Republican Primary

[Orleans_Attny]

You know, you would think that even liberals would admire someone who is intelligent, energetic AND competent, like Sarah Palin. I mean, after 8 mediocre years of Bush and 3 catastrophic years of Obama which have brought us another $5T of debt and dictatorial decrees, you’d think that everyone would hope that America would catch a break.
I guess that as long as you keep laughing and continue the meme that an excellent executive is a joke b/c she wears a skirt and is proud to be a woman, reality in America 2012 may not hurt quite so much. Rob

Rob,

I’m beginning to come to the shocking conclusion that you’re serious.

I’m exceptionally conservative, certainly more conservative than just about any of the present GOP candidates. But… Sarah Palin! Really??? I’d sooner vote for Donald Trump or Stephen Colbert.

And it’s certainly not about her sex. She just doesn’t game the chops for the job.

Pax,
OA

 

[Orleans_Attny]

He had no choice but to implement same-sex marriage. It was court ordered by the State Supreme Court…so short of an amendment to the State’s constitution it had to be done.

Name the republican capable of beating Obama in the general election other than Romney…

The major Republican who is least likely to get the Nomination: Ron Paul.

Second place is Santorum.

Gingrich and Romney seem sure to cement a win for Obama.

Huckabee must be kicking himself right about now.

Pax,
OA

 

[Orleans_Attny]

A libertarian winning the election? I can’t imagine. Even Huntsman is more realistic.

Right!

Who wants a liberty-minded, non-interventionist, value voting, economically focused, pro-life, strong supporter of federalism, who happens to have like a 30+ year consistent record?

That’s insanity. What we’ve been doing is clearly so much better.

Pax,
OA

 

[ishii]

Right!

Who wants a liberty-minded, non-interventionist, value voting, economically focused, pro-life, strong supporter of federalism, who happens to have like a 30+ year consistent record?

That’s insanity. What we’ve been doing is clearly so much better.

Pax,
OA

No, insanity is thinking that a 77 year old libertarian would do anything but lose in a landslide against Obama. Ron Paul as the nominee would equal 4 more years of Obama.

Ishii

 

[Orleans_Attny]

No, insanity is thinking that a 77 year old libertarian would do anything but lose in a landslide against Obama. Ron Paul as the nominee would equal 4 more years of Obama.

Ishii

At some point the GOP is going to have to nominate competent people (at least that’s my hope). I’m tired of merely voting against someone. Let’s take a look at the GOP All Star Team for the Last 40 years:

Nixon
Goldwater
Ford
Reagan
G.H.W. Bush
Dole
G.W. Bush
McCain

From 1960 until 2004 in every presidental election but ONE there was a Nixon, Dole, or Bush on the ticket.

The departure was Barry Goldwater!

And we followed that parade with McCain, the ancient “maverick” and pain the the GOP’s collective behind.

Exactly how shallow is the GOP’s talent bench?

As I get older, I’m growing evermore depressed about the lunacy of the primary process. And I’m rather desperate for a candidate that I can truly, and without reservation, support. We have become, by any objective standard, the most militaristic country on Earth - and we resort to our military as our primary diplomatic tool. And I see it more than most - since I’m in the military and see all the involvement that never hits the papers.

I guess this just doesn’t look like this year will be any different - since I’m fearful we will nominate Romney, who I can’t say a single good thing about. So, following the Golden Rule, I’ll refrain from saying anything more about him.

Pax,
OA

 

[ishii]

And, to add insult to the injury of your post, you have to be in Kailua, of all places. Wish I was on Lanikai beach right now.

As for you post…

At some point the GOP is going to have to nominate competent people (at least that's my hope).  I'm tired of merely voting against someone.  Let's take a look at the GOP All Star Team for the Last 40 years:

Nixon
Goldwater
Ford
Reagan
G.H.W. Bush
Dole
G.W. Bush
McCain

From 1960 until 2004 in every presidental election but ONE there was a Nixon, Dole, or Bush on the ticket.

