In the race for 2008, conservatives unhappy with their presidential choices frequently referred to the Big Three that year — Rudy Giuliani, Mitt Romney, and John McCain — as “Rudy McRomney,” three candidates with supposedly the same Democrat-lite substance. While I disagreed with that assertion, and still do, it was certainly the case that a huge vacuum existed in the race for 2008 for a down-the-line conservative, just as a vacuum is developing this year for an electable down-the-line conservative.
Today’s SurveyUSA polls, posted earlier today on the site, paint a pretty accurate picture of the race for the GOP nod right now. Much like in an old Western, the Big Three of the race for 2012 are metaphorically facing one another, each holding a pistol in either hand pointed directly at one of the other two. Mitt Romney seems to be the candidate of blue state Republicans, with the North and the West Coast giving him the edge over Huckabee. Meanwhile, the former Arkansas governor is besting Mitt in the South. Palin, meanwhile, has yet to break through in either region but is making a strong third place showing, hoping that Mitt and Huck will fire on each other and leave her as the only candidate left standing. But what if, in typical Old West fashion, the three fire on one another, leaving no viable candidate to take on Obama?
This scenario isn’t particularly far-fetched, especially since Romney and Huckabee are about to enter a two-year-plus slug-fest that will almost certainly leave each candidate’s supporters pretty much despising the other candidate. Blue state Republicans will never choose a former Baptist minister with a Dixie accent over a fiscally tight businessman from Massachusetts. And red state Republicans will never pass up the guy with the drawl and southern swagger for a formerly pro-choice Mormon. But by the end of the campaign, with all the mud that is about to be slung, about half of the Republican Party will be convinced that Mitt is Nelson Rockefeller 2.0, while the other half of the GOP will come out believing that Huckabee is William Jennings Bryan or Huey Long. Mitt and Huck will almost certainly exploit all of the ways in which the other is “not a real conservative” for the next two and a half years, meaning that the winner will face guaranteed skepticism from Republicans and will be smarting among Independents after having to spend the entire primary season proving that they are too a “real conservative.”
This could end up being very good for Sarah Palin, but that’s assuming that Sarah can convince Republicans that she’s actually electable. Right now Sarah is in sort of a Howard Dean position. Many Republicans who would otherwise like her are convinced that her image is beyond rehabilitation at this point and are likely to select someone who seems a stronger candidate against Obama. That’s not to say that things couldn’t change with regard to Palin, but like Dean, who Democrats insisted wasn’t even that liberal if you checked his record, Sarah Palin has been defined a certain way in the political psyche, and she will have to work overtime to change that. If she is unable to do so, she will probably remain in a Dean-like position as someone who Republicans just won’t trust with the nomination at the end of the day.
What all of this means is that this year’s Big Three of Mitt HuckaPalin provides a dark horse candidate with an opening, sort of the way Fred Thompson was able to enter the race for 2008 as a quiet, unassuming former senator and skyrocket into double-digits overnight simply because he had something no one else in the race did: a pristine conservative voting record. This year, the vacuum isn’t based on conservatism as much as it’s based on conservatism-plus-electability. In other words, conservatives were looking for Ronald Reagan in 2008 and they’re looking for Bob McDonnell in 2012.
If there is a Thompson-esque candidate who will jump in, though, I suspect it will not be one of the usual suspects. It’s not going to be Pawlenty, a hyphenated conservative himself, or Jindal or Thune, both of whom lack charisma. It may actually be someone particularly dull, but if so, it will be a candidate who will have such strong conservative economic accomplishments that the dullness will be cancelled out. Fred didn’t exactly light the room on fire, but he checked all the conservative boxes. This year, the boxes will be as follows: a) is the candidate a down-the-line conservative, b) does the candidate have a record of applying conservatism to economic problems to generate effective solutions, and c) has the candidate been able to improve economic conditions and/or the budgetary/fiscal outlook in his/her state/district without supporting tax increases? If a candidate who checks these boxes enters the race, particularly after a long Mitt/Huck street fight in 2010 and yet more soap opera style coverage of Palin, Republicans may rush to the new candidate to save them from a damaged nominee. I still say that Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels shouldn’t be counted out in this event, and the folks at RCP seem to agree:
At a time when Indiana was solidly red in federal elections, “My Man Mitch” as he was known in the campaign became the first Republican elected governor in 16 years in 2004, defeating incumbent Joe Kernan. His governorship was marked early on by some controversial decisions regarding daylight savings time and a plan to lease the state’s toll roads to a foreign entity. But his numbers rebounded as the state endured the worsening economic crisis better than some of its Rust Belt neighbors, and he cruised to re-election.
At a time when not just the nation’s economy but its growing debts are a mounting concern, Daniels’ credentials as a fiscal conservative are likely his strongest asset in a potential 2012 race. Indiana currently has one of the lowest budget deficits in the county as a percentage of its general fund, and was one of the few states not to implement new or higher taxes this year, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.
Though Daniels has been the subject of presidential speculation, he publicly ruled out a bid in June, saying: “I’ve only ever run for or held one office. It’s the last one I’m going to hold.” But behind the scenes, however, he may be sending other signals. U.S. News & World Report claimed just this week he’s been consulting with veterans of national campaigns, including former Vice President and Indiana Senator Dan Quayle, on a potential run. GOP12.com pointed out this week that Quayle himself said recently he “certainly would be fully qualified, very competitive and could possibly be the nominee and give Obama a good run.
If Obama is beatable — let’s say his approval rating is between 44 and 52 percent — Daniels would almost certainly take back Indiana (as would any of the other GOP candidates) and would probably make it next to impossible for Obama to win Ohio. His Syrian-American background would help end the notion that Republican support for the GWOT is based on any anti-Arab tendencies, but more to the point, Daniels was a governing conservative before it was cool to be one. If there’s a Bob McDonnell at the national level, it’s him. He’s the guy I can picture running as the “Jobs President,” and his entire campaign would focus on the economy and the big issues that emanate from the economy — jobs, health care, and the country’s long-term fiscal situation — all of which he has addressed in Indiana with conservative solutions. I have a penchant for boring, competent candidates of course (cough, Tom Ridge, cough), but perhaps the country will too after back-to-back charismatic presidents who led us into economic and fiscal ruin.
November 17th, 2009 at 11:04 pm
I always first look for candidates with a strong Syrian-American background. That’s a growing swing vote here in Alaska.
November 17th, 2009 at 11:06 pm
Dave,
Here are the numbers from Fresno that Aron has yet to post.
http://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReport.aspx?g=cbdc3ca0-7948-4c09-b3c3-0008af50d939
Obama won Fresno County by 1,000 votes in 2008.
Favorable/unfavorable
Palin 35/28 [+7]
Obama 41/39 [+2]
Mitt Romney won Fresno county in the GOP primaries over John McCain by a 38-37 margin (Huckabee won 15% of the vote in Fresno county)
Which of these Republicans would make a Better President?
Among Republicans
Huckabee 33%
Palin 24%
Romney 24%
November 17th, 2009 at 11:06 pm
By the way, I have a new book coming out in January, “Going Pork.” Look for it on Amazon.
November 17th, 2009 at 11:08 pm
LOL @ #1
November 17th, 2009 at 11:12 pm
I read the article from RCP, and it was great to hear that Daniels is actually putting out feelers for a run. But we do need a candidate who isn’t Mitt HuckaPalin. Pawlenty seems to be trying to fill that void, but I don’t think he can.
