The Dismal GOP Primary

Is Iowa really relevant anymore for Republicans in the presidential primary? It's clear that Rick Perry is simply buying his way into single-digit polling by media buys. So whatever happened to the importance of retail politics in the early primary states? Plus ... let's face it, the GOP field is made up of misfits, malcontents and charlatans on book tours, looking to score some free travel money and free publicity by running for president of the USA.

On the other hand, what difference does South Carolina's primary make to the rest of the country? Will SC EVER go for Romney? Can't see it. And then there's fickle Florida: should we trust Floridians' judgement? After all, they elected a lunatic to be their governor.

I'll be following the returns tomorrow night, just to see GOP heads explode if Ron Paul's numbers come in as well as expected!

 

I think that Ron Paul would be the most interesting candidate and would certainly contribute more to the real debate that's needed in this country than any of the, let's face it, jokes who are running. I agree with Paul on very little except the wars and our empire. But he has a certain amount of integrity, far more than the others at least, and I have to give that some respect for that.

 

Recent history has proven that the Iowa Caucus has only picked the eventual GOP nominee twice in the last couple of primaries. I personally hope they ALL stay on board and continue to tear each other apart. The more media exposure these clowns get, the more people in this country will know what they are all about. And they ain't about much.

 

It seems odd to me that the none of the RWers on this board have come out in favor of any particular candidate in the race for the Republican nominee. It's like they really don't have an opinion and won't until it's been decided for them and then they will obediently jump on board with whoever it happens to be. It seems that there is not a lot of independent thinking that goes on among them. Sadly this is probably responsible whatever success they've had among a generally thought-averse electorate.

 

I don't know if you're including me in your assessment, Tak. Speaking purely from my own perspective, though, I'm not behind any candidate because I see no candidate worth getting behind. I hate to say it, but I won't vote for Obama, I can't perceive of voting for any of these schlubs unless something really comes out and changes my mind (you know, like one of them having an origin and becoming SuperCandidate), and I am worried that voting for a third party candidate will tip the scales in favor of the incumbent. This upcoming election is very troubling to me. I simply cannot believe that these candidates are the best conservative candidates the Right has to offer.

It might be time for me to declare myself an Independent again.

 

That is just it. The parties (conservative liberal Republican or Democratic) no longer offer candidates. It is purely a popularity contest. Nothing more and nothing less. If the best arm-twisting candidate so much as looks odd, he won't win. But the best talker who may be a lousy politician could easily win. Then you add the media selecting their candidate to attack with anonymous accusations. When you put the whole thing together, I am surprised you can still wind up with a viable candidate. Although some of this may be weighted against the Republicans, the Democrats are far from immuned to its affects.

 

Yes, it is a known fact that gets little media attention that the Iowa Caucus have picked two winners in the last two primary seasons but I disagree with you in that I do not think both GOP winners went on to win the Republican Party Nomination.

Happy New Year you pinko, "what bout the poor people", leftist.

 

Speaking of independent thinking - are the LWers even offering a choice or have they just obediently jumped on board with the single candidate offered?

 

I consider you a Conservative. Imo you are far too rational and thoughtful to be a RWer. The post from you that I've quoted here is an example of why I think that. When we disagree, and we often do, I think it's productive disagreement.

 

I was just getting ready to post the same sentiment.

 

Thanks, Tak! That means a lot to me. I have a lot of respect for you, too. I see nothing wrong with disagreeing as long as it's respectful and I love it when it generates discussion.

 

Let me ask this how many sitting Presidents have ever had a seriouse contender from within there own party?

The only seriouse one I can recall is Ronald Reagan against Gerald Ford in 1976 other than that it seems both parties put up a little something to keep the voters happy

 

Can you name the last time in either party that the incumbent was dumbed for a new candidate? Who would be that stupid?

 

You just beat me by 2 minutes Steve. Farmer really should have thought that comment through before he made it. I can't think of an excuse for David.

 

Given what a flop BO has proven to be, one would expect independent thinking dimocrats to at least consider an alternative. The fact no dimocrat is willing to publically call for an alternative to BO proves you all are guilty of the group think, lock step tag.

 

Now does anyone here think that what Nixon did, which was not the actual criminal act but the cover up, doesn't happen on a frequent basis in Washington from either party. Isn't it called in political circles, damage control.

 

BS! Not only will Obama be re-elected, Hillary will swap places with Biden and she will win in 2016. You heard it here first.

 

Ouch! I think my ears bled just a little bit.

 

Save this thread for the next 11 months. I'll let you throw it in my face if I am wrong. However, if I am not..... You'd better duck.

 

Interesting views here and some that are beyond the mundane and highly predictable.

Real questions.

Who will "win" the Iowa Caucus?
Who cares? (and why)
What will it really indicate?

I'll offer my opinion on the indications which ties into my other questions.
Indications are Paul, Romney or Santorum seem to be the leaders as I type.

Who will win? I guess we'll see.

Who cares? Perhaps a lot of Republicans I would imagine as they really do seem undecided. Are any of them worth voting for as President?

Some may question why the Democrats don't have someone running against an incumbent President. I am somewhat in agreement with that actually.
After all, given the Republican choices, PeeWee Herman would be a decent choice.

Perhaps Scott Walker the governor of Wisconsin should run. After all he LOOKS like PeeWee Herman. Or is it too late?