters are dumb enough to be turned off by it. In droves.

Trump can't be tied down to "evil, uncaring" policies normal Republicans get hammered with, because he's not a normal Republican. He's proven to find a way to overcome every obstacle placed before him so far...why would that suddenly stop?

Whether he'd be a better president, or better for the country, than Cruz or Hillary is another discussion. He could be anything...maybe even the stealth conservative Ace said he hopes will come along but never does.

Posted by: Grimaldi at March 16, 2016 02:05 PM (kETv4)

227 However, I did read the post above mine and I agree with Pep.

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at March 16, 2016 02:05 PM (w4NZ8)

228 When Trump's liberal / authoritarian past is brought up

He's been center left a lot but authoritarian? When has he been anything of the sort?

Posted by: Christopher Taylor at March 16, 2016 02:05 PM (39g3+)

229 Coax? The correct term is "bribe".

Posted by: Hollowpoint at March 16, 2016 02:03 PM (xp84N)

You're telling me Ted Cruz is just such an HONEST politician, a real stand-up guy, that he didn't kick some of those hundreds of millions for an endorsement?

Even by your St. Cruz of Regina standards, it shows he doesn't have what it takes to win.

Posted by: trev006 at March 16, 2016 02:05 PM (MEHba)

230 203 yes everyone should vote their conscience

Posted by: chemjeff @ phone at March 16, 2016 02:06 PM (MkZ6B)

231 it doesn't matter what the repukes do. this is hildabest's election. they are our house of windsor. it's baked in the cake. fantasize all you want about cruz. never fucking happen. that's just how it is.

Posted by: chavez the hugo at March 16, 2016 02:06 PM (ucDmr)

232 And if you look at the electoral map and must win states in the General like Florida and Ohio, I just don't see how Cruz does anywhere near what Trump would do. people are not motivated to vote for Cruz in the way they've flocked to Trump.

Posted by: Marcus T at March 16, 2016 02:06 PM (87pu1)

233 So you're telling me there's a chance!

Posted by: gm at March 16, 2016 02:06 PM (4ueYo)

234 I am never voting for Trump, and I am resigned that it likely means HRC walks into office. This does anger me. Greatly. My anger is mainly at the Democratic party for being a two-faced reborn totalitarian party and allowing her to walk in.

Secondly, Trump is not merely a "poor" candidate. He is a con man. He is a pyramid scheming fraud. Unlike most politicians, I'm not comparing him to a con man or a pyramid schemer, he lit-er-ally is those things, and worse.

I will vote Libertarian. I will vote Constitution. I may abstain. I will NEVER vote for Hillary or give her my consent in any way. But I'll quote Alexander Hamilton here, which everyone I'm sure will get very sick of us #NeverTrump people doing. But it's just a little too on the nose.

"If we must have an enemy at the head of Government, let it be one whom we can oppose, and for whom we are not responsible, who will not involve our party in the disgrace of his foolish and bad measures."

Posted by: Leo Spaceman at March 16, 2016 02:07 PM (fJxIY)

235 Posted by: scorecard at March 16, 2016 02:02 PM (1uTkE)

I think the "immune from prosecution" class has gamed the system so that suspended candidates get to keep their hands in the till until a day of reckoning in the future!

Posted by: Hrothgar at March 16, 2016 02:07 PM (wYnyS)

236 I really liked Hope.

Thirtysomething was talking to me at the time. It's one of those shows that I doubt still would hold up.

Posted by: Bandersnatch, Team Lefty and Scamp at March 16, 2016 02:07 PM (1xUj/)

237 I'm a Cruz supporter, but if Trump is the nominee, I will be the good little soldier and pull the lever. But keep your stupid participation trophy and shove it.

Posted by: debzeppelin at March 16, 2016 02:07 PM (ttFRc)

238 Cruz will be under a lot more pressure to do that after Rubio endorses Trump.

I'm sure there would have been more endorsements of former candidates, but Trump appears to be limiting the offers to only the ones who really count.
Posted by: jwest at March 16, 2016 02:00 PM (Zs4uk)

---------------------

Rubio can count, and he needs a job. Cruz won't be giving him one.

Posted by: Make America Great Again at March 16, 2016 02:07 PM (LXJ1e)

239

Ho can anybody have 'Kasich fever'? Those two words don't belong in the same sentence.

Kasich diarrhea I could see, but not any type of fever.

Perhaps a stuffed up nose...

Posted by: BackwardsBoy at March 16, 2016 02:08 PM (LUgeY)

240 We'll do what we can, ace, because a traditional politician is someone we can handle.

See you at Hillary's inaug...

Posted by: The MFM at March 16, 2016 02:08 PM (3U4+k)

241 Mel Harris.

Definitely do-able.

Posted by: eleven at March 16, 2016 02:08 PM (aIjzc)

242 "216 I'm going to anger some folks with this, but it's what I think. The Trump supporters will not support anyone else, no matter how that alternative is determined to be the nom. Jesus Christ himself could descend from the clouds, and the Trump supporters would dismiss him as a tool of Paul Ryan and Mitch McConnell. They're perfectly willing to lose this election, because for the first time in a long time, they control the outcome, and they're not about to surrender that power. They'd rather install Hillary in office.
Posted by: pep at March 16, 2016 02:04 PM (N9/s+)"

I was having this discussion with a friend earlier, I was a Trump early adopter (wanted him to run in 2012), I would pretty much vote for whoever gets the nomination. I think i'd vote even if they stole the damn thing at the convention by releasing the delegates in the first ballot or something. There is probably no scenario outside of nominating lucifer that would have me enable a Clinton victory. I know it's not plausible for the GOP to nominate Satan since she's well on her way to getting the Dem nomination already.

Posted by: Dr. Shatterhand at March 16, 2016 02:08 PM (n/ogz)

243 He's been center left a lot but authoritarian? When has he been anything of the sort?
Posted by: Christopher Taylor at March 16, 2016 02:05 PM (39g3+)

His campaign manager tore a reporter's arm off and beat her to death with it Chris, don't play games like some kind of filthy Idahoan.

Posted by: Ghost of kari - certified inane at March 16, 2016 02:08 PM (xuouz)

244 Posted by: Leo Spaceman at March 16, 2016 02:07 PM (fJxIY)

"We'll do anything to stop Hillary killing us... except vote!"

Posted by: trev006 at March 16, 2016 02:08 PM (MEHba)

245
Kasich will never drop out. He's the establishments hope and prayer for a last minute steal.The establishment hates Cruz as much as they hateTrump.
In a three way race Trump will either win, or it will go brokered. Too many republicans won't vote for Cruz no matter what ---they'd rather have a chance at a brokered convention than see Cruz or Trump win outright.
Cleveland will be a freakin' zoo. A zoo I tell you.
At least that illegal immigrant one county over --that raped and murdered one lady, attempted rape on a 14 year old and shot another ladyALL on theSAMEDAY plead guilty yesterday. Was worried that was going to be on trial during convention.

Posted by: simplemind at March 16, 2016 02:08 PM (JTwsP)

246 176 If Cruz made a deal with Trump then I would be very disappointed with him.



Cruz will be facing the same thing as Rubio...

It's not just the candidate. There are probably a hundred people, if not more, who tied their wagon to Rubio and who are now out on the street.

All of them are looking to Rubio to swallow his pride and Trump's load to get a warm, safe home for everyone. If Trump trades him the Defense Department, that makes 400 to 700 slots that Rubio and his followers can occupy.

Cruz will have the same choice to make. Even if he's in better financial shape than Rubio, that's a lot of people to send packing when the reality sinks in.

Is this "politics" thing new to everyone?

Posted by: jwest at March 16, 2016 02:08 PM (Zs4uk)

247 I don't think people should "keep hope alive" I think they should take things as they come and react intelligently and cautiously.

Posted by: Christopher Taylor at March 16, 2016 02:09 PM (39g3+)

248 Trump and Cruz can help each other a lot.


I still cannot see what a young and ambitious politician like Ted gets out of helping Trump. He need merely duly campaign for him if he is the nominee. Or do nothing.

Posted by: Grump928(c) says Free Soothie! at March 16, 2016 02:09 PM (evdj2)

249 Jesse Jackson and Ace, keeping hope alive.

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks at March 16, 2016 02:09 PM (Nwg0u)

250 Has Rubio endorsed Cruz yet?

Posted by: dogfish at March 16, 2016 02:09 PM (SSeCw)

251 >>They're perfectly willing to lose this election, because for the first
time in a long time, they control the outcome, and they're not about to
surrender that power. They'd rather install Hillary in office.


Sadly, that also describes the #NeverTrump people - except the "for the first time" part, since this group comprises GOPe establishment.
WASTF!

Posted by: Lizzy at March 16, 2016 02:09 PM (NOIQH)

252 "Carson was endorsing him. I assumed he was trying to say something positive, not doing a twisted rhetorical version of morse-code-blinking T-O-R-T-U-R-E"

you do know that Carson has now admitted he only did that for the promise of a job and actually prefers Cruz.

Posted by: Harun at March 16, 2016 02:09 PM (UBBWX)

253

Back to housework.

BBL

Posted by: BackwardsBoy at March 16, 2016 02:09 PM (LUgeY)

254 Leo,

Sorry you feel that way. You should try to find the one-on-one townhall interview Trump did with Hannity a week ago. It might soothe your soul. Trump is not a con man or a fraud. He will also beat Hillary in the fall. The press, the left and the right have underestimated his political skills. He will continue the same stuff. He is completely unpredictable, therefore, Hillary will have a hard time.

Posted by: K-E at March 16, 2016 02:09 PM (69sTo)

255 This ain't 1962. Their "activists" don't want to take one for the team, don't see it as a badge of victory, and don't want to be arrested and jailed for the cause. They get really, really mad when arrested, not grinning and proud like those old activists used to.

Posted by: Christopher Taylor at March 16, 2016 02:01 PM (39g3+)


But the Occupy Wall Street crap has them convinced they will NOT get arrested..

They will double down until they lose.... IMO.

Posted by: Don Quixote at March 16, 2016 02:09 PM (RK8AH)

256
I remember when Weekly World News had photos, yes photos, of Bill Clinton pushing a dead JFK in a wheel chair. lol

Posted by: Bruce With a Wang! at March 16, 2016 02:10 PM (iQIUe)

257 Cruz will get a good percentage of Rubio votes, but keep in mind a percentage will simply sit out. Also, Rubio jumped in with the Lyin' Ted campaign so the percentages will be somewhat depressed. A guy that was on my basketball team in HS was going on about that, and has had Trump as his plan B. He ain't getting talked off of that. That's pretty incoherent a reason to begin with, and to my biased eyes not supported by facts, but voters vote for all kinds of reasons.