There are large groups of voters who don’t want any of the Big Three, and it would be nice to see a big Republican field, to keep things interesting.
November 17th, 2009 at 11:16 pm
Pence?
November 17th, 2009 at 11:24 pm
#6:
Pence is extremely conservative. He’s called himself “Rush Limbaugh on decalf”. Plus, he’s just a House member, and the last one to get the nomination and win was James A. Garfield in 1880.
November 17th, 2009 at 11:35 pm
I think Daniels would make a good VP.
If only Bob McDonnell had more experience, he would be able to fill this gap too. He is presidential material.
But I think Huckabee or Romney would do fine in the general election. To mend fences after the primary, one should offer the other the VP spot.
November 17th, 2009 at 11:52 pm
Mitt Romney won Fresno county in the GOP primaries over John McCain by a 38-37 margin (Huckabee won 15% of the vote in Fresno county)
Which of these Republicans would make a Better President?
Among Republicans
Huckabee 33% !!!!!!
Palin 24%
Romney 24%
November 17th, 2009 at 11:59 pm
I read that article in RCP and came back here to do a post on it, but you beat me to it, Dave.
The dark horses they mention are Thune, Daniels, Perry, Coburn, and Cheney (with Petraeus, Cantor, Pence, and Ryan lumped into ‘Best of the Rest’ — meaning no chance).
Conspicuous by their absence were Jindal, Barbour, and Johnson.
I have very much liked everything I’ve heard about Daniels, but have never given him much consideration because I assumed he was definite about not running. The RCP article throws some doubt on that. I could easily hop on the Daniels bandwagon if it turns out there is one.
I agree with your central points — I have a feeling (based in part on the level of rancor here) that Romney and Huckabee (and/or their more fanatic adherents) will poison the well for each other. I also agree that Palin (as it stands now — important caveat) appears unelectable. Much as I like here (philosophically, I think I’m closest to her of all the major candidates), I’m not much for fighting lost causes.
That leaves Pawlenty and Daniels. I can’t see any of the others from the RCP list who could win the nomination and the election.
November 18th, 2009 at 12:01 am
Does anyone remember when Romney tried to claim that he had no lobbyists in his campaign–snarf! guffaw!–and Glen Johnson of the AP called him on out on it? Comedy gold.
http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/01/17/585279.aspx
November 18th, 2009 at 12:10 am
#10 Bob: Agreed. And I don’t have high hopes for Pawlenty right now, even though I used to, because his schtick has been tried before, and it always, always fails. The whole “connect Republicans with the regular guy” was old when Lamar tried in in 1996, and he got about as far as T-Paw is getting now. I think the problem with that strategy is that it assumes that Republicanism in its true form is disconnected from the regular guy, but McDonnell and Christie proved that’s not true, as they won a landslide among regular guys without donning plaid shirts or talking about Sam’s Club.
Daniels is sort of built for 2012 because no one can find a way that he’s not conservative, but no one can really find anything inflammatory the guy’s ever said either, kind of like Fred, and he’s also got a track record of effective conservative policies that particularly center on economic issues, which are the big issues right now.
November 18th, 2009 at 12:11 am
Geography: Fresno-Visalia DMA
Data Collected: 11/16/2009
Release Date: 11/16/2009
Sponsor:
KFSN-TV Fresno
Party Affiliation
Republican Democrat Independ
HUCK 33%! … 18% … 33%!
Mitt 24% … 21% … 18%
Sarah24% … 15% … 14%
November 18th, 2009 at 12:12 am
Glen Johnson got neutered after that by the AP because he was in the wrong. Nice try dotan…
November 18th, 2009 at 12:14 am
I was thinking about the North/South cultural divide, and think that our Southern candidates all have to be seen as somewhat pragmatic, and our Northern ones have to be at least somewhat personable. McCain fit this much better than Huckabee or Romney did last year – he was more down to earth than Romney, and had more leadership stature than Huckabee (who was mostly cultural appeal).
November 18th, 2009 at 12:20 am
WiseGuy-
I don’t think Romney and Huckabee can stand each other–even more than Romney and McCain during the FL primary of 2008. However if there was some way they could get along and the winner chose the loser as the VP, I think it would mend a lot of fences within the party and be a solide move.
November 18th, 2009 at 12:29 am
LEADERSHIP:
Mike Huckabee
44th Governor of Arkansas
In office
July 15, 1996 – January 9, 2007
——————————————————————————–
12th Lieutenant Governor of Arkansas
In office
November 20, 1993 – July 15, 1996
——————————————————————————–
Chairman of the National Governors
Association
In office
2005 – 2006
Preceded by Mark Warner
Succeeded by Janet Napolitano
——————————————————————————–
Born August 24, 1955 (age 54)
Hope, Arkansas
Political party Republican
Spouse Janet Huckabee
Children John Mark, David, and Sarah
Alma mater Ouachita Baptist University
Author, Public Speaker, & ordained Minister
Religion Christian (Southern Baptist)
Political commentator and host for the
Fox News Channel and ABC Radio who
served as as a popular Governor of
Arkansas from 1996 to 2007.
Huckabee finished second in the 2008
United States Republican presidential
primaries
—-THAT’S LEADERSHIP …
& ACCOMPLSHMENT
November 18th, 2009 at 12:31 am
The AP furrowed their collective brow at Johnson, yes. But only because Romney himself had a case of the vapors. Romney has always been easily flustered and befuddled; his handlers had a hard time getting him to sleep that night.
In other news, does anyone remember when Romney tried to claim that he saw his father march with MLK? Comedy gold!
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/us_and_americas/article3082350.ece
November 18th, 2009 at 12:32 am
I would not vote for Mike Huckabee or Sarah Palin at this point, but I have no concerns in voting for Mitt Romney. I like what he has focused on during the past year and if he can get past all the untruths that are circulated about him; I think he has a good chance of be nominated. I believe that he has the right kind of experience to be president. I believe he genuinely has respect for God and this country. I think he lives a life of high moral standards. Character matters to me.
November 18th, 2009 at 12:32 am
A C C O M P L I S H M E N T
November 18th, 2009 at 12:32 am
you say the straight-out-of-central-casting john thune, a proven giant killer, both articulate and well organized, lacks charisma? yet you pin your hopes on a 5 foot tall governor with the worst comb over this side of rudy giuliani? hey i like mitch daniels, but to suggest he is better positioned then john thune, or that he possesses better intangibles, is simply not true.
i agree that huck, mitt, and palin all have big flaws, and there is room for a unifying figure to emerge and overtake them. i think its between thune, pawlenty, daniels, or perry, in that order.
November 18th, 2009 at 12:36 am
Oh, don’t worry, I don’t think Huckabee is incompetent. On the contrary, there’s a lot I like about him, and the same goes for Romney. But Huckabee only really dug in on cultural issues last year. I think he can be just as charming as he’s always been while building his stature as a leader – funny guy too, but most importantly, a leader.
To be fair McCain is a hard guy to beat in having that balance built in – he’s a military man, and military guys always tend to cast a huge shadow and get automatic persona points for their service and dedication. But come 2012 there’s no McCain, so Huckabee needs to be looking to extend his capabilities as a candidate
November 18th, 2009 at 12:37 am
I don’t see how Perry could be anything other than a disaster.
