2012 Republican Presidential Contenders

**S Landreth** · 09-09-2011, 08:47 AM

Originally Posted by Jesus Jones

Despite the media doing the best to ignore RP.

First Read - Who do you think won the Republican debate at the Reagan library?

I was reading some sites yesterday and saw some polls and results,…… “Who do you think won the debate?”

There was an overwhelming amount of votes for Ron Paul (lopsided). It seems his supporters were out in force yesterday.

Speaking of Ron Paul you have to think about Electability,…….I just don’t think he has it.

From fivethirtyeight:

Electability a Primary Liability for Perry

I’ve developed a habit — it’s probably a bad habit — of assigning letter grades to the Republican candidates based on my initial reaction to their performance in debates. After Wednesday night’s debate in Simi Valley, I gave Rick Perry a B-minus, meaning an average performance. Meanwhile, I gave Mitt Romney, his primary rival for the Republican nomination, a higher grade of A-minus.

The grades are based on neither style nor substance per se, but instead mostly on strategy: how much each candidate did to improve his chances of winning the nomination. Newt Gingrich, for example, got in some good one-liners and seemed more poised than he had in past debates. But in deliberately avoiding contrasts between himself and the other candidates, he did little to give Republican voters a reason to pick him — something he needs to do, since he’s standing at about 4 percent in the polls.

As for Mr. Perry, I thought he had a very good opening sequence, surprising Mr. Romney by going on offense and critiquing his job creation record in Massachusetts — including a crowd-pleasing remark that compared Mr. Romney unfavorably with former Democratic Gov. Michael Dukakis.

But he got weaker as the night went along. Some of Mr. Perry’s odder moments — like his invocation of Galileo Galilei in response to a question about climate change — are liable to make for a funny segment on The Daily Show and then be forgotten about. What was more noteworthy was Mr. Perry’s response to a question about Social Security, where he doubled-down on rhetoric from his book and characterized the program as a “Ponzi scheme.”

This particular remark is not likely to sit exceptionally well even with Republicans, conservative though they may be. A CNN poll published last month found 57 percent of Republicans opposed to major changes in Social Security and Medicare.

Perhaps for the Republicans who will turn out in the primaries — who tend to be more conservative than Republicans as a whole — the numbers are closer to even, or a little bit in Mr. Perry’s favor. I would argue that Mr. Perry’s remarks were nevertheless unwise.

The reason is that this will play into concerns about his appeal to general election voters. (With good reason: some 62 percent of independents, and 69 percent of moderates, are opposed to reforms on the scale that Mr. Perry has advocated, according to the CNN poll.)

Electability does matter to primary voters. Historically, parties have rarely nominated the most ideologically extreme candidates in their field. Yes, George McGovern and Barry Goldwater won — but they have been more the exceptions than the rule as compared with a host of others (Howard Dean, Pat Robertson, Jesse Jackson, Pat Buchanan, Jerry Brown) who lost.

More to the article: Electability a Primary Liability for Perry - NYTimes.com

**Jesus Jones** · 09-09-2011, 09:16 AM

^I agree, he doesn't because the media and the establishment won't have it.

It's just a shame the US public still hasn't realized how the system works. Doesn't matter if Perry or Romney wins. Two horses backed by the same owner!

But i hear every time from US colleagues asking themselves why they voted for Obama, or Bush before that? Each and every time they are well and truly sold.

**sabang** · 11-09-2011, 08:38 AM

The only winner of the last, and the next, Presidential election is Citizens United- and that was determined by the Supreme Court. The next President hardly matters, whether it is some buffoon in a cowboy hat, or some half white mummy's boy. But it won't be Perry, y'all will see. But even if he did, do you think you would now have a 'Teabag Amerka'? Don't make me laugh.

Congress keeps the President in handcuffs according to their own agenda, and we all know who controls them. Just follow the money. Oh, I forgot- you 'United citizens' can't anymore.

**robuzo** · 11-09-2011, 08:44 AM

Corporations are people, dontcha know, and money is just another means of expression. I don't know why GE or Citigroup or the US Chamber of Commerce don't just run for president themselves, being people 'n' all.

**Boon Mee** · 12-09-2011, 11:09 AM

Economist Poll: Perry 29%, Romney 13%, Giuliani 9%, Palin 8%

**S Landreth** · 12-09-2011, 05:00 PM

It seems Florida might be the center of attention; for the Republican hopefuls, during this month of September.

