1 No great loss.  The guy is constantly hammered with a few issues that are big liabilities.  Fair or not, he made the right call.

Now he can endorse and campaign.

2 That is a shame.  I don't think he would have won the nomination but I think his position on leaving Afghanistan or at least quitting the nation building bullshit was an important dialog to have during the debates.

3 Sheesh... this Kevin McCullough guy on Captoon Ed's show is now saying this makes a Shuckabee run even more likely. In other words, another four years of Unicorn Justice.

4 I didn't think he would run anyway. White southerner running against black man just raises too many sore points, plus he had some skeletons. All of which is too bad because he's a smart guy.

5 Southern Drawls Need Not Apply.

6 Something tells me Cluckabee won't run. He's probably having too much fun with the other stuff he's doing.

7 Still waiting for Palin. Btw, did anyone see polluticos hit piece today?

8
>>> Haley Barbour and Mitch Daniels are friends

Can I just say that this seems like the stupidest reason ever for not running for President of the United States? 

I mean, I didn't really care too much for him anyways, but the fact that serious GOP prospects are citing reasons like this for not running.... sheesh

9 I think he would've made a good President but I'm not surprised he's dropping out.  Now if we could just get Fuckabee, Neut and Mittens to do the same I'd be a happy camper.

10
Too bad. I liked what the governor had to say.

11

 Something tells me Cluckabee won't run.

 

He has a Huge Mortgage!

12 Hmm. If Daniels does run will that make anybody else drop out?

13 Sayonara Haley.

14
It's Mittens turn.

Looks like I'll be sitting out 2012.

15 Please, let Huckobeese stay on Fox and collect his paycheck. Holy hippie Jeebus on LSD, this McCullough guy says Huckobeese is the only one who can beat Obama, because of teh polling! Where does he find these people?

16

Still waiting for Palin.

 

I see you are not familiar with my work.

17 Being a Mississippian, I've been a bigger fan of The Guv than any other potential candidate.  I kinda hate to see this happen, but then again, I know my blood pressure would spike through the roof whenever I heard the inevitable less than flattering descriptions of my state from the MBM.  We catch flack anyway, but it'd be worse if we had in impertinent white Mississippian dare challenge Teh Won.

18
I'm still wondering who will play '08's Chuck Hagel's part in '12.

We need an unpopular senator who despises the base and fancies himself above the fray of partisan politics...and independent pol who marches to his own beat...

19 I am sure somebody cares that Daniels might be running. Helloo?

Barbour was just fighting too many ghosts. I am actually glad anyway. Haley is great behind the scenes with fund raising/issue setting and we need him. Our bench is not that deep in those skills.

20 In before the Mitch H8T!!!

21 I didn't research Barbour, but he lost me when I read he said the U.S. should proceed as though AGW was real.   WTF kind of stupidity is that, and in 2011-  *I* can excuse Pawlenty in 2008 because I was still fooled at that point but in 2011? 

22 There's still not a candidate that really cranks my tractor.

23 Oh good.. cross ole Foghorn Leghorn off the list.  Next!

24

Dark Horses

Paul Ryan

Rick Perry

Chris Christie

who else? Anyone but the current crop

25 We need an unpopular senator who despises the base and fancies himself above the fray of partisan politics...and independent pol who marches to his own beat...

Well hellllllooooo.

26 We need an unpopular senator who despises the base and fancies himself above the fray of partisan politics...and independent pol who marches to his own beat... Posted by: scoop soothsayer at April 25, 2011 03:39 PM (uFokq) Friends...

27 Decent guy but too much of an insider, not particularly charismatic, and would be raked over the coals by the media for racism, whether true or not, because he's from Mississippi and speaks with a deep drawl.

The only downside to him leaving the field is that it means the GOP insiders can start flocking toward Daniels, Romney, or someone else with absolutely no appeal to the base instead of splitting their votes and support.

28
Ben, those aren't dark horses.

That's a list of fantasy candidates. Bro, they're not running. I'm sorry, man, but it's true.

29 #20 You barely beat my mild disdain for Mitch, at any rate.

30 I kinda hate to see this happen, but then again, I know my blood pressure would spike through the roof whenever I heard the inevitable less than flattering descriptions of my state from the MBM.

Posted by: Boogie at April 25, 2011 03:39 PM (Vm9OZ)

Like how you recovered from Katrina without making maudlin assholes out of yourselves and shipping a bunch of fucking deadbeats to other states?

31 Barbour reminds me of a greasy southern pol that would suck any cock that brought in the $$. Like Trent Lott. Is it only me?

32 I think he dropped out because he is a stupid southern racist.

33

Looks like Obama was wrong...

We don't do big things.  Now about Huckabee staying out...

34 >>Paul Ryan >>Rick Perry >>Chris Christie Do you honestly think that after 12 months of ripping them on every little thing they might have done in their lives like we have with the current crop these guys would look any better? Everybody looks great in the abstract. Wait till they get in the race and get picked apart, mostly by our own side.

35 I will have an important announcement about how this shapes my plans right after the finale of The Apprentice.

36 fuckabee wont run. He is fat as a cow and has a giant house being built in florida.

37 36 fuckabee wont run. He is fat as a cow and has a giant house being built in florida.

I wouldn't put it past him to run just to screw Romney, even if his own chances are nil.

38 Seriously, who the hell has Huckabee penciled in as their option #1?  Side show freaks and carnival barkers?

39 Barbour reminds me of a greasy southern pol that would suck any cock that brought in the $$. Like Trent Lott. Is it only me?