Cruz still needs to find a way beyond basic conservative cred to peel off a portion of Trump's support directly, and his voters aren't easy to move.

Posted by: Dave S. at March 16, 2016 02:10 PM (mhkbv)

258 51%, rofl. Look, here is reality. It needs to be updated after yesterday, but this is what things look like. Trump will win all the stuff in yankee territory. Plus AZ, and probably also CA. And very likely some of the midwest stuff too. Cruz has no chance. He will take a few midwestern states like UT, maybe OR and WA. That's it. Trump is going to completely pull away from Cruz in every way.

http://___ur.com/gallery/LPtuUzv

Posted by: Kenja Time at March 16, 2016 02:10 PM (t2wGq)

259 Here's my prediction:

Trump wins the Nom before the convention, and meets with Cruz and Fiorina. Offers Cruz the VP slot, and tells them:

"You all know this was just a YUGE ego stroke on my part. No way I'm going to sit in the White House for four years, keeping someone else's schedule, spending all my free time working. So, once I'm sworn in, I'm abdicating the the throne, so to speak and Ted gets the job. BUT! Only on condition that my old friend Carly is Ted's VP. Deal?"

*Ted and Carly shout in unison*: "DEAL!!!!!"

*Ted continues*: "Before I hand over the Crown and Scepter, I'll nominate the following:

Kasich for Postmaster General (of course);

Ret. Gen. James Mattis for Defense;

Walter Williams and Thomas Sowell will share Commerce;

Rubio for Interior (which is the opposite of immigration);

Carson for Surgeon General;

Ted Olson for Solicitor General;

Nobody for Education, because I'll abolish that department before I leave by EO and give education back to the states;

I'll also nominate Paul Clement to replace his old boss Scalia on SCOTUS.

Oh, and I'll appoint John Stossel to be Press Secretary

All you have to do is agree to support all of these nominations, and keep this under your hats.

DEAL?"

*Ted and Carly*: "DEEEEEEAAAAAALLLLLLLL!!!!!!!!!!!"

Posted by: Sharkman at March 16, 2016 02:10 PM (QWtgr)

260 "If we must have an enemy at the head of Government, let it be
one whom we can oppose, and for whom we are not responsible,
who will not involve our party in the disgrace of his foolish and
bad measures."


AMEN

Which by the way was the essential argument of the conservatives who stayed home and refused to vote for McCain or Romney

Posted by: chemjeff @ phone at March 16, 2016 02:10 PM (MkZ6B)

261 "He's been center left a lot but authoritarian? When has he been anything of the sort?
Posted by: Christopher Taylor at March 16, 2016 02:05 PM (39g3+)"

he talks like one, but it's all part of the game. that people would be at all concerned with this shows how little confidence we have in our own congressional majority to backstop any kind of executive over reach.

Posted by: Dr. Shatterhand at March 16, 2016 02:10 PM (n/ogz)

262 237 I'm a Cruz supporter, but if Trump is the nominee, I will be the good little soldier and pull the lever. But keep your stupid participation trophy and shove it

Unless there is a chance Ca. matters in the General, I can abstain from voting for Trump and it makes no difference.... I'm in a wait and see pattern.... If Trump stops with all the stupid shit He could win My vote....

Posted by: donna at March 16, 2016 02:10 PM (/dSsq)

263 "167 But, keep in mind, that means Cruz winning NY and CA; winner-take-all states.



Posted by: RoyalOil at March 16, 2016 01:33 PM (fQ/0p)



Since neither of those states is winner-take-all, one has to wonder where you are getting your information.
=========
NY is winner-take-most/all.
CA is winner-take-all.

You reading something even the linked article doesn't know?"

I'm a bit surprised so many people speak with authority without understanding the actual process. CA is winner by congressional district, just like MO was. NY I *think* is the same but I haven't looked it up.

Posted by: Dave in Fla at March 16, 2016 02:10 PM (GfnT3)

264 I want to see the next 3 elections. Utah and Arizona without Rubes should go totally for Ted, Wisconsin is after and I want to see how all that goes.

Posted by: Skip at March 16, 2016 02:10 PM (fizMZ)

265 map link

http://bit.ly/1Lr12QP

Posted by: Kenja Time at March 16, 2016 02:11 PM (t2wGq)

266 Posted by: Christopher Taylor at March 16, 2016 02:05 PM (39g3+)

His complete lack of knowledge of the Constitution. He has made statements in the past that would be considered authoritarian when judged by the Constitution.

Posted by: Joe Hallenbeck at March 16, 2016 02:11 PM (PMkYS)

267 Mel Harris.

Definitely do-able.



Riight! Couldn't have pulled that off the top of my head.

Posted by: Bandersnatch, Team Lefty and Scamp at March 16, 2016 02:11 PM (1xUj/)

268 I'll be over at Rosie O'Donnell's try out for next year's Sport Illustrated Swimsuit issue if anyone needs me.

Posted by: Hope at March 16, 2016 02:11 PM (oJffz)

269 223 You are assuming that enthusiasm to vote in the primary will remain high for the challenger(s) all the way to June. I say that will not be the case. Once 'your guy' is out of the race, many voters just say, 'oh, well, guess I'll just sit this out then.' I have done that before. When the likelihood of my candidate winning is incredibly unlikely or my choice drops out. Enthusiasm wanes. People stay home.

Expect that for Cruz. You are thinking that the same number of voters will vote in the primary even with their candidate out. I just throw some serious doubt on that. Sorry.

I expect the popularity of Trump to only escalate from here and his voters to dominate the primaries more and more. We will see gains for Trump in the next wave and a stagnation for Cruz. He might gain slightly from Rubio dropping out, but I say that most Rubio supporters just will decide not to throw their vote behind anyone.

Only time will tell. Cruz's path is incredibly unlikely. Once AZ and UT vote most of the states left are Trump-leaning or solid Trump states.
Posted by: K-E at March 16, 2016 02:04 PM (69sTo)
---------------------

Agree.

Posted by: Make America Great Again at March 16, 2016 02:11 PM (LXJ1e)

270 If the eventual R nominee is one chosen by the voters, I'm in, no matter who it is.

If the nominee is snuck in by the party against the wishes of the voters, I'll vote for Hillary.

I don't believe in sitting out. I have a duty to choose.

Posted by: Meremortal at March 16, 2016 02:11 PM (3myMJ)

271 Hi, everybody!

Posted by: John Kasich, Peeing at the Urinal with His Hands on His Hips at March 16, 2016 02:11 PM (7Kbxu)

272 Chris, don't play games like some kind of filthy Idahoan.

At least I'm not some filthy iceback.

Posted by: Christopher Taylor at March 16, 2016 02:11 PM (39g3+)

273 When Ben Carson, the only person in the race less eloquent than Donald
effing Trump, says "there are two sides to Trump" as an explanation for
why he's endorsing him, what I get from that is that he's acknowledging
Trump has an obnoxious, brash PR persona and a different private
persona. Just like we're all totally aware he does.


Let's assume I agree that we all are totally aware that he has another side. We don't know if his other side is Nancy Pelosi, Jim Varney, or Dr. Evil. Seems like a pretty big risk to take when you have a reasonable alternative in Cruz.

However, at this point I assume it's Trump, and if he turns out to be the president you folks seem to think he is, I will gladly proffer an acknowledgement that you were right and I was wrong. I'm able to put my ego behind the good of the country. I can't say I've seen the same from many of the Trumpeters.


Posted by: pep at March 16, 2016 02:11 PM (N9/s+)

274 As a conservative, I embraced disappointment a long time ago. At least I get a regular routine deep prostate exam and all the lemonade I can drink...

Posted by: Banana Splits Guy at March 16, 2016 02:12 PM (KqvYk)

275
Who said I'm a Trump supporter?

This place is giving me the douchechills.

Posted by: eleven at March 16, 2016 02:01 PM (aIjzc)

I never would have thought so many people I kind of thought I knew could start behaving like this.

This is a creepshow.

Posted by: eleven at March 16, 2016 02:04 PM (aIjzc)

You seem distressed. And disingenuous. But mainly disingenuous.

Posted by: troyriser at March 16, 2016 02:12 PM (UWlp+)

276 Aw you don't like people talking about the possibility you're hero might go into the convention basically tied?
Posted by: Joe Hallenbeck at March 16, 2016 01:58 PM (PMkYS)


--------------------


I do find the the odds wishcasting a bit humorous though. I just now saw the delegate tally up to this point. I do think Trump is going to have the votes going into the convention.

But I'll never told anyone not to have hope.

Posted by: Soona at March 16, 2016 02:12 PM (Fmupd)

277 Nood

Posted by: Skip at March 16, 2016 02:12 PM (fizMZ)

278 I assume, and hope, that Rubio would endorse Cruz. Rubio might be a "RINO" (most useless term ever in a year when the frontrunner changes Parties like he changes his socks), but he's not a dope. Endorsing Trump means endorsing what Trump stands for, and that is authoritarian Leftism. Not even Rubio can fake enthusiasm for that. Dr. Ben did, and remained politically relevant for an extra 48 hours, but is now a non-entity. I think Rubio is smarter/more ambitious than that.

Posted by: Lincolntf at March 16, 2016 02:12 PM (2cS/G)

279 Cruz's money is also going to dry up after this. Trump will start getting more endorsements as people embrace reality. He had a big win today stomping all over fox news and their debate. Cruz is over. I predict Trump wins outright with cruz in a very distant second.

Posted by: Kenja Time at March 16, 2016 02:12 PM (t2wGq)

280 I'm going to say it - I think Trump is going to be a disaster in his debates with Hillary. The media loved the circus he brought when it was all republicans on stage... but no doubt they will make him look unserious as they prod him for specifics to show a stark contrast with Hillary - who will be portrayed as the adult in the room with a lifetime of experience.

At some point - he needs to seriously improve his policy chops as to not get embarrassed by the new tact the media will take with him. Going back and forth on policies posted on his own website will not work.

Posted by: Reality Man at March 16, 2016 02:12 PM (9AQdP)

281 Keep hope alive

----------------

Checks Hope's chart.

Nope, sorry, but Hope signed a DNR.

Posted by: Duke Lowell at March 16, 2016 02:12 PM (kTF2Z)

282 >>>Well, its the same argument Cruz supporters use on Rubio, Carson, etc.