November 18th, 2009 at 12:37 am
#12:
Daniels is also a very good campaigner. In 2004 when he ran against Governor Kernan, he took an RV to travel through every county in Indiana. He has been known to stay at the homes of Hoosiers instead of spending tax-payer money on hotels. His slogan is also short and catchy “My Man Mitch”. Most importantly, he can win. Daniels would certainly win all the McCain states in 08, retake Indiana, and probably Ohio. He shouldn’t have too many issues with Virginia, North Carolina and Florida, especially after 4 years of Obama. Plus, he might add Iowa, Wisconsin, Michigan, and maybe even a place like Pennsylvania to the GOP column.
Daniels can win, he won’t anger anyone in the GOP, and he keeps his promises. Why not My Man Mitch in 2012?
November 18th, 2009 at 12:41 am
I would agree with you were Romney neither dishonest nor corrupt. But that would be asking that Romney not be Romney.
Does anyone remember when Romney told McCain that he didn’t describe his immigration plan as amnesty only moments before the ad got played where Romney says that McCain’s plan is amnesty, all before a live studio audience? Comedy gold!
http://www.boston.com/news/politics/politicalintelligence/2008/01/romney_mccain_s_1.html
November 18th, 2009 at 12:42 am
22. Fair enough, my friend. : )
Mike is out there tryin’ ever day; city to city, town to town.
Livin’ the life off his Hucka-bus….
November 18th, 2009 at 12:43 am
If Huck is gonna run, he better watch his weight.Seems to be gaining again the last couple of years.
Needs to get back to his weight before the 2008 primaries when he was touting his weight loss and pushing healthy eating and fitness.
November 18th, 2009 at 12:47 am
Yeah. Gov. Christie’s weight is the reason he lost. Oh, wait, he won. In fact, he managed to turn the issue of his weight completely around.
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1009/28891.html
November 18th, 2009 at 12:48 am
Mike will just stand next to the new
NJ Governor during photos.
Seriously, he has a bad foot – stopped his running routine for a few months…
November 18th, 2009 at 12:49 am
Oops, Dotan beat me to it… : )
November 18th, 2009 at 12:51 am
If anything Huckabee needs to end up more like a conservative Bill Clinton, minus the extra woman
Clinton had great charm and personality but he could talk issues very authoritatively and got people to take him seriously in the ’92 primaries. Huckabee as another Governor of Arkansas has the same challenge. Romney needs to end up more like McCain – no less authoritative, but less pandering and more naturally personable. Be able to express things in terms of moral values. Overall his challenge is getting McCain’s sincerity.
And 26,
I actually do like his show. He’s very well mannered and well spoken. Course I may be biased in his favor as a southerner
November 18th, 2009 at 12:52 am
“Mitt HuckaPalin” sounds like a character Arnold Schwarzenegger would play in a really awful sci-fi flick.
My vote is for “Romnalinbee”.
And I can’t imagine discussing who can surpass the Top Three without at least mentioning the Gary Johnson factor…
Johnson 2012!
November 18th, 2009 at 12:55 am
November 18th, 2009 at 12:57 am
Mitt Romney is in one category – Sarah Palin and Mike Huckabee are in another.
Romney is a moderate conservative – Palin and Huckabee are just too conservative.
Romney can win – Palin and Huckabee cannot.
I would vote for Mitt Romney – I would NOT vote for Palin or Huckabee, I like them, but I won’t vote for them.
Romney would be the strongest candidate – and the best president.
November 18th, 2009 at 12:57 am
Hell is a good word for having to spend eternity between the three of them. You’d never be able to sleep, that’s for sure
November 18th, 2009 at 12:58 am
Goveernor HuckRomPal… Nice to meetcha!
You betcha!
November 18th, 2009 at 1:03 am
Is Romney a moderate now!? Romney must slough his hide more often than a snake! Just a moment ago he was telling everyone he wasn’t just conservative, but that he was more conservative than they were. Regard:
http://www.examiner.com/a-411803~Romney___I_m_a_conservative_Republican_.html
November 18th, 2009 at 1:03 am
Re 34,
Oh boy, where’s Martha right now? It’s time for my “I told you so!” moment.
November 18th, 2009 at 1:05 am
Forgot to add: Comedy gold!
November 18th, 2009 at 1:08 am
ICYMI…
GOP presidential hopefuls — you’re on notice
Norquist warns: Focus on 2010 or risk losing conservative support
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/33968673/ns/politics-cq_politics/
November 18th, 2009 at 1:10 am
If the election were being held today, between Romney and Obama, I’d probably go ahead and vote Romney.
If it were between Palin and Obama, I’d think REEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAL hard for a LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONG time before filling out my ballot, and then I’d probably vote for her anyway unless I thought up an obvious reason not to.
But if it were between Huckabee and Obama, I’d vote Obama. I’d call someone up at ACORN and vote twice.
November 18th, 2009 at 1:10 am
34. That’s NOT what the polls and trends show. That Fresno one earlier today does not bode well for Mitt: Losing big with Republicans AND Independents by 9-15 points behind MIKE!
But it’s early. Lots of work for Mitt to do if he runs… Explaining his blind support for TARP, RomneyCare etc.
Fresno, California’s not goin’ for it now…they used to like Romney back in ’08. Not any more. ; )
November 18th, 2009 at 1:14 am
What would be the effective difference between the two?
Does anyone remember Romney’s “Olympic-caliber double flip-flop with a gold medal-performance twist-and-a-half on the issue of emergency contraception”–comedy gold!
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/fact-checker/2007/12/mitt_romneys_flip_flop_flip.html
November 18th, 2009 at 1:16 am
I can hardly wait. The flips. The flops. The twisty-tantric rhetorical poses. The jokes will write themselves.
November 18th, 2009 at 1:16 am
Romney had a talent for taking a very defensible abortion record (by Republican standards) and making his positions look contrived.
November 18th, 2009 at 1:17 am
“Huckabee won five primaries and three caucuses in finishing runner-up to U.S. Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., for the GOP’s presidentinal nomination in 2008.
He said he is not ruling out another presidential bid, but added it is way too early to commit — despite leading in a recent USA Today poll.
Huckabee said the GOP gubernatorial victories in New Jersey and Virginia this month, marked by dramatic swings in independent voters toward Republicans, are encouraging.
But he said the FOCUS NEEDS TO BE ON the 2010 mid-term elections, and once the dust settles he can make a decision about 2012.
The party needs to take a hard look at what happened when it was in control of Congress, and learn from the beating it took in 2008, Huckabee said.”
November 18th, 2009 at 1:22 am
41. “I’d call someone up at ACORN and vote twice.” -seth
-And you would show your true colors. The Daily Kos wants YOU! ; )
November 18th, 2009 at 1:22 am
Yes, that does seem to be his current positioning.
November 18th, 2009 at 1:26 am
Culver trails Republican challengers: http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20091114/NEWS09/911150335/Iowa-Poll-Low-rating-for-Culver-reveals-vulnerability&theme=IOWA_POLL
November 18th, 2009 at 1:26 am
Huckabee is COMPLETELY in Rubio’s corner. And likewise.
Thank you very much.
November 18th, 2009 at 1:29 am
Grover Norquist: “We’re going to put together a list of all the people thinking of running for president and … give assignments to each of the would-be presidential candidates.”
