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originally posted by: tothetenthpower
a reply to: Southern Guardian
I dunno which 10 they'll cram on that stage, but if the Don is one of them ,expect to have the others just basically sit there and look stupid while he runs his mouth.
Ben Carson said he's not opposed to running with Trump, which is scary in itself.
~Tenth
originally posted by: TonyS
originally posted by: Southern Guardian
Still you gotta admit... the GOP debates will be entertaining.
Oh, good grief.....you have to be kidding. Entertaining? With the possible exception of Trump and Rubio, they've got the personality of cardboard and the debates will be largely scripted.
I won't be watching any of the debates; they bore me to tears. Lying sycophants anxious to tell J.Q. Republican what they think he wants to hear.
originally posted by: Southern Guardian
So August will be the first month for the GOP primary debates. Given that there's only so many candidates that'll be allowed to participate, who do you think will make the shortlist? Or who do you think should be on the shortlist?
There are 15 major Republican candidates running in these GOP primaries (if we are to assume Scott Walker is jumping in as well) so there will be at least 5 losers. Here's my shortlist:
Jeb Bush - The best bet thus far. Raised $110 million already in campaign money, carries the Bush name and the connections that come with it!
Rand Paul - The favourite for the Libertarian wing of the party. One of the tea party candidates.
Marco Rubio - Another favourite. If Jeb's out, Rubio is in as he can appeal to Floridians (Florida is a must for the GOP in 2016). He's also hispanic!
Ben Carson - Tea party favourite, gotta appeal to that wing of the party. He's also black so that's a plus. Good to have at least one in the GOP debates to appear inclusive folks.
Trump - Oh boy oh boy, he is a must. Need to appeal to that... other wing of the GOP.... not to mention, he'll be instrumental to the debate ratings.
Carly Fiorina - To be honest, she doesn't have much appeal to her other than the fact she's a GOP female counterweight to Hillary. Let's be real here.
Ted Cruz - Another Tea Party nut. Gotta make sure you appeal to that wing of the party. He's also got Texas. Gotta keep them Texans happy... not that it matters as they'll go GOP regardless. But still, just to be safe.
Scott Walker - Oh he's running, and he appeals to all bases of the GOP. Watch out for him!
Rick Perry - He's probably the one with the least of a chance to get the presidency but like it or not, Rick still carries weight in the GOP. He was a relatively popular governor and he has plenty of connections. As with Cruz, keep em' Texans happy. If Florida gets two, then Texas should get two as well!
Chris Christie - He barely makes my short list. Now I know, I know, what am I thinking? Chris Christie?! He doesn't have a chance in heck! But look understand, he's from a blue state. He's governor of a blue state. Yes, getting New Jersey in the GOP box is a pipe dream, but GOPers can dream can't they. He's going to be in the debates. Again, comes back to being inclusive as well.
Those who did not make it:
Rick Santorum - Has been. Nil appeal in the GOP. Teddy already fills the void in terms of evangelical appeal.
George Pataki - Who?
Lindsay Graham - He'll always be viewed as just a senator.
Bobby Jindal - No. Just no. Sorry but he's just not popular at the moment. Ben already fills in the minority gap in the debates. Louisiana is also not much of a factor state in the elections. Nah! out!
Mike Huckabee - Has been. We already have a Fox host for the debates as well.
originally posted by: fltcui
You can make fun of Trump all you want, but..... he has the $$$$$'s to get the smartest people available to prep him for the debate. He is saying out loud many concerns held by the majority of the people in the U.S. and yes his message is resonating.
I could probably vote for him if he ran as an independent depending on what his plan is for improving our economy and putting people back to work, but otherwise I'll vote for the libertarian candidate.
originally posted by: JackKennedy
I like Southern Guardian's initial projections given the motley crew cast of characters comprising the Party of "Lincoln". Poor Abraham, turning over in his grave at the thought of Donald Chump, err, Trump being his party's standard bearer. I'm with Bernie Sanders this time around, and hopefully he nudges Senator Elizabeth Warren (D) Massachusetts to be his potential running mate. America really needs to start anew and refrain from the same old same old...
originally posted by: JackKennedy
You are on the right track, Amazing, balance is key for genuine collaboration to exist.
How about a Clinton (Hillary)-Bush (Jeb) ticket? Pros? Cons?
Whatever is decided I just want more healing and less demoralizing news day after day after day. Less partisanship is a good start. There has to be a happy medium in there if all parties concerned wish to find it, rather than constant finger-pointing, which is so counter-productive long term.
UPDATE: 6:10 p.m. -- Fox News on Tuesday announced the 10 candidates who will participate in the first Republican presidential debate this coming Thursday. The candidates are:
Donald Trump
Jeb Bush
Scott Walker
Mike Huckabee
Ben Carson
Ted Cruz
Marco Rubio
Rand Paul
Chris Christie
John Kasich
originally posted by: beezzer
a reply to: Southern Guardian
I know this may sound cynical, but, "At this point, what difference does it make?"
originally posted by: ManBehindTheMask
Walker and Rand
Trump will get eviscerated. He's all good and well ranting when no one is there to challenge is megalomaniacal ramblings , but once one of those to get ahold of him he's going to end up looking like the rambling blowhard that he is
Once it's debate time trump doesn't stand a chance, the guy has NO policies to back his rhetoric.
I've said it before, even if it got that far Sanders would mop the floor w him anyway