I'm not the one ranting about Establishmentarians picking nominees and forcing us to line up behind him.

The argument regarding Rubio dropping out was 'If this #NeverTrump thing is actually #NeverTrump and not #Rubio4Ever' then Cruz is the only one with a shot at beating him.

Turns out it was #Rubio4Ever all along. Oh well.

Posted by: El Kabong at March 16, 2016 02:13 PM (MCmqp)

283 ...The Trump supporters will not support anyone else...

Pretty close to true. Realize they turned to Trump out of desperation. W stirred a lot of people up getting elected. W didn't satisfy. List the groups he did satisfy. McCain could have forced the dam fence to be built from his seat in the senate. Romney could have sunk Obamacare. Most Trump supporters don't believe any politician including Trump. Why should they? Explain to them how the politician of your choice is going to do anything different than W.

Bluebloods as Sarah Palin called them.

Trump the con man is the most honest guy in the race. Irony.

Posted by: scorecard at March 16, 2016 02:13 PM (I0sxh)

284 I hope the Trump and Cruz campaigns hire them some ex Crew Chiefs from NASCAR, ones that were known to bend the rules, to help with the strategery required to win the delegate count necessary to secure the nomination.

Four tires and a splash of gas?

Right Side only tires and a splash of gas?

Splash of gas only?

Stay out?

Posted by: Count de Monet at March 16, 2016 02:13 PM (JO9+V)

285 But the Occupy Wall Street crap has them convinced they will NOT get arrested..



Yeah, this ain't '62. Or even '68.
This time they may just get shot.

Posted by: rickb223 at March 16, 2016 02:14 PM (gR+IE)

286 this hope you speak of, is that in arkansas? just wondering.

Posted by: chavez the hugo at March 16, 2016 02:14 PM (ucDmr)

287 243 He's been center left a lot but authoritarian? When has he been anything of the sort?
Posted by: Christopher Taylor at March 16, 2016 02:05 PM (39g3+)

His campaign manager tore a reporter's arm off and beat her to death with it Chris, don't play games like some kind of filthy Idahoan.
Posted by: Ghost of kari - certified inane at March 16, 2016 02:08 PM (xuouz)

---------------

Ok, that shit right there was funny.

Posted by: Stay out da bushes at March 16, 2016 02:14 PM (cR/4a)

288 223 You are assuming that enthusiasm to vote in the primary will remain high for the challenger(s) all the way to June. I say that will not be the case. Once 'your guy' is out of the race, many voters just say, 'oh, well, guess I'll just sit this out then.' I have done that before. When the likelihood of my candidate winning is incredibly unlikely or my choice drops out. Enthusiasm wanes. People stay home.

Expect that for Cruz. You are thinking that the same number of voters will vote in the primary even with their candidate out. I just throw some serious doubt on that. Sorry.

I expect the popularity of Trump to only escalate from here and his voters to dominate the primaries more and more. We will see gains for Trump in the next wave and a stagnation for Cruz. He might gain slightly from Rubio dropping out, but I say that most Rubio supporters just will decide not to throw their vote behind anyone.

Only time will tell. Cruz's path is incredibly unlikely. Once AZ and UT vote most of the states left are Trump-leaning or solid Trump states.
Posted by: K-E at March 16, 2016 02:04 PM (69sTo)


------


Alternatively, states that never matter might matter this time, and might react with enthusiasm to being taken seriously.

Posted by: Dave S. at March 16, 2016 02:14 PM (mhkbv)

289 it looks like a pretty scientific poll

412 rubio supporters were asked

thats like a 10% sample right

Posted by: sound awake at March 16, 2016 02:15 PM (r1RHL)

290 I'm fine with all of this, my fear is giving Cruz the numbers where he still comes in dramatically short but has enough of a pulse to steal it away in the Convention.

I think that could be a MUCH nastier outcome in November than a boorish Trump at the top of the ticket.

At this point I would rather have Cruz as the nominee as he's a less risky bet, but I still see him coming up short against Hillary and truthfully being a President that gets absolutely nothing done.

Posted by: Baldwin at March 16, 2016 02:15 PM (ENycW)

291 Posted by: pep at March 16, 2016 02:04 PM (N9/s+)

And constantly calling them idiotic Fascists who support Father Rapers and Mother Beaters....

will so help that dynamic.

Posted by: Don Quixote at March 16, 2016 02:15 PM (RK8AH)

292
Not a lot of Arizona polling, but from yesterday FWIW:

Arizona pollster Bruce Merrill conducted the survey along with Phoenix-based Westgroup Research.

Trump leads with 31 percent. Alberta Sen. Ted Cruz is second with 19 percent followed by Florida Sen. Marco Rubio and Ohio Gov. John Kasich. They each get 10 percent. Thirty percent of Republicans planning to vote in the Arizona primary are undecided

PhxBizJ

Posted by: Laurie David's Cervix at March 16, 2016 02:15 PM (kdS6q)

293 >>> If it was only Trump the media would have to release all the stuff they were saving....
****

1. Timing. The sordid details of Trump's life will have more impact in October than in the primaries.
2. Ratings: Cable news has gotten a bigger ratings boom in the past 12 months than they have since the OJ trial or.... as horrid as it is to say it... 9/11 when everyone was glued to their TV for weeks in utter awe and disbelief. This is "better" than any tragedy because people get bored with tragedy in a short time. Trump is the gift that keeps on giving in ratings terms. They don't want him out. They want to ride that pony for as long as possible. Trump brings them all several audiences and demos that would otherwise be glued to the Kardashians or some other bullshit TV.
3. Republicans/ Democrats/ MSM interests are aligned here. The GOP has known that it was going to lose the general election since last summer. Keep in mind, losing to them means Trump, Cruz, Carson, or to a lesser extent Rubio ended up in the White House. To the GOP this is as greater loss than Hillary or Bernie winning. If the Dem wins, they get 4-8 more years of "Told ya so" and the farce of being the opposition party.

The media, Democrats, and GOP all have vested interests in Trump sticking around as long as possible, then being nuked in October.

Posted by: Damiano at March 16, 2016 02:16 PM (XItbt)

294 His complete lack of knowledge of the Constitution. He has made statements in the past that would be considered authoritarian when judged by the Constitution.

Uh, well I guess. If that's all you've got, you have to forgive Trump supporters for not really paying any attention to it.

Posted by: Christopher Taylor at March 16, 2016 02:16 PM (39g3+)

295 228 his praise for the Chinese communists, his casual acts of bullying because he carries grudges, his desire to "revise" the libel laws in order to shut up the press, his invocations to rough up protestors, ...

Posted by: chemjeff @ phone at March 16, 2016 02:16 PM (MkZ6B)

296 " I'm going to say it - I think Trump is going to be a disaster in his debates with Hillary. The media loved the circus he brought when it was all republicans on stage... but no doubt they will make him look unserious as they prod him for specifics to show a stark contrast with Hillary - who will be portrayed as the adult in the room with a lifetime of experience.

At some point - he needs to seriously improve his policy chops as to not get embarrassed by the new tact the media will take with him. Going back and forth on policies posted on his own website will not work.
Posted by: Reality Man at March 16, 2016 02:12 PM (9AQdP)"

could be, I think though that she is totally unequipped to handle Trump when he starts in on her. Rubio and Cruz were pretty great at deflecting the nonsense, others not so much. I don't think she will fare well. I think he's going to take her apart bit by bit.

I think we are forgetting that Cruz is probably one of the best presidential debate performers ever, the guy has serious chops. Hillary, is really bad... then the coughing fit will start. It's going to be a disaster.

Posted by: Dr. Shatterhand at March 16, 2016 02:16 PM (n/ogz)

297 you do know that Carson has now admitted he only did that for the promise of a job and actually prefers Cruz.
Posted by: Harun at March 16, 2016 02:09 PM (UBBWX)

Yeah he's constantly saying stupid things and that was my answer to troyriser's question. It doesn't bother me.

Trump's ego is his biggest asset, not his biggest liability. It powers his anti-PR-gravity mechanism and now that he's bound himself to the concepts of making America rich, strong, and great he has to follow through or he's ruined, he's ruined on the national stage.

We all know that all that is required for this country to be the place it can, has, and should be is to rip all the red tape out and free the American worker to make themselves a fortune. It's what we do. I believe Cruz could do it. I don't believe Trump is a despot in waiting.

It's the economy, guys. All this other stuff is catnip for geeks like us to chew on.

Posted by: Ghost of kari - certified inane at March 16, 2016 02:16 PM (xuouz)

298 >42 One more time:

>Announce Carly Fiorina as the VP running mate and he can win this thing outright. My pet theory.

She's destroyed everything she's ever touched. Having the destroyer of HP as the VP would be a disaster.

Posted by: BombsAway at March 16, 2016 02:17 PM (7us0J)

299 I think Rubio will not endorse Cruz.

Due to amnesty.

They deserve Trump. But they probably think he's a punishment for not supporting Rubio.

Posted by: Harun at March 16, 2016 02:17 PM (UBBWX)

300 oh and let's not forgrt his desire to execute families of terrorists and that he will just order the military to do it, no questions asked

Posted by: chemjeff @ phone at March 16, 2016 02:17 PM (MkZ6B)

301 He's been center left a lot but authoritarian? When has he been anything of the sort?

Posted by: Christopher Taylor at March 16, 2016 02:05 PM (39g3+)


Selective comprehension?

Posted by: Mimzey at March 16, 2016 02:18 PM (aRUb8)

302 I if Trump is the nominee and conservatives actively work against him or start pushing the narrative they won't vote, they'll become a novelty in the party, they will lose clout and there will be a new coalition in the Republican Party.

You can sit home and pretend that's principled, waiting for your personal God-King, but American politics has never worked that way.

Posted by: Marcus T at March 16, 2016 02:18 PM (87pu1)

303 Ugh. Yeah, I know the math as well. But considering that I don't think either Cruz or Trump have won 50% in any state (some were close, but not quite there), that's a really, really tall ask - impossibly tall, I might say.

I'm resigned to watching Vladimir Trumpski tear-apart the GOPe (happily) then watch The Witch's coronation (very, very unhappily) and then... the burning.

Posted by: DocJ at March 16, 2016 02:18 PM (5Nr9V)

304 260 "If we must have an enemy at the head of Government, let it be
one whom we can oppose, and for whom we are not responsible,
who will not involve our party in the disgrace of his foolish and
bad measures."


