Rick Santorum, the former Republican senator from Pennsylvania, will announce today that he will seek the GOP nomination for president in 2016, ABC News has learned.
So many of the same faces over and over. They can't seem to find a single moderate, nor would their base vote for one.
It's crazy how polarized this country is. We really need someone who can pull both sides together, I just don't think there is anyone who is strong enough to do so.
give Clinton the presidency by default, I'm going to be pissed.
she shouldn't even be allowed to run with all of the baggage hanging over her, but I really hop the Republicans find somebody who can at least compete and the Democrats find somebody who will knock her off.
Rick Santorum is not happy about the rules for the first 2016 Republican primary debate, hosted by Fox News, which will limit the number of candidates onstage based on their standing in the polls. [...]
Fox News announced Thursday that the debate competitors would be determined by an average of the last five major national polls of the GOP race. The top 10 competitors will be allowed to debate, and the field could potentially expand to 11 if there's a tie for 10th. [...]
Santorum is currently near the bottom of the field in polls, along with other declared or potential contenders like former HP CEO Carly Fiorina, Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal, South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham, and Ohio Gov. John Kasich. May 22, 2015 ... - ( New Window )
Given a choice of everyone who's come forward so far Â
that the packing the clown car path to the nomination approach was less than ideal. The Democratic field is thus far tiny, and yet again every Rep with a shred of national exposure seems to be throwing their hat in the ring. Blah.
So many of the same faces over and over. They can't seem to find a single moderate, nor would their base vote for one.
It's crazy how polarized this country is. We really need someone who can pull both sides together, I just don't think there is anyone who is strong enough to do so.
But I just don't see anyone particularly likeable in that field.
While the strong base isn't going to vote for anyone not in their party, those left-center Democrats or right-center Republicans can be swayed to vote for the other guy if the candidate can hit the right notes. And I'm just not seeing any of those candidates on the right.
Again, the problem is that any of those right-center guys aren't likely to get the nomination, because the base says that they aren't conservative enough (Democrats are doing this too, with trying to implore Warren to run, or getting excited about Sanders, while losing enthusiasm for Clinton because she's not liberal enough).
When it comes time to vote in the primary, people are looking for someone who is conservative/liberal enough but not so bat-shit crazy liberal/conservative that they could never compete in a general election. In 2012, that's how we got Mitt Romney, a guy who changed his position so often to make both sides happy, and suddenly you think he must be right-center, while who knows what we really had in him.
Being the #2 finisher in the previous contested cycle has been a very strong path to the nomination on the GOP side (Reagan, GHWB, Dole, McCain, Romney -- all but GWB??). So it was pretty obvious that he would run, even if he seemingly doesnt have a shot.
But the GOP side really seems overrun with people who are running (1) in order to improve/maintain a personal brand for post-primary reasons (e.g. Fox gig or to be a "player" in the party/Senate) or (2) at the behest of the campaign-industrial complex, whereby many 2nd and 3rd tier campaigns are run so as to enrich campaign operatives.
Most of the big Tea Party organizations are now just a racket to separate rank and file conservatives from their money. The draft Ben Carson PAC has raised $15 million ... but has no affiliation with Dr. C and its leader has been barred by Carson's camp from getting his photo with the doctor (since it would be used to trick people into giving more).
Slick Rick, I don't see how having more and more candidates is a bad thing.
I mean we already have essentially no difference in choice with a One party system controlling elections, at least one party is throwing out the illusion that there are more choices available to win the nomination. Next step would be to actually allow 3rd parties with real substantial differences into the debate. Here's to hoping that the GOP goes the way of the Whig's and that becomes more likely.
give Clinton the presidency by default, I'm going to be pissed.
she shouldn't even be allowed to run with all of the baggage hanging over her, but I really hop the Republicans find somebody who can at least compete and the Democrats find somebody who will knock her off.
Just read today that some polls have Walker ahead of her. Fwiw.
If we discussed previously that some of these guys are probably running just for the exposure, or because they want to the vice president job, etc. Who do you think is a serious candidate, or who do you think has another reason?
Officially in the Race
Ben Carson: Serious
Ted Cruz: Ulterior Motive
Carly Fiorina: Not Sure
Mike Huckabee: Ulterior Motive
Rand Paul: Serious
Marco Rubio: Not Sure
Rick Santorum: Ulterior Motive
Announcement Pending
Lindsey Graham: Not Sure
George Pataki: Serious
Rick Perry: Serious, I think
Exploring a Candidacy
Jeb Bush: Serious
Chris Christie: Serious
Bobby Jindal: Ulterior Motive
John Kasick: Ulterior Motive
Donald Trump: Ulterior Motive
Scott Walker: Serious
Maybe, Maybe not
Bob Ehrlich: Ulterior Motive
Jim Gilmore: Ulterior Motive
Peter King: Ulterior Motive
vote for a moderate Republican candidate as an alternative to Hillary Clinton if they wheel a desirable one out. I have visions of a Hillary Clinton presidency straight out of The Dead Zone.
