Who will win the GOP nomination?

[SpamSandwich]

Who do you think will win? Who should win?

No matter your party affiliation (or lack thereof), give it a shot.

Personally, I believe with a strong anti-incumbent attitude in the country the GOP would be very foolish to nominate a candidate that is neither anti-war, nor centrist.

I'm thinking Mitt Romney (although it is veeeery early to guess...) win the nomination (I'm thinking Rudy Giuliani will flame out)... but Paul should win it (to bring the US back to a responsible fiscal position and get us back on track to defend our Constitution and our personal liberties).

[Jubelum]

Who do you think will win? Who should win?


The Only Constitutional Populist- RON PAUL.

(This shameless bumping message brought to you by Friends of ShawnJ and the Committee on Proper Partisan Thought, the same group that brought you over 20 GWB Impeachment threads.)

[midwinter]

Mike Huckabee.

[Jubelum]

Mike Huckabee.

<midwinter strains to set bear trap, places Mike Huckabee on the bait plate...>

I think Huckabee, at least from the side, might could be Ron Paul's stunt double. Or maybe the second president from a "Little Town Called Hope."

[SDW2001]

If I had to bet on it right now I'd wager Romney.

But really any of the three frontrunners could take it....McCain, Romney or RG. The wildcards are Newt Gingrich and Fred Thomspon. The person with whom I most agree is Gingrich. I also think he's the most intelligent and experienced...but he's likey unelectable. He also has that pesky "having an affair during Clinton's impeachment" thing. ;) That won't fly.

If Thompson enters soon, I think he's going to suck the oxygen out of the room. He just needs to get in soon.

[SpamSandwich]

If I had to bet on it right now I'd wager Romney.

But really any of the three frontrunners could take it....McCain, Romney or RG. The wildcards are Newt Gingrich and Fred Thomspon. The person with whom I most agree is Gingrich. I also think he's the most intelligent and experienced...but he's likey unelectable. He also has that pesky "having an affair during Clinton's impeachment" thing. ;) That won't fly.

If Thompson enters soon, I think he's going to suck the oxygen out of the room. He just needs to get in soon.

Also, who's gonna vote for a guy named "Newt"? :lol:

[midwinter]

I just don't think America's ready to vote for a Mormon. I don't see it happening. And because of that, I don't see Romney getting the nod.

[trumptman]

You're biased. You live in a state where your neighbors are all mormon.

I'm tossing out McCain because he is too old and also from the Senate.

Rudy won't be able to go far enough right to survive the primary.

Romney has a good chance. Thompson, Newt and Huckabee all have good chances in my view.

Ron Paul is fun and says what should be said. However his internet campaigning is weak, the mainstream media is going to ignore him, and he isn't a billionaire to buy his way into the public perspective.

Speaking of billionaires, there is still talk of Bloomberg dropping a cool billion of his own money on running and jumping in as an independent or late Republican entry.

Nick

[midwinter]

You're biased. You live in a state where your neighbors are all mormon.

Actually, very few of my neighbors are Mormon (I live in a heathen town). But I'm not biased because I live in Utah. I'm biased because I grew up in the South, which I don't think will vote for a Mormon.

[trumptman]

I apologize for not keeping all your biases appropriately organized and attributed.;)

I'm just so distraught since you told me about the whole Shawn, Fellowship three-sum.

:lol:
Nick

[midwinter]

I apologize for not keeping all your biases appropriately organized and attributed.;)

I'm just so distraught since you told me about the whole Shawn, Fellowship three-sum.

:lol:
Nick

I know, Nick. But just remember: if you love someone, don't set them free; hound them on the internets.

And besides, I'm likely to leave it all behind if someone would offer me a working carburetor for my scooter. ;)

[sammi jo]

You're biased. You live in a state where your neighbors are all mormon.

I'm tossing out McCain because he is too old and also from the Senate.

Rudy won't be able to go far enough right to survive the primary.

