2016 Likely Candidates for POTUS?

[VtaGeezer]

Yep, the economy is booming, "when you open your eyes".

Booming??  When did any one say that?  Under Obama, the hemorrhaging was stopped.  No one is claiming much more than that.  It'll take a lot more than six years of rehab to put this cripple on its feet.  Especially since conservatives believe its their duty to patrol the economic battleground and bayonet the wounded.

[Up All Night]

Wouldn't Hillary just Double-Down on her Failed Foreign Policy Initiatives ? ? ?

[FightTheFuture]

Booming??  When did any one say that?  Under Obama, the hemorrhaging was stopped.  No one is claiming much more than that.  It'll take a lot more than six years of rehab to put this cripple on its feet.  Especially since conservatives believe its their duty to patrol the economic battleground and bayonet the wounded.

Bayoneting the wounded?? LMAO. I have to hand it to you, VG, not much in this world makes me belly laugh anymore, but that certainly did.

Look, I know you have an intense, even irrational, hatred of Republicans. But the fact is, it's Obama that has been "bayoneting the wounded" by over regulating, overtaxing, and creating an atmosphere of distrust and uncertainty.  Here' s the most disturbing econmic indicator I've seen in a very long time: more businesses are failing than are starting up. You compound that with very weak workforce numbers, exploding debt, and one HUGE ticking time bomb -- Obamacare -- that's coming apart like a Tijuana retread, and the future appears pretty damn bleak. And we haven't even discussed the near insurmountable damage Obama has wrought upon the geo-political landscape.

[136 or 142]

Rick Santorum has formed some kind of 'exploratory committee'.

He becomes the 12th or 13th Republican presidential candidate depending on whether or not Donald Trump is actually serious about running.

Carly Fiorina will almost certainly enter either later this month or next month.

That leaves the following four who have recently mentioned themselves as potential candidates to get in:
1.Mike Huckabee (I still don't believe he'll actually enter the race)
2.Bobby Jindal
3.Robert Ehrlich
4.Jim Gilmore

The remaining potential candidates are:
1.Mike Pence (will decide after the current legislative session)
2.John Bolton
3.Rick Snyder
4.Pete King
5.John Kasich

Nobody has mentioned John Bolton, Rick Snyder or Pete King in months.

On the other side:
Hillary Rodham Clinton will officially enter the Democratic Primary on Sunday.

[VtaGeezer]

Bayoneting the wounded?? LMAO. I have to hand it to you, VG, not much in this world makes me belly laugh anymore, but that certainly did.

Look, I know you have an intense, even irrational, hatred of Republicans. But the fact is, it's Obama that has been "bayoneting the wounded" by over regulating, overtaxing, and creating an atmosphere of distrust and uncertainty.  Here' s the most disturbing econmic indicator I've seen in a very long time: more businesses are failing than are starting up. You compound that with very weak workforce numbers, exploding debt, and one HUGE ticking time bomb -- Obamacare -- that's coming apart like a Tijuana retread, and the future appears pretty damn bleak. And we haven't even discussed the near insurmountable damage Obama has wrought upon the geo-political landscape.

I don't hate Republicans; I just can't fathom your now cult-like refusal to ignore reality. It's a head-shaking thing...how can you continue to be so f'ing blind?  It's like the Jamestown insanity...rational people lining up for their strychnine doled out by demagogues and zealots.  Where the hell were you pre-2009 when every one of the crises you list were created, ignored (if not abetted), and allowed to become catastrophic by conservative leadership...while the rank and file were kept quiet with diversions by the radio ranters. You expect the horrendous damage done over 35 years to be fixed in six...with a Congress that's lost its mind? Obamacare?  Family insurance rate increases last year were the all-time low. Jobs? Yeah, NAFTA was signed by Clinton, but created and negotiated as a major priority by Bush I, who also opened the floodgates from China, planted the seeds for the current ME nightmare by kowtowing to the Saudis, and installed Cheney in the regency for his idiot son's Presidency.   Political damage?  Don't mistake your own susceptibility to the ugly wedge resentment spouted for hours daily on talk radio for 20+ years for anything Obama actually did. 5000 dead Americans in Iraq...no problem for conservatives; 4 dead Americans in Benghazi...three years of hysteria.