AMEN

Which by the way was the essential argument of the conservatives who stayed home and refused to vote for McCain or Romney
Posted by: chemjeff @ phone at March 16, 2016 02:10 PM (MkZ6B)

====

It was. But that was silly.

I'm not arguing against an imperfect candidate. You can compare Boehner to a con-man, and I won't disagree. But Trump is literally a con-man. As in he makes up as he goes along. I cannot think of his participating in pyramid schemes and Trump U and his seminars without getting angry. He's not on "my" side. He makes it up as he goes along, exactly like L. Ron Hubbard.

Go back and watch Romney's first debate against Obama. And weep for the fact that it may well have been the very peak of Republican rhetoric for a generation, or two, or before the party itself just folds.

Posted by: Leo Spaceman at March 16, 2016 02:18 PM (fJxIY)

305 I'm not the one ranting about Establishmentarians picking nominees and forcing us to line up behind him.

The argument regarding Rubio dropping out was 'If this #NeverTrump thing is actually #NeverTrump and not #Rubio4Ever' then Cruz is the only one with a shot at beating him.

Turns out it was #Rubio4Ever all along. Oh well.
Posted by: El Kabong at March 16, 2016 02:13 PM (MCmqp)

--------------

Still denying Rubio supporters a chance to vote for Rubio.

Posted by: Make America Great Again at March 16, 2016 02:19 PM (LXJ1e)

306 Rubio finally available for more foam parties! Shake, shake, shake! Shake, shake, shake! Shake your Mario! Shake your Rubio!

Posted by: Flaming Reggie Love at March 16, 2016 02:20 PM (FXW24)

307 "I'm going to say it - I think Trump is going to be a disaster in his debates with Hillary."

Hell no. He will shine just as he had at all the other Republican debates. How?

1) Hillary is wooden and spouts out memorized bits and pieces. Much like Rubio and Cruz do. It comes across as disingenuous and faked.

2) Trump will take it right to her LIVE on TV. Like how the "Little Marco" bit stuck? Trump has even more to dump on Hillary: "You are the biggest liar in the history of the U.S." "You put classified stuff on your server. That's against the law." "The minute I'm in office, I'm going to indict you. Hope you like orange." "Will your husband be picking the interns?"

This could go on and on. And it will work.

3) Trump is a FORCE when on stage. He looks powerful and in charge. Hillary sounds like a nagging wife. The difference will be striking.

There is SO much more. He will crush her in the debates. It's not about who can spout off policy details, as we have seen in the Republican debate cycle. She will come across as a phony.

Posted by: K-E at March 16, 2016 02:20 PM (69sTo)

308 The big problem for Cruz is that-

most people have decided between him and Trump by now and neither side are coming off their positions.

That what the circular firing squads here at the HQ have been all about.


He needs to go after Kasich hard.

Kasich hasn't really been a factor in the debates.

He's never been attacked or even touched, so people aren't really aware of his incredibly high negatives on almost every single topic important to both conservatives and middle of the road GOP.

That's an easy harvest if done correctly and aggressively.


If I were Cruz, I'd mostly forget Trump for the time being.

Go hard after Kasich and his voters.

And start going hard after Hillary!, the Dims, and most of all Obama.

Point out as Reagan did all the failures of Obama, his lies, and broken promises.

Start reaching out in that way to Trump's Dem blue collar voters.

This is winnable or at least tie-able.

But, he has to get Kasich out of the way.

Posted by: naturalfake at March 16, 2016 02:20 PM (0cMkb)

309 ...I think Rubio is smarter/more ambitious than that...

I hope that Trump doesn't offer Rubio a position in his administration.

But if he did then Rubio would jump all over it.

Maybe Trump would make him head of Homeland Security. Or the IRS, Or EPA. Or VA.

Posted by: scorecard at March 16, 2016 02:20 PM (I0sxh)

310 NY is winner-take-most/all.
CA is winner-take-all.

You reading something even the linked article doesn't know?
Posted by: RoyalOil at March 16, 2016 01:57 PM (fQ/0p)


You said that both were "winner take all", which is wrong. Even the linked article from Ace's post doesn't say that. In both CA and NY, delegates are mostly awarded by congressional district, with a smaller number of delegates awarded to the overall statewide winner; in New York that is 14 delegates out of 95 and is awarded proportionately unless a candidate hits 50%+1, while in CA the 13 statewide delegates (out of 172) are awarded WTA regardless of whether the 50% threshold is met.

Posted by: HTL at March 16, 2016 02:20 PM (AprKJ)

311 Rubio wants another bite at the apple. I just don't see how he endorses anyone and does that. He's already proven he's a weasel.

Posted by: Marcus T at March 16, 2016 02:20 PM (87pu1)

312 I have no God-King but one, or one in three if you prefer who isn't running for President.

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at March 16, 2016 02:20 PM (w4NZ8)

313 >>>>305 I'm not the one ranting about Establishmentarians picking nominees and forcing us to line up behind him.

The argument regarding Rubio dropping out was 'If this #NeverTrump thing is actually #NeverTrump and not #Rubio4Ever' then Cruz is the only one with a shot at beating him.

Turns out it was #Rubio4Ever all along. Oh well.
Posted by: El Kabong at March 16, 2016 02:13 PM (MCmqp)

--------------

Still denying Rubio supporters a chance to vote for Rubio.

=====

Incorrect. They wanted to vote for Rubio because they like the guy, fine. But the #NeverTrump shit was the argument they were making for him.

Posted by: El Kabong at March 16, 2016 02:20 PM (MCmqp)

314 Of course Cruz has chance. Trump has won 47% of the delegates awarded so far (according to Harry Enten at 53 and winning 50% plus 1 assumes he wins something on the order of 54% of the delegates from here on out.

Not going to happen.



posted initially in the wrong thread

So the convention most likely won't be able to award the nomination except after some old-fashioned deal-making. We will see how Trumps deal skills are working, yes, but we will also Cruz in the fight. Last night Cruz was ahead of Trump in head-to-head exit polling in NC and Missouri, but lost those states thanks to the Rube.

Here again is the write-up on how the contested convention will work:

http://slate.me/1pmVLPS

Posted by: MTF at March 16, 2016 02:21 PM (4MRvZ)

315 Holy crap. Forgot what a cesspool that web archives of DSA website was so a refresher. If it is proven that DSA is organizing these protests somebody has to at least get LIV to get some idea about the new "Progressive" warm and fuzzy protestors. Yeah, I know .. won't happen.

"Social Redistribution. Social redistribution--the shift of wealth and resources from the rich to the rest of society--will require: massive redistribution of income from corporations and the wealthy to wage earners and the poor and the public sector, in order to provide the main source of new funds for social programs,income maintenance and infrastructure rehabilitation, and
a massive shift of public resources from the military (the main user of existing discretionary funds) to civilian uses."

Posted by: watchingscircu at March 16, 2016 02:21 PM (VbTye)

316 It's time to accept defeat, gracefully.

The Most Important 5 Words You Will Read Today:

Brokered Conventions Never Pan Out

Going against the will of the people would be a ******* disaster for Republicans and Conservatives... No matter how conservative you are.

The people who feel disaffected by the Republican establishment will turn their backs on the whole process.... FOREVER.

If this is the hill they want to die on, it's up to them.

Posted by: franksalterego at March 16, 2016 02:22 PM (Cd+Fa)

317 his praise for the Chinese communists, his casual acts of bullying because he carries grudges, his desire to "revise" the libel laws in order to shut up the press, his invocations to rough up protestors, ...
Posted by: chemjeff @ phone at March 16, 2016 02:16 PM (MkZ6B)

-Intentional misinterpretation of his statements on Tianenmen square
-We know he's an asshole, there's some distance between "holds a grudge" and "murders political rivals"
-He's accused night and day of supporting the ku klux klan, it's bullshit. He's talking about suing for defamation, not throwing them in camps, christ.
-communist agitators and professional protesters do deserve to get roughed up, I'm sorry I'm not sorry, and they're going to be attacking US for the next 8 months. You want to stand up to them, or go home and wait to die? Seriously, punching back at a black lives matter protester who starts swinging = calling for the founding of an American gestapo?

What is the matter with you guys?

Posted by: Ghost of kari - certified inane at March 16, 2016 02:23 PM (xuouz)

318 "3) Trump is a FORCE when on stage. He looks powerful and in charge. Hillary sounds like a nagging wife. The difference will be striking.

There is SO much more. He will crush her in the debates. It's not about who can spout off policy details, as we have seen in the Republican debate cycle. She will come across as a phony.
Posted by: K-E at March 16, 2016 02:20 PM (69sTo)"

I'm a Trump supporter, but even I'm not going to go there, he was weak in the debates, had some good moments, but too few. He'll beat Hillary like a drum since she won't know how to handle it and respond, but Trump fared very poorly particularly towards the end with fewer candidates.

Posted by: Dr. Shatterhand at March 16, 2016 02:23 PM (n/ogz)

319 Reality man brings the harsh reality. Trump in one on one debate where moderators can act as a heavy thumb on the scale will be cringeworthy. If he's the candidate I will need emergency alcohol nearby for first debate.

(Yes, Cruz would/will get hammered in debates too, but should not be cringeworthy - more rage-inducing, perhaps, but not like you'll need a paper bag for your head kind of embarrassment.)

Posted by: Banana Splits Guy at March 16, 2016 02:23 PM (KqvYk)

320 I think we are forgetting that Cruz is probably one of the best presidential debate performers ever, the guy has serious chops. Hillary, is really bad... then the coughing fit will start. It's going to be a disaster.
Posted by: Dr. Shatterhand at March 16, 2016 02:16 PM (n/ogz)

---------------

All of that is true, but here's the thing - 30 seconds after Cruz says something, I've already forgotten what he said. It's a very strange thing.

Posted by: Stay out da bushes at March 16, 2016 02:24 PM (cR/4a)

321
278 I assume, and hope, that Rubio would endorse Cruz.


Let's hope that if he does, he buys his staff dinner.

It's always nice get a free dinner if you're going to get fucked later.

An endorsement of Cruz gets you nothing. Endorsing Trump gets all your people great jobs and resume enhancing titles.

Yeah, endorse Cruz.

Posted by: jwest at March 16, 2016 02:24 PM (Zs4uk)

322 He will crush her in the debates.

Posted by: K-E at March 16, 2016 02:20 PM (69sTo)

No way. At best he'll provoke her emotionally: he's good at improvisation and she hates being mocked. Trump's ability to get under people's skin is legendary. But it won't, by itself, turn an election around. Otherwise Cruz would already have Trump's head above his mantelpiece. By itself Mitt Romney would be President.