Boy, I’ll bet they’re all going to snap to attention and do ol’ Grover’s bidding.
I don’t disagree with his point about focusing on 2010, but I don’t think anybody died and made him god.
November 18th, 2009 at 1:29 am
You can hardly blame the baffled financier who dreams of being our president. Posing as a conservative worked so well for him.
November 18th, 2009 at 1:30 am
I pray that Grover forgives you.
November 18th, 2009 at 1:34 am
Beg Huntsman to come back from China. He is the gop’s best candidate going forward. He is a fiscal conservative with foreign policy experience and Utah was ranked the best run state during his term as governor.
Jon Huntsman is by far the best candidate republicans could offer going foward.
November 18th, 2009 at 1:37 am
The Other Seth:
Your disdain for Huckabee seems ill-founded. Please explain why you would prefer Obama.
Between any republican and Obama, I would vote republican in a heartbeat.
November 18th, 2009 at 1:37 am
CNN Poll: Does the GOP want ideologically pure candidates?
http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2009/images/11/17/rel17e.pdf
http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2009/11/17/cnn-poll-does-the-gop-want-ideologically-pure-candidates/
November 18th, 2009 at 1:40 am
Huntsman is an Obama appointee, and the least effective ambassador to China since our troubled republic re-established diplomatic relations with the Celestial Empire in the 70s. He has consistently supported the Obama-Clinton line of trading human rights for U.S. T-Bill purchases. The man has sold his soul.
November 18th, 2009 at 2:14 am
#54 – I think you mean Jon Huntsman Jr.
His dad is pretty old to be running for any sort of political office.
November 18th, 2009 at 2:20 am
I think that dotan’s tongue has been planted so firmly in his/her cheek by now, she/he may need surgery to separate the two.
One might think he/she wants people to believe the stuff she/he writes here, but we all know he’s/she’s got an ulterior motive… The hard part is guessing what it could be!
November 18th, 2009 at 2:25 am
I don’t ask anyone to believe anything, sir or madame or transgendered person. I provide links. You can make up your own mind.
November 18th, 2009 at 2:31 am
As a rabid Mitt man Daniels is the ONLY potential candidate that scares me.
November 18th, 2009 at 2:31 am
59. Pete,
And posters that come to this site indicating they’ll vote for Obama rather than current Republican frontrunner Huckabee don’t have “ulterior motives”?
Please.
Liberal trolls posing as concerned Republicans are quite easy to spot.
And should be called out. This is all about beating Obama. Period.
November 18th, 2009 at 2:40 am
ROMNEY!
November 18th, 2009 at 2:42 am
So perhaps I’ll start the guessing on dotan’s ulterior motive…
He/she has a relative that really, really made her/him mad, who unfortunately looks like Mitt Romney.
Anyone else want to guess? LOL
November 18th, 2009 at 2:45 am
p.s. dotan
open your eyes to the truth about Romney. He’s the most qualified person of the last decade or so to be President.
November 18th, 2009 at 2:47 am
I guess I’ll rephrase the 2nd part of H/P P/H’s post in #62 and say that –
dotan is a liberal troll posing as a concerned Republican.
Sorry if I’m putting words in your mouth H/P. I’m just having a bit of fun at dotan’s expense.
November 18th, 2009 at 2:55 am
Palin just can’t be taken seriously again period.
Read this story:
http://politics.theatlantic.com/2009/11/e-mails_portray_palin_campaign_trail_chaos.php
November 18th, 2009 at 3:18 am
OK, first you were for Romney, then Pawlenty, then Daniels
LOL make up your freakin’ mind
November 18th, 2009 at 3:33 am
Still looking for my candidate….
November 18th, 2009 at 5:33 am
“59. Pete,
And posters that come to this site indicating they’ll vote for Obama rather than current Republican frontrunner Huckabee don’t have “ulterior motives”?
Please.
Liberal trolls posing as concerned Republicans are quite easy to spot.
And should be called out. This is all about beating Obama. Period.” Shhhhhh, those those in the Romney camp have the privilege of voting for Mr. Obama, the rest of us must vote for Mr. Romney against Mr. Obama. In fairness to the Romney camp, I am sure that a few Romney posters are actual liberal trolls. However, I do find it interest that we are all of a sudden told from certain party elements that we must never stray from the party.
November 18th, 2009 at 6:37 am
I too WILL NOT vote for Huckabee. EVER!
That doesn’t mean in a Huckabee / Obama match-up I vote for Obama, I most likely vote 3rd party or don’t vote at all. Besides it wouldn’t matter much, Obama would destroy Huck. The only states Huck can win are in the south. He can’t bring back Colorado, won’t bring in VA or Ohio, etc.
Mitt or another fiscal conservative who isn’t viewed as crazy (like Palin is viewed) are the only candidates that have a chance. People want competence and leadership, Palin and Huckabee have questions in both fields.
That being said, I would vote for Palin in the general, not for the nomination however.
Now, as to why I won’t vote for Huckabee, and I will probably get killed for this, aside from being wholly unimpressed by him and his accomplishments in Arkansas (especially his populist bent), the main reason is Religion. So much of politics is largely based upon identity. We vote for people who view the world the way we do and also don’t threaten any part of who we are as a person. While Huck and I share some similar views (I am more moderate though), how can I vote for someone who holds such great disdain for my religion, somthing that is so core to who I am as a person. Do I think that Huckabee would push to legislate anything against my faith? Of course not. But even so he ran a whole campaign based upon the strategy of quietly tearing down my religion in order to win the evangelical vote. His whole candidacy was “I am a good, ‘real’ Christian. You should vote for me.” So why would I vote for someone that is “anti” something that defines so much of who I am? Would a black guy vote for a open white supremist racist? Certainly not. Why would a Mormon vote for a person who is so blatantly anti-Mormon (and if he isn’t anti-Mormon, he sure fooled me in the way he ran his campaign). i for one will never vote for Huckabee and if Romney got the nomination and made Huck his Veep I would be pissed.
November 18th, 2009 at 7:54 am
Daniels ??
WOW ! That’s the ticket. Feel bad about 2008 ? Do it again. Pick another total unknown and take another election bath. There is no end to the spread of the ideology virus. It maims all in it’s path on both sides of the aisle.
November 18th, 2009 at 8:26 am
In reference to the dark horse rising out of the ashes, I don’t think a dark horse would win against Obama. First of all, they would need name recognition. They would also need to be able to raise a ton of money. They would also need experience. Anyone can run, but what I think needs to happen is Republicans really need to start looking at who can beat Obama – not just are they conservative enough, moderate enough, etc. Don’t forget that this election in 2012 is going to be unlike any others in the sense that Obama controls the MSM and we have a whole new generation voting. If Obama drops Biden and chooses Clinton – that ticket is going to be really hard to beat.
November 18th, 2009 at 8:39 am
THIS IS A RE-POST OF SOMETHING I WROTE ON AN EARLIER THREAD, BUT I THINK IT IS MORE RELEVANT HERE.
Not directly thread relevant, but I have been calculating the likely outcome of a Obama/Romney match-up in 2012.
Basically I looked at the past 4 election cycles (i.e. ‘96, ‘00, ‘04, and ‘08) and considered the percentage results in each state–how close was the race, what candidate edged out the other in a tight race, what is the history of GOP vs Dem victories, etc.