Most of the multiple disasters that have sent this country on the course for its demise had their genesis in the 3-card monte scam used by zealot Reagan and conniving GHWB to sucker the middle class into selling its birthright in exchange for flag-snapping feel-goodism.  You're just being another conservative sucker spouting the echo chamber mantra because resentment beats self-examination and responsibility. Every one of the problems you mention is a product over 30 years of conservative hubris, dogmatic blindness, and dishonestly; and they're far too serious for anyone to fix in six years, especially while your pals keep throwing the tools overboard and driving Americans apart. 

[Up All Night]

Ex-GE CEO Jack Welch: 'As of Today, I'm a Ted Cruz Guy'

http://www.newsmax.com/Politics/Jack-Welch-supports-Ted-Cruz-Bill-Clinton/2015/04/16/id/639061/

Former General Electric CEO Jack Welch says he likes anti-GOP establishment candidate Ted Cruz for president for the moment, though he is waiting to see how the party's debates turn out.

"As of today, I'm a Ted Cruz guy," Welch said Thursday on Fox News Channel's "Your World with Neil Cavuto." 

Asked why, Welch pointed to "truth and trust," one of the main theme's of his latest book, "The Real-Life MBA," written with his wife, Suzy Welch.

"Where truth is spoken, spin is gone," Welch said. "This country needs more truth and trust. Ted Cruz says what he is going to do and he does it. And he is as smart as a whip."

Cruz is able to move audiences, much like former President Ronald Reagan, Welch said, but needs to smile more "because he is a hell of a good guy."

Reagan "had that touch, and Ted Cruz is going to develop it, hopefully," Welch said.

[Juan]

Ted Cruz's wife is Goldman Sachs -who else would Jack Welch support?

[136 or 142]

Two more likely Presidential nominees:

1.Kasich Set to Launch National PAC

April 17, 2015By Taegan Goddard16 Comments
Ohio Gov. John Kasich (R) “is about to launch a national political committee that would allow him to raise money and his profile as he considers a run for president in 2016,” the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

“Records show that a nonprofit called New Day for America incorporated this week with the Ohio secretary of state. The name is similar to one Kasich has used for his gubernatorial inaugural committee. The incorporator is listed as E. Mark Braden, an attorney and election-law specialist who has worked for Kasich before and who once served as chief counsel to the Republican National Committee.”

2.Huckabee Expected to Announce White House Bid

April 17, 2015By Taegan Goddard20 Comments
Mike Huckabee is expected to return to Fox News this evening to make his 2016 presidential campaign official, TV Newser reports.

Huckabee said he is “moving toward” announcing a second bid for the White House and will “make a little news” later tonight.

At one point I was absolutely convinced that neither would run.  Kasich still hasn't formally entered and Huckabee has likely  only entered to huck books.

[Up All Night]

They mentioned Lindesy Graham as a possible candidate! Who wants some Lindsey Graham !!!!

[Humilia Lepus Foramen]

Apparently Marco Rubio's campaign slogan is "a new American century," hah Alex Jones is gonna have a field day with that.  Marco Rubio - the neocon candidate

[VtaGeezer]

Rubio's chances would be better if he didn't look like a 19 yr old frat boy.  He should go on meth for a few months to "age up". 

[Humilia Lepus Foramen]

Not only the frat boy look, but even listening to him there doesn't seem to be much substance there.  It's like the lights are on but nobody's home.

[VtaGeezer]

Not only the frat boy look, but even listening to him there doesn't seem to be much substance there.  It's like the lights are on but nobody's home.

Never had full-time job outside politics.  Odd that he gets respect from right wingers who profess how they hate professional politicians.

[Juan]

The Baptist Mullah announced that he will announce on May 5th.

[albrecht]

Never had full-time job outside politics.  Odd that he gets respect from right wingers who profess how they hate professional politicians.

