Look, we all know this is a conservative site, and what people here prefer. But we also know how GOP Presidential politcs work (if there is any doubt, see 2008 and 2012).
Realistically, it’s probably already too late for anyone to mount a 3rd party effort, and it most likely would not lead to success and split the vote so that the Democrat wins.
But please help me understand how it is that the GOP will come to do what is necessary (in terms of campaign resources, allocation of funds, messaging, etc.) to enable a conservative to become the 2016 nominee. All I’ve seen thus far is public disdain and dismissal of people like Palin and Cruz from the GOP. In private, I’m sure it is more like outright hatred. When the leaders of their own party are against them, how can they win?
I’m not saying Rand Paul should be the nominee, but I am able to see a stronger logical path for that to happen. And I think that is what these panelists did, too.
Did you hear them discussing MITT ROMNEY as the nominee? As I’ve said before, if either Cruz or Palin or both run or are the nominees, I will raise at least one million dollars and teach others how to fundraise. I really can’t walk precincts anymore, but I’ll do what I can.
It's like the underdog Tea Party guy said who took down Eric Cantor "In the end money doesn't vote, you do".
In 2012 the GOP nomination was split into fragments. Santorum won many states, Gingrich won a few, and in the end Romney had enough to nab the nomination. It wasn't the GOP machine that did that, GOP primary voters and caucus goers did.
If Cruz, Paul or Palin grabs the immagination of the base, runs a good campaign and wins enough primaries they will be the nominee.
Last time on FR you had Freepers all over the place: a big contingent of Hermain Cain supporters, Santorum supporters, Bachmann early in the race, etc.
One thing I will say about Rand: he does appear to be building a professional organization to run and win. That doesn't guarantee victory, but it makes it possible.
So that's the logical path: good organization, early momentum, consrvatives coming together around him, and perhaps a fractured GOP mainstream with Rubio, Gov. Christie Creme, Jindal.
Scott Walker is out there too.