Posted by: Barbarian at April 25, 2011 03:43 PM (EL+OC)

Probably not; but I think more highly of him than Lott.

40 Only those Southerners who are Democrats can get elected Prez

Republican Southerners are........anathema !!!!!!!!!!!

( no northern Democrat has been elected Prez since the Civil War except JFK, FDR, and Grover the 300-lb wonder )

Wilson was born and raised in Old Virginny..............

41 Barbour is a serious fundraiser and party insider, and if he wants to file behind Daniels that really helps Mitch.

There is a lot to be sorted out during the summer. After August or so, if a candidate isn't in the top half-dozen in funds and polls, they will start to fall away. Some will fall away sooner as information about organization, enthusiasm, and fund raising is leaked by campaigns.

42
poor eggmcmuffin -- racism -- at his last throes

my Eggmcmuffin Barometer^tm tells me he's very worried about Obama being defeated in 2012.

43 I wouldn't put it past him to run just to screw Romney, even if his own chances are nil. Posted by: Brandon In Baton Rouge at April 25, 2011 03:46 PM (UvFnc) If Romney promises him HHS or even the VP slot that threat disappears.

44 #38
Southern Republicans and older voters (65+) strongly support Huckabee over other candidates.

45 Yeah.  He's:

#1 White
#2 From the South
#3 Doesn't swab Democrat rumps like the SPLC does.

RACIST!

46 who the hell has Huckabee penciled in as their option #1? This Kevin McCullough guy Captoon Ed likes to interview on Mondays. He does some radio show with the one Baldwin brother that appeared on Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew. Enough said. BTW, this Kevin dude voted for Alan Keyes in 2000. Fucking genius, he is.

47
Do you honestly think that after 12 months of ripping them on every little thing they might have done in their lives like we have with the current crop these guys would look any better?

I was just puting a list of possibles out there and yes, i think after 12 months each of those people would look better than Mitt or Huckabee, don't you?

48  Barbour reminds me of a greasy southern pol that would suck any cock that brought in the $$. Like Trent Lott. Is it only me?

Posted by: Barbarian at April 25, 2011 03:43 PM (EL+OC)

 

Yes. 

49

Also, I'm glad Barbour dropped out, I'm sure he's a good guy, but we don't need to run Foghorn Leghorn up against Obama in 2012.

 

Well I say, Well I say that Healthcare law is noooo good.

50

People Men who need not apply in 2012:

Men with hilljack accents

Fat Men

Funny Undewear wearing Mormon Men

Bald Men

Short Men

Milquetoast Men

Men that owned pizza joints

Gee, it's almost as if we feel compelled to be like Dems and nominate a Vag...because it's 'their' time.

51 You know who this benefits?

52 who the hell has Huckabee penciled in as their option #1?

Every Republican voter who doesn't use the internet apparently

53

There's still not a candidate that really cranks my tractor.

I'm waiting for John Bolton's Mustache to announce its candidacy.

54 >>I was just puting a list of possibles out there and yes, i think after 12 months each of those people would look better than Mitt or Huckabee, don't you? I think whoever is finally nominated will be hated by a large number of people here. It's what we do.

55 31 Barbour reminds me of a greasy southern pol that would suck any cock that brought in the $$. Like Trent Lott. Is it only me?

Yes, it's you.  Barbour is at least canny.  Trent Lott intellectually peaked as a cheerleader.  He leaves a trail of slime wherever he goes.

56 it's almost as if we feel compelled to be like Dems and nominate a Vag It's what we do.

57

It's what we do.

Indeed.

58 Gee, it's almost as if we feel compelled to be like Dems and nominate a Vag...because it's 'their' time.

More like they're the only ones with any kind of huevos...

59 I'm waiting for John Bolton's Mustache to announce its candidacy. Posted by: BackwardsBoy at April 25, 2011 03:50 PM (d0Tfm) Bolton will name the 'Stache as VP. Much more efficient that way.

60

Like how you recovered from Katrina without making maudlin assholes out of yourselves and shipping a bunch of fucking deadbeats to other states?

Posted by: Captain Hate at April 25, 2011 03:43 PM (vEVry)

Katrina hit our Gulf Coast?  I thought it was centralized in New Orleans.  That's all you ever saw on the news...

I was in Biloxi this weekend for a concert.  The place looks as good as new, if not better, 5.5 years later.  Last time I checked, there were still blue tarps in New Orleans. 

61 #44 OK, so now we've got:

1. Side show freaks
2. Carnival freaks
3. Those slightly dotty seasoned citizens of the Old South who put TV evangelists in their wills.

Anybody else, or is he going to win with just that?

#45 Alan Keyes, huh?  Yeah, better pay close attention to ol' Kev.  Was he a McCain staffer in 2008?  If not, he should have been.  He'd have fit right in.

62
I don't mean to insult anyone, but some of y'all's criterion is silly and self-defeating.

Gov Barbour is a good man. Who cares what he sounds like?

Now if his middle name was "Hussein," then I'd say you'd have reason to pause. Wait, what?

63 Carnival barkers, not freaks.  Duh.

64

I was in Biloxi this weekend for a concert.  The place looks as good as new, if not better, 5.5 years later.  Last time I checked, there were still blue tarps in New Orleans. 

Katrina was a mercy killing for some areas of New Orleans( i mean the areas, not the people who died. lowers 9th ward i am looking in your direction).