Republican-palooza: GOP presidential hopefuls barnstorm Florida

For the next few weeks, the eight or so Republican presidential candidates will take their Barack Obama bashing-based campaigns to the nation’s most important swing state. They’ll debate Monday night in Tampa, and they’ll debate again later in Orlando, where they’ll also speak to a national conservative conference.

Crowning it all off: The Republican Party of Florida’s Sept. 24 straw poll — the best measurement of a candidate’s viability in a state that mirrors the nation’s political mood.

the entire Miami Herald story here: Republican-palooza: GOP presidential hopefuls barnstorm Florida - Florida - MiamiHerald.com

There was one section of the article that stood out to me and being a Floridian I felt compelled to put my two cents in.

“There’s one thing more important than the microphone: the message. And some of what these guys say is crazy,” says Mo Elleithee, a Florida political consultant based in Washington.

“I want these guys out there talking. In Florida, there’s a real chance they’ll help us just by opening their mouths as they try to out-tea party one another.”

Already, Republican front-runner Rick Perry is catching some political grief from Romney and Democrats after the Texas governor said in Tuesday’s debate that Social Security was a “Ponzi scheme,” and that it was a “monstrous lie” to tell young people that it shouldn’t be reformed.

Oh sure he (or any other Republican) will tell these senior Floridians that cutting the Ponzi scheme/SS will not effect them, but tell these seniors that they’re gonna take it away from their granddaughter/son and he’ll be chased outa the state.

The comment resonates in a state like Florida where about half of the electorate is over 60.

Perry’s fellow Texan, Rep. Ron Paul, has called for an end to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which has helped states such as Florida respond to disasters like hurricanes. And Rep. Michele Bachmann said during a recent campaign swing that she would be open to some oil exploration in the Everglades.

Tell someone from South Florida who was around during/after Andrew hit us (or a Floridian that was affected by Charlie, Frances, Ivan or Jeanne in one year, 2004) that you are going to end FEMA and you might find it difficult to get their vote.

Seriously,… Mrs. Bachmann we are Floridians and most of us enjoy the natural beauty of our state, you’ll learn shortly (if you are able to stay in Florida long enough) to stay outa our back yard/s, with your wells.

Originally Posted by Boon Mee

Economist Poll: Perry 29%, Romney 13%, Giuliani 9%, Palin 8%

Perry 29% and Plain 8% add Bachmann’s 5% and that’s 42% tea party crazy people.

Just a reminder:

GOP DEBATE MONDAY IN TAMPA
Time/TV: 8-10 p.m., CNN.

Where: Florida State Fairgrounds, 4800 U.S. 301 N.

Hosts: CNN, the Tea Party Express, and more than 100 local tea party groups from every state.

Participants: Michele Bachmann, Herman Cain, Newt Gingrich, Jon Huntsman, Ron Paul, Rick Perry, Mitt Romney and Rick Santorum. Moderated by CNN anchor Wolf Blitzer.

**robuzo** · 12-09-2011, 05:55 PM

They start mucking about with their oil exploration in the Glades and it's monkey wrench time. Seriously. The full Skink Tyree. I won't be alone.

**S Landreth** · 13-09-2011, 12:24 AM

Tim Pawlenty endorsed Mitt Romney for president on Monday, making the announcement on Fox News hours before the Republican presidential candidates gather in Florida for another debate.

video in the link: Pawlenty Endorses Romney - NYTimes.com

**happynz** · 13-09-2011, 12:50 AM

Originally Posted by S Landreth

Tim Pawlenty endorsed Mitt Romney for president on Monday...

...and that would swing how many votes to Romney, a half-dozen or so?

From what I have read, Pawlenty's influence has been about as influential as a goose fart in a gale.

**S Landreth** · 13-09-2011, 05:02 AM

^and another one with about the same amount of clout

,…..

Bobby Jindal endorses Rick Perry

Rick Perry has picked up the endorsement of a fellow Republican governor: CNN reports: Gov. Bobby Jindal, from neighboring Louisiana, who has often been mentioned in political media as a potential vice-presidential running mate.

Jindal will also reportedly be Perry’s guest at tonight’s “Tea Party Republican Debate,” broadcast on CNN from Tampa, Florida. Jindal is expected to officially announce his endorsement of Perry before the debate.

Link: Report: Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal Endorsing Rick Perry | Election 2012

**S Landreth** · 13-09-2011, 08:55 AM

CNN made the opening to the debate (tonight) a lot more colorful than the debates I have seen in the past. It was nice to hear the candidates answer questions on the spot.

Issues brought up (not all candidates were able to answer or given a chance),.