I agree with you that the names you listed are not all stellar, but you have to weigh the electability of the candidate. As good ol’ WFB said, the goal should be to find the most conservative candidate with a chance of winning. So yes, Nixon, Ford, Dole, McCain, less than stellar. I don’t know why you don’t consider Reagan competent. Seems he got the economy rolling again, helped defeat communism, and gave us Antonin Scalia.

The departure was Barry Goldwater!

Yes, but Goldwater lost by a landslide and he was pro-abortion rights.

And we followed that parade with McCain, the ancient “maverick” and pain the the GOP’s collective behind.

Who lost in Democrat year. 2008 would have been a hard election to win considering the political realities - economy, wars, 8 years of Bush, etc.

Exactly how shallow is the GOP’s talent bench?

A couple of quick answers: Marco Rubio, Chris Christie, Paul Ryan, and Bobby Jindall, to name four off the top of my head.

As I get older, I’m growing evermore depressed about the lunacy of the primary process. And I’m rather desperate for a candidate that I can truly, and without reservation, support. We have become, by any objective standard, the most militaristic country on Earth - and we resort to our military as our primary diplomatic tool. And I see it more than most - since I’m in the military and see all the involvement that never hits the papers.

That perfect candidate you’re looking for doesn’t exist in reality, we have to accept that all candidates will be flawed. I will take the candidate that I agree with 80% who has a chance to win over the “ideal” candidate who will lose by a landslide.

I guess this just doesn’t look like this year will be any different - since I’m fearful we will nominate Romney, who I can’t say a single good thing about. So, following the Golden Rule, I’ll refrain from saying anything more about him. Pax,
OA

Then I’ll say some things about Romney for you. He is committed to nominating justices in the mold of Scalia, Alito, et al. He understand how businesses and the economy works and that growth doesn’t come from the government.

And, to add insult to the injury of your post, you have to be in Kailua, of all places. Wish I was on Lanikai beach right now.

As for you post…

 

[jpchristian]

I thought I may vote for Romney, because I thought it best to support someone who could beat Obama…now, though I’m leaning more towards Santorum. What if just a portion of the 52% of Catholics who voted for Obama in 08 ;-( would actually vote their faith this time? Maybe Santorum and our country’s need for his strong moral and fiscal values would win out.

 

[Orleans_Attny]

… I don’t know why you don’t consider Reagan competent. Seems he got the economy rolling again, helped defeat communism, and gave us Antonin Scalia.

I only included him for the complete list. I’m a fairly big fan of his.

Pax,
OA

 

[ishii]

I thought I may vote for Romney, because I thought it best to support someone who could beat Obama…now, though I’m leaning more towards Santorum. What if just a portion of the 52% of Catholics who voted for Obama in 08 ;-( would actually vote their faith this time? Maybe Santorum and our country’s need for his strong moral and fiscal values would win out.

That is a good point. What if? Something tells me that prayers will be in order from here on out.

Ishii

 

[rlg94086]

The major Republican who is least likely to get the Nomination: Ron Paul.

What? Even Ron Paul knows that Ron Paul couldn’t beat Obama.

Heck…he can’t even win the Republican nomination. I’m all for his “back up plan,” which is winning 5 states, so he can speak at the convention. I doubt he can even muster enough support for that, but I hope he can have an impact on the platform and direction of the party. I think he already has…

 

[rlg94086]

The candidate the Democrats fear the most?

Sarah Palin.

If for one second the Democrats thought she would be easy to defeat, they would be encouraging her in every possible way. If the Democrats wanted to run against her, they would be shoveling money into her campaign and they would not have been suing her when she was Governor of Alaska.

She’s not a candidate. They have nothing to fear.

Besides, I doubt they fear her.

 

[rlg94086]

cnn.com/2012/01/08/opinion/graham-romney-edge-debates/index.html?hpt=op_t1

 

[Sonic]

cnn.com/2012/01/08/opinion/graham-romney-edge-debates/index.html?hpt=op_t1

I read the article and watched the debate, and I am just floored at this interpretation. I honestly thought Romney did poorly compared to his previous debates.