If there ever was representative microcosm of what america is today, it is New Orleans in the past 6 years. A city can lose 1/3 of it's population and function just as good. What does that telll you about that 1/3?

65 I say I say, some of you people are downright shallow, what with making fun of how a body talks.

66 37: Well possibly I am being unfair to Romney because I just think he is of the old crop that helped the dems get the country into this spot  and he hasn't said "Romneycare" was a mistake.  But I'd count it a + if Huckabee thwarted Romney and we got young blood. 

And if Palin sits out I'd like the GOP candidate to say he wont decide to take military action because of the # of likes on Palin's FB page.  IMO that is one of a few mistakes she's made in what she advocated the country should do.  

67

Just as long as Trump doesn't get any more momentum out of this.

The only way Obama can win re-election is in a three-way race.

 

 

68 Odds Rick Perry enters the race?

69 What about Thaddeus McCotter running?

70
btw, Gov Haley was on laura ingrahamcrackers this morning.

What a bright woman. Very impressed. She was talking about Boeing and the NRLB. She did something I found very clever. She kept using the word "bully" to describe the NRLB's ludicrous and political decision.

Gov Haley also said she was keeping a scorecard of all the SC legislators to show people "who's on their side" and she's doing town halls to communicate with the people.

1. Accountability.
2. Communication

Wow, how novel. The GOP can learn a thing or three from Gov Nikki Haley.

71 69 Thad is the awesome.

72 Alan Keyes, huh? Yeah, better pay close attention to ol' Kev. Was he a McCain staffer in 2008? If not, he should have been. He'd have fit right in. Don't know much about this Kevin McCullough guy except that Captoon Ed talks to him on Mondays, often. Half the things he says make perfect sense. The other half are batshit insane, like Huckabee is The Only Man Who Can Beat Obama. He hated McCain in 2008. But he is still shilling for Huckobeese. He pompously plugs a book he wrote called something like "The Kind of Man Every Man Should Be." Sort of... full of himself.

73

Odds Rick Perry enters the race?

Very high. He's in his third term, right? What else can he do in Texas. They already have two republican senators(assuming the republicans win in 2012 to replace KBH). A House seat is a downgrade from being Gov.

So what else is there for him to do but run for president.?

74

Short Men

Milquetoast Men

Men that owned pizza joints

Gee, it's almost as if we feel compelled to be like Dems and nominate a Vag...because it's 'their' time.

_{Since they haven't ruled out men in comfortable recliners with excellent home theaters I may have to start raising some cash.}

75 Katrina was a mercy killing for some areas of New Orleans( i mean the areas, not the people who died. lowers 9th ward i am looking in your direction).

Was there last Halloween, and yeah, sad but true.  There's lots of buildings where you can still see the diagrams spraypainted on to signal where the bodies were.  The whole city just seems...I don't know, trashed.  And I can't be certain which instances are Katrina, and which were like that before.

It stands with Detroit as the signposts of where we're headed.  Sad.  Just sad.

76 Since they haven't ruled out men in comfortable recliners with excellent home theaters I may have to start raising some cash. You have my vote, sir!

77 I can see why many of our more qualified candidates won't want to run.  I mean, c'mon.  Who wants to preside over the final death-throes of this once great nation?

78

Posted by: ontherocks

But you watch 18 hours of pron in a given week.

Which of course means you are far more qualified to sit in the Oval than our current occupant.

Lemme know when you do a $$$ bomb!

79
Ace said: "White House 2012 predicted that candidates would begin declaring or undeclaring very soon, and predicted that Barbour would decline to run, and also that Daniels would decide to run. So... well, he got one of them right, so maybe the other too."

Actually, at the link, White House 2012 predicts that both Barbour and Daniels will run.  

80

Dark Horses

Paul Ryan

Rick Perry

Chris Christie

who else? Anyone but the current crop

Posted by: Ben at April 25, 2011 03:41 PM (wuv1c)

Rick Perry will never make it as he'd be quickly labeled as another GWB.  Plus, he's not all that good.  

81 If there ever was representative microcosm of what america is today, it is New Orleans in the past 6 years. A city can lose 1/3 of it's population and function just as good. What does that telll you about that 1/3?

That it was Detroit South before the storm, as that 1/3 of the population was there to mainly soak up benefits and vote for whoever gave them "walkin' around money" every few years.

The loss of that block of NOLA voters has effectively castrated that Louisiana Democrats over the past 5 years as they'd been relying on it to make the difference for them for years if they could do decently in the northern part of the state and Acadiana.

82 What about that John Huntman. He seems like a great guy.!!!!!!

83 Who wants to preside over the final death-throes of this once great nation? That death-rattle gives me great pleasure. I look forward to another four years of this beautiful sound.

84 and why is the damn italics thing so sparatic?

85 Haley as VP for a Huntsman, Palin, or Pence might work.  Even for Daniels.  Kinda a chicken-fried Cheney without the warcock.  

86 All I want right now is somebody viable who will clear the decks. Somebody who will enter the race and everybody else will say "Whoa, X is in, I'd better withdraw/not enter." If that's Rick Perry, and if he's tall and has good hair, then let it be him.

87 Obama vs. Deputy Dawg was not a winning prospect for Republicans, so I don't see this as a great disappointment.

88

#68

Very low. The main candidates don't need to announce now, but they do need to announce (at the latest) about a 8-12 months before the election. The 'narrative' is strong, and fundraising/organization is going to be extremely important. He has said no many times, and you would need to see some evidence for a run before August or so for him to be viable. There has been none so far.