1) Social Security (Perry changing his tune and Romney went on the attack and Perry backed down and some of the other candidates said give option to opt-out and Huntsman sounded the best, I thought)
2) how are you going to balance the budget (vague answers given)
3) what would you do to get the economy going (Huntsman gave one good answer I liked and then Romney went on the attack again on Perry)
4) Can you be pro-business and pro-worker at the same time?
5) What is your position on the Federal Reserve (all candidates want some changes, Romney wants to keep Federal Reserve)
6) Personal income tax issue, loop holes, corporate tax, fair tax (national sales tax)
7) Executive order, do you believe (Perry admits to mistake he made in Texas about his order)
8) What’s your plan to reduce heath care costs (Ron Paul says let’em die or let the church take care of them if you don’t have insurance, everyone who had a chance to answer said get rid of Obamacare)
9) How would you remove the illegal immigrants and attract Latino voters (Perry says Feds should secure the borders, crowd didn’t like when Perry said it was OK to give immigrants college grants? Romney says enforce the law)
10) How are you going to make America energy independent (one answer, get rid of EPA)
11) National Security
12) What will you do to protect Afghan women from brutality (?) and is money well spent in Afghanistan (answers bring troops home and let afghan’s take care of themselves)
13) What will you add to the white house (just a fun question from Wolf, Huntsman would bring his dirt bike)

**rickschoppers** · 13-09-2011, 09:03 AM

Rick Perry came into the debate as the front runner, and I think he left that way. He still needs to get off the state of Texas and talk more of the nation. Whoever wins the republican nomination will probably be the next president. Too bad I will not be in the US to see it.

**Carrabow** · 13-09-2011, 07:20 PM

Since they are trying to pass the JOB bill, what happened to our lovely leaders ploy for green jobs? Hmmm....

**rickschoppers** · 13-09-2011, 10:17 PM

Originally Posted by Carrabow

Since they are trying to pass the JOB bill, what happened to our lovely leaders ploy for green jobs? Hmmm....

That is only if Obama does not get the $400 billion JOB bill passed. Don't think it will fly since it is seen by too many as another failed stimulus package.

**Carrabow** · 15-09-2011, 12:15 AM

Originally Posted by rickschoppers

Originally Posted by Carrabow

Since they are trying to pass the JOB bill, what happened to our lovely leaders ploy for green jobs? Hmmm....

That is only if Obama does not get the $400 billion JOB bill passed. Don't think it will fly since it is seen by too many as another failed stimulus package.

We will let the FBI sort out green jobs debacle.

**Boon Mee** · 16-09-2011, 07:31 AM

Former President Jimmy Carter had some kind words for two Republicans vying to become president —Mitt Romney and Michele Bachmann— but he said nobody is likely to beat President Obama in 2012.

On former Massachusetts Gov. Romney, the former Democratic president said he would like to see Romney win the Republican presidential nomination.
“I’m not taking a position, but I would be very pleased to see him win the Republican nomination,” Carter said on an interview on MSNBC set to air Thursday night.

Carter also said he appreciated that Rep. Bachmann (R-Minn.) worked on Carter’s presidential campaign in 1976. Bachmann has mentioned how she was a Democrat during college but switched parties after because she disagreed with certain foreign and domestic policies of the left.

“I know, and I appreciate that she helped me out!,” Carter said.
Carter expressed confidence that Obama would be reelected.
“I don’t think anybody’s going to beat Obama next year,” Carter said.
Heh...wanna bet?

Former President Carter has kind words for Romney, Bachmann - The Hill's Blog Briefing Room

**S Landreth** · 19-09-2011, 01:21 PM

Just a reminder and information where you can submit a question.

Submit questions to September 22nd Fox News/Google GOP debate

September is a crowded debate month for the 2012 Republican candidates. On September 22nd, the candidates will meet in a match up sponsored by Fox News, Google and the Florida Republican Party.

This debate will be a similar format to the "CNN/YouTube" debate we witnessed during the 2008 elections where candidates took questions from citizens via video.

Air Date: Thursday, September 22nd at 9pm EST on Fox News

Link: Submit questions to September 22nd Fox News/Google GOP debate « 2012 Election Central

Submit question and you can view most popular questions, most recent, hottest: FoxNewsChannel's Channel - YouTube

**S Landreth** · 22-09-2011, 06:11 AM

There was an article that came out in the Herald a few days ago with a breakdown on the coming Republican events in the state of Florida. Some parts of the article stood out to me and I made my comments.

Central Florida will be crawling with presidential candidates this week as the state Republican Party on Thursday kicks off its three-day Presidency 5 conference at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando. Here’s your guide to P5:

What’s the big deal? Why should I pay attention?