 

[CMatt25]

A couple of quick answers: Marco Rubio, Chris Christie, Paul Ryan, and Bobby Jindall, to name four off the top of my head.

If this is the “A” team, makes me wonder what they’re doing on the bench and why Romney and the others are on the floor instead. Considering this is an election in which the incumbant is considered in jeopardy by them.

 

[lothariorowe]

I thought I may vote for Romney, because I thought it best to support someone who could beat Obama…now, though I’m leaning more towards Santorum. What if just a portion of the 52% of Catholics who voted for Obama in 08 ;-( would actually vote their faith this time? Maybe Santorum and our country’s need for his strong moral and fiscal values would win out.

If people voted their faith, it would be Ron Paul almost everytime. The one guy whose entire platform is based on the non-aggression principle - the idea that it is immoral to initiate any force against another human being.

Santorum has wretched anti-freedom principles: vote4reason.com/2012/01/09/rick-santorum-individual-freedom-the-pursuit-of-happiness-is-harming-america/

 

[ishii]

If this is the “A” team, makes me wonder what they’re doing on the bench and why Romney and the others are on the floor instead. Considering this is an election in which the incumbant is considered in jeopardy by them.

Politically speaking, Obama is vulnerable in a way that Reagan wasn’t in 84 and Clinton wasn’t in '96 and even Bush wasn’t in '04. Obama (you’ll be happy to hear me say) is by no means a shoo-in for defeat. I would put his chances of re-election right now at about 60%. The solid bench is Rubio, Jindal and a few others. They weren’t ready to run this year but I think we’ll all be hearing from them in the future.

Ishii

 

[Monte_RCMS]

What? Even Ron Paul knows that Ron Paul couldn’t beat Obama.

Heck…he can’t even win the Republican nomination. I’m all for his “back up plan,” which is winning 5 states, so he can speak at the convention. I doubt he can even muster enough support for that, but I hope he can have an impact on the platform and direction of the party. I think he already has…

Ron Paul for Chairman of the Fed!!

 

[_Abyssinia]

Conservatives vs. Capitalism

** The last two presidential election cycles have revealed a stinking hypocrisy in conservatives: They profess their love of capitalism and entrepreneurship, but when offered a real capitalist and entrepreneur, they go, “Eek, a mouse!” And they tear him down in proud social-democrat fashion. …**

Last time around, Mike Huckabee said Romney “looks like the guy who laid you off.” Conservatives reacted like this was the greatest mot since Voltaire or something. To me, Romney looked like someone who could create a business and hire the sadly unentrepreneurial like me.
...]
As I say in Impromptus today, I was watching a clip of Romney tangling with an “Occupy” protester last week. Romney was defending corporate profits. I was astounded. I don’t think I had ever seen a candidate do this. When the subject comes up, you’re supposed to denounce corporate profits or say, “Hey, nice weather we’re having, huh?”

** Over and over, Romney defends and explains capitalism. And he’s supposed to be the RINO and squish in the race? That’s what I read in the conservative blogosphere, every day. What do you have to do to be a “real conservative”? Speak bad English and belch?**

nationalreview.com/corner/287606/conservatives-vs-capitalism-jay-nordlinger
**Romney Derangement Syndrome **

It’s been discouraging to read that many conservatives see Romney’s record at Bain Capital as a liability. For the truth is the opposite: Romney is a candidate uniquely suited to defending the role of free enterprise in the American economy. When liberal politicians and journalists argue that layoffs are cruel, and that capitalism is unfair, Mitt Romney can speak to how dealing frontally with a business’s problems can lead to better and more numerous jobs over the long term. He can speak not merely in abstract philosophical terms, but using the real-world examples from his successes and his failures.