In comment 12302356 FatMan in Charlotte said:Quote:give Clinton the presidency by default, I'm going to be pissed.
she shouldn't even be allowed to run with all of the baggage hanging over her, but I really hop the Republicans find somebody who can at least compete and the Democrats find somebody who will knock her off.
Just read today that some polls have Walker ahead of her. Fwiw.
That's interesting. Can you supply a link to those polls?
''
How many of these guys seriously believe they are contenders?
Bramton1 : 12:21 pm : link : reply
If we discussed previously that some of these guys are probably running just for the exposure, or because they want to the vice president job, etc. Who do you think is a serious candidate, or who do you think has another reason?
Officially in the Race
Ben Carson: Serious Foot in Mouth Moments T/Come
Ted Cruz: May Think He Can Win
Carly Fiorina: Nice Lady, no Chance
Mike Huckabee: Huckster Runs radio show from back of his oldsmobile
Rand Paul: Seriously Right Wing
Marco Rubio: Could . Go . All . The . Way
Rick Santorum: One hit wonder?
Announcement Pending
Lindsey Graham: Baby Boomers - please just go away already
George Pataki: Seriously Deluded
Rick Perry: Serious, He Thinks, He Really Thinks he is damn serious and seriously does think he is.
Exploring a Candidacy
Jeb Bush: Serious Douchebag
Chris Christie: Seriously Fat
Bobby Jindal: Decent Candidate
John Kasick: Who In Fucking Hell is John Fucking Kasic?
Donald Trump: Façade Promoter
Scott Walker: Seriously, who?
Maybe, Maybe not
Bob Ehrlich: Never Heard of him
Jim Gilmore: Never Heard of him
Peter King: Is a Law and Order Republican even a true Conservative at all?
vote for a moderate Republican candidate as an alternative to Hillary Clinton if they wheel a desirable one out. I have visions of a Hillary Clinton presidency straight out of The Dead Zone.
And I would consider a moderate Democrat as an alternative to Hillary and the Republicans. A Bill Clinton type minus the lying, baggage, corruption and wife.
give Clinton the presidency by default, I'm going to be pissed.
she shouldn't even be allowed to run with all of the baggage hanging over her, but I really hop the Republicans find somebody who can at least compete and the Democrats find somebody who will knock her off.
Vote for Bernie. I know he has his faults but seriously who in their right mind would vote for Hillary? She is the most dishonest person in America.
In comment 12302356 FatMan in Charlotte said:Quote:give Clinton the presidency by default, I'm going to be pissed.
she shouldn't even be allowed to run with all of the baggage hanging over her, but I really hop the Republicans find somebody who can at least compete and the Democrats find somebody who will knock her off.
Just read today that some polls have Walker ahead of her. Fwiw.
That's interesting. Can you supply a link to those polls?
I would have voted for Hillary no matter what. Now, it will simply be because there just doesn't seem to be any viable opponent either from within her party or from the other party. The Republican parade of candidates, thus far, is laughable. Is there some dark horse they are holding back for right now? And there really isn't much better competition from the rest of the Democrat pack.
give Clinton the presidency by default, I'm going to be pissed.
she shouldn't even be allowed to run with all of the baggage hanging over her, but I really hop the Republicans find somebody who can at least compete and the Democrats find somebody who will knock her off.
Basically, the presidential version of the last NYC mayoral election.
I would have voted for Hillary no matter what. Now, it will simply be because there just doesn't seem to be any viable opponent either from within her party or from the other party. The Republican parade of candidates, thus far, is laughable. Is there some dark horse they are holding back for right now? And there really isn't much better competition from the rest of the Democrat pack.
You should save your vote then. By that logic you're saying Hillary IS viable. Now that's laughable. No, actually it's scary.
I would have voted for Hillary no matter what. Now, it will simply be because there just doesn't seem to be any viable opponent either from within her party or from the other party. The Republican parade of candidates, thus far, is laughable. Is there some dark horse they are holding back for right now? And there really isn't much better competition from the rest of the Democrat pack.