Rubio's chances would be better if he didn't look like a 19 yr old frat boy.  He should go on meth for a few months to "age up".

No respect from me. Sure if it was he and Billary there might not be a choice but I don't respect him or other professional politicians. And I also would question the frat that would take him, as clearly they aren't exclusive enough. Though the political-correctness and money might get him a bid, I guess. I'd blackball him anyway though.

[136 or 142]

Rubio was a full time lawyer for a little more than a year after leaving as Florida House Speaker and before campaigning for the U.S Senate.  He was also a part time Political Science Professor.

[VtaGeezer]

Rubio was a full time lawyer for a little more than a year after leaving as Florida House Speaker and before campaigning for the U.S Senate.  He was also a part time Political Science Professor.

His Wiki bio says "After leaving the Florida House of Representatives due to term limits in January 2009, Rubio started his own law firm. In February, he declared himself a candidate for U.S. Senate in the 2010 election cycle."
I figure becoming a candidate for the US Senate was actually his full-time job.  I guess he can say he was technically a working lawyer for one month; though I somehow doubt he had a billable hour.

[Up All Night]

James Carville:

"Jeb Bush has to win New Hampshire! It's a must-win for him because he will lose Iowa. You gotta win one of the two. I'll go further... If Jeb Bush loses New Hapmshire, they'll get Mitt Romney back in the race."

Bloomberg Politics http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/04/18/republican-new-hampshire-_n_7091212.html

[VtaGeezer]

James Carville:

"Jeb Bush has to win New Hampshire! It's a must-win for him because he will lose Iowa. You gotta win one of the two. I'll go further... If Jeb Bush loses New Hapmshire, they'll get Mitt Romney back in the race."

Bloomberg Politics http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/04/18/republican-new-hampshire-_n_7091212.html

I'll be surprised if Bush evens makes a serious run in Iowa.  Its a waste of time and money for him. He should get is money people to make sure Huckabuck is well-funded in Iowa to suck the fundie air out of Cruz's and Paul's sails.

[136 or 142]

So far these Republicans have either announced they're running or formed committees of some sort.

1.Mike Huckabee, Arkansas
2.Jeb Bush, Florida
3.Marco Rubio, Florida
4.Rand Paul, Kentucky
5.Ben Carson, Maryland
6.Mark Everson, Mississippi
7.George Pataki, New York
8.Donald Trump, New York
9.Chris Christie, New Jersey
10.John Kasich, Ohio
11.Rick Santorum, Pennsylvania
12.Lindsey Graham, South Carolina
13.Rick Perry, Texas
14.Ted Cruz, Texas
15.Scott Walker, Wisconsin

Who do you expect will still be around by the time of the Iowa caucus and New Hampshire primary?

I don't believe Mike Huckabee, Mark Everson, George Pataki, John Kasich, Donald Trump or Chris Christie will be around by then, if they even officially enter the race.

After Iowa and New Hampshire I expect Rick Santorum, Lindsey Graham and Rick Perry will drop out.  Some might argue that Graham will stick around to try to win the South Carolina primary, but I would expect that he'd drop out before it rather than likely be crushed in his home state.

[136 or 142]

I'll be surprised if Bush evens makes a serious run in Iowa.  Its a waste of time and money for him. He should get is money people to make sure Huckabuck is well-funded in Iowa to suck the fundie air out of Cruz's and Paul's sails.

the serious threat is Scott Walker in Iowa not Cruz or Paul, partly because Walker is a midwesterner.

[Juan]

The serious threats in Iowa are The Baptist Mullah and The Keystone Katholic.

[FightTheFuture]

Don't count Huck out too soon. He's a smart, likable guy; very genuinely decent and a strong campaigner. The same can be said regarding  Rubio, although he lacks the track record on which to run. Bush doesn't have a prayer, and neither does the blowhard from Jersey -- Elephants have long memories.

