A field guide to 2016: How to tell the A-listers from the publicity seekers

The Economist ^ | The April 25, 2015 Issue

[2ndDivisionVet]

“RUNNING for office is real simple,” Ted Cruz told supporters in New Hampshire recently, within earshot of a Politico reporter. “You just surgically disconnect your shame sensor. Because you spend every day asking people for money. You walk up and say, ‘How are you doing, sir? Can I have money? Great to see you, lovely shirt, please give me money’.” This year should be a good one for shame surgeons: the Republican field for 2016 so far consists of 20 men and one woman who have either declared their candidacy for president, set up the machinery for a run or expressed an interest in running.

Making sense of this stampede requires sorting them into categories. We have come up with six (see table). Of the 21 only six candidates—the A-listers and the Dark Horses—look plausible. Most pundits have been too quick to discount Chris Christie, the governor of New Jersey, who reminded them why his candidacy might be interesting by announcing support for raising the retirement age and means-testing Social Security, two things that are usually considered the electoral equivalent of drinking weedkiller. The same is true of John Kasich, the governor of Ohio, who has been quiet thus far but is a moderate with a good record from a crucial swing state....

[2ndDivisionVet]

The media wants Rubio to be a front-runner, therefore he's a front-runner.

[dp0622]

i dont agree with several categorizations on this list. Firtly the placement of Cruz.

[dp0622]

and the Chris Christie dark horse thing makes this a joke

[Diogenesis]

What a cute RINO list.

[Leaning Right]

I dont agree with several categorizations on this list. Firstly the placement of Cruz.

Actually, it's not a bad list, with one exception. As you noted, Cruz is most definitely an A-lister.

[Dr. Sivana]

i dont agree with several categorizations on this list. Firtly the placement of Cruz

The Economist is UberCronyCapitalist cubed.

It's not that they aren't conservative on much of anything at all, but being Brit, they can't even COMPREHEND gun rights or social conservatism. Their ancestors included the flinty uncles from P.G. Wodehouse stories.

[dp0622]

I like Carly in the race. She can say things the others cant about suitpant. Let her be the attack dog, like i’ve said in other posts, and give her some position when we sin. That is in line with what this analysis says she is looking for.

[dp0622]

I wonder how europe in general is going to deal with the fact that obama’s sons are getting their hands on High powered guns regardless of their laws.
disclaimer: i am embarrassed to say i know nothing about guns and dont know if “high powered guns” even makes sense.
but i’m a NYC yankee and can go to jail for owning so leave me alone :(

[Rodamala]

The Economist is merely a coffee table coaster for liberal elitist that think they have half a clue about economics or world news. Having that rag in one's home is the equivalent to playing NPR on one's radio.

Losers.

Ted Cruz. ALL. THE. WAY.

[Svartalfiar]

Actually, it's not a bad list, with one exception. As you noted, Cruz is most definitely an A-lister.

I think it's more than that. Rubio is not an A-lister. Perry and Christie both have no hope, I wouldn't have them in the 'dark horse' category the author mentions might have a chance. And even Jeb, while he's the media's favorite, I really think he's started taking a look at whether running is worth it or not.