Romney has a good chance. Thompson, Newt and Huckabee all have good chances in my view.

Ron Paul is fun and says what should be said. However his internet campaigning is weak, the mainstream media is going to ignore him, and he isn't a billionaire to buy his way into the public perspective.

Speaking of billionaires, there is still talk of Bloomberg dropping a cool billion of his own money on running and jumping in as an independent or late Republican entry.

Nick

That sounds about right.

But is it not sad that the one who (in your words) "says what should be said" is the man who is being actively shut out by the corporate media? Why is the mainstream GOP (and media) so bothered by this man that they even attempt to censor his views?

[Jubelum]

But is it not sad that the one who (in your words) "says what should be said" is the man who is being actively shut out by the corporate media? Why is the mainstream GOP (and media) so bothered by this man that they even attempt to censor his views?

If Paul's message got out, it would win with voters who can see the sense in it. It's that simple.

[trumptman]

That sounds about right.

But is it not sad that the one who (in your words) "says what should be said" is the man who is being actively shut out by the corporate media? Why is the mainstream GOP (and media) so bothered by this man that they even attempt to censor his views?

As a school teacher I have learned the following. Everyone believes in absolutes until they are applied to themselves and especially their kids.

Ron Paul is a man who applies his principles very strictly. That is something to be admired, but unfortunately, admire is about all people do for such a person. They do not contribute money or time. I suspect many secretly fear actually being held accountable for their own actions or forced to live under rules they would gladly endorse for so many others.

So it isn't that the media shuts him out. They just give him as much attention as his views garner in terms of real action.

I did see a couple people call for him to be banished from debates for the whole Iraq thing. However those people are idiots in my view, and their actions have not been followed up on.

When it comes down to it, we are mostly hypocrites and that is why a Ron Paul doesn't do better. All those folks who claim to clamor for an Al Gore on the left, still drive to his book signings in SUV's and leave back to their enormous homes afterwards. No one on the left or right is really campaigning for a smaller carbon footprint, true alternative energy or even endorses the type of nationalism that would allow the U.S. to manage its own interests and get out of the interests of the Middle East or the world at large.

They do benefit from and tacitly endorse America as empire. They declare that the U.S. is bad for acting unilaterally in Iraq, but then also complain if we drive up the price of corn tortillas in Mexico due to our desire to increase Ethanol production for example.

For America to stop being the cop of the world, we must be willing to endorse a path of action that involves looking after our own interests, and ONLY our own interests. That means we stop sticking our noise in Iraq, but also stop thinking we are beholden to every soul from every country that cares to cross our border. We must stop apologizing for the past and thinking we must manage the world to somehow fix it.

If people endorsed for themselves what Ron Paul was advocating, it would win. Everyone cheats on life a bit, and endorses people who help them cheat a bit. Many people now get some benefit for pointing out historical cheats or sins. Almost no one is willing to fully apply a principle in the present and start with a clean slate.

Nick

[BRussell]

That was quite eloquent Nick.

About the GOP nomination, I think it's going to be McCain, but it doesn't matter because Hillary will win regardless.

[Jubelum]

I did see a couple people call for him to be banished from debates for the whole Iraq thing. However those people are idiots in my view, and their actions have not been followed up on.


Absent the cacophony of faxes, emails, threats to pull donations, et al from his supporters, they would have. There was a massive mobilization campaign against the RNC and GOPAC that got noticed, purely for economic reasons and nothing more. Maybe not all from people who support Paul themselves, but many who did not appreciate the GOP trying to shut him up. That pissed off a lot of people who actually support other candidates. I know the calls around here among the precinct and county chairs were about 80% pissed off about trying to shut him up.

For America to stop being the cop of the world, we must be willing to endorse a path of action that involves looking after our own interests, and ONLY our own interests. That means we stop sticking our noise in Iraq, but also stop thinking we are beholden to every soul from every country that cares to cross our border. We must stop apologizing for the past and thinking we must manage the world to somehow fix it.