Then, to decide how certain non-obvious states would break (there were more than I thought), I factored in the relative “favorability” of the then current political environment for each of the candidates, and any extraordinary traits that might make a candidate more or less favorable in one state or another.
I realize that a “prediction” like this is necessarily subjective to some degree, but I think it is pretty accurate given all the available data. Also, by considering each of the past 4 elections, I am confident that this prediction factors in MOST of the “candidate scenarios” that the voting public can be faced with:
-96: popular incumbent vs. weak challenger
-00: no incumbent. A “base favorite” GOP candidate vs. member of previous administration
-04: incumbent w/ middling popularity vs. decent challenger
-08: no incumbent. A sub-par GOP candidate (whose candidacy was characterized as a continuation of the unpopular previous administration) vs. a wildly popular DEM candidate
I believe that in 2012 that the public’s choice can be accurately characterized thus:
-12: incumbent w/ middling popularity but unpopular policies vs. a strong GOP candidate that decisively won the nomination (although not a “base favorite”) whose skill set would satisfy an important need.
In any event, based on every factor–quantitative and qualitative–that I could think of, I predict:
Romney receives ……………………….. 274 – 290 electoral votes
Obama receives ………………………… 248 – 264 electoral votes
Thus, Romney is a sure thing. He will be our next president . . . in 3 years
The reason there is a “range” is that I was not able to predict–at least with any degree of confidence–the outcomes of the following states:
-Iowa (7 votes)
-New Hampshire (4 votes)
-New Mexico (5 votes)
So those 3 states are the real “swing states” for this match-up. Fortunately for Romney, none of them are very valuable.
Let me know what you think of my prediction. I know many here will agree and many will disagree–all with spirited fervor. But let the record show that I called it.
November 18th, 2009 at 8:58 am
Why don’t you keep your powder dry on Daniels and start pushing him in a few years for 2016.
November 18th, 2009 at 9:00 am
Huckabee is divisive – he cannot unite the republican party. The economy will be so messed up in 2012 that we will need a true financial genius to restore our economic greatness. We’ll need a proven leader to balance the federal budget and pay back some of this enormous debt we will have accummulated. Romney is the only leading candidate with the education, experience and political skill to bring this economy and this country back after Obama bankrupt us.
November 18th, 2009 at 9:14 am
Obama is heading the most radical administration in living memory, he has shown contempt for all of our major institutions, from the military to the medical profession
and everything in between. And the only real opposition he has faced has been the tea party movements, and their cohorts in the Republican base. And the candidate who seems best aligned
with that current, is Sarah Palin.
She spoke out against the stimulus
and she earned another one of those useless ethics complaints.
She has delineated the problems with the health care bill, and
cap n trade. While Mitt is doing
whatever he is doing, Huck is doing his show, she has been marshalling forces. And the response by too many here, it seems, is to parrot the same media
that gave us Obama, who still haven’t apologized for their malpractice, and failure of due diligence.
November 18th, 2009 at 9:27 am
48. Bob,
Romney is now a moderate? (“That does seem to be his current positioning”)
Please tell us any issue Romney has moderated on. I don’t see any.
November 18th, 2009 at 9:48 am
daniels can’t win because he is 4 feet tall and balding and out media is shallow and image obsessed.
November 18th, 2009 at 10:02 am
craigs,
“Daniels ??
WOW ! That’s the ticket. Feel bad about 2008? Do it again. Pick another total unknown…”
McCain was unknown to you? When did you start following politics?
November 18th, 2009 at 10:05 am
Gov. Perry,
“But let the record show that I called it.”
Ummmmmmm….. Rombots predicting a Romney victory in 2012 is hardly earth shattering around here.
November 18th, 2009 at 10:35 am
81–MWS: But few have been sufficiently brazen to make a prediction with such specificity. Right?
November 18th, 2009 at 10:38 am
Gov. Perry,
Not really. Others have predicted which states would flip, etc…..
November 18th, 2009 at 10:51 am
I agree with your analysis of where Romney and Huckabee are Popular. that is why it is vital for Romney (if he runs) to infer that his VP choice will be someone with a southern persuasion. My preference is DeMINT however Barbour would be a strong second. As to Romney being compared to Rockefeller. One must remember that Romney was a survivalist. A Republican governor in a Democratic State. Rockefeller was a Republican in a Democratic state as well, but when he went national and no longer needed to limit himself to his liberal leanings he CHOSE to show his true colors which were the same colors as in his state. Romney, Who is now a National Figure NO LONGER needs to Impress the folks in Massachusetts. The Conservative can now blossom and is.
As to Huckabee, I’m not sure if he’ll want to give up a lucrative Fox contract. He seems to like the TV spotlight. If he is serious about a run, He would have to announce by the end of next year. He could not remain at Fox if he does. He is, I believe (not sure) 52/53 years old. he may want to stay at fox, and have a go in 2016 or 2020. He can use Buchanan as an example. Buchanan left the TV show, Ran for President, and never returned. Huckabee has some major decisions ahead!
I have a different take on Palin. She seems to have an attitude about conservatism that says, My way or the high way. She wants to put a litmus test on all Republican candidates. She forgets that Americans are broken down this way:
Conservatives 40%
Moderates 40% (many independents)
Liberals 20%
She needs to LAY OFF the Moderate Republican bashing. Republican candidates CAN’T GET ELECTED with out them. The MATH ISN’T THERE! I hope I’m wrong in what I’m about to say, that she reminds me of George Wallace in that she might go the 3rd party route, if she doesn’t get her own way! Again, I hope I’m wrong!
November 18th, 2009 at 11:00 am
We talkin’ Bear Grylls?
You da man, Mitt!
November 18th, 2009 at 11:02 am
If they’re survivalists, I think Moderate Republicans will, um, er, survive.
November 18th, 2009 at 11:05 am
84 – Bosman wrote: “She needs to LAY OFF the Moderate Republican bashing. Republican candidates CAN’T GET ELECTED with out them. The MATH ISN’T THERE! I hope I’m wrong in what I’m about to say, that she reminds me of George Wallace in that she might go the 3rd party route, if she doesn’t get her own way! Again, I hope I’m wrong!”
You are wrong. If you had listened to the Rush interview yesterday then you would know that she thinks the 2 party system is right for the country.
Also, I don’t see how she is bashing moderates! As I have said many times before – I am a moderate, especially on social issues and she has done nothing or said nothing to make me believe she is against moderates. She is for core, conservative principles. With the many factions and sides of conservatism, I have to believe fiscal responsibility is one belief every Republican should hold dear. Palin is only siding against conservatives who are not fiscally conservative.
November 18th, 2009 at 11:06 am
86 – haha – he’s definitely no Les Stroud.
November 18th, 2009 at 11:07 am
I think Huckabee will pass on a run, preferring to keep his TV show and radio show. I think Palin will pass as well, but look to back someone as a proxy, most likely Rick Perry. I can see Huckabee being the big endorsement in Iowa and South Carolina who will help put someone over the top and into a final clash with Romney, who will likely have a handle on New Hampshire, on Super Tuesday. Palin will steer her grassroots supporters behind Rick Perry, who would be the most experienced governor in the race with a strong fundraising network. Ron Paul, who will be 77, will likely steer his support to Gary Johnson, who is beginning to prep for a national bid.