All politicians need to lie at times. However not all politicians are pathological liars. I said that here about her here over 10 years and she has never disappointed.
selecting the 'least bad' candidate since the 1952 election between Dwight Eisenhower and Adlai Stevenson. Unfortunately, we've allowed the inmates (politicians) to run the asylum. Ultimate payback is Hillary or Jeb in the White House.
it seems like both parties have boxed themselves Â
into status quo lists of positions on items, that, taken as a whole, are just absurd.
at least, with outsiders such as Paul and Sanders, you could have actual debate.
I mean, it would be hard to vote for Paul due to his (is this his position?) isolationism,
and Sanders is a self deluded communist, so...yeah...but, a debate would be worth watching since they would break down the prevailing mind lock on varied subjects.
''According to the Huffington Post, unlike his more stridently "non-interventionist" father, Paul sees a role for American armed forces abroad, including in permanent foreign military bases.[87]''
also- he is not as anti gay marriage (I am for gay marriage, what the hell, until we repeal the state intrusions on family, it needs to be equal) as one would think. its more nuanced than that.
Rand is not nearly as wacked out, nor as huckster-ish as his father.
the republican clown car gets more clowns
it is so funny!
as I said before - this plays exactly into Jeb Bush's hands
Jeb wants so many republican clowns running they will dilute the crazy republican tea party vote among different candidates so that low double digits in early primaries will give Jeb front runner status.
By the time Republicans figure out what is going on Jeb will have sewn up the nomination.
the media only makes money if the election is a horse race and Hillary is so far out in front of all these republican candidates that
Trust me Hillary will get completely trashed by the media from now until election day .
not an idealogue who has actually demonstrated that they have successfully run a large organization (gov't, industry, academia) that, while strong in their convictions, can compomise for the greater good of the country.
I would have voted for Hillary no matter what. Now, it will simply be because there just doesn't seem to be any viable opponent either from within her party or from the other party. The Republican parade of candidates, thus far, is laughable. Is there some dark horse they are holding back for right now? And there really isn't much better competition from the rest of the Democrat pack.
All politicians need to lie at times. However not all politicians are pathological liars. I said that here about her here over 10 years and she has never disappointed.
I think there's a huge difference. This is not political lying that we are talking about here. We are talking about actual real world lying, Petreaus rule-breaking, evidence destruction, influence peddling and perhaps even bribery. And that's just what we know now without a full investigation or retrieving (perhaps permanently) communications.
Honestly feel like this is a litmus test for voters and how they prioritize integrity versus party. I think it would be akin to Repubs having to decide to vote for Spiro Agnew had her not resigned and rather, had run versus carter instead of Ford.
So many of the same faces over and over. They can't seem to find a single moderate, nor would their base vote for one.
It's crazy how polarized this country is. We really need someone who can pull both sides together, I just don't think there is anyone who is strong enough to do so.
The problem with the left is they also keep putting forth the same people. The only difference they do more damage to the country.
So many of the same faces over and over. They can't seem to find a single moderate, nor would their base vote for one.
It's crazy how polarized this country is. We really need someone who can pull both sides together, I just don't think there is anyone who is strong enough to do so.
The problem with the left is they also keep putting forth the same people. The only difference they do more damage to the country.
If you're just trying to get the thread locked, say so.
In comment 12302356 FatMan in Charlotte said:Quote:give Clinton the presidency by default, I'm going to be pissed.
she shouldn't even be allowed to run with all of the baggage hanging over her, but I really hop the Republicans find somebody who can at least compete and the Democrats find somebody who will knock her off.
Just read today that some polls have Walker ahead of her. Fwiw.
That's interesting. Can you supply a link to those polls?
RealClearPolitics average of polls has Hillary ahead of everyone. But given the current state of name recognition she'd be toast if she wasn't.
give Clinton the presidency by default, I'm going to be pissed.
she shouldn't even be allowed to run with all of the baggage hanging over her, but I really hop the Republicans find somebody who can at least compete and the Democrats find somebody who will knock her off.
Agreed 100% but we both know it isn't Rick Santorum. I'm embarrassed that backwards imbecile calls PA home.
It's crazy how polarized this country is. We really need someone who can pull both sides together, I just don't think there is anyone who is strong enough to do so.
she shouldn't even be allowed to run with all of the baggage hanging over her, but I really hop the Republicans find somebody who can at least compete and the Democrats find somebody who will knock her off.
Fox News announced Thursday that the debate competitors would be determined by an average of the last five major national polls of the GOP race. The top 10 competitors will be allowed to debate, and the field could potentially expand to 11 if there's a tie for 10th. [...]
Santorum is currently near the bottom of the field in polls, along with other declared or potential contenders like former HP CEO Carly Fiorina, Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal, South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham, and Ohio Gov. John Kasich.