Posted by: trev006 at March 16, 2016 02:25 PM (MEHba)

323 Rubio wants another bite at the apple. I just don't see how he endorses anyone and does that. He's already proven he's a weasel.
Posted by: Marcus T at March 16, 2016 02:20 PM (87pu1)

This is exactly why I can see him endorsing Trump. He's a petty, self-interested politician, greasy even by politician's standards.

Posted by: Ghost of kari - certified inane at March 16, 2016 02:25 PM (xuouz)

324 302 I if Trump is the nominee and conservatives actively work against him or start pushing the narrative they won't vote, they'll become a novelty in the party, they will lose clout and there will be a new coalition in the Republican Party.

You can sit home and pretend that's principled, waiting for your personal God-King, but American politics has never worked that way.
Posted by: Marcus T at March 16, 2016 02:18 PM (87pu1)

=========

First of all, if GOP becomes a subsidiary of Trump Brands, you can have it. I'm done with it. I voted 2000-2014 like clockwork for GOP, but not after that.

I don't want to stay home. I intend to voice my dissent against HRC. Luckily the Libertarians might have a Not Terrible candidate.

Yes, Gary Johnson ran a dodgy Cannabis Investment company. But he never got rich bilking poor people, nor sold uranium to Putin, which makes him the most honest businessman in this race.

Posted by: Leo Spaceman at March 16, 2016 02:25 PM (fJxIY)

325 Weird.

Reading most of the comments the Cruz supporters are looking at the math and saying "yeah it could happen, unlikely, but sometimes you do draw an inside straight"

Meanwhile the Trump supporters are not satisfied with a 90% path to the nomination and are making unsubstantiated claims about Cruz appeal, Trump strengths, and future voter enthusiasm.

Why are you so unsure regarding your candidate? He's leading and has the strongest path to the nomination. Why is that not enough that you have to deny the plain to see math?

It comes off as insecure to me.

Posted by: Dave in Fla at March 16, 2016 02:25 PM (GfnT3)

326 I don't need your Charity!!!

Posted by: Hope at March 16, 2016 02:25 PM (ioqGj)

327 Institute for Policy Studies is a 501(c)3 non-profit

Restrictions on Activities

501(c)(3) organizations are highly regulated entities. Strict rules apply to both the activities and the governance of these organizations. No part of the activities or the net earnings can unfairly benefit any director, officer, or any private individual, and no officer or private individual can share in the distribution of any of the corporate assets in the event the organization shuts down.

Further, lobbying, propaganda or other legislative activity must be kept relatively insubstantial[5]. Intervention in political campaigns or the endorsement/anti-endorsement of candidates for public office is strictly prohibited.

Posted by: Sir Thomas Noon at March 16, 2016 02:26 PM (e8kgV)

328 "All of that is true, but here's the thing - 30 seconds after Cruz says something, I've already forgotten what he said. It's a very strange thing.
Posted by: Stay out da bushes at March 16, 2016 02:24 PM (cR/4a)"

That's true, but in the moment, disarming an attack or making a point (even one you forget) it's effective, and Trump really did a crappy job in those things.

Posted by: Dr. Shatterhand at March 16, 2016 02:26 PM (n/ogz)

329 "Reality man brings the harsh reality. Trump in one on one debate where moderators can act as a heavy thumb on the scale will be cringeworthy. If he's the candidate I will need emergency alcohol nearby for first debate.

(Yes, Cruz would/will get hammered in debates too, but should not be cringeworthy - more rage-inducing, perhaps, but not like you'll need a paper bag for your head kind of embarrassment.)"

Damn the torpedoes. We aren't electing a debater, we are electing a leader. Cruz won't have to put us through the 3 word stop/start bit and we will do just fine with the guy who will wade into any fight and start brawling in your name.

Posted by: Drider at March 16, 2016 02:27 PM (bdzyz)

330 Go back and watch Romney's first debate against Obama. And weep for the fact that it may well have been the very peak of Republican rhetoric for a generation, or two, or before the party itself just folds.

Posted by: Leo Spaceman at March 16, 2016 02:18 PM (fJxIY)

Thinking about it,I'm guessing theGOP won't survive a greedy, stupid, shortsighted leadership Establishment, a fucked-up personality cult surrounding the unlikely figure of Donald Trump, and an increasingly aggressive, overtlyMarxistand authoritarian Democratic Party.

Of all of them, I blame the Establishment the most. Trump and the Democrats are only being what they are and doing what they do, but the Country Club Republicans running the Establishment have been ridiculously, even criminally inept. They're like Saturday morning cartoon villains.

Posted by: troyriser at March 16, 2016 02:27 PM (UWlp+)

331 No way. At best he'll provoke her emotionally: he's good at improvisation and she hates being mocked. Trump's ability to get under people's skin is legendary. But it won't, by itself, turn an election around. Otherwise Cruz would already have Trump's head above his mantelpiece. By itself Mitt Romney would be President.
Posted by: trev006 at March 16, 2016 02:25 PM (MEHba)

She has Bill's baggage, her own baggage, Obama's baggage, and no personal charm literally at all. She has no policy plans and no record to run on. She has a pending indictment for treason.

Her playbook is identity politics and siccing the media on the Republican candidate.

This entire cycle has been one long rejection of that bullshit, on both sides, across geography and across demographics.

I'm not saying it's over and she has no shot. But it's a toss up at best. I really think she won't win. If she runs against Trump.

Posted by: Ghost of kari - certified inane at March 16, 2016 02:28 PM (xuouz)

332 >>>Why are you so unsure regarding your candidate? He's leading and has the strongest path to the nomination. Why is that not enough that you have to deny the plain to see math?
It comes off as insecure to me.

Because burning all your potential allies to the ground, then asking them to rally behind you for support is how you win.

I'm a Cruz guy, but I don't expect for one hot damn second for Trump supporters or Rubio supporters to get behind him if he squeaks out a victory here. It's been that hateful the last few months.

Posted by: El Kabong at March 16, 2016 02:30 PM (MCmqp)

333 Posted by: Sir Thomas Noon at March 16, 2016 02:26 PM (e8kgV)

If this is true Sanders is a member still - how aret they going to distance themselves from protesting. But, I am sure they have figured out the fingers of distance.

Posted by: watchingscircu at March 16, 2016 02:30 PM (VbTye)

334 Why are you so unsure regarding your candidate? He's leading and has the strongest path to the nomination. Why is that not enough that you have to deny the plain to see math?
It comes off as insecure to me.
Posted by: Dave in Fla at March 16, 2016 02:25 PM (GfnT3)

Yeah well being dismissed and smeared, having insinuations of bigotry leveled at you, and watching commenters ignore your arguments, beat the shit out of strawmen, and then turn around and jeer at you, all by people you thought were your ideological compatriots, can have that effect on people.

Posted by: Ghost of kari - certified inane at March 16, 2016 02:32 PM (xuouz)

335 "So Ace, even you don't want the people's choice to be heard? You are pushing for an oligarchy?
Posted by: Sho Nuff at March 16, 2016 02:28 PM (CWImE)"

I think that's more than a little harsh. A lot of people have voted so far. So far, Trump hasn't persuaded a majority of the voters to back him. Maybe he'll get there. Maybe he won't.

The whole point of this post is to discuss an analysis that suggests Cruz could get to a majority of delegates on the first ballot. That would be a good thing. I don't hear Ace pushing for an oligarchy or any other unpleasant political system.

If we can avoid a contested convention (which I'm not sure of), that would be better. If not, well, that's how the game is played. It's not against the rules, just very rare.

Posted by: Jill v2 at March 16, 2016 02:32 PM (1+uyO)

336 I judge Trump by his actions over the last few decades of being in the public eye, not his 9 months of telling desperate/needy people what they want to hear.

Posted by: Lincolntf at March 16, 2016 02:33 PM (2cS/G)

337 I keep imagining that Trump should have both Christie and Carson in the backdrop next time he does a speech, and then if anybody else endorses, like say Kasich. Just line em up. That's their job in a Trump admin: Living trophy wall.

Posted by: Bigby's Fistful of Dice at March 16, 2016 02:35 PM (cGcTh)

338 from another brother:

2012-- Let it Burn
2016-- Help it Burn

Posted by: Jack Cade at March 16, 2016 02:35 PM (E5Sh7)

339 Posted by: Ghost of kari - certified inane at March 16, 2016 02:32 PM (xuouz)

Good thing Cruz supporters have never been smeared dismissed, jeered at or had their arguments ignored by Trump supporters.

Snicker.

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at March 16, 2016 02:36 PM (w4NZ8)

340 Here's the problem as I see it though: at this point Donald Trump has decided that the Presidency is now something that belongs to him. And even if he lost legitimately from here on out, I think his ego will still see this as something that was "his" that was "taken" from him.

And you don't take something that belongs to Donald J. Trump muthaf*kka, not unless you want to be plated in solid gold while still alive then dumped into the Hudson (cement is for YUUUGE LOOOOSERS wit no class).

So he will run third party to both satisfy his Godzilla sized ego, and to say f**k you to everyone for not choosing him. Since his ego would tell him that he is the best man for the job and anyone who doesn't see that is a f**king moron whose brain should be dug out of his skull and set on fire. Or something eloquent like that. So either way--we lose.

I still wonder if this at least started out as a lark to help his best bud Hillary. Even if it did though, the moment he started winning he got into it, and he's likely doing it for himself now as much as anyone else. Cause he's a WINNNAAAAA!!!!1!

Posted by: PBJ5959 at March 16, 2016 02:36 PM (r1du+)

341 My first choice was Rick Perry - a Texan with a personality.

But, terrified Democrats made sure he didn't leave the starting blocks.

He'd make a better candidate than Trump or Cruz.

Posted by: franksalterego at March 16, 2016 02:36 PM (Cd+Fa)

342 330

Of all of them, I blame the Establishment the most. Trump and the Democrats are only being what they are and doing what they do, but the Country Club Republicans running the Establishment have been ridiculously, even criminally inept. They're like Saturday morning cartoon villains.
Posted by: troyriser at March 16, 2016 02:27 PM (UWlp+)

===

I don't disagree. My stars: Jeb is such a dickhead. Why he thought he was entitled to this is beyond me. His massive money bomb in the beginning is a huge reason things have blossomed in a Trumpian way, I believe.

Pace Ace, (that's fun, eh?), ideologically I identify a lot with Cruz. The fatal flaw with Cruz, and it has been so from the beginning: he is intent on plumbing the depths of getting more conservatives out to vote.

