Elections GOP Road to 2016 Primary Thread

[ShoelessRye]

Every Republican Running for President Votes Against Paid Sick Leave; It Passes Anyway

Gee what do Kirk, Toomey, Ayotte, Portman, Murkowski, Burr and McCain have in common?

I guess they were allowed to vote for it because the GOP House will kill it anyways, so at least this vote couldn't be used against them come Nov 2016.

 

[Lead]

At the debates they all stand shoulder to shoulder though. Jeb is taller - listed at 6'3". Romney was 6'2'. Pres Obama is 6'1".

Interesting. People are pretty stupid to vote on something like that.

 

[Lead]

2016 brawl breaks out on Senate floor

The 2016 Republican nomination contest spilled onto the Senate floor Thursday, turning a marathon budget debate into a battle over which candidate is prepared to lead the country at a time of war.
Four GOP senators are trying to gain the upper hand on the commander-in-chief test

 

[Lead]

Ron Paul supporters bolt Rand Paul camp

As he pulls together his expected presidential campaign in Iowa and New Hampshire, Sen. Rand Paul is confronted by defections from an unexpected quarter: the die-hard idealists whose energy powered his father

 

[Lead]

Jeb and Walker’s Immigration Double-Talk

Scott Walker and Jeb Bush were bound to collide sooner or later. It turned out to be sooner.

As the son of a Baptist minister, and the son of the 41st president of the United States, these two were destined to be the odd couple of the 2016 election. Walker is running against the establishment and the Washington elites. Bush embodies both. Walker will need at least $100 million to compete in the GOP primary, and more if he makes it to the general. Most of the Republican donors who write those kinds of checks are on Bush’s speed dial.

New Questions Emerge on Scott Walker's Immigration Stance

Facing new questions over his position on whether to allow undocumented workers to remain in the U.S., Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker travels to the Mexican border Friday with Texas Governor Greg Abbott.

The latest questions follow a Wall Street Journal report that Walker told a private dinner of New Hampshire Republicans on March 13 that he supports allowing undocumented immigrants to stay in the U.S. and eventually become eligible for citizenship.

Walker had already been accused by some potential Republican presidential rivals of flip-flopping on the issue, after he said earlier this month that his views had “changed” when it comes to “amnesty” for undocumented workers and that he no longer supported allowing them to remain in the country.

Is Walker's Message Mixed on a Pathway to Citizenship?

As Scott Walker prepared to visit the U.S.-Mexico border on Friday, his stance on immigration reform is creating difficulties for him -- and causing some whiplash for his unofficial presidential campaign.

The Wisconsin governor has billed himself as a “bold” conservative who can attract support from establishment-oriented Republicans. But when it comes to immigration, a complicated and visceral issue that divides the party, Walker’s agility is being put to the test: He must convince the GOP’s right flank he’s not Jeb Bush when it comes to what conservatives like to call “amnesty” for undocumented immigrants while assuring his party that he’s not Mitt “Self-Deportation” Romney.

 

[Lead]

GOD AND JEB

On a sunny Saturday morning in early March, Bob Vander Plaats walked into the West Des Moines Marriott with a chip on his shoulder. Iowa's evangelical shot-caller had come to meet with Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, who was in town for the Iowa Ag Summit, a cattle call that drew the majority of Republican presidential hopefuls. Over the course of the weekend, Vander Plaats had sit-downs scheduled with just about all of them. But not Jeb Bush.

A twice-failed gubernatorial candidate who helped boost Mike Huckabee to victory in the 2008 caucuses, Vander Plaats has grown accustomed to presidential aspirants lining up to kiss his ring, and his group, the Family Leader, has yet to choose a candidate for 2016. But when Bush's team planned the former Florida governor's first trip to Iowa in 15 years, no time was set aside for Vander Plaats

 

[Ayin]

Interesting. People are pretty stupid to vote on something like that.

I doubt it's an intentional decision, but from back when I looked into it, height was a determining factor in US election.

 

[Lead]

I doubt it's an intentional decision, but from back when I looked into it, height was a determining factor in US election.

Is Geroge Jr tall? I always pictured him as 5'10, same with his dad. McCain has to be a midget too so I doubt it matter much in primaries. The GE should have anyone taller than Hillary but I doubt that would affect the election with the gender difference.

 

[Farmer Br0wn]

Ron Paul supporters bolt Rand Paul camp

Well, if one article on politico says so, it simply MUST be true.

Unproven assertions made by the article aside, I know that the tea party in my state is working hard to cement Nebraska's delegates for the tea party candidate (with a preference for Rand). The proof of this is that the Nebraska Liberty Caucus was able to get Laura Ebke elected to state senate. She was responsible for attempting to give Nebraska's delegates to Ron Paul in 2012. Nebraska will be an interesting state to watch in 2016. The Tea Party is setting the stage for a mini-coup against the GOP for convention delegates.

 

[Lead]

Well, if one article on politico says so, it simply MUST be true.

