Posted on 05/14/2015 4:36:17 AM PDT by 2ndDivisionVet
A number of Republican candidates for the 2016 presidential nomination have now formally declared or are poised to announce very soon. Here’s my assessment where each stands right now and how I see their strengths, weaknesses and prospects – at least at this moment.
Former Florida Governor Jeb Bush – his family has a record of winning elections and he has won perhaps the most important swing state twice. He has name recognition, money, clear leadership capacity, and the demeanor to be President. He also will raise a staggering amount of money. Given the GOP tradition of ultimately nominating the heir apparent or the most moderate candidate in the field, he wears both hats. But something doesn’t ring true just yet. He is being booed by the most ardent conservatives, his polling numbers are anemic (especially in both Iowa and New Hampshire) and he should be doing better for someone who represents an iconic name in the party. I give him 5-1 odds, but he should be in better shape.
Texas Senator Ted Cruz – I have already written about him ( here) but here is an update. He received a bump from his announcement and then raised a most impressive amount of money. His message is consistent and uncompromising – an essential ingredient in his brand. He is the party badass and without that he would not even be in the position to try a run. But badasses make noise, attract a lot of passion, and seldom get nominated. When they do – Barry Goldwater in 1964 and George McGovern in 1972 – they get trounced. Besides, if we see Cruz get some traction in Iowa, watch an ABC movement emerge quickly – “Anybody But Cruz” — from not only the establishment but also fellow conservatives....
(Excerpt) Read more at forbes.com ...
Zobby has a critically vital stake in helping the Dauphin win the GOPe nomination. With the potentially vast campaign cache Jeb has, he is the only one that will employ Zogby at the premier campaign consulting rates he needs.
The other candidates? Not as much money, and not as willing to go with Zogby for honest feedback. They’ll see him and some of the other famous pollsters similarly.
That’s why the 5:1 odds, that’s why he’s limited his criticisms of the Dauphin to just “he only needs ‘help’ to do better.” Of course, that ‘help’ should come from Zogby.
[But badasses make noise, attract a lot of passion, and seldom get nominated.]
In times like these, we need TED CRUZ as PONTUS! He stands on his convictions. Look where moderates have gotten us.
If Ted Cruz get’s a good deal of support for Iowan’s his campaign will take off like a tsunami. Conservatives are crying out for a leader who will not cave but will stand for true conservative principles. His strong suit will be shown in the debates as only Marco Rubio is close to being as articulate as is Ted Cruz. Even liberal icon Alan Dershowitz has expounded on Cruz’ brilliance. Once every day Americans hear and see him, their pre-conceived liberal-inspired demonization will be exposed as a fraudulent representation of his persona. I’d pay whatever it would take to watch Ted Cruz debate Hillary — it won’t be a fair fight !!
Sometimes, I get the feeling that I should close my account and become a lurker for when I want to become discouraged and demoralized....but, there's still a lot of pots that need stirring.
Rand Paul, Ted Cruz Top Caffeinated Thoughts Reader Straw Poll (Cruz leads in Iowa)
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/3288668/posts
Iowa Kingmaker Ditches Huckabee: He Sounds Like Hillary; I’m Going with Cruz
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-gop/3287746/posts
The change in Iowa: Conservatives move to Cruz, moderates to Rubio
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/3286936/posts
This is just political garbage spewing from Zogby’s mouth. Is there a fact hidden anyplace in that mess he has vomited out to the rest of us?
They (his side) always telegraphs who they fear.
With all the imported muzzies, illiterate mehhicccans, blackafricans and the unfree tradestuff with the Chinks—the good ‘ol US of A is circling the drain.
WITHOUT a “badass” we are done.
That is, Iffen we aren’t done already.
Zogby (Democrat, Obama lover) left out Reagan
in his alleged badass list; instead putting
in ... McGovern(?).
But......
Buttt.......................
Jebbie can get up SO MUCH MUNNNNNIEEEEEE!!!!! (What else could there possibly be?)
You’re right.
BTW-Why is it OK for Liberals to field ‘badass’ nominees but, it’s verboten for Conservatives?
Just asking.
‘Badasses’ could never win...and definitely could never win 49 states. Just ignore 1980 and 1984.
1) Gov. Jeb Bush - Odds 5-1, "Should be better",
2) Sen. Ted Cruz - Odds 70-1, "Does not play well with others",
3) Sen Rand Paul - Odds 15-1, Good start but testy,
4) Sen Marco Rubio - Odds 5-2, "Still green and untested",
5) Gov Mike Huckabee - Odds 70-1, Not credible for general election,
6) Dr Ben Carson - Odds 20-1, "Has generated some buzz",
7) Carly Fiorina - Odds 60-1, "Impressive in a debate",
8) Gov Scott Walker - Odds 7-1, "Powerful speech".
So Zogby gives best odds to a "Still green and untested" candidate. I do like my Senator but I also remember who was elected in 2008 that had the same experience level.
They fake polls until right before an election.
I think we just saw how wrong polls can be from the election across the pond.
PONTUS Pilate?
[PONTUS Pilate?]
POTUS I meant POTUS :)
I don’t believe in liberal polls.
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