I want a GOP that actually convinces people. One that changes minds. I was "converted" in the Clinton years and never looked back, and living in a Blue city only drove home the awfulness of the Democratic party.

So went Trump started out by screaming "Mexico sends us their worst!" My jaw dropped. Because I knew he was a non-starter. You can say whatever you want about being taken out of context, but nothing about Trump indicates to me he has thought deeply about these issues, or is capable of thinking deeply about this issues, and his "policies" are little more than ad-libs. Appealing to people with those ad-libs accomplishes nothing and convinces and converts no-one.

Democrats for a long time tried to parse their language carefully, assuring us they were "quite conservative." That pretense is gone, and they're now going full-on Trotsky all the time. It's a fat target, but it's a missed one.

Posted by: Leo Spaceman at March 16, 2016 02:37 PM (fJxIY)

343 Posted by: Lincolntf at March 16, 2016 02:33 PM (2cS/G)

When you live in the NY/NJ area you know Trump up close-the good and the bad. I'm not very impressed

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at March 16, 2016 02:37 PM (w4NZ8)

344 Good thing Cruz supporters have never been smeared dismissed, jeered at or had their arguments ignored by Trump supporters.
Snicker.
Posted by: FenelonSpoke at March 16, 2016 02:36 PM (w4NZ

I do what I can, Fen, and I hate seeing what amounts to high school crap from Trump supporters on here.

I'm doing my best.

Posted by: Ghost of kari - certified inane at March 16, 2016 02:38 PM (xuouz)

345 I'm not saying it's over and she has no shot. But it's a toss up at best. I really think she won't win. If she runs against Trump.

Posted by: Ghost of kari - certified inane at March 16, 2016 02:28 PM (xuouz)

Nonono, don't misunderstand. I meant the debate against Trump won't be a clear win, unless somehow he gets her to meltdown through sheer ridicule. But yes, the media have tried to bring down Trump with NAZI and RACIST forever, including conservative media, and they've failed. More and more people will start moving to Trump, the same as they've been doing for eight months. But it won't be easy and we'll all have to work at it.

Don't get discouraged, though. The Republican Party is led by complete idiots who have made disastrous decisions. If Trump can't get a mob after them with pitchforks, he doesn't deserve to be President.

Posted by: trev006 at March 16, 2016 02:38 PM (MEHba)

346 If Trump supporters really want to burn it all down they should be hoping Trump loses in a contested convention. There's been a lot of mention of Ford/Reagan, but Ford was beating Reagan before the convention, so it wasnt much of a shock that Reagan ultimately lost. Trump losing with the most delegates going in would be something else entirely and would do much more damage than actually electing Trump.

Posted by: All Teh Meh at March 16, 2016 02:39 PM (Sqwro)

347 "Yeah well being dismissed and smeared, having insinuations of bigotry leveled at you, and watching commenters ignore your arguments, beat the shit out of strawmen, and then turn around and jeer at you, all by people you thought were your ideological compatriots, can have that effect on people."

Yeah, I know

Posted by: Dave in Fla at March 16, 2016 02:40 PM (GfnT3)

348 When you live in the NY/NJ area you know Trump up close-the good and the bad. I'm not very impressed
Posted by: FenelonSpoke at March 16, 2016 02:37 PM (w4NZ

I'm not impressed by Trump the man but I am impressed by Trump the candidate and Trump the politician.

Confusion to the socialists.

Posted by: Ghost of kari - certified inane at March 16, 2016 02:40 PM (xuouz)

349 There is SO much more. He will crush her in the
debates. It's not about who can spout off policy details, as we have
seen in the Republican debate cycle. She will come across as a phony.


Posted by: K-E at March 16, 2016 02:20 PM (69sTo)

How??? Take away Trumps strong suit...empty demagoging..and there is no THERE, there. Outside of boilerplate populism, what have you heard him say that has you believe he could actually debate ANYONE on substance, the Constitution, or policy?

Posted by: Mimzey at March 16, 2016 02:40 PM (aRUb8)

350 El Kabong


I was not contemplating suicide, only grudging acceptance and truculent resignation to the choice of Trump or Hillary.

Posted by: obnoxious ahole at March 16, 2016 02:41 PM (MpvuV)

351 My first choice was Rick Perry - a Texan with a personality.

But, terrified Democrats made sure he didn't leave the starting blocks.

He'd make a better candidate than Trump or Cruz.Posted by: franksalterego at March 16, 2016 02:36 PM (Cd+Fa)

Democrats may have harassed Perry with some lawfare moves but Perry tanked his own campaign. Hiring Steve Schmidt, a man universally despised by all Republicanswhose attention spangoes back to 2008, was a politically suicidal decision. Perry was always his own worst enemy at the national level.

Posted by: troyriser at March 16, 2016 02:41 PM (UWlp+)

352 I keep seeing people say that all the polls indicate that Trump will get trounced in the GE against cankles.
But, has anyone dug into those polls? Because a fairly good sized portion of the people that I know who are Trumporians loudly proclaim they will not vote for anyone else if he isn't the nominee. Not sure what the number is, but if a large enough contingent of the people who would have voted for DT take their ball and go home if it isn't his orange mug on the ticket...wouldn't that preclude whoever the R nominee is from wining either?
I know there are all kinds of #nevertrumps out there...but what is the percentage of #onlytrumps? I don't know but it would not surprise me if the #onlytrumps outnumber the #nevertrumps. Especially since so many people seem to be all excited about the "enthusiasm gap", which, to my mind is pretty highly composed of people Trump brought to the table.

Posted by: ajmojo at March 16, 2016 02:42 PM (1H9ox)

353 I was not contemplating suicide,

Glad to hear it. :^)

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at March 16, 2016 02:42 PM (w4NZ8)

354 316
1. not a misrepresentation, he did praise the commies for forcefully putting down the 1989 protests

2. I didn't say "murder", trump can still be an authoritarian asshole without actually murdering anyone

3. no protestors sbould not be roughed up, that you approve of this authoritarianism doesn't make it less authoritarian

4. whe the press lies about Trump, his response is totry to silence the press, that is thuggish and wrong

Posted by: chemjeff @ phone at March 16, 2016 02:42 PM (MkZ6B)

355 "So Ace, even you don't want the people's choice to be heard?"

By "people" you mean "less than 50% of the people who voted in Republican primaries"?

That's a pretty narrow definition of "people" you have there.

Posted by: Trumps of Doom at March 16, 2016 02:43 PM (CcpUn)

356 Let's call a spade a spade here... do you mo'rons actually think the punch-able face'd whiney sounding bastid can actually beat Queen Uterus in the general? C'mon...

Posted by: Pipe Holder at March 16, 2016 02:43 PM (Z/diL)

357 So you're endorsing the idea that if Cruz and Trump go in basically tied (and neither having 1237) and it going to Cruz as a just outcome, but you find the idea of Trump going in with 1,150 and no one else even close to that and Trump voters "rioting" if Trump doesn't get it as a "threat."

Posted by: Dancing Queen at March 16, 2016 02:44 PM (lZaEn)

358 Let's call a spade a spade here... do you mo'rons actually think the punch-able face'd whiney sounding bastid can actually beat Queen Uterus in the general? C'mon...

In fairness, he does have the most delegates at this point, so somebody likes him.

Posted by: Grump928(c) says Free Soothie! at March 16, 2016 02:45 PM (evdj2)

359 More like "Confusion BY the Socialists", but, whatever, you'll get a Northeastern gazillionairre with ties to everyone from Planned Parenthood to the AFL-CIO and consider it the "conservative" choice. You're owned by the image.

Posted by: Lincolntf at March 16, 2016 02:45 PM (2cS/G)

360 "Rubio wants another bite at the apple. I just don't see how he endorses anyone and does that. He's already proven he's a weasel.
Posted by: Marcus T at March 16, 2016 02:20 PM (87pu1)

This is exactly why I can see him endorsing Trump. He's a petty, self-interested politician, greasy even by politician's standards.
Posted by: Ghost of kari - certified inane at March 16, 2016 02:25 PM (xuouz)"

I disagree. Rubio actually knows and cares about issues. He's clearly disgusted by Trump's aggressive dismissal of actually reading up on the issues. Endorsing Trump just gets him a spot next to Chris Christie in the hostage video. Endorsing Cruz gets him a part of the way towards mending fences with conservatives who rightly blame him for staying in too long. Then he can go off to finish out his term and figure out what he wants to do next.

If he wants to keep his options open for trying a very difficult comeback in politics, he needs to not have the shame of endorsing Trump around his neck. Most of the people who endorsed Trump are folks that are at the end of their political career: Christie, Palin, Rick Scott, Paul LePage, etc. Only Jeff Sessions presumably plans to continue getting reelected.

Posted by: Jill v2 at March 16, 2016 02:46 PM (1+uyO)

361 352,

Ted Cruz, for all of his love of the constitution, still has the personality of an oyster on the half-shell.

It may taste good, but it's an act of faith to put it in your mouth..

Metaphorically speaking, of course.

Posted by: franksalterego at March 16, 2016 02:47 PM (Cd+Fa)

362 How??? Take away Trumps strong suit...empty demagoging..and there is no THERE, there. Outside of boilerplate populism, what have you heard him say that has you believe he could actually debate ANYONE on substance, the Constitution, or policy?
Posted by: Mimzey at March 16, 2016 02:40 PM (aRUb

---------------------

Staying on message. These "debates" aren't for hashing out policy or big philosophical questions, they can't be with 2 or 3 minute soundbite answers.

Posted by: Make America Great Again at March 16, 2016 02:49 PM (LXJ1e)

363 So a quick question for Cruz voters. At what point do you extend your hand to my extended hands, shake on it and help melt the witch?

Is it going to take a mathematical impossiblilty for Cruz to win it or have you thought clearly on the percentage's game.
2% possible, 5%, 10%?

Where does the moment take place for you?

Posted by: Drider at March 16, 2016 02:49 PM (bdzyz)

364 Posted by: chemjeff @ phone at March 16, 2016 02:42 PM (MkZ6B)
1. not a misrepresentation, he did praise the commies for forcefully putting down the 1989 protests And Reagan was an asshole for firing the air traffic controllers. You said he "praised Chinese communists" which is a slimy, slithery way of making it seem like Trump is pro-communist. You can respect the sheer, physical bravery or terrorists without endorsing terrorism. I don't much care for that comment he made either but you're taking it and running with it.