You want a candidate to have some organizational strength and enthusiasm going into the primaries that carries through to the general. Independents will bounce around for a while in the months prior, but money, ardent supporters, and base strength see you through.

 

 

89 no offense intended to anyone ( including Alan ) , but Alan Keyes is nuts

a good guy and all, and a good man in many ways, but.........very eccentric.

90 We should elect Nikki Haley, so that the Evil Hinu Priest from Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom can give the inauguration speech in 2013.

91 And PAWLENTY!!! Earlier thread Ace asked what I had against T-Paw. I answered nothing, but it seems what he has going most for him is that he is 1. competent and 2. not scary (to elaborate - doesn't say any of those oogie things that the "moderates" and "independents" don't like to hear). I guess one of those oogie things is a Southern accent. Because. Gov Barbour is certainly compentent. Kind of a shame, and it isn't fair. But next!

92 You have my vote, sir!
Posted by: George Orwell at April 25, 2011 03:59 PM (AZGON)

_{I don't want to get of myself with the vote thing yet, and cash is king.}

93 Meh...

94 Haley as VP for a Huntsman.....

Posted by: Jean

What? Huntsman?  Seriously?  What does he bring to the table, other than a passel of sycophantic love notes addressed to Clinton and Obama?

95
Nikki Haley will rip out Obama's beating heart at her inauguration.

96

I thinks the person that will get my vote is the fist person that comes forward and says.

"I'm running for president of the us, I'm not exploring, I'm not teasing, I'm not self promoting. I am running for president. Obama fucking up this country and I want to stop him

thanks

97 That it was Detroit South before the storm, as that 1/3 of the population was there to mainly soak up benefits and vote for whoever gave them "walkin' around money" every few years...

Posted by: Brandon In Baton Rouge at April 25, 2011 04:01 PM (UvFnc)

Hmmm, sounds like somebody knows a thing or two about an Edwin Edwards campaign.

Of course, Baton Rouge can't be much better, with the smell of corndogs permeating the air...

98 There's always one stray sock in the dryer.

99 I promise you, you will be knocked out by my financials when I make an important announcement in the last sixty seconds of "The Apprentice." I've sent Charles Krauthammer a special private message about this, enclosed with a bottle of Trump champagne and my exclusive gold-bullion chocolate bars.

100
which is what Ben was saying above

101 Haley, too Southern. 

He would fit the "narrative".  Racist white Southern running again a Black man who loves us all.

102

People run for President for different reasons. A tier of people in the Presidential race know they don't have a good chance (like Santorum, Johnson, Huntsman), but run to increase their visibility and profile. This helps position them for other political offices or causes.

103 Col. Allen West/Bolton

Sarah Palin will be their 'Secretary of the power-grabbing regulations, excessive tax regulations, money laundering, wasteful spending, and the rest of the gov't bullshit CUTTING Department.

104

What? Huntsman?  Seriously?  What does he bring to the table, other than a passel of sycophantic love notes addressed to Clinton and Obama?

He brings a lot to the table. He's competent, he had tons of foreign policy experience working for barack obama as ambassador to china, he can work with democrats, he was the governor of the most conservative state in the union and he ran it like a moderate/liberal, he made his fortune by being born, why what doesn't this guy bring to the table!!

105

But you watch 18 hours of pron in a given week.

Which of course means you are far more qualified to sit in the Oval than our current occupant.

Lemme know when you do a $$$ bomb!

Posted by: laceyunderalls at April 25, 2011 04:00 PM (pLTLS)

That was last week and I don't believe in resting on my laurels.

_{...now where was I}

106 Depends on what kind of fist person we are talking about, robtr.  Is it the kind of fist that punches liberals in the face or the sort they teach about at progressive elementary schools in sex ed class?

107 Why not figger it out at the RNC in Tampa, announce the VP and Pres candidate and ride the enthusiasm? It would be a contrast to the never ending campaign and fatigue induced by Obama.

108

"The loss of that block of NOLA voters has effectively castrated that Louisiana Democrats over the past 5 years as they'd been relying on it to make the difference for them for years if they could do decently in the northern part of the state and Acadiana."

 

Bingo. That and the memories of the 9th living upstate - forever.

109 Mitch Daniels needs to stay in Indiana.

110

I'm still convinced our candidate is going to be Mitt Romeny or Mike Huckabee.

I like debating with everyone here, and it's fun, but if i had to be 200 bucks, it would be on one of those two

111
I'd prefer to start the '12 campaign sooner rather than later.

112 107 Why not figger it out at the RNC in Tampa, announce the VP and Pres candidate and ride the enthusiasm? It would be a contrast to the never ending campaign and fatigue induced by Obama. Posted by: MJ at April 25, 2011 04:08 PM (BKOsZ) There hasn't been a truly disputed convention in decades. It would be exciting but I don't see it.

113 O/t:  hahahha Nerflix didn't do a presser, they just released their results on their website.  I don't blame them after the way the shorts have been calling for the SEC to investigate the company today.

114

I love Barbour, but I guess being an effective Governor is trumped by a funny accent.

We've had a million Palin bashing threads, so what is wrong with Santorum?

115

I thinks the person that will get my vote is the fist person that comes forward and says.

"I'm running for president of the us, I'm not exploring, I'm not teasing, I'm not self promoting. I am running for president. Obama fucking up this country and I want to stop him

So you're a T-Paw man?

116 Yes, it's you.  Barbour is at least canny.  Trent Lott intellectually peaked as a cheerleader.  He leaves a trail of slime wherever he goes.