May 22, 2015 ... - ( New Window )
Thy Kingdom Come
Thy Will be Done
Give us on this Day
Our Daily Political Thread
and Protect me from Posting
Upon It
It's crazy how polarized this country is. We really need someone who can pull both sides together, I just don't think there is anyone who is strong enough to do so.
+1
While the strong base isn't going to vote for anyone not in their party, those left-center Democrats or right-center Republicans can be swayed to vote for the other guy if the candidate can hit the right notes. And I'm just not seeing any of those candidates on the right.
Again, the problem is that any of those right-center guys aren't likely to get the nomination, because the base says that they aren't conservative enough (Democrats are doing this too, with trying to implore Warren to run, or getting excited about Sanders, while losing enthusiasm for Clinton because she's not liberal enough).
When it comes time to vote in the primary, people are looking for someone who is conservative/liberal enough but not so bat-shit crazy liberal/conservative that they could never compete in a general election. In 2012, that's how we got Mitt Romney, a guy who changed his position so often to make both sides happy, and suddenly you think he must be right-center, while who knows what we really had in him.
But the GOP side really seems overrun with people who are running (1) in order to improve/maintain a personal brand for post-primary reasons (e.g. Fox gig or to be a "player" in the party/Senate) or (2) at the behest of the campaign-industrial complex, whereby many 2nd and 3rd tier campaigns are run so as to enrich campaign operatives.
Most of the big Tea Party organizations are now just a racket to separate rank and file conservatives from their money. The draft Ben Carson PAC has raised $15 million ... but has no affiliation with Dr. C and its leader has been barred by Carson's camp from getting his photo with the doctor (since it would be used to trick people into giving more).
I mean we already have essentially no difference in choice with a One party system controlling elections, at least one party is throwing out the illusion that there are more choices available to win the nomination. Next step would be to actually allow 3rd parties with real substantial differences into the debate. Here's to hoping that the GOP goes the way of the Whig's and that becomes more likely.
she shouldn't even be allowed to run with all of the baggage hanging over her, but I really hop the Republicans find somebody who can at least compete and the Democrats find somebody who will knock her off.
Just read today that some polls have Walker ahead of her. Fwiw.
Officially in the Race
Ben Carson: Serious
Ted Cruz: Ulterior Motive
Carly Fiorina: Not Sure
Mike Huckabee: Ulterior Motive
Rand Paul: Serious
Marco Rubio: Not Sure
Rick Santorum: Ulterior Motive
Announcement Pending
Lindsey Graham: Not Sure
George Pataki: Serious
Rick Perry: Serious, I think
Exploring a Candidacy
Jeb Bush: Serious
Chris Christie: Serious
Bobby Jindal: Ulterior Motive
John Kasick: Ulterior Motive
Donald Trump: Ulterior Motive
Scott Walker: Serious
Maybe, Maybe not
Bob Ehrlich: Ulterior Motive
Jim Gilmore: Ulterior Motive
Peter King: Ulterior Motive
It's not his money. His job is running for stuff and losing. It's the money of the poor suckers he convinces to contribute to his campaign.
she shouldn't even be allowed to run with all of the baggage hanging over her, but I really hop the Republicans find somebody who can at least compete and the Democrats find somebody who will knock her off.
Just read today that some polls have Walker ahead of her. Fwiw.
That's interesting. Can you supply a link to those polls?
How many of these guys seriously believe they are contenders?
Bramton1 : 12:21 pm : link : reply
If we discussed previously that some of these guys are probably running just for the exposure, or because they want to the vice president job, etc. Who do you think is a serious candidate, or who do you think has another reason?
Officially in the Race
Ben Carson: Serious Foot in Mouth Moments T/Come
Ted Cruz: May Think He Can Win
Carly Fiorina: Nice Lady, no Chance
Mike Huckabee: Huckster Runs radio show from back of his oldsmobile
Rand Paul: Seriously Right Wing
Marco Rubio: Could . Go . All . The . Way
Rick Santorum: One hit wonder?
Announcement Pending
Lindsey Graham: Baby Boomers - please just go away already
George Pataki: Seriously Deluded
Rick Perry: Serious, He Thinks, He Really Thinks he is damn serious and seriously does think he is.
Exploring a Candidacy
Jeb Bush: Serious Douchebag
Chris Christie: Seriously Fat
Bobby Jindal: Decent Candidate
John Kasick: Who In Fucking Hell is John Fucking Kasic?
Donald Trump: Façade Promoter
Scott Walker: Seriously, who?