Well, Florida, Florida, Florida for one thing. Republicans can’t win the White House without Florida’s 29 electoral votes, and by many estimates Florida’s not-yet-scheduled presidential primary will decide the 2012 Republican race early next year.

Let’s hope not. Florida is filled with backward hillbilly’s, except for the few counties down south (Dade, Palm Beach, Broward and Monroe). Florida is not a good bellwether for US politics, these days.

What is it?

It’s a three-day conference that kicks off Thursday with a Faith and Freedom Coalition rally and then a live Fox News presidential debate at 9 p.m. On Friday the American Conservative Union, coordinating with the state party, holds its CPAC-FL conference featuring the presidential contenders, a myriad of prominent conservatives and a debate by the Republican candidates for U.S. Senate. On Saturday, most of the presidential candidates will address nearly 3,500 P5 delegates from across Florida who will hold a straw poll, or mock presidential primary election.

Great! Another debate (Thursday the 22nd at 9pm EST). I do enjoy watching them and I wonder what I will learn this time? Will the Republicans in the crowd applaud death? Will the Republicans yell out “Let ‘em die” (because a man doesn’t have/or cannot afford insurance)?

A Florida Republican straw poll?

Can anyone attend these events?

Florida has a history of holding significant “Presidency” conferences with debates and a straw poll, and actually, every winner of a Presidency straw poll has gone on to win the GOP nomination. Ronald Reagan won Presidency I on Nov. 12, 1979. George H.W. Bush won Presidency II on Nov. 14, 1987. And Bob Dole won Presidency III on Nov. 18, 1995. Then-Gov. Jeb Bush and the GOP opted not to hold a Presidency event in 2005. And in 2007, the party’s Presidency IV featured a debate and speeches by all the major Republican candidates, but at the urging of several campaigns, particularly John McCain’s, the party did not to hold a straw poll.

Oh shit. The way the polls are trending, it looks like Perry might win the Florida straw poll. Let’s hope, if Perry gets the nod in Florida, history will not repeat itself. We need someone to give Obama some competition. The empty hat Perry is no match.

Doesn’t that make the straw poll meaningless?

Not at all. It won’t tell us anything about the campaigns’ organizational muscle, but it’s an excellent gauge of how these candidates stand — at this point in time — with thousands of Florida’s most active and influential Republicans. These delegates will have ample opportunity to size up the field: All the major candidates will be on the straw poll ballot, and the delegates will be sitting in the audience at Thursday’s debate and many will watch them at the CPAC conference Friday as well.

At this point in time.

Full Article here: GOP presidential revs up in Orlando - Florida - MiamiHerald.com

Something of interest. Star Fuckers

Seems these Republicans (some not all) will attach themselves to anything new and shiny.

Used to be Palin,..a lot of the rethugs were creaming in their pants over that selfish opportunist.

Then Trump. A fuckin’ windbag.

Then Bachmann. Poor woman has no more money and is loosing support quickly. She has no chance.

As of late, it’s Perry. Another pretend cowboy from Texas who the rethugs are getting wet over.

His star is fading.

Slide: Perry’s lead over Romney down to three points in South Carolina

Link: Slide: Perry’s lead over Romney down to three points in South Carolina

Gallup: Perry 31, Romney 24, Paul 13, Bachmann … 5

A good poll for Romney, a mediocre one for Perry, and pure devastation for Bachmann. She was at 13 percent in early August, shortly before Perry jumped in, and 10 percent in late August. Now she’s tied with Cain and Gingrich for fourth place, a good eight points behind, um, Ron Paul. Game over.

Link: Gallup: Perry 31, Romney 24, Paul 13, Bachmann … 5

Star Fuckers,….the Republican Party. Oh she/he is the one. They will latch on to any moving target that is bright and shiny. Desperation!

**S Landreth** · 24-09-2011, 10:19 AM

I finally got around to watching the last Republican debate today. Perry and Romney,……….it seems the focus was on those two men, again.

I thought Perry botched it by not getting out coherent sentences (at one time during the debate). That man is a mess under pressure or on the spot. His stance on immigration is going to bring him down (some Republicans are not compassionate). The Republican Party needs better.

Romney was clear with his answers and is more presidential (the man was on point).

A few people in the Florida crowd seem to have a problem with gays serving in the military. Booing the man after his video question,………….embarrassing to say the least.

In a few days I expect Perry poll numbers will be coming down and Romney’s increasing.