Posted by: pe at April 25, 2011 03:50 PM (fe+Ez)

Ok ok. I will never judge another southern R using Lott as a benchmark. Smarty pants.

I would like to see Rubio run. He won't of course.

117

#107

Because elections don't work that way. How are you going to match fundraising with Obama when you don't know the Presidential candidate until a month before the election? I hate the extended cycle as much as anyone, but you can't allow your opponent to have a year head start.

Plus, the Republican Party is going to need a serious amount of time for 'mending fences' after the primary. It would take more than a month for Republicans to remember that they hate Obama more than they hate the fact the candidate isn't ______________ enough for them.

118
Seriously, who the hell has Huckabee penciled in as their option #1?  Side show freaks and carnival barkers?
Posted by: A Balrog of Morgoth at April 25, 2011 03:46 PM

Pretty close. Did you hear that Rush caller last week who was pushing Trump/Huckabee? She self-identified as a 50-year-old Republican but she sounded about 14. Parroted pull-quotes like some Barbie's-mom-doll made for Luntz. Said Huckabee had "integrity" and "we've been missing that in the White House." I wanted to smash my radio.

119

We've had a million Palin bashing threads, so what is wrong with Santorum?

noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo...deep breath...oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

120 There hasn't been a truly disputed convention in decades. It would be exciting but I don't see it. --------------- I don't see it either, but it would be fun. I'm trying to think about the non-mainstream strategies. Or we could just nominate the 'next in line' candidate.

121 We've had a million Palin bashing threads, so what is wrong with Santorum? Posted by: Schwalbe : The © at April 25, 2011 04:09 PM (UU0OF) Too far right for the Northeast, too squishy for the South, not well known east of the Mississippi.

122 112
I'd prefer to start the '12 campaign sooner rather than later.

Posted by: scoop soothsayer at April 25, 2011 04:09 PM (uFokq)

right now BO is campaigning against himself.  I think the republicans should stall as long as possible.  I think anyone entering the race should do so on the last possible day.

123 If the Huckster gets the nod there _will_ be a third party. The crap he did in AR will not get overlooked this time.

124 ......and to any who may be interested in contributing, I'll be routing all funds through my Nigerian campaign finance guy for tax reasons because the staff is already set up and running.  

125 I'm still convinced our candidate is going to be Mitt Romney Doom or Mike Huckabee. Doom, Plus-Sized. Having said that, you may well be right. Don't forget Pawlenty, however. We need some Doom, Minnesota-Niced.

126 One guy who could put you to sleep in ten seconds, and dresses up like a sausage - Newt - is more than enough.

127 I think we should pick our presidential candidate by making them compete in a feats of strength competition.

128 With Rick they will trot out the debate with hillary and try to use it to discredit him.  Heck these are the same people who reminded everyone that Rudy wore a dress twice on SNL.

129 What? Huntsman?  Seriously?  What does he bring to the table, other than a passel of sycophantic love notes addressed to Clinton and Obama?

Well, a billion or so of his family cash to spend; and come debate time he will look very polished compared to the others.  He is going to use the fact that he "gave Obama a chance" as a weapon; and let Mittens take all of the anti-Mormon heat.   I would not count him out.

130
On the flip side, Obama is running his mouth without being held to account.

131 eastwest of the Mississippi. Posted by: joncelli at April 25, 2011 04:11 PM (RD7QR) Fixed it for me. I need more coffee.

132 Huckabee?

No way in hell.

We all disagree here on our '12 choice. The only thing uniting us is our hatred for that backasswards inbred fuck.

133

#114

(1) Santorum never really was/has been a fiscal conservative. He was a socially conservative, fiscally moderate Senator.

(2) He doesn't know how to talk about social issues. He has put his foot in his mouth so many times and made himself less palatable to moderate voters because of his statements rather than his views.

(3) His favorite topic of conversation is himself. I've seen him speak a couple times now, and he is grating and irritating to listen to.

134

Well, a billion or so of his family cash to spend; and come debate time he will look very polished compared to the others.  He is going to use the fact that he "gave Obama a chance" as a weapon; and let Mittens take all of the anti-Mormon heat.   I would not count him out.

and he'd be the perfect Republican candidate, a big spending compassionate conservative.

G HW Bush

Bob Dole

George W Bush

John McCain

John Huntsman.

 

See, he fits in perfectly.

135

"I'm running for president of the us, I'm not exploring, I'm not teasing, I'm not self promoting. I am running for president. Obama fucking up this country and I want to stop him

thanks

Posted by: robtr
--------

Ahhh. so Trump is your guy!  

136 Huntsman to me looks like the mormon church's second chance at the nomination if mittens doesn't get it.  A lot of folks get turned off by that kind of feeling.  Heck Kennedy was a Catholic and my gram says they were saying he would be taking his orders from the Pope, seems people might say that about mittens and huntsman.

137 #117 Yeah, I gotcha. I want to see this campaign run differently, so I'm trying to come up with different ideas. The barriers to everything but the traditional seem to be money and the media.

138 123 posts and no one has pointed out that Barbour dropping out helps clear the field for the one candidate who will electrify the base - and by electrify, I mean cause brains to fry flame wars across the country - Christine O'Donnell!

139 #129 Yeah, a billion dollars of family money.  That's exactly the ideal candidate to run in the middle of a fucking Depression. 

140

Heck Kennedy was a Catholic and my gram says they were saying he would be taking his orders from the Pope, seems people might say that about mittens and huntsman.