Maybe, Maybe not
Bob Ehrlich: Never Heard of him
Jim Gilmore: Never Heard of him
Peter King: Is a Law and Order Republican even a true Conservative at all?
- Filmgiant
she shouldn't even be allowed to run with all of the baggage hanging over her, but I really hop the Republicans find somebody who can at least compete and the Democrats find somebody who will knock her off.
Vote for Bernie. I know he has his faults but seriously who in their right mind would vote for Hillary? She is the most dishonest person in America.
Quote:
In comment 12302356 FatMan in Charlotte said:Quote:give Clinton the presidency by default, I'm going to be pissed.
she shouldn't even be allowed to run with all of the baggage hanging over her, but I really hop the Republicans find somebody who can at least compete and the Democrats find somebody who will knock her off.
Just read today that some polls have Walker ahead of her. Fwiw.
That's interesting. Can you supply a link to those polls?
They're on http://www.newsmax.com/
While that would indeed be hilariously tone deaf, the less that song is accidentally audible to my ears the better.
she shouldn't even be allowed to run with all of the baggage hanging over her, but I really hop the Republicans find somebody who can at least compete and the Democrats find somebody who will knock her off.
Basically, the presidential version of the last NYC mayoral election.
You should save your vote then. By that logic you're saying Hillary IS viable. Now that's laughable. No, actually it's scary.
at least, with outsiders such as Paul and Sanders, you could have actual debate.
I mean, it would be hard to vote for Paul due to his (is this his position?) isolationism,
and Sanders is a self deluded communist, so...yeah...but, a debate would be worth watching since they would break down the prevailing mind lock on varied subjects.
also- he is not as anti gay marriage (I am for gay marriage, what the hell, until we repeal the state intrusions on family, it needs to be equal) as one would think. its more nuanced than that.
Rand is not nearly as wacked out, nor as huckster-ish as his father.
Um, no. Her resume is filled of using, abusing, and lying.
it is so funny!
as I said before - this plays exactly into Jeb Bush's hands
Jeb wants so many republican clowns running they will dilute the crazy republican tea party vote among different candidates so that low double digits in early primaries will give Jeb front runner status.
By the time Republicans figure out what is going on Jeb will have sewn up the nomination.
the media only makes money if the election is a horse race and Hillary is so far out in front of all these republican candidates that
Trust me Hillary will get completely trashed by the media from now until election day .
I know, the above person doesn't exist.
Quote:
I would have voted for Hillary no matter what. Now, it will simply be because there just doesn't seem to be any viable opponent either from within her party or from the other party. The Republican parade of candidates, thus far, is laughable. Is there some dark horse they are holding back for right now? And there really isn't much better competition from the rest of the Democrat pack.
All politicians need to lie at times. However not all politicians are pathological liars. I said that here about her here over 10 years and she has never disappointed.
I think there's a huge difference. This is not political lying that we are talking about here. We are talking about actual real world lying, Petreaus rule-breaking, evidence destruction, influence peddling and perhaps even bribery. And that's just what we know now without a full investigation or retrieving (perhaps permanently) communications.
Honestly feel like this is a litmus test for voters and how they prioritize integrity versus party. I think it would be akin to Repubs having to decide to vote for Spiro Agnew had her not resigned and rather, had run versus carter instead of Ford.
It's crazy how polarized this country is. We really need someone who can pull both sides together, I just don't think there is anyone who is strong enough to do so.
The problem with the left is they also keep putting forth the same people. The only difference they do more damage to the country.
It is always interesting times.
Quote:
So many of the same faces over and over. They can't seem to find a single moderate, nor would their base vote for one.
It's crazy how polarized this country is. We really need someone who can pull both sides together, I just don't think there is anyone who is strong enough to do so.
The problem with the left is they also keep putting forth the same people. The only difference they do more damage to the country.
If you're just trying to get the thread locked, say so.
Quote:
In comment 12302356 FatMan in Charlotte said:Quote:give Clinton the presidency by default, I'm going to be pissed.
she shouldn't even be allowed to run with all of the baggage hanging over her, but I really hop the Republicans find somebody who can at least compete and the Democrats find somebody who will knock her off.
Just read today that some polls have Walker ahead of her. Fwiw.
That's interesting. Can you supply a link to those polls?
RealClearPolitics average of polls has Hillary ahead of everyone. But given the current state of name recognition she'd be toast if she wasn't.
Link - ( New Window )
she shouldn't even be allowed to run with all of the baggage hanging over her, but I really hop the Republicans find somebody who can at least compete and the Democrats find somebody who will knock her off.
Agreed 100% but we both know it isn't Rick Santorum. I'm embarrassed that backwards imbecile calls PA home.