Unproven assertions made by the article aside, I know that the tea party in my state is working hard to cement Nebraska's delegates for the tea party candidate (with a preference for Rand). The proof of this is that the Nebraska Liberty Caucus was able to get Laura Ebke elected to state senate. She was responsible for attempting to give Nebraska's delegates to Ron Paul in 2012. Nebraska will be an interesting state to watch in 2016. The Tea Party is setting the stage for a mini-coup against the GOP for convention delegates.

I want to be clear that when I post these articles, I'm not trying to show a stance of my own. I've posted positive/negative articles about each candidate in both primary threads. They are simply meant to engage more discussion in the thread as you did there.

I agree with you. I think Ron's followers are going to stick with Rand even if he isn't as ideological as his father. Ron also has a consistent poll following during 2012. If Rand gets all of that crowd (which I think he is looking at RCP), it really boosts him compared to other new Senators in the race. His dad's legacy definitely helps him.

 

[Ayin]

I agree with you. I think Ron's followers are going to stick with Rand even if he isn't as ideological as his father. Ron also has a consistent poll following during 2012. If Rand gets all of that crowd (which I think he is looking at RCP), it really boosts him compared to other new Senators in the race. His dad's legacy definitely helps him.

Who would his followers/supporters rally to if they were to leave him? I can't see them supporting any other candidate against him, and even if some percentage of them were not to support him vs his fellow Republicans, the majority would still likely support whichever Republican runs against the chosen Democratic candidate I would assume.

 

[Lead]

Who would his followers/supporters rally to if they were to leave him? I can't see them supporting any other candidate against him, and even if some percentage of them were not to support him vs his fellow Republicans, the majority would still likely support whichever Republican runs against the chosen Democratic candidate I would assume.

Exactly. They would vote for Rand or stay home, especially in the primaries. In the main election, they could vote for whatever libertarian candidate comes up but for the primary they don't have options to ignore Rand and would be stupid to if they really wanted their ideals moved forward. Rand is the most electable guy that aligns with Libertarians in a very very long time.

 

[ShoelessRye]

Is Geroge Jr tall? I always pictured him as 5'10, same with his dad. McCain has to be a midget too so I doubt it matter much in primaries. The GE should have anyone taller than Hillary but I doubt that would affect the election with the gender difference.

George W. Bush is listed at 6'2" and probably wore cowboy boots to add another couple inches in height as well.

McCain is 5'7" and he did beat Romney during his primaries, though lost to George W. in primaries back in 2000.

In 2012 primaries Michele Bachmann looked positively tiny on stage, but she's listed at 5'2". Hillary is listed at 5'7" and probably will be 5'9"ish wearing heels.

 

[GearSolidMetal]

Ted Cruz is the dark horse of the possible nominees. Alot of people are writing him off already, but that's a very unwise assumption to make.

He's a Harvard Law graduate and the leader of the debate team while he attended. That explains why he's unafraid to go on CNN and MSNBC and take tough questions, and he's left each appearance nearly unscathed, and put some media figures on notice of his potential.

Harvard Law Professor Alan Deshowitz praised Cruz as one of the smartest students he's ever had.
http://dailycaller.com/2013/05/09/dershowitz-tex-cruz-one-of-harvard-laws-smartest-students/

Even George Carville had this to say about Cruz, who isn't known for praising those on the opposite side of the political isle.

http://www.abovetopsecret.com/forum/thread945344/pg1

James Carville remarked, with no scorn or irony apparent in his voice:

I think [Ted Cruz] is the most talented and fearless Republican politician I've seen in the last 30 years. I further think that he's going to run for president, and he is going to create something. I'm not sitting here saying he's going to win, and I think Senator DeMint is right [that he inspires people across the country]. I've listened to excerpts of his speech in South Carolina. He touches every button, and this guy has no fear. He just keeps plowing ahead. And he is going to be something to watch.
And a lot of Republicans feel this way...and you hear this a lot: "If we only got someone who was articulate and was for what we were for, we'd win elections. And we get these John McCains and these Mitt Romneys and these squishy guys that can't do anything." Well, there's one thing this guy is not - he ain't squishy, not in the least.

If all the rising stars held a national debate, Carville asserted, Ted Cruz would "eat their lunch."

It's worth noting Carville said this only 5 months after becoming a Senator.

And Cruz has already entered a political election as a severe underdog to eventually win his Senate seat. Months before the Nov'10 election he only had 2% in the polls, against an opponent who was the Lt. Governor at the time, who was endorced by practically everyone in the state who's endorcement was worth anything, and with a much deeper fundraising war chest.

Am I saying that it's enivitable that Cruz is going to beat everyone else in the running for the nomination? No. I'm merely saying that it's unwise to write him off as others have in the media, which seems like it's more wishful thinking.

 

[Lead]

Ted Cruz is the dark horse of the possible nominees. Alot of people are writing him off already, but that's a very unwise assumption to make.