Kennedy was taking orders from the Pope, well the medieval popes anyway.

141 Haley Barbour is a patriot, a firm believer in hard work and the free enterprise system, and he is, in all likelihood, the best governor the State of  Mississippi has ever had.

I wish him the best and hope that his better days in the service of our country are yet to come.

142 I am not a RINO!!!

143 Posted by: Josef K. at April 25, 2011 04:16 PM (7+pP9) GAH! Don't summon the witch!

144
I kinda wish the Obamas were going to the Royale With Cheese wedding.

Because it really wouldn't look good to Americans back at home.

145

To be honest, I don't think the presidential election will be as important as the senate and house elections.  That goes also for the governorships and state legislatures.  It's all coming down to people who are willing to hear our voices and will actually represent us. 

Without good, conservative representation, the DC game will continue no matter who the prez is.  

146 I think Jeb is going to waltz in and take the nomination.  they want the "three from one family" or maybe liz cheney will take it.  Both will lose as folks like me won't vote for dynasties, even if it means BO wins again.

147 Mormons Need Not Apply.

148 97 That it was Detroit South before the storm, as that 1/3 of the population was there to mainly soak up benefits and vote for whoever gave them "walkin' around money" every few years...

Posted by: Brandon In Baton Rouge at April 25, 2011 04:01 PM (UvFnc)

Hmmm, sounds like somebody knows a thing or two about an Edwin Edwards campaign.

Of course, Baton Rouge can't be much better, with the smell of corndogs permeating the air...

I'm thinking more along the lines of current State Dem Party chairman Buddy Leach and former Rep. Cleo Fields (D-LA), mainly Fields since he used to be Edwards' bag man and was famously discovered by FBI agents rooting through a dumpster for Edwards' payoff though they "screwed up" and forgot to video him doing so.

That didn't stop Cleo's opponents from running a commercial of him rooting through a dumpster a few years ago when he was running for Public Service Commissioner as a way of soliciting "donations" for his GOTV efforts.

149 GAH! Don't summon the witch!

Posted by: joncelli at April 25, 2011 04:17 PM (RD7QR)

Thank you. My work here is done.

150 I can't believe that anyone would find any of the routinely pummeled Republican candidates wanting and then put forward John fucking Huntsman as our go to guy. The guy has not only worked for Obama he has written the guy love letters, Hillary too. This is the guy we are going to war with?

151 from AOSHQ Style Guide: Trolling for page hits and thread wars Recommended subject matter: 1. Christine O'Donnell 2. Sarah Palin 3. So-con vs. Fis-con 4. Social Security reform 5. Allahpundit, conservative or not? 6. RON PAUL!!! 7. In case of emergency, longbows

152 127 I think we should pick our presidential candidate by making them compete in a feats of strength competition.
Posted by: Ben at April 25, 2011 04:13 PM (wuv1c)

_{Yeah, In a comfortable recliner. I'm with you on that.}

153 I have noticed little snippets in the MSM about the mormon church which is why I think mormonism will be an issue if mittens or huntsman runs.  I've worked with a mormon for years.  He literally gives a huge percentage of his income to the church, no matter what.  It's admirable and they take care of their own and they prepare for all eventualities and are very successful but main stream Americans with the media educating them about the mormons and making them sound like they are in a class with the folks who believe like John travolta will effectively hurt any mormon candidate.

154 We recommend a vote against Huckabee.

155
I kinda wish the Obamas were going to the Royale With Cheese wedding.

Because it really wouldn't look good to Americans back at home.
Posted by: scoop soothsayer at April 25, 2011 04:18 PM

It would be rather instructive to see Obama knocking the bride over as he rushed to bow to the King of Swaziland.

156 Rick Perry will run because he will be recruited. There's a little blurb from an interview with him on the Tatler blog at PJM. That type of stuff is going to get more frequent in the next two or three months.

157 Heck Kennedy was a Catholic and my gram says they were saying he would be taking his orders from the Pope, seems people might say that about mittens and huntsman.

Judging by the Mormons I deal with regularly, I daresay that might be an improvement.  Besides, stashing a year's worth of food and water for the family sounds like an excellent precaution these days...

158 Both will lose as folks like me won't vote for dynasties, even if it means BO wins again.

Posted by: curious at April 25, 2011 04:19 PM (k1rwm)

Were you dropped on your head as a child Mam?

159 Posted by: Barbarian at April 25, 2011 04:25 PM (EL+OC)

hahahha I just want the republicans to come up with someone to run who has a chance with everyone.  Some one new, not the old retreads, not the "but but but "it's my turn now, I patiently waited' guys someone completely new who has a brass set of balls.

160
  Gonna have to be Palin, or for the first time, there will be a write in vote from me. No way would I refuse to vote, the down ticket is as important as the presidential vote.  Just tired of having to vote for the least offensive or most electable person. THIS time it's the one whose message best resonates that will receive my vote.

  No more compromising. 

161 Posted by: Brandon In Baton Rouge at April 25, 2011 04:19 PM (UvFnc)

Oh, that's rich.  I do love leading about Louisiana politics.  What they lack in class and legality they make up for in sheer audacity and flamboyancy. 

162 I'm a frothing at the mouth anti-mormon; but discounting Huntsman is a mistake.  He is a better politician then other 'Pubs on the field.  If the 'Pubs who are a cycle out were running: Perry, Rubio, McConnell, Christie, etc. , Huntsman wouldn't stand a chance -- but this cycle?

