Posted on 01/16/2015 4:23:17 AM PST by Cincinatus' Wife
"....the number of potential contenders for the 2016 GOP presidential nomination exceeds two dozen. It's actually a somewhat ridiculous situation......
...Now it is my assertion that the vast majority of GOP politicians over the last century can be classified into one of the following three categories:
RINOs–meaning that they do not really believe that progressivism and big government are bad for America–it's just that the Democrats are screwing it up and Republicans should be entrusted with the task of implementing the progressive agenda because they will do it more efficiently and cost effectively than liberal Democrats have or could.
CRUELs–that is,confused Republicans who are unable to exercise leadership. These are conservative politicians whose hearts and minds may be in the right place,but they are unable to:(i)articulate their beliefs;(ii)explain the connection between progressivism and the ills that beset the nation;(iii)describe clearly how conservative policies will enhance liberty and economic prosperity;and(iv)deflect the vicious slanders that the Democrats hurl at them.
CCCs–that is committed,conservative constitutionalists. These are politicians who have a clear understanding of what the progressives have wrought and how the country has changed. They can envision and describe the bleak future that awaits us if we don’t have a major course correction. Furthermore,such people also have a clear idea of what must be done to return the country to its founding ethos,re-institute the ideals of free market capitalism,constitutional and limited governance, and American exceptionalism and thereby restore the republic. Moreover,they can explain these ideas clearly and simply....
So is there a savior in the crowded field? If so, who is it? Well, here are my assessments of the various candidates(the list will not be exhaustive).
RINOs:Romney,Christie,Graham,Snyder,Ehrlich, Gilmore,Kasich;
CRUELS:Santorum,Perry,Palin,Cain, Bachmann,Paul;
CCCs:Cruz,Carson,Pence,Walker,Bolton.
You have, of course, noted several missing names: Bush,Huckabee,Rubio,Jindal,Ryan. These are the folks that I am unable to definitively pigeon-hole....
(Excerpt) Read more at americanthinker.com ...
As long as the Conservatives coalesce around one, while the RINO’s fight over the Muffy-and-Biff Country Club, pinky-sticking-out-when-sipping-vin, favor-slaughtering-babies-because-folks-protesting-for-life-are-so-gauche Vote, I’ll be happy.
CRUEL: Huckabee,Rubio
CCC: Jindal
It’s an excellent piece - worth a full read.
You can drop Ryan. He has announced that he is out.
Reagan was a RINO - he cut and ran from Lebanon, amnesty to illegals, and raised taxes. In the eyes of conservatives, HE’S NOT GOOD ENOUGH.
Jesus was a RINO - he consorted with prostitutes, advocated paying taxes, and forgave them their debts. In the eyes of conservatives, HE’S NOT GOOD ENOUGH.
So, why will Bishop Willard of the Dauphin Bush be considered in 2016?
Because in the case of every conservative candidate, the cry rings out: “HE’S NOT GOOD ENOUGH”.
In the words of Chuck Schumer: “We’re united - you’re not.”
And never will be.
What would George Washington say, after all the sacrifice of the revolution?
Just asking.
IMHO
I agree with your CCC for Jindal. I could see him as VP.
Strap in. This is gonna get bumpy!
CCC: Palin
Sarah is great at energizing the base. Her lack of appeal to the lo-fo voters is her Achilles heel.
Back in the day, Reagan was called a RINO by some conservatives - because he had not used the power of his office to force through an outright ban on abortion. Many demanded one of the Two Pats (Robertson or Buchanan) be nominated to succeed him in 1988.
I totally agree.
Unfortunately, as you follow this thread, you will see very little consensus on our side. It is sad that we are doing this to ourselves....again!
My personal choice is Gov Scott Walker
1)He has articulated and implemented sound conservative policies.
2) He has beaten the liberal hordes three times despite their best efforts...this means he is tested by fire and not likely to have skeletons in his closet
3) He is a Governor. We can debate this ad nauseum, but the masses want a proven LEADER, not a Senator, Congressman or unknown doctor....those may make good VP candidates, but this nation craves leadership.
4) He does not come from a safe state that covers for his conservatism....like Ted Cruz. I love Ted Cruz, but it is far, far easier to be an outspoken conservative from Texas than an outspoken conservative from Wisconsin.
5) Walker delivers a blue state in the electoral college....very important in light of our recent close electoral elections.
6) Walker is soft spoken, unlike Palin or Cruz, he appears to be anything other than "rabid" in the eyes of the masses. It will be more difficult to paint him as "wild-eyed" by the media, who will support anyone on the left.
Why do I refer to the "masses"?
Because we need to attract large numbers of people who still feel the sting of being let down by Bush & Obama. We still need to attract a wide audience and siphon blue-state votes with a clear, layman's message.
Car enthusiasts love to talk hp, torque, performance, etc. But they do not keep a car company in business. You still need the "masses" who buy appliances. Those masses still want great initial quality, good fuel economy and reliability. That is why there are base Mustangs, Chargers and Camaros....to attract the masses and justify the investment.
I remember. And there will come a day when those of use who remember Reagan and the miracle he pulled off will be gone.
We miss you, Dutch.
I think you are mistaken, Ryan is not a RINO
He may be a CRUEL, but not a RINO.
Go back and read articles/interviews on how he “held the purse strings” of the Dems (Reid & Pelosi & Franks era) and incurred their ire.
I disagree.
Last go around Palin had it all. What happened was however, at the very last minute, she decided against running.
She did not run. The problem was a whole huge amount of everyone, everywhere had by the time she stood down, already come out for her, and were getting psyched up for her presidency.
I know. I was one of those people.
I remember exactly when I heard she had decided she was not going to run. Exactly where I was. I remember that even now.
She did not run. But she (deeply) disappointed a whole huge lot of us.
The thing is, she was never in the race last time. But that does not change the fact a whole huge lot of people felt like she did.
I believe she has a HUGE bunch of people who will vote for her, if she runs. However a lot of those are people she disappointed last go around.
I do not hold a grudge, but I know there are people right here, who to this day, think Palin let them down.
That is the issue Palin will have to address if she runs.
She can be enormously popular. She can win, and she can be a great President.
The key if she runs, will be to reach the people she turned off last go around.
She was never actually in the race, but quite a lot of people need to be reminded she never actually entered the race last time, in order to ask for their vote this go-around.
However I believe she is the best candidate.
The best.
I disagree. When push comes to shove he takes a knee.
He's solidly in the establishment camp.
The biggest take-away (for me) from Lipsman’s piece is his understanding of the importance of our culture (loss of and need to reclaim).
Good points in your #14. I notice that the R candidate who most scares the leftists is Walker.
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