Where can I send your prepaid donation envelope? ;)

[Northgate]

That was quite eloquent Nick.

About the GOP nomination, I think it's going to be McCain, but it doesn't matter because Hillary will win regardless.

Agree, completely.

Hillary WILL be the next the president. The Clinton machine is still too entrenched in DC and the nomination WILL be hers. I'm not thrilled about it. But I'll take her over anyone on the Republican side (I guess that goes without saying). Not to mention the Clinton's know how to throw a punch.

I used to be a fan of McCain's. He was the last Republican I voted for before switching parties. I voted for him in the primary in 2000. But now he just seems absolutely pathetic.

Romney is a pure politician and too smarmy for my taste.

And Giuliani is just stroking his ego and ensuring his consulting firm gets future high-end clients.

[SDW2001]

Agree, completely.

Hillary WILL be the next the president. The Clinton machine is still too entrenched in DC and the nomination WILL be hers. I'm not thrilled about it. But I'll take her over anyone on the Republican side (I guess that goes without saying). Not to mention the Clinton's know how to throw a punch.

I used to be a fan of McCain's. He was the last Republican I voted for before switching parties. I voted for him in the primary in 2000. But now he just seems absolutely pathetic.

Romney is a pure politician and too smarmy for my taste.

And Giuliani is just stroking his ego and ensuring his consulting firm gets future high-end clients.

I think Hillary CAN win, but I don't think she will. Her negatives are way too high. McCain and Guiliani both beat her beyond the margin in polling data. Romney is within 8, and he's not even really gotten traction fully with the GOP base yet.

[SpamSandwich]

As a school teacher I have learned the following. Everyone believes in absolutes until they are applied to themselves and especially their kids.

Ron Paul is a man who applies his principles very strictly. That is something to be admired, but unfortunately, admire is about all people do for such a person. They do not contribute money or time. I suspect many secretly fear actually being held accountable for their own actions or forced to live under rules they would gladly endorse for so many others.

So it isn't that the media shuts him out. They just give him as much attention as his views garner in terms of real action.

I did see a couple people call for him to be banished from debates for the whole Iraq thing. However those people are idiots in my view, and their actions have not been followed up on.

When it comes down to it, we are mostly hypocrites and that is why a Ron Paul doesn't do better. All those folks who claim to clamor for an Al Gore on the left, still drive to his book signings in SUV's and leave back to their enormous homes afterwards. No one on the left or right is really campaigning for a smaller carbon footprint, true alternative energy or even endorses the type of nationalism that would allow the U.S. to manage its own interests and get out of the interests of the Middle East or the world at large.

They do benefit from and tacitly endorse America as empire. They declare that the U.S. is bad for acting unilaterally in Iraq, but then also complain if we drive up the price of corn tortillas in Mexico due to our desire to increase Ethanol production for example.

For America to stop being the cop of the world, we must be willing to endorse a path of action that involves looking after our own interests, and ONLY our own interests. That means we stop sticking our noise in Iraq, but also stop thinking we are beholden to every soul from every country that cares to cross our border. We must stop apologizing for the past and thinking we must manage the world to somehow fix it.

If people endorsed for themselves what Ron Paul was advocating, it would win. Everyone cheats on life a bit, and endorses people who help them cheat a bit. Many people now get some benefit for pointing out historical cheats or sins. Almost no one is willing to fully apply a principle in the present and start with a clean slate.

Nick

Because you've stated some powerful truths, which frankly argue against both Republican and Democrat positions, Ron Paul is even more important. The Founders argued against imbuing any one branch of government with too much power, because they knew that men were not angels. Ron Paul believes in bringing back this "weakened" government, if you will. One that does not get militarily involved beyond our own borders, one that keeps out of the pockets and privacy issues of its citizens.

[BRussell]

Ron PaulOne time at a Republican debate, Ron Paul was asked a question. As his answer, he gave a roundhouse kick to the face to the debate moderator, thereby winning the nomination and the US presidency by acclimation.

