(GOP SCRAPING)THE BOTTOM OF THE BARREL (DICK MORRIS ALERT)

VOTE.COM ^ | November 30, 2006 | DICK MORRIS & EILEEN MCGANN

[2ndDivisionVet]

With the recent defeat of Sen. George Allen (R-VA) and the surprising withdrawal of Sen. Bill Frist (R-TN) from the presidential race, the right wing of the Republican Party is running out of candidates for president in 2008.

For the centrists within the party, the likely candidacy of Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) and the possible option of former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani offer attractive possibilities, but whom do the conservatives have to put up against them? Surely the GOP is not about to embrace the pro-choice, pro-gay rights, pro-gun control, pro-affirmative action, pro-immigration Giuliani. (He's fine with us, but not with the party base.) Nor are they likely to find favor with John McCain, co-sponsor -- with Ted Kennedy -- of the immigration amnesty bill, supporter of the rights of detainees to avoid "torture," sponsor -- with Joe Lieberman -- of the anti-global warming initiative, and the original framer of campaign finance reform. Conservatives are also likely to hold his membership in the so-called "gang of fourteen" against him. Back in 2005, he joined six other Republicans and seven Democrats in backing confirmation of moderate judges without a filibuster. Trusting such a person with control over judicial appointments may be a nonstarter on the right. (Again, we're OK with all this, but you don't win in South Carolina with these positions.)

So whom does the right have to put up?

[oiler]

I USED to like Hagel. Not for several years. IMO he will not get past South Carolina. He may do well in NH/Iowa. But the votes will stop there!

[Thebaddog]

Poweline blog made the same point this morning. Morris is reading and copying from only the best sources.

[oiler]

By the way, Hagel has repeatedly violated RR 11th commandment.

[DallasSun]

Rice will not run. Guiliani cannot win.

[DallasSun]

Fred Thompson I do like. And this is the first time I have seen anyone mention him.

[sandbox]

I think Hagel opposed John Bolton nomination. I like John Bolton

[Plutarch]

Since Romney has flip-flop-flipped, going from pro-life to pro-choice to pro-life, he is unlikely to gain traction on the right.

Being a Democrat Presidential candidate would be easy work indeed if your Republican opponents could be limited, as Morris clearly hopes, to those precious few candidates whose positions on abortion and other ideological issues are immutable and unambivalent.

[Forgiven_Sinner]

My first choice is Jeb Bush. He's a very successful governor.

Next, would be Pawlenty or Huckabee.

I would also vote for Cheney.

Don't rule anyone out yet--the more unsettled the GOP slate is, the more likely some of these unlikely candidates are.

[top 2 toe red]

I'm guessing Tancredo would have a hard time capturing ANY state...

[Digger]

I'd love to see Gingrich in the race. Unfortunatly he's offended the rigid right by not echoing the correct doctrine 100% of the time. He is definitely a free thinker, and a conservative one, but not perfect enough for some here

I still think he is heads above the other pols.

[top 2 toe red]

You're saying Tancredo would capture all but one state?

[2nd Bn, 11th Mar]

If I interpret the phrase "scooting on the White House carpet" as in a dog dragging his hind end along the carpeted floor, would I be correct? If so, ROTFLMAO...

[marajade]

Who is Duncan Hunter? And Tom Tancredo is a total turn off.

[Norman Bates]

Sam Waterston = democrat

[George W. Bush]

Neither McCain, Hagel nor Graham ever got over it.

Don't forget Lugar.

[George W. Bush]

I think Hagel opposed John Bolton nomination. I like John Bolton

Hagel waivered and asked questions but voted for him. Chafee will not vote for him. It's about his abrasive style. Bolton was supported by seven former SoS's and SoD's. Of those, Kissinger did mention concerns about his confrontational style but commended some thoughtful writing by Bolton on issues like international war crimes tribunals (fending off EU courts from prosecuting American politicians/generals). Colin Powell refused to sign the letter supporting Bolton.

[WalterSkinner]

Hailey Barbour

..after listening to his speech at the Federalist Society--I'd say he's for real--drawl and all...

[Norman Bates]

Some want to run congressmen, even more want to run senators. Dan Quayle has 12 years combined experience as both and served honorably as our Vice President. Dan is a tough conservative who doesn't water it down (ask him what he thinks about "compassionate conservatism"), a sharp debater (whipped Gore), knows how to run a campaign (unseated the vaunted Birch Bayh; warned Bush against renegging on "read my lips"), and while being a 2000 Presidential candidate has been pursuing a successful career in the private sector as a financial chairman. Dan has the experience, the talent, and the qualifications to be our next President. Dan Quayle: an experienced outsider.

[tiger-one]

More than that it was invented for me because of my smelling, Ha Ha

[org.whodat]

...irregardless of where he stands on the issues.

Member of NRA, don't you remember the fight he had with Rosie the pig. Anyway it was a joke , but one that would drive the move-on crowd crazy. They Selleck he has no experience, answer neither does obamma, or what ever.