 Pence, Daniels, and TPaw are boring; Palin and Bachmann are populists - but divesive, Gingrich and Huck are cranks, the Stache and Cain don't have the broad experience, Mittens is damaged goods, Rudy and Trump - maybe they can win Jersey, maybe. 

163 palerider@66: While IÂ’m not sure IÂ’d go so far as to say Palin was right on advocating providing the rebels air cover, she made that statement three weeks before Obama decided to go in; at that time, the rebels held much of the country and Gaddafi by all appearances was seriously considering leaving. Air cover would have helped the rebels, and decisive action on the part of the US would have been much more likely to push Gaddafi into early retirement at that time. By the time Obama got involved, the rebels were mostly dead or captured, and Obama had already ensured that the US did not appear decisive. Given the time between PalinÂ’s Facebook statement and when Obama actually signed on, I think he was shamed more by France and by ClintonÂ’s state department than by Palin. When you look like a wimp compared to France and the state departmentÂ… youÂ’re a wimp.

164 Barbour did the right thing. He's extremely qualified to be President . . . and probably can never get elected because of his looks and accent. Sad, infuriating, but true. Until the liberal media attack machine is completely smashed, a man like Barbour is unelectable.

165 this weekend I learned that people consider Michelle Bachman as "stupid and co opting the tea party for the republicans".  Their minds wer mad up, I couldn't change them.  Sadly I resorted to using the "so you are anti woman since you consider the women candidates in the field as stupid" card.  It was sad to have to pull that one out.

166 My problem with Haley Barbour is that, despite his competence at running Mississippi, he just came off as a bit too much of a greasy DC insidery lobbyist, which to be fair is exactly what he was for decades.  Also, his recent civil rights comments were...unfortunate in the extreme, and would be easily used against him to horrifying effect.  That, and...honestly, the Boss Hogg accent ain't doing him any favors outside the Old Confederacy. 

(Hey, if people can hate on Daniels and Pawlenty for seeming too "wimpy" I'm allowed to point that out.)

I hope Huckabee sits the race out, but if he runs it might be a good thing in that it will help blunt the "Bachmann effect" in Iowa.  The race really has to be won by Daniels or Pawlenty if we're going to have a chance, but interestingly enough if it I don't really think we can lose.  In 2012 we win by nominating someone who can't be made to look like a freakshow or incompetent, and we lose every other way.  That's the awful calculus the Obama Phenomenon has left us with.

167 CORRECTION: "The race really has to be won by Daniels or Pawlenty if we're going to have a chance, but interestingly enough if it *IS THEN I don't really think we can lose."

168
The GOP (party) doesn't want to win in 2012.

The few individuals within the party who DO want to win comprise a klown car of candidates. Face it -- we're boned. We got nuthin'. Obama will be reelected.

With that out of the way, I have a serious question:

Bernanke will give a press conference on Wednesday defending his policies. He'll claim we just haven't taken enough medicine. QE3 is inevitable. We are just now feeling the real effects of QE1 and QE2. How long will it take for QE3 to combine with 1 and 2 to create hyperinflation?

169 I don't care who the nominee is. The reason for voting should be this little gem I've seen popping up in Dem circles: Michelle 2012.

170 So I'm guessing that the blue states don't really count to you guys and all you are concerned with is the middle and the red states for a win.  Cause mitch and t paw wouldn't fly in NY for a second.

171 I never did much care for Haley 'Pappy O'Daniel' Barbour, although I did want to see the Soggy Bottom Boys become the braintrust of his administration.

172

#170

Which states that Obama won in 2012 do you think can be flipped? Most people think Indiana, Ohio, North Carolina, Iowa, Virginia, and Florida are our best bets.

173 Posted by: Ed Anger at April 25, 2011 04:33 PM (7+pP9)

I think he will be re elected for two reason 1. Americans do not like to admist they've made a mistake.  2.  Americans like to give you the full chance to do what you promised to do and therefore second chances are big with Americans.

oh and 3.  He is tight with the unions and apparently they service all the voting machines throughout the country, so they will learn from the MI Supreme Court race and not let that happen again, their candidate will win, no matter how they have to "find" the votes.

I am really beginning to believe that a fair election is no longer possible in this country.

174 curious, not this again.

I hate to tell you ....but living in NY as an "independent"...your vote doesn't count at the national level. You're living in a sea of blue. Not a damn thing you can do short of moving.

We will never count on winning NY as the entire eastern seaborn is a waste of time and a lost cause.

175 Posted by: laceyunderalls at April 25, 2011 04:38 PM (pLTLS)

the more I learn here about politics the more depressing it gets to think that my vote doesn't count. and I can't really leave here I work here and I'm lucky to have my job.  It's actually very depressing.

176 curious - that how to bet; but it is nice to threaten NJ, PA, NY, WISC, MINN, MICH with a VP candidate.  Not that you can plan on winning there, making the one spend $ in the NYC media market he shouldn't have to is a positive.

177

My view on Republican primaries and orgies is the same:  the more, the merrier.  More candidates entering the race signals confidence, and encourages tougher primary battles.  I like Haley B, and think he could have delivered some humdingers during the campaign.

So is Bobby Jindal definitely not running?   

178 It's actually very depressing.

sorry didn't meant to depress you but yeah you're kind of out of luck.

can't move up north I take it? beautiful part of the state. I love it there. if it weren't for the oppressive taxes I'd consider a move up there.

179 You know West and Cain are two very impressive serious guys.  I find myself wanting to hear what they both have to say.  I've also at the behest of a friend tried listening to mittens and I still get more excited by Cain and West.  They seem to have an inner fire.