Candidates who will run:
Mitt Romney
Tim Pawlenty
John Thune
Mitch Daniels
Newt Gingrich
Rick Perry
Gary Johnson
Rick Santorum
In the end I think one of Thune, Pawlenty, or Daniels will win in Iowa, and then end into a one on one matchup with Romney. Depending on how strong the Iowa winner’s momentum is will determine if they can overtake Romney’s organization edge in the big states. I think Thune, Pawlenty, or Daniels could ride the momentum to success in NH and SC and topple Romney. The more populist right-wing candidates like Perry wouldn’t be able to.
If I had to guess on an outside-the-box ticket that doesn’t involve the also-rans Romney/Huckabee/Palin, I would guess a Thune/Daniels, Thune/Jindal, or Daniels/Thune ticket.
November 18th, 2009 at 11:12 am
“Conservatives 40%
Moderates 40% (many independents)
Liberals 20%”
For the sake of arguement I accept those numbers because they are in the ballpark. Notice how there are a few more Conservatives than liberals. So in a clean two way contest, we do not need quite half of the moderates on our side in the first place. Yes, I for one realize that an 80% Conservative is better than nothing, but the reality is that Mrs. Palin and we Palinites are largely going after real liberal as opposed to Moderate Conservatives. Yes we are going after Mr. Romney, but that is in part because of the bitter rivalry. Our first choice is to remain in the GOP and fight and I for one shall vote GOP in 2012 even if Mr. Romney is the nominee. However, we shall keep the GOP on a short line and if the party does not get its act together, it will have nothing to answer for in 2016.
November 18th, 2009 at 11:14 am
#85, #85,
I’m glad that you agree with my analysis. Try being a Republican in Massachusetts. EATING SLUGS is like EATING POP CORN! They taste like chicken!
November 18th, 2009 at 11:17 am
#90.
I hope your right!
November 18th, 2009 at 11:22 am
“You are wrong. If you had listened to the Rush interview yesterday then you would know that she thinks the 2 party system is right for the country.” That is a good point, some in the anti-Palinite movement think if they can yell 3rd party loud enough, they will get us to leave the party. Well we are not going without a fight especially when we have the upper hand.
November 18th, 2009 at 11:23 am
“it will have nothing to answer for in 2016.” I should have said that it will have ‘something’ to answer for.
November 18th, 2009 at 11:46 am
93 – I’m not sure if they want us to leave the party as much as they want to make Palin look like she is capable of breaking up the party. It’s the same old nonsense…she doesn’t care about what’s good for the party…blah blah blah. I guarantee you one thing though…if Romney left the party…all of them would follow and they would tell the rest of us that the Republicans are wrong and the party left them. There is such a double standard when it comes to Palin and it is quite annoying. Other sites are posting positive articles and interviews as headlines and we have Aron who is combing the liberal blogosphere for any negative angle he can find against Palin. Where is kristofer when you need him?
November 18th, 2009 at 11:46 am
For those who were wondering why, quite a ways back, I said I would vote for Obama over Huckabee…
Well, the reason is that I think we’re likely to see significant gains in Congress on the Republican side in 2010 and in 2012, and it may even be possible in that time for Republicans to take control of both houses. I don’t want Huckabee to be someone who is essentially in control of the whole federal government. He would set the tenor and agenda of Congress not just during his tenure, but long after. We’re already seeing how difficult it is to get rid of the Bush mentality in the Republican Party, I think we would have the same problem with Huckabee. I really dislike the way we seem to be tottering ever more widely between extremes. America gave FAR too much power to Bush and the Republicans for most of the decade, now we’ve turned around and given JUST as much power to Obama and the Democrats, and I don’t want to see that happen again.
That’s why Mitt Romney and even Sarah Palin don’t seem as threatening to me. If we’re going to end up with essentially one party government yet again by 2012, I want it to be with people in power who have critics on their own side. Romney and Palin, as I see things, wouldn’t be able to get away with as much as Mike Huckabee because Republicans don’t trust them as much.
It may seem like backwards logic, but Huckabee would further drive the party to extreme “compassionate conservatism” that seems to be code for “conservative Christian social engineering”, whereas Sarah Palin would face a lot more opposition if she tried to do that, and Mitt Romney wouldn’t have the balls to try something like that at all. I’d really rather see Obama continue to founder for another four years than to subject the Republican Party to increasing longterm irrelevance with Mike Huckabee.
November 18th, 2009 at 11:51 am
96 – intersting analyses. I couldn’t ever imagine voting for Obama…I’d rather not vote or vote 3rd Party.
November 18th, 2009 at 12:00 pm
Well, in my initial post discussing that I was assuming the election would be “held today” and wasn’t considering even the possibility of third party. In all likelihood I probably would vote third party… but if there were people I knew who were wavering between Huckabee and Obama and they believed voting 3rd party was “a waste of a vote”, I would tell them to vote Obama.
November 18th, 2009 at 12:01 pm
Are you guy still don’t learn from yours’ mistake republican? let’s re-think what you had done worse for your party and yourself.You thought you were right when you guy picked John and now you guy still say same thing and have same opinion,why Mr.communist was in the white house,Mrs. pro Mao was in the white house.You guy just don’t open your eyes and don’t see your real leader and so you will be take one more defeat before you learned the true and know who is your true leader.Educate,open your eyes my friends,America need an experience leader,the country need a strong leader,this great nation need a smart leader like Mitt come to lead this free world leader and lead America to prosperity,let’s take the right man for the right job,put the right leader for the right country,give this great nation to the loving America leader to carry America value to the world stage,please don’t give one more term for Obama completed his goal of change America to communist.
November 18th, 2009 at 12:03 pm
“Where is kristofer when you need him?” Haha, shhhh maybe Aron paid him to keep silent. In all seriousness, he’ll be back I bet.
November 18th, 2009 at 12:06 pm
#95 completely backward. Sarah Palin is the one encouraging her supporters to vote third party. None of us here worship Mitt Romney or think he should be king. We believe Mitt has the skills, experience, and ideas to be President. Very few are saying that Palin has the skills, knowledge or experience to be President. They just like her spunk. Seems to me that the Palin people are more likely to follow their preferred choice offf a cliff, since their vote is more based on intangibles than a typical Romney voter.
November 18th, 2009 at 12:13 pm
Why would we need saving from Romney? Most likely in 2012 we’ll need someone like Romney to save us from the huge financial mess the past two administrations have put us in.
November 18th, 2009 at 12:17 pm
101 – I have never once said it would be easy for Palin to become the President. I have mentioned hurdles she has to overcome. Palin has many accomplishments to prove her experience in commonsense conservatism. Some people just don’t care to look them up. Romney has many obstacles as well…I can name 3 off the top of my head. Can you give me one obstacle Romney has to win the nomination…how about Sarah Palin?
November 18th, 2009 at 12:18 pm
now why would we need Romney when conservatism solves all problems? All we have to do (we are told) is apply conservatism in all cases. In fact, it is so simple we need “common sense conservatism” to solve complex problems. So we don’t need intelligent people in Washington. Why a hockey mom could solve the world’s problems! For those drinking the Kook-Aid, this is what they believe. For the rest of us, we’d rather combine conservative principles with pragmatic, intelligent leadership and wisdom.