2. I didn't say "murder", trump can still be an authoritarian asshole without actually murdering anyone So it's aesthetic

3. no protestors sbould not be roughed up, that you approve of this authoritarianism doesn't make it less authoritarian Protesters get removed from events where they protest, left and right. Not authoritarian. If they get violent, they get arrested. Not authoritarian. Donald exhorts his supporters to defend themselves, and THAT is what's authoritarian.

4. whe the press lies about Trump, his response is totry to silence the press, that is thuggish and wrong Suing someone for defamation is not "silencing" them. Ever been accused of racism on the national news? Would you want to defend yourself? The press is out of line in their treatment of half the country.

Seriously cj, you're diluting the meaning of "authoritarian" by trying to smear Trump with it, reducing the conversation and reducing yourself.

Posted by: Ghost of kari - certified inane at March 16, 2016 02:49 PM (xuouz)

365 >>>I was not contemplating suicide, only grudging acceptance and truculent resignation to the choice of Trump or Hillary.

Then you're just one step behind me.

Posted by: El Kabong at March 16, 2016 02:51 PM (MCmqp)

366
-Intentional misinterpretation of his statements on Tianenmen square
-We know he's an asshole, there's some distance between "holds a grudge" and "murders political rivals"
-He's accused night and day of supporting the ku klux klan, it's bullshit. He's talking about suing for defamation, not throwing them in camps, christ.
-communist agitators and professional protesters do deserve to get roughed up, I'm sorry I'm not sorry, and they're going to be attacking US for the next 8 months. You want to stand up to them, or go home and wait to die? Seriously, punching back at a black lives matter protester who starts swinging = calling for the founding of an American gestapo?

What is the matter with you guys?
Posted by: Ghost of kari - certified inane at March 16, 2016 02:23 PM (xuouz)

--------------------

They've convinced themselves Trump is the next Hitler.

Posted by: Make America Great Again at March 16, 2016 02:51 PM (LXJ1e)

367 It may taste good, but it's an act of faith to put it in your mouth..

Metaphorically speaking, of course.Posted by: franksalterego at March 16, 2016 02:47 PM (Cd+Fa)

Now you tell me it was just a metaphor?

Posted by: Chris Christie, Whore at March 16, 2016 02:51 PM (UWlp+)

368 Someone please explain to me how Cruz, with his weird looks and pontificating evangelical mannerisms wins the general election? Seriously, in the general, shit like that is important.

Posted by: Darren at March 16, 2016 02:52 PM (44WWR)

369 Where does the moment take place for you?

Posted by: Drider at March 16, 2016 02:49 PM (bdzyz)

Quite a few former Cruz voters had it take place after Chicago. I genuinely think Trump would have fallen to Cruz in Missouri without that farce. The rest will drip, now that the certainty of Trump or White Knight (Romney, Kasich, whoever) is here. Cruz's people will abandon him for fear of being shut out in the cold during a Trump administration: I think Cruz himself may follow suit, having learned his painful lesson after being pushed onto the FEC during the Bush years.

Posted by: trev006 at March 16, 2016 02:52 PM (MEHba)

370 Posted by: Sho Nuff at March 16, 2016 02:50 PM (CWImE)


The poster was talking about Trump having the most delegates.

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at March 16, 2016 02:52 PM (w4NZ8)

371 Is it going to take a mathematical impossiblilty for Cruz to win it or have you thought clearly on the percentage's game.

Pretty much for me. I see no downside to playing this out to the end.

Posted by: Grump928(c) says Free Soothie! at March 16, 2016 02:52 PM (evdj2)

372 The poster was talking about Trump having the most delegates.


Shh. He's rolling.

Posted by: Grump928(c) says Free Soothie! at March 16, 2016 02:53 PM (evdj2)

373 "I keep seeing people say that all the polls indicate that Trump will get trounced in the GE against cankles.
But, has anyone dug into those polls? Because a fairly good sized portion of the people that I know..."

Sure replace polling with anecdotal evidence. Let me know how that works out for you.

Posted by: Dave in Fla at March 16, 2016 02:53 PM (GfnT3)

374 "Endorsing Cruz gets him a part of the way towards mending fences with conservatives..."


Jill, I think you might be underestimating just how much the Establishment hates Cruz.

Trump is a distraction, but everyone in the GOPe has known and worked with him for decades. Cruz, on the other hand, came out of nowhere and attacked the very heart and soul of the establishment.

They hate him with the heat of a thousand suns.

If Rubio endorsed Cruz, he would be sealing his fate as an outcast forever. That would be a silly thing for someone so young to do.

Posted by: jwest at March 16, 2016 02:53 PM (Zs4uk)

375 El Kabong

Nobody should be contemplating suicide over the election

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Phone Number
1-800-273-8255.

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at March 16, 2016 02:54 PM (w4NZ8)

376 "Someone please explain to me how Cruz, with his weird looks and pontificating evangelical mannerisms wins the general election? Seriously, in the general, shit like that is important."

Trump has bizarre hair and insults people.

He's not as popular as you think.

Posted by: Harun at March 16, 2016 02:55 PM (UBBWX)

377 I believe Trump's comment was that they were "strong" leaders. Trump was questioned on this in the debate. Response was "strong doesn't mean good or right".

Posted by: Make America Great Again at March 16, 2016 02:56 PM (LXJ1e)

378 Sure replace polling with anecdotal evidence. Let me know how that works out for you.
Posted by: Dave in Fla at March 16, 2016 02:53 PM (GfnT3)

Replace election results with internet polling, tell me how that works out for you.

Posted by: Ghost of kari - certified inane at March 16, 2016 02:56 PM (xuouz)

379 >>>National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Phone Number
1-800-273-8255.

I called it.

They said 'go for it.'

Then I heard a gunshot and the line went dead.

Posted by: El Kabong at March 16, 2016 02:56 PM (MCmqp)

380 Jill, I think you might be underestimating just how much the Establishment hates Cruz.

Trump is a distraction, but everyone in the GOPe has known and worked with him for decades. Cruz, on the other hand, came out of nowhere and attacked the very heart and soul of the establishment.

They hate him with the heat of a thousand suns.

If Rubio endorsed Cruz, he would be sealing his fate as an outcast forever. That would be a silly thing for someone so young to do.

Posted by: jwest at March 16, 2016 02:53 PM (Zs4uk)

---------------------

And why would he come out and endorse the loser? He's stupid, but not that stupid.

Posted by: Make America Great Again at March 16, 2016 02:57 PM (LXJ1e)

381 keep crap alive canada turd crud is finished trump our next president! crud back to canaduh!

Posted by: trumpkin at March 16, 2016 02:57 PM (tygXF)

382 Full Trump Playboy interview:
http://linkis.com/vGE4Z

What were your other impressions of the Soviet Union?

I was very unimpressed. Their system is a disaster. What you will see there soon is a revolution; the signs are all there with the demonstrations and picketing. Russia is out of control and the leadership knows it. That's my problem with Gorbachev. Not a firm enough hand.

You mean firm hand as in China?

When the students poured into Tiananmen Square, the Chinese government almost blew it. Then they were vicious, they were horrible, but they put it down with strength. That shows you the power of strength. Our country is right now perceived as weak ... as being spit on by the rest of the world---

Posted by: andycanuck at March 16, 2016 02:57 PM (ioqGj)

383 keep crap alive canada turd crud is finished trump our next president! crud back to canaduh!
Posted by: trumpkin at March 16, 2016 02:57 PM (tygXF)

haha this is best read aloud in a south park voice.

Posted by: Ghost of kari - certified inane at March 16, 2016 02:58 PM (xuouz)

384 I believe Trump's comment was that they were "strong" leaders. Trump was questioned on this in the debate. Response was "strong doesn't mean good or right".

Posted by: Make America Great Again at March 16, 2016 02:56 PM (LXJ1e)


Oh no, no personality cult going on here. Here, have a biscuit.

Posted by: troyriser at March 16, 2016 02:58 PM (UWlp+)

385 #385 Addendum: BTW, the media at the time were promoting Gorby as the brave reformer (trying to make Communism work the way it should!) and not as a bad guy.

Posted by: andycanuck at March 16, 2016 02:59 PM (ioqGj)

386 Posted by: El Kabong at March 16, 2016 02:56 PM (MCmqp)


We've already had one poster on this site take their life and one other one who sounds close. We don't need any else going over the cliff.

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at March 16, 2016 02:59 PM (w4NZ8)

387 Sure replace polling with anecdotal evidence. Let me know how that works out for you.
Posted by: Dave in Fla at March 16, 2016 02:53 PM (GfnT3)

--------------------

Latest polls have Trump at the highest Repub favorables 66%, even higher than Kasich.

Latest also have him at 53% nationally among Repubs.


Posted by: Make America Great Again at March 16, 2016 02:59 PM (LXJ1e)

388 And why would he come out and endorse the loser? He's stupid, but not that stupid.

Posted by: Make America Great Again at March 16, 2016 02:57 PM (LXJ1e)


That's right.

Rubio is having his day of mourning now that his candidacy is dead. Tomorrow is when his campaign manager and the top 2 dozen aides come in and beg him to find them jobs for the next 4 to 8 years.

"We believed in you, Marco. Now make sure we aren't on the unemployment line."

Posted by: jwest at March 16, 2016 03:01 PM (Zs4uk)

389 When the students poured into Tiananmen Square, the Chinese government almost blew it. Then they were vicious, they were horrible, but they put it down with strength. That shows you the power of strength.

Weirder than weird anyone wants to voluntarily elect a guy like Trump.

Posted by: MTF at March 16, 2016 03:02 PM (LISuA)

390 >>>We've already had one poster on this site take their life and one other one who sounds close. We don't need any else going over the cliff.

Oh. I'm sorry, my apologies. I wasn't aware. I'll stop.

Posted by: El Kabong at March 16, 2016 03:03 PM (MCmqp)

391 P A T H E T I C
A
T
H
E
T
I
C

Posted by: CITEHTAP at March 16, 2016 03:04 PM (ARoXX)

392 Posted by: Make America Great Again at March 16, 2016 02:59 PM (LXJ1e)
-----------------------------------

Is that the YouGov internet "poll"? Not a poll. It's a U.K. based internet marketing pitch.

Posted by: MTF at March 16, 2016 03:04 PM (LISuA)

393 Great post andycanuck, really shows that YES, that quote is being more than taken out of context. It's a joke to say he "praised the chinese" or "praised chinese communism"

It's a fucking travesty.