He's a Harvard Law graduate and the leader of the debate team while he attended. That explains why he's unafraid to go on CNN and MSNBC and take tough questions, and he's left each appearance nearly unscathed, and put some media figures on notice of his potential.

Harvard Law Professor Alan Deshowitz praised Cruz as one of the smartest students he's ever had.
http://dailycaller.com/2013/05/09/dershowitz-tex-cruz-one-of-harvard-laws-smartest-students/

Even George Carville had this to say about Cruz, who isn't known for praising those on the opposite side of the political isle.

http://www.abovetopsecret.com/forum/thread945344/pg1



It's worth noting Carville said this only 5 months after becoming a Senator.

And Cruz has already entered a political election as a severe underdog to eventually win his Senate seat. Months before the Nov'10 election he only had 2% in the polls, against an opponent who was the Lt. Governor at the time, who was endorced by practically everyone in the state who's endorcement was worth anything, and with a much deeper fundraising war chest.

Am I saying that it's enivitable that Cruz is going to beat everyone else in the running for the nomination? No. I'm merely saying that it's unwise to write him off as others have in the media, which seems like it's more wishful thinking.

Most people in this thread have said Cruz is likely going to be that 3rd guy that sticks around with a following but doesn't win. He's going to be the alternative candidate for the tea party crowd who might not want to vote for Bush, Rubio, or possibly Walker. Carson was trying to carve out that spot but I think Cruz will take it. People also say that's the same spot Rand is going for but I don't see it that way. He has a very unique position.

Above that, I mentioned Cruz's education. He pretty much has Obama's background before he became president but he's a hardline conservative. I don't think that wins him the candidacy. He will cause problems in the debates but that won't win him over with voters. The biggest problem Cruz has is he isn't liked among Conservatives. There is a strong split with those who agree with the way he conducts himself.

What is interesting with Cruz is he landed 40% Hispanic vote for his Senate seat. That's unheard of for a Republican. He talks about getting the Reagan collation back with conservatives, evangelicals, libertarians, Reagan democrats, AND Hispanics. I think that is a large group to attempt to appeal to and other candidates are doing it better than him.

 

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Christie Tells Michigan Republicans Obama Failing at Leadership

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie continued his attacks on President Barack Obama, telling Michigan Republicans that Obama lacks leadership and common sense on foreign policy, the minimum wage and government entitlements.

Christie, considering a 2016 presidential candidacy, told about 800 people gathered at a Republican fundraiser in suburban Detroit to

 

[Lead]

Rand Paul and the Koch Brothers Are Having a Nixon-in-China Moment

The question had to be asked, and Van Jones was there to ask it: How would the Koch brothers get rich from prison reform? How would bipartisan criminal justice reform

 

[Lead]

Behind Scott Walker's Border Visit Is His Immigration Muddle

On Friday, Scott Walker toured the Rio Grande Valley by helicopter as a guest of Texas Governor Greg Abbott, who, like the Wisconsin governor, has called for more robust security along the U.S. border with Mexico.

But improving border security isn't a position that Walker has held for that long, at least according to a 2013 interview with the Wausau Daily Herald. "You hear some people talk about border security and a wall and all that," he told the Wisconsin newspaper. "To me, I don't know that you need any of that if you had a better, saner way to let people into the country in the first place."

While Abbott met with reporters after the tour, Walker bolted, avoiding questions about a Wall Street Journal report that he told a private dinner of New Hampshire Republicans on March 13 that he supports allowing undocumented immigrants to stay in the U.S. and eventually become eligible for citizenship. What could have been an effective photo-op for Walker, instead has become embroiled in the latest flap over his views on one of top issues for the Republican base.

 

[ShoelessRye]

Even George Carville had this to say about Cruz, who isn't known for praising those on the opposite side of the political isle.

Not to digress but he(assuming you meant James) is married to Mary Matalin, a GOP insider who worked in Reagan and W. Bush Administration. On W.s campaign as well. I can't believe you can be married to somebody completely opposite of your views politically and who works against your political interests. I think Carville is just playing the game so no matter who is in the WH Carville/Matalin get invited to all the right parties.

Matalin will probably be brought onto the Jeb Bush campaign eventually.

 

[Lead]

Not to digress but he(assuming you meant James) is married to Mary Matalin, a GOP insider who worked in Reagan and W. Bush Administration. On W.s campaign as well. I can't believe you can be married to somebody completely opposite of your views politically and who works against your political interests. I think Carville is just playing the game so no matter who is in the WH Carville/Matalin get invited to all the right parties.

Matalin will probably be brought onto the Jeb Bush campaign eventually.

Some people like that. He might enjoy discussing issues with her and hearing the opposing viewpoint frequently. It could keep both of them sharper. That or he separates life and work like many do. I wouldn't mind if my spouse had the opposing viewpoint as me, just as long as she wasn't clueless about what he was saying and simply being a mindless voter.

The girl I'm with now disagrees with me on some issues but isn't very political.We talk about them once in awhile and its pretty nice.