…hould Romney end up as the nominee, he will provide conservatives with a singular opportunity: a chance to forthrightly and skillfully extol the Duane Reade economy over the Solyndra economy. If conservatives truly believe in free enterprise, it is an opportunity they should relish.

nationalreview.com/articles/287565/romney-derangement-syndrome-avik-roy

Ex-CEOS Defend Romney’s time at Bain

While Mitt Romney’s rivals criticize his tenure at Bain Capital, the two founders of Bain’s most notable successes, Sports Authority and Staples, say his experience best equips him to serve as the nation’s next president.

**Jack Smith, founder of Sports Authority, calls the attacks “a terrible slap against a brilliant guy’s record.”** Bain was one of the original investors in the sporting-goods store, and Romney served as a director on the company’s board.** Smith says he would consult Romney on “anything and everything.”** “He provided guidance and direction,” he adds.

“I heard [Newt] Gingrich talking about how they eliminated jobs and the money they grabbed, that’s baloney,” Smith insists.

Tom Stemberg, founder of Staples, agrees, calling Romney “the single best corporate director I’ve ever worked with.” **Asked about Rick Santorum’s contention that Romney’s experience as a CEO isn’t the best preparation for the presidency — because a president can’t boss Congress around — Stemberg retorts, “That’s an absurd analogy.”** As a member of the board of directors, Stemberg notes, “You can’t boss anyone around. You’re only a shareholder. You’ve got one vote.”
...]

nationalreview.com/corner/287642/ex-ceos-defend-romney-s-tenure-bain-brian-bolduc

 

[_Abyssinia]

Mitt Romney is the strong favorite in New Hampshire, despite last-minute attacks after “fire people” comment

“Mitt Romney caused a clamor Monday for saying, “I like being able to fire people who provide services to me,” a remark that he later underscored was referring to insurance companies, as he accused Republicans and Democrats alike of taking out of context.” - Fox News

“Let me go on record saying it would be misleading and unfair to clip the video in question in order to quote Romney this way: “I like being able to fire people.”” - Greg Sargent , the Washington Post - with full, in-context, quote

Two factors to look our for: (1) the size of Romney’s victory

"Romney’s five opponents will try to shrug off a convincing victory as the expected outcome for a former Massachusetts governor who owns a vacation home here. But a narrow win in the nation’s first presidential primary - or a surprisingly strong finish from one of his rivals - will be played up as more evidence that Republicans still have their doubts about Romney. " - AP

…And (2) who comes second

“In one of the latest polls, Paul is in the second spot. … Another new survey indicates that Paul is basically tied with Huntsman for second place. … Santorum’s seen his poll numbers in New Hampshire surge from single digits to the low double-digits, thanks to a near-win in Iowa. But Santorum’s downplaying expectations.” - CNN

In iconic Dixville Notch midnight vote, Huntsman and Romney tie

“Voters in the tiny New Hampshire village famed for casting the first ballots in the nation’s first presidential primary have found themselves in a tie between Republicans Mitt Romney and Jon Huntsman. Nine ballots were cast in New Hampshire’s Dixville Notch just after midnight. Romney and Huntsman received two votes each. Coming in second with one vote apiece were Newt Gingrich and Ron Paul.” - AP

“A “super PAC” supporting Mitt Romney is investing big in South Carolina, getting ready for a multimillion dollar ad buy for the Jan. 21 GOP primary. Restore Our Future is making a $2.3 million ad buy and will begin airing ads Tuesday through primary day.” - USA Today

Newt Gingrich on Tuesday defended his rival Mitt Romney, saying Romney’s comment that he enjoys firing people “absolutely” has been taken out of context.

But the head of the Democrat Party says Romney’s remark is fair game.

• CNSnews

DNC e-stalks Romney, ignores others - Daily Caller

 

[lothariorowe]

Ron Paul for Chairman of the Fed!!

Hah, you are aware of Ron Paul’s 30 year mission to END the Fed? He also has a book titled “End The Fed” as well - a good read.

Ron Paul also has significantly more donations from active duty military than all other candidates combined - more than Obama as well - so why don’t we give the military the leader they want, and make Ron Paul the Commander in Chief as well?

Or wait, I forgot, NBC, CBS, CNN, FOX told me Ron Paul is unelectable. nevermind.