There's a fair amount to like about Paul, but at the end of the day, he' just a little too kooky for my conservative blood. Ted Cruz will be strong and he's, without question, the smartest guy in any room he occupies. I'd pay a pretty sum to have dinner with Cruz and Gingrich. I pick the wine.

However, I'm still a Scott Walker man. Have been since before he was elected the first time in Wisconsin. He's not flashy, doesn't have the right pedigree or finances...but there's just something about that kid that I really like. He's a winner.

[136 or 142]

I don't regard Huckabee as a serious candidate and I still doubt he'll actually get in the race (as opposed to just setting up an 'exploratory committee.')

On paper he is an excellent candidate: a long time governor with a somewhat bipartisan track record with a decent sense of humor.  He has two problems though that take him away from being a serious candidate:

1.His mouth.  He can't stop himself from saying stupid things.  Even many people that agree with what he says would be leery of voting for someone who could destroy their campaign in one second.  It's the same reason why Democrats would never nominate Joe Biden.

2.He has no organizational skills.  Or, maybe he does, but he can't be bothered with putting together a major campaign organization because he's only in the race to promote himself and his books.

[VtaGeezer]

the serious threat is Scott Walker in Iowa not Cruz or Paul, partly because Walker is a midwesterner.

The only really thing serious about Walker is his apparent lead in Koch PAC backing.  With that kind of money, a cheese sandwich could win primaries. He's another right wing irony... a 100% Wisconsin bush league, professional politician but loved by conservatives who've rail at Obama's "inexperience" and at professional politicians.  I'm waiting for his lack of education to be touted as an asset.

[Gd5150]

The majority of posts on the 147 Republican presidential candidates are from left wingers. Must be their overwhelming excitement  to vote in the Republican primary. The political insight is equal to that of the Falkie thread.

And then you have the plethora of exciting candidates on the Democrat ballot:
"Candidates For 2016 President of the United States"
A: Hillary Rodham Walker Jefferson Millhouse Obama Washington Oprah Roosevelt Clinton
B: A
C: All of the above

At least maybe this time their voters won't "get confused" and "accidentally select the wrong candidate".

[136 or 142]

The majority of posts on the 147 Republican presidential candidates are from left wingers. Must be their overwhelming excitement  to vote in the Republican primary. The political insight is equal to that of the Falkie thread.

And then you have the plethora of exciting candidates on the Democrat ballot:
"Candidates For 2016 President of the United States"
A: Hillary Rodham Walker Jefferson Millhouse Obama Washington Oprah Roosevelt Clinton
B: A
C: All of the above

At least maybe this time their voters won't "get confused" and "accidentally select the wrong candidate".

Actually, in several states it is allowed for members of the Democratic Party to vote in Republican Primaries, especially in New Hampshire. Some have speculated whether Democrats will write in HRCs name in the New Hampshire Republican primary to try and come in first place on their ballot.

[136 or 142]

Michigan Governor Rick Snyder looking likelier to run:
http://bigstory.ap.org/article/70457c28d15e45d2a63e38261699cdf2/fund-michigan-gov-rick-snyder-hints-presidential-run

[Humilia Lepus Foramen]

Imho the reason why there are so many posts on the (R) candidates is precisely for that reason that Clinton has no real competition while the opposite side has much more of a competitive field and therefore is more interesting to speculate about.

[136 or 142]

These are the sorts of ridiculous comments by Huckabee that destroy his chances of being taken seriously that I'm referring to:

Mike Huckabee (R) suggested that young Americans planning to join the military should wait until President Barack Obama leaves office to do so because his administration has an “open hostility toward the Christian faith,” the Huffington Post reports.

Said Huckabee: “I’d wait a couple of years until we get a new commander in chief that will once again believe ‘one nation under God,’ and believe that people of faith should be a vital part of the process of not only governing this country, but defending this country.”

While all candidates say stupid things, i.e HRC claiming she had been fired on somewhere in the Balkans, most only make rare blunders. (I doubt HRC made more than one or two other dumb comments during her entire campaign for the nomination in 2007/2008, her husband, of course, made more) Huckabee seems to make boners weekly, if not daily.