Posted by: Ghost of kari - certified inane at March 16, 2016 03:04 PM (xuouz)

394 There are interesting items in the rest of the interview too. It's worth a read.

Posted by: andycanuck at March 16, 2016 03:05 PM (ioqGj)

395 With regard to the Trump/Debate stuff.

Most people are assuming it's Trump vs Hillary.. it's not,
It's Trump vs Hillary/Moderator/Subject.

He's not going to get questions in which he shines. He's going to get the Sarah Palin treatment. They are going to ask him about policy situations and world leaders that he's never heard of before. If he tries to blow it off as a trick - Hillary will be there to look like the adult and yes... repeat a well written 30 second soundbite statement.

Trump has got to start prepping himself for specifics - even if he doesn't share them now - he has to know them front and back. He has to start beefing up on all possible subjects. Hillary will be ready for "Make it great, great people blah blah blah".. and the moderators will not let him go with just that.

Posted by: Reality Man at March 16, 2016 03:06 PM (9AQdP)

396 Posted by: El Kabong at March 16, 2016 03:03 PM (MCmqp)


Having worked on a crisis phone line which had its share of very depressed people contemplating suicide as well as having suicides my family and friends I may take this stuff too seriously. (Obviously I know the second post was a joke) but people who post here in the evening more than I do, health with it up close and personal with the guy who took his life.

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at March 16, 2016 03:06 PM (w4NZ8)

397 Mr. Cruz has no shot of capturing New York State in the primary.Moreover, In Western New York , Mr. Cruz goes against Congressman,Collins,who supports Trump.

When Kevin Williamson writes for The National Review another Trump voter is created.






Posted by: mike191 at March 16, 2016 03:07 PM (XKC1/)

398 >>>385 Full Trump Playboy interview:
http://linkis.com/vGE4Z

Okay. This makes it a little 'less bad' for me.

I thought these were recent quotes and he was fanciful for the 'good ol days', bringing up shit from 30 years ago.

If he was just shooting the shit (and sounding dumb and pro-authoritarian) about current events back then...less bad. It's at least topical in 1990. He's not reaching for Great Moments in History in his mind.

Posted by: El Kabong at March 16, 2016 03:07 PM (MCmqp)

399 270
>>> If the eventual R nominee is one chosen by the voters, I'm in, no matter who it is.

That's how I feel as well. If we get a Paul Ryan I want to hear anything when someone decides to go 3rd party. I don't care how much it splits the vote.

Posted by: Potatoer at March 16, 2016 03:07 PM (8u5sK)

400 Posted by: Reality Man at March 16, 2016 03:06 PM (9AQdP)

very good points.

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at March 16, 2016 03:07 PM (w4NZ8)

401 health with it up close and personal

Typos-"had it up close and personal"

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at March 16, 2016 03:08 PM (w4NZ8)

402 Bernie and Cruz man-child supporters are "keeping the hope alive" - meaning they've retreated into their protective shells of gates forums and blogs, disconnected with reality and began meditating on imaginary scenarios.

P A T H E T I C
A
T
H
E
T
I
C

Posted by: CITEHTAP at March 16, 2016 03:09 PM (ARoXX)

403 >>>Having worked on a crisis phone line which had its share of very depressed people contemplating suicide as well as having suicides my family and friends I may take this stuff too seriously. (Obviously I know the second post was a joke) but people who post here in the evening more than I do, health with it up close and personal with the guy who took his life.

I work in Law Enforcement and have a bit of gallows humor to get through the day. But I don't want to push that on anyone, especially someone with your experiences.

Again, my apologies.

Posted by: El Kabong at March 16, 2016 03:09 PM (MCmqp)

404 Kari, you are an enigma, wrapped in a riddle. I don't get it.

Posted by: Arson Wells at March 16, 2016 03:09 PM (/E+t2)

405 Posted by: CITEHTAP at March 16, 2016 03:09 PM (ARoXX)

Fuck off kid, this isn't reddit.

Posted by: Ghost of kari - certified inane at March 16, 2016 03:12 PM (xuouz)

406 Trump has got to start prepping himself for specifics - even if he doesn't share them now - he has to know them front and back. He has to start beefing up on all possible subjects. Hillary will be ready for "Make it great, great people blah blah blah".. and the moderators will not let him go with just that.
Posted by: Reality Man at March 16, 2016 03:06 PM (9AQdP)

I totally agree. Internet polls can say whatever they want, his last couple debates have been disasters.

Posted by: Ghost of kari - certified inane at March 16, 2016 03:14 PM (xuouz)

407 Kari, you are an enigma, wrapped in a riddle. I don't get it.
Posted by: Arson Wells at March 16, 2016 03:09 PM (/E+t2)

I'm flattered, I think.

Posted by: Ghost of kari - certified inane at March 16, 2016 03:16 PM (xuouz)

408 For some reason I think whoever gets elected POTUS will bend the country over the couch and not use lube. Just sayin'

Posted by: Dick Nixon at March 16, 2016 03:20 PM (VQ7bK)

409 Check out the letter to Cruz supporters from a Rubio supporter in the sidebar, all the talk of Trump supporters being awful really masked how equally awful, if not more awful, Rubio supporters were and still are.

Posted by: All Teh Meh at March 16, 2016 03:20 PM (Sqwro)

410 Since Kasich bailed on the FOX debate, effectively cancelling it, Cruz should challenge Bernie to a debate on Monday instead.

Posted by: Iblis at March 16, 2016 01:21 PM (9221z)


OR he could use that already scheduled time and give a substantive speech.

Posted by: redbanzai at March 16, 2016 03:21 PM (NPofj)

411 "By "people" you mean "less than 50% of the people who voted in Republican primaries"?

That's a pretty narrow definition of "people" you have there. "

-------------------

And yet Teddy can't even get that.

Posted by: Hope at March 16, 2016 03:27 PM (oJffz)

412 'On the other hand, Ted Cruz should soon be getting about half of Rubio's supporters. Kasich gets around a quarter, and Trump gets 13%.'

That's only 88%. What will the others do?

Posted by: Steve D at March 16, 2016 03:51 PM (+DtMb)

413 "Trump gets 13%."

Who the hell are these Rubio supporters who go to Trump??

Is this like the "libertarians" who who for Trump? Just really confused and clueless?

Posted by: Beth at March 16, 2016 04:00 PM (Epq7Y)

414 *who vote (not "who who" LOL)

Posted by: Beth at March 16, 2016 04:03 PM (Epq7Y)

415 Ghost of kari at 224: "...we hear what we want to hear when politicians speak. "

Funny, a week ago I said that exact same thing. And you called me "loathesome" because I was calling my opponents irrational.

Posted by: Pastafarian at March 16, 2016 04:23 PM (pCf+a)

416 Here's what I said:

253 NDH @ 227: "I'm beginning to have a little nudge in my belly that says he is campaigning more liberal than he would lead..."

Expect that feeling to get stronger as Trump's delegate count rises. It's not based in reality, unfortunately; it's just human nature, to believe what you want to believe. Our subconscious scrambles like a rat to high ground in a flood, when presented with something as awful as President Trump.

It's one big reason that preference cascades happen.

And here's your reply:

365 Pastafarian your act is loathesome. You're not "with" anyone. You just insulted anyone who would consider (not fully endorses but would consider) Trump as ignorant fools unaware of the function of their own brains and deserving of reeducation and correction.

You need to take the angle of your nose to the ground below 45 degrees.
Posted by: Ghost of kari - certified inane at March 08, 2016 03:31 PM (xuouz)

Posted by: Pastafarian at March 16, 2016 04:29 PM (pCf+a)

417 And that's just one of many examples of this sort of shit you've pulled over the last couple of months. "Arguing in bad faith", is what I'd call it. Inconsistently applied standards like this; strawman arguments, mischaracterizing your opponent's position.

Maybe it's a generational thing. Or maybe you're just an asshole.

Posted by: Pastafarian at March 16, 2016 04:32 PM (pCf+a)

418 regarding national general election polls:

The normal breakdown of the polls are about 37% dem, 34% GOP and 29% independent... at least in the fine print.

No way in heck, that will be the identification in November if Trump is running and there is anger against incumbants. It will be more like 32%, 40%, 28%. When you look at national polls, read how they calculated the sample and adjust accordingly.

Posted by: doug at March 16, 2016 04:59 PM (NF1sM)

419 Like many Rubio supporters. I will now support Cruz. I don't know of a single Rubio supporter who is supporting Trump- now or EVER.

Posted by: Jane at March 16, 2016 05:33 PM (rDidp)

420 >>>>>419 Like many Rubio supporters. I will now support Cruz. I don't know of a single Rubio supporter who is supporting Trump- now or EVER.
Posted by: Jane at March 16, 2016 05:33 PM (rDidp)

You know one now. Check out my comment history from Virginia primary day if you don't believe me - I voted for Rubio.

I like Cruz, but I think this country has passed the point of hearing arguments from unpersuasive people. For all that you get with Cruz with brains and conservatism you lose with the smarmy condescending delivery. He's great for Texas (ie, the converted), but I don't think he has much appeal nationally.

With Rubio, you got most of the conservatism wrapped in a better package that would have be more appealing to the electorate. Which states did we lose in 2008 and 2012 would Cruz pick up?

Yes, Trump is the highest risk candidate, but I think he's also possibly the highest reward candidate. He could slaughter Hillary in the midwest, and if things break the right way, make her defend New York.

Also, I kind of feel like we've lost so much already that there isn't much left to lose. We're not really a country anymore but a couple of warring tribes bent on trying to conquer each other because we're bound together by 200 year old political ties. And, we're on a demographics trajectory of being eradicated by throngs of legal and illegal immigrants (yes, I know Rubio's weakness there, but he isn't passing laws on his own). We keep trying to beat the left with the old political rules as if this is just normal ebb and flow politics, but it's not - these people seek to utterly run us out from political life.

Yes, this election is kind of a hail mary for our country, but at least Trump is a guy with a big arm and has a proven record of pulling off miracle upsets.

Posted by: crrr6 (hotair refugee) at March 16, 2016 06:32 PM (r23qW)

421 Why would anyone want the religious wacko and Goldman Sachs operative to win in the first place?

Posted by: george strong at March 16, 2016 06:59 PM (RAMc+)

422 Huffpo of all places has an article up on how trump got more votes in ohio while losing in a four man race than Clinton got while winning.

just saying. back to your pity party

Posted by: Ban me once, ban me twice, ban me once again at March 17, 2016 08:18 AM (oMdtQ)

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