180 this weekend I learned that people consider Michelle Bachman as "stupid and co opting the tea party for the republicans".  Their minds wer mad up, I couldn't change them.  Sadly I resorted to using the "so you are anti woman since you consider the women candidates in the field as stupid" card.  It was sad to have to pull that one out.

Posted by: curious at April 25, 2011 04:30 PM (k1rwm)

 

I like Bachman.  I like Palin.  There's more than a few things I like about Trump.   Bolton would be totally bad-assed, but what I do want more than anything is a Obama-less WH in 2013.

As I've said earlier.  The Senate and the House are the key to getting back our country.  The same goes for governerships and state legislatures.  WI is our shining example of how a governer and staunch repub. legislature can totally disrupt the leftist paradigm nation-wide.

181 Upstate New York is beautiful and the people are lovely but there aren't jobs, chuckie keeps promising them everything but delivering nothing.  Were it not for the thriving state university system I don't know where a lot of the upstaters would work.

182

 @127 I think we should pick our presidential candidate by making them compete in a feats of strength competition.

Immediately preceded by the Airing of Grievances

 

183 Maybe the republicans will do what they always do which is to let the MSM pick their candidate.

184 Curious --

I spent my entire early life in Maryland, so I know how you feel.  When I was done with that I moved to Illinois just as Obama-mania began to take off, so same problem there.  These are the facts of life for conservatives and independents living in non-swing states like IL or MD or NY or the Northeast outside of New Hampshire: on an Presidential level, your vote don't count for shit unless it's a McGovern-like landslide.  I'm sure Democrats and liberals living in Texas or Alabama feel the same way, for what it's worth. 

So yes, it absolutely does not matter at all whether the prospective GOP nominee would appeal to New Yorkers.  New Hampshirites?  Very much so.  Michiganders and Sconnies?  Oh yes.  But no, we're not much concerned with, say, our nominee's appeal in Connecticut. 

The formula for the GOP is simple in 2012: win the heartland + the solid south and take New Hampshire, and it's in the bag.  Don't, and we're toast.  If for no other reason than that, the likelihood that our candidate will hail from the Midwest is very high.

185

#184

Completely agree with this analysis and would just add must win Florida. There are no paths to victory for the Republicans without Florida.

186 Ryan/Rubio 2012

187 I'm sure Democrats and liberals living in Texas or Alabama feel the same way, for what it's worth.

Ironically, that was the one reason I wrote my own name in for '08--I knew McCain had the state locked up, so I was free to show my disgust in such a manner.

That, and I already knew how it was going to turn out anyway...

188 Yeah, if we don't win Florida we're boned long before any other analysis even comes into play. 

The easiest path to 270 for the GOP, incidentally, is (IMO) winning back the Bush '04 states of FL, OH, VA, NC, and IN and taking NH from the Kerry/Obama column.  That puts us right over the edge in states before we talk about swinging other blueish swing states like PA, MI, WI or MN.  I'm writing off IA, NV, CO and NM from the outset, though I suspect I'm a bit too pessimistic about CO and NV.

189

I'm not a political quant, but I am a quant, and your instincts look right to me.

Colorado and Nevada have already undergone dramatic demographic changes. The polling in Nevada for the 2010 Senate race, for example, was so far off because of ridiculously low assumptions about Hispanic and Asian voting in the state. If you take assumptions from the newly released Census, it is clear that these states are nearly impossible in a Presidential election year.

I think Indiana, Ohio, and North Carolina will be relatively easy. Virginia and Florida will be much more difficult. The population shifts in the states favor Democrats, and I'm concerned that some of the political cycles (in Florida in particular) will favor Democrats.

190 133
> (2) He doesn't know how to talk about social issues. He has put his foot in his mouth so many times and made himself less palatable to moderate voters because of his statements rather than his views.

Dunno about those complaints.  Have seen him on the tube a couple of times lately and liked what I saw.  Did you catch the FNS interview yesterday?  Nothing there to object to.  So perhaps he has figured out how to better phrase controversial issues if he used to have foot in mouth?  Seemed pretty clear on fiscal and the social issues.

Especially liked how he dealt with Wallace when he tried to bait him on 'Gay Marriage.'  Didn't buy the implied premise in the question and went on offense without being a jerk.  A skill any R must hone to perfection in dealing with the legacy media if they are to have a prayer of winning.

191 Dark Horses Paul Ryan Rick Perry Chris Christie who else? Anyone but the current crop. All of those plus Jon Huntsman.

192 Haley as VP for a Huntsman, Palin,or Pence might work. Even for Daniels. Kinda a chicken-fried Cheney without the warcock. Posted by: Jean at April 25, 2011 04:02 PM (WkuV6) I like the way you think. Except Mississippi hasn't been in play forever, and Haley has pretty much said he is Obi Wan to Mitch Skywalker.

193 The guy has not only worked for Obama he has written the guy love letters, Hillary too. This is the guy we are going to war with? Posted by: JackStraw at April 25, 2011 04:22 PM (TMB3S) He resigned to run against Obama, and Hillary said *even if* Obama gets reelected, she is resigning in 2012. There must be something there.

194 So is Bobby Jindal definitely not running?

Bobby's ALWAYS running for something or other. 

195 John Bolton/Allen West get anyones crank cranked?

196 #194, fuck Bobby Jindal. Until he finds a way to get US 171 outside Fort Polk repaved after five fucking years, I am not recommending him for promotion.