Bachmann again mentioned her 5 kids and 100,000 foster kids. That woman was no business being up on that stage. She is hurting herself every time she opens her mouth. If she keeps it up, she might have a hard time getting elected to the house again. She’s fuckin’ crazy and people are starting to recognize it.

I still favor Huntsman. His numbers are up a bit but he has a long way to go.

**robuzo** · 24-09-2011, 10:40 AM

Originally Posted by S Landreth

I finally got around to watching the last Republican debate today. Perry and Romney,……….it seems the focus was on those two men, again.

I thought Perry botched it by not getting out coherent sentences (at one time during the debate). That man is a mess under pressure or on the spot. His stance on immigration is going to bring him down (some Republicans are not compassionate). The Republican Party needs better.

Romney was clear with his answers and is more presidential (the man was on point).

A few people in the Florida crowd seem to have a problem with gays serving in the military. Booing the man after his video question,………….embarrassing to say the least.

In a few days I expect Perry poll numbers will be coming down and Romney’s increasing.

Bachmann again mentioned her 5 kids and 100,000 foster kids. That woman was no business being up on that stage. She is hurting herself every time she opens her mouth. If she keeps it up, she might have a hard time getting elected to the house again. She’s fuckin’ crazy and people are starting to recognize it.

I still favor Huntsman. His numbers are up a bit but he has a long way to go.

"some Republicans are not compassionate"

Look what happens when one of them starts to actually talk like a Christian.

The bad thing about Bachmann is she makes Perry's ideas look a little bit less fringe by comparison.

How about Gary Johnson? I honestly don't get why libertarians (a woefully misguided bunch but not unreasonable on the whole) think they are more at home in the Republican Party. I like Johnson, even if I don't share his glibertarian, Randian vision, but when he says things like the following I have to wonder if maybe he shouldn't cut back on the weed a bit:
‘Unfortunate’: Condemnation Of Gay Soldier Boos In Post-Debate Spin Room | Election 2012
Johnson, who is not a social conservative, opposes the death penalty and supports the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, said that the angrier members of the audiences at the debates are not the whole of the GOP.

“In my opinion, when you have booing this is not indicative of Republicans,” he said. “This is not the Republican Party that I belong to.”
---
Like hell it isn't.

**S Landreth** · 24-09-2011, 11:52 AM

Originally Posted by robuzo

“In my opinion, when you have booing this is not indicative of Republicans,” he said. “This is not the Republican Party that I belong to.”
---
Like hell it isn't.

Yeah, I didn’t want to say it, but believe a large majority of that Florida audience didn’t boo but didn’t mind someone else doing it for them. I read some of the rightwing blogs and it seems some were trying to hide by saying it was only a few in the crowd.

But ya know in their hearts, a lot of them feel the same way. Friggin’ homophobes.

How about Gary Johnson?

I don’t know enough about Mr. Johnson to make any comment yet. But it was nice of Fox/Youtube to let him into the debate.

**S Landreth** · 25-09-2011, 04:08 AM

Originally Posted by S Landreth

Crowning it all off: The Republican Party of Florida’s Sept. 24 straw poll — the best measurement of a candidate’s viability in a state that mirrors the nation’s political mood.

watch live (results should be in by 6pm EST):

Livestream - Be There :: Broadcast LIVE streaming video

**S Landreth** · 25-09-2011, 04:48 AM

That’s it. Florida Republicans have spoken and their choice is Cain.

Clueless bunch. He has no chance.

Florida Straw Poll Results

Cain 37.1%
Perry 15.3%
Romney 14%
Santorum 10.9%
Paul 10.4%
Gingrich 8.4%
Huntsman 2.3%
Bachmann 1.5%

**rickschoppers** · 25-09-2011, 06:39 AM

If I had to pick who will be the Republican nomonee it would look like this:

1. Romney
2. Palin (Yes Palin will enter the race).
3. Perry

I do not think Obama can beat Romeny, but he would be able to beat both Palin and Perry. Again, this is just my honest opinion and there are no "poles" to support this.

**S Landreth** · 25-09-2011, 07:01 AM

Originally Posted by rickschoppers

If I had to pick who will be the Republican nomonee it would look like this:

1. Romney
2. Palin (Yes Palin will enter the race).
3. Perry

You know Palin is a dipshit, but she isn’t dumb enough to enter the race, because after she lost her bid for the republican nomination she would move into obscurity (where she is almost at now).

God knows the woman couldn’t do a full term as a governor of a measly (population wise) state. How she going to handle the white house.

Thread: 2012 Republican Presidential Contenders

Thread Tools

Display

Thread Information

Users Browsing this Thread

Posting Permissions