[SpamSandwich]

One time at a Republican debate, Ron Paul was asked a question. As his answer, he gave a roundhouse kick to the face to the debate moderator, thereby winning the nomination and the US presidency by acclimation.

I think you meant, "thereby winning the nomination and the US presidency by ass-kickery". :p

[Northgate]

I supported Howard Dean and all I got was this lousy "YEAAARGH" T-Shirt.

[Northgate]

I think you meant, "thereby winning the nomination and the US presidency by ass-kickery". :p

Don't get too down when Ron Paul gets kicked to the curb. Maybe he can run for chairman of the GOP. :lol:

[SpamSandwich]

Don't get too down when Ron Paul gets kicked to the curb.

I would expect no less from the usual band of thugs. If he doesn't get elected, I fear what will happen under the next generation of proto-fascists and statists. As a matter of fact, I fear Americans could forget the meaning of freedom entirely.

[Aquatic]

Good post Nick. The more I see Romney talk the sicker I get; he's so slick. Probably got a $4,000 haircut. I actually liked a few statements from Huckabee and Ron Paul...I sometimes tend to go far right on issues and ideas, and I do think Americans need to have more personal accountability for a lot of things. Environmental, educational, everything. Everyone's trying to cheat life. Everyone drives too fast. Then they wonder why it's so dangerous to drive and they want to enforce draconian measurse on everyone else. But then they get in their SUV and speed off to another Al Gore lecture. I hear what you are saying and I think it's an astute observation Nick. I've been noticing my own wasteful habitats and attempting to curb them recently, ever mindful of my ambition for a career starting in the environmental consulting industry and leading to a career in politics or government service, advocating for environmental protection and innovative technology and policy that can achieve this goal. I have been cutting energy use in many different places, and reading up on technologies for my house when I eventually get one (my fiancée is really hoping on board too and is almost more interested than am I at this point.) Anyhow, who do I think will get the GOP nom.? Romney or Guliani. I like Guliani's liberal stance on social issues. I have this bad feeling Romney will get it though. He'll be boring to watch debating the Dem. nominee. He's an attractive robot. Haha imagine him and Edwards debating. Too much sexiness and hair spray at once...spontaneous combustion!

[turnwrite]

The interesting thing about Ron Paul though.. Is that even if he were elected, which is unlikely, it is far more unlikely that he would actually be able to do much once in office. He is way too radical and uncompromising. I mean, abolishing the income tax, abolishing welfare? Not just cutting back on these things, but getting rid of them? Our Democratic Congress would never go for that, and a President can't just do whatever he wants without getting the support of Congress. I think Ron Paul would find his actions very limited once he got into office, and voting for him is voting for four years of a government that fights with itself.

[SpamSandwich]

The interesting thing about Ron Paul though.. Is that even if he were elected, which is unlikely, it is far more unlikely that he would actually be able to do much once in office. He is way too radical and uncompromising. I mean, abolishing the income tax, abolishing welfare? Not just cutting back on these things, but getting rid of them? Our Democratic Congress would never go for that, and a President can't just do whatever he wants without getting the support of Congress. I think Ron Paul would find his actions very limited once he got into office, and voting for him is voting for four years of a government that fights with itself.

At least he'd be fighting for the right thing.

[steve666]

Who do you think will win? Who should win?

No matter your party affiliation (or lack thereof), give it a shot.

Personally, I believe with a strong anti-incumbent attitude in the country the GOP would be very foolish to nominate a candidate that is neither anti-war, nor centrist.

I'm thinking Mitt Romney (although it is veeeery early to guess...) win the nomination (I'm thinking Rudy Giuliani will flame out)... but Paul should win it (to bring the US back to a responsible fiscal position and get us back on track to defend our Constitution and our personal liberties).

Right now I think Mitt Romney may pull it off because Primary voters will be turned off by McCains pro illegal alien bent, and I believe Rudy is also weak on this issue.
As for me right now I would vote for Romney.