November 18th, 2009 at 12:20 pm
oops! I said Kook-Aid. Should have read Kool-Aid, but both apply equally in some cases.
November 18th, 2009 at 12:23 pm
102 – Romney has many strengths and his experience in the private sector could prove most valuable to us and him as a potential President. My question is this…if you look at the way Obama campaigned last year and the way his record was ignored by the MSM…do you really think they are going to change their tune if Romney is the nominee? The press will mutilate Romney as a poster boy for one of the reasons the nation is on this economic mess and all of his past successes will go down the proverbial drain of MSM slur tactics.
I know a lot of people find it funny that the MSM attempt to slap Palin around on a daily basis but how will you guys feel when, and if depending on the nomination, it is Mitt who is getting bitch-slapped MSM style?
November 18th, 2009 at 12:25 pm
“Why a hockey mom could solve the world’s problems! For those drinking the Kook-Aid, this is what they believe.” Give me some Kook-Aid to go with my Kool Aid and Ice Tea because that Hockey Mom has certainly produced a lot of good results in Alaska with Conservatism. Many Ohioans would not mind that for my state.
November 18th, 2009 at 12:27 pm
asparagus, you are a prime example as to why the Palin people and the Romney people cannot get along on this site. I thought we were having a civil conversation? Why can’t we? I haven’t always been civil, on this site, but I do try.
November 18th, 2009 at 12:31 pm
“I know a lot of people find it funny that the MSM attempt to slap Palin around on a daily basis but how will you guys feel when, and if depending on the nomination, it is Mitt who is getting bitch-slapped MSM style?” Good point, the Romneyites have little clue how the media could turn on him too. Also, he going to have get a huge well disiplined camp in order to deal with such a challenge.
November 18th, 2009 at 12:35 pm
I think Palin and her supporters whine way too much. At least Huckabee could take the punches and keep smiling.
November 18th, 2009 at 12:40 pm
If you don’t recall Romney was getting bitch-slapped by at least 3-4 fellow Republicans at once. You never heard him complain it was unfair. Lots of thin skin on the Palin side. While Palin is on the talk show circuit, she and her supporters should take Dr. Phil’s advice and “Get Real”.
November 18th, 2009 at 12:41 pm
Hopkinson,
Are you a native English speaker?
November 18th, 2009 at 12:41 pm
“If you don’t recall Romney was getting bitch-slapped by at least 3-4 fellow Republicans at once.” Really, that just happened out of nowhere?
November 18th, 2009 at 12:45 pm
BOSMAN,
What do you mean, “Mitt’s survival skills?” He never faced re-election. He was elected as a moderate, and filled out his constitutionally designated term. Since he didn’t run for a reelection that polls showed he probably would have lost, how could he NOT survive? Unless you mean “survive” literally of course…..
November 18th, 2009 at 12:47 pm
“Hopkinson,
Are you a native English speaker?”
Well, I guess Mr. Romney should get a bit of credit for attracting a few immigrant voters.
November 18th, 2009 at 12:47 pm
asparagus, just curious as to why you chose to make the name of a vegetable, that makes your urine smell funky, your handle?
November 18th, 2009 at 12:48 pm
115 – haha…oh snap. Burn notice.
November 18th, 2009 at 12:52 pm
If you want to lose weight, you need a healthy balanced diet, including vegetables. You can’t eat just junk food, like goevernment handouts and bailouts, and you can’t go cold turkey and eat nothing but tofu (abolish all government). You need to get people to have healthy eating and voting habits. After three terms of Bush and Obama, we need someone reasonable in the White House. Someone who eats his vegetables, perhaps an asparagus.
November 18th, 2009 at 12:53 pm
111 – we’re not talking about fellow republicans in a debate. we’re talking about a liberal media with a liberal agenda who have the power to change public opinion. how will you, as a mitt supporter, handle the same type of lies from the msm if mitt becomes the nominee? why do you, as a republican, not only, condone but reinforce the liberal, media’s agenda of destroying a very capable, prominent leader of the republican party? it just does not make sense to me…
November 18th, 2009 at 12:54 pm
I don’t have the time to read all of the posts on this topic, but as a current Hoosier I think I should chime in. Mitch Daniels is a wonderful governor, and he’d probably make a great president. He has a couple of weaknesses, however. One, he sought to raise income taxes on upper-income residents early in his first term. (He was rebuffed, which was a good thing for him.) This will hurt him in the primary and the general. Second, he served in the George W. Bush administration. He’s also not very charismatic, though he is likable.
November 18th, 2009 at 12:54 pm
119 – we may not agree on much but i do like that answer – haha
November 18th, 2009 at 12:55 pm
sorry that was directed to 118
November 18th, 2009 at 12:59 pm
122 yeah I sound like Huckabee lol
November 18th, 2009 at 1:09 pm
#119 1-you’re overestimating the “liberal media”‘s influence. 2-It’s more important to be truthful, especially to yourself. 3-It’s more important that voters get a favorable impression of the candidate. That is more likely accomplished by a candidate who is positive and articulate. Look at Palin’s unfavorables among independents. The media didn’t do all of that themselves. If they had that much power, Bush would never have been re-elected. If I had to choose between Palin and Huck, I would take Huckabee, primarily because he is articulate and is good at handling the media. I think Mitt may not be as good at dealing with the media, but he is at least articulate and comes off polished and intelligent. I’d prefer that over a full frontal assault, which seems to be Sarah’s MO.
November 18th, 2009 at 1:26 pm
I do give Romney credit, he does know how to turn the other cheek.
November 18th, 2009 at 1:37 pm
“Someone who eats his vegetables, perhaps an asparagus.”
You want an asparagus for President?
November 18th, 2009 at 1:53 pm
“You want an asparagus for President?” Haha, as a Catholic, I cannot oppose an aspaeagus (or any non-meat item) being President on Fridays.
November 18th, 2009 at 1:53 pm
#33
DANG DUDE! You are one merciless monster! Careful bud, comes back to ya.
November 18th, 2009 at 1:56 pm
#114
Here we go again. It never ends does it?
November 18th, 2009 at 1:59 pm
#129 Facts are Facts.
November 18th, 2009 at 2:01 pm
ComCon,
Goodness, did I doubt something someone said? My bad. I’m sorry. I will be more careful to accept anything said on this site as the gospel truth.
Like #43, for instance……
November 18th, 2009 at 2:02 pm
#106
“how will you guys feel when, and if depending on the nomination, it is Mitt who is getting bitch-slapped MSM style?”
I have no concerns with Mitt’s ability to handle the media. He doesn’t get in the mud with them by becoming defensive (which makes them hate you less) rather he articulates an agenda while making sure he controls the conversation to the issues.
It doesn’t matter who are nominee is, they WILL get hammered by the Obama coddling media. Romney has proven the most mature in dealing with attacks, both from the media, the left as well as from the right. This maturity I believe helps his credibility among independents as well as Democrats too.
November 18th, 2009 at 2:06 pm
#131
You know better MWS. It’s not the disagreement but the spirit behind every Mitt comment you make. I would be equally disapproving if you were doing it to any other candidate. I cringe also when I here Romney supporters make harsh comments about Palin.
Can we start being diplomatic and gracious in our Republican family? We really don’t need to be this disfunctional, don’t you agree?
November 18th, 2009 at 2:10 pm
#131
PS. No, you are right. Dotan may be a Republican but has the attitude of a venomous liberal. Like an Alan Colmbs without any self restraint.
No, he is different breed, and when measured up to him, you are an angel:)
November 18th, 2009 at 2:11 pm
ComCon,
What? He said Mitt is a survivor. I said he didn’t really “survive” anything, except in the literal sense, since he never faced re-election.
Why don’t you reword #114 for me, so I can get a better sense of the tone you’re looking for in my posts?
November 18th, 2009 at 2:14 pm
#130
“#129 Facts are Facts.”
I don’t care about facts. I have heard people express concern about Romney without seething hatred spewing out of their hearts.
I could spill out some unfortunate facts about Huckabee all day, but that is highly unproductive. It is possible to support out favorite without defacing others who could possibly be our nominee. I have been guilty in the past, but am trying to change my attitude. Negativity begats negativity. I’ve learned the hard way.
Lets be objective when we dialogue and make our primary target the main thing that, according to Bill O’Reilly, is the biggest uniter of the GOP -Barack Obama.
November 18th, 2009 at 2:19 pm
#135
I am sorry, I misread into it. There was no attacking, my bad. Please forgive….
I think any Republican, whether he ran to the right, or as a moderate is something to behold in MA. Forget a second term, the fact that a Republican can even get elected in MA is astonishing.
Hopefully with Ted Kennedy gone it will happen more often.
November 18th, 2009 at 2:38 pm
#135
Also, the recent SurveyUSA poll is showing Romney as doing very well with Independents and Democrats while still doing very well with his own party: http://thecompetentconservative.com/2009/11/18/surveyusa-poll-americans-believe-romney-would-be-the-best-republican-president/
November 18th, 2009 at 2:39 pm
I would love for the site to be less confrontational, but with people like MWS, and now Dotan, it’s pretty much impossible.
November 18th, 2009 at 2:41 pm
#139
MWS is changing his tone, but Dotan may take some time. I think I will do a blog post for the Romney people to avoid confrontation. It’s not productive.
November 18th, 2009 at 2:42 pm
MWS,
I think you might get a kick out of this, it gave me a good chuckle: http://thecompetentconservative.com/2009/11/17/romney-defends-himself-against-allegations-of-tolerance-parody/
November 18th, 2009 at 2:49 pm
ComCon,
Don’t give me too much credit, it depends on the topic and my mood.
BTW, the video wouldn’t work for me, but I love the Onion.
November 18th, 2009 at 2:51 pm
CR,
“I would love for the site to be less confrontational, but with people like MWS, and now Dotan….”
Hey, I’m just glad I’m no longer the only confrontational person anymore.
Sure was gettin’ lonely, arguing all by myself……………
November 18th, 2009 at 3:02 pm
#143
Must have been tough holding down the fort. I have observed that when there is absolutely no balance whatsoever, the person seeking to restore balance is often the one coming off as extreme because he feels like he has to fight so hard to restore it!
You can rest now my friend. Dotan has all the ground covered. You should be feeling lighter already:)
November 18th, 2009 at 3:13 pm
138. That’s the city Los Angeles Poll
ONLY ; )
Mitt should run for Mayor there.
I’ll help him.
November 18th, 2009 at 3:19 pm
#145
Thanks you. Optimism for America had it posted without any reference to where it came from. I hate it when they do that and they always do. I post the reference.
November 18th, 2009 at 3:22 pm
PAUL RYAN!!! Down the line Regan Conservative. Go to guy on economic issues in the House. Young, intelligent and and a compelling speaker.
November 18th, 2009 at 3:29 pm
“I hate it when they do that” Hey, it was not your fault. Haha, btw, I am sure LA could use a competent Conservative as mayor.
November 18th, 2009 at 3:29 pm
#147
I like Ryan.
November 18th, 2009 at 3:31 pm
#148
The whole State of California could use Competence! I just spent 3 months there and the short time I did I could see that that place is in shambles. Up in Crescent City, all the Correctional Officers that work at Pelican Bay can hardly feed their families. Same with the police force.
They all took a huge cut in pay in order to balance the state budget.
November 19th, 2009 at 4:29 am
“Let me know what you think of my prediction”
It reminds me a lot of Harold Campings’ predictions about 1994 and the book “88 reasons why Jesus will come back in 1988″.
Fuzzy math. Pre-determined outcome. Obscure and irrelevant factors. Obvious unproven assumptions (like “a strong GOP candidate that decisively won the nomination “)
November 19th, 2009 at 4:39 am
“Romney is the only…”
Why is he “the only”? That is the problem with many Romney supporters. I am a Huck fan, no doubt. But I could have gone with Thompson, Hunter, Tancreto or even Ron Paul in 2008. I voted for John McCain (with my nose half-pinched, twoulda been completely pinched without Palin on the ticket). The only two I could not stomach were Giuliani and Romney. Add Palin and Jindal as candidates I would support in 2012. There are probably others out there I would tolerate.
But this “only candidate who can save us” is almost Obama like in its arrogance.
November 19th, 2009 at 5:01 am
Other Seth’s colors are becoming clearer:
(If Huckabee wins the nomination) “I would tell them to vote Obama”.
Seth is an Obama man who thinks Huckabee will be the GOP Nominee. He’d not only vote for him, but
(Surprise!) campaign for him.
November 19th, 2009 at 2:04 pm
#114,
The Proof, as they say, is in the pudding:
Presidential Polls, Conservative numbers in Republican Polls, CPAC 07, 08, 09, 10 (I’ll say yes)…..etc….etc….etc!
November 19th, 2009 at 7:29 pm
After reading the book written by Mitt Romney a few years back about the Olympics held in Utah, I am totally convinced that he is what this country will need come 2012. It is amazing and unbelievable what he did to save the Olympics from disaster and ruin, and actually finish with a huge profit margin, when most Olympics finish in the red. It was nothing short of a miracle. In the book, he is quick to lavish praise on his team of experts and give them credit where credit is due. He had a gift to always look down the road of potential problems and take action to avoid them before they occurred. He had the uncanny ability to surround himself with those who would be best to lead in the different departments and wise enough to take their advice when needed. I challenge anyone to read his book and not come to the conclusion that he has the ability to turn this country around just like he did the Olympics (and any other public or business venture he has been involved in.)
Furthermore, all anyone has to do is listen to any of his public lectures on the economy or when he is being interviewed to know that he has a deep and thorough knowledge of the inner workings of the economy, not to mention the world economy. Others who appear to be potential candidates for the U.S. Presidency may have a surface understanding of the economy and would probably be acceptable candidates at any other time. But we are looking at a time when the country’s future will most probably be in shambles when the next presidential election is held. I hope this country doesn’t completely “blow it” the next election and compromise on someone who will be less qualified than Romney. I am hopeful that this time people can look beyond his religious beliefs and sincerely look at his qualifications of fixing messes. We have to be honest and know that it was his religion that played a huge part in his not being nominated last time, although many will deny this was the real reason they could not support him. Much has been made about the bias against Sarah Palin which was real, but hardly anyone has been forthright about the bias against Romney because of his religion. We have to get it right this time. The future of our country is in peril.
Of note, Romney’s new book scheduled to be published in March has no side issues of setting any record straight or pointing any fingers. It is completely about what is ailing the country and how to fix it.