Posted on 03/05/2015 9:46:51 PM PST by 2ndDivisionVet
Scott Walker in 2015 is a lot like Barack Obama circa 2007; hes relatively unknown and yet well-known at the same time. Obamas speech at the DNC in 2004 propelled him to rock-star status among the Democratic faithful, while Walkers victory over the public sector labor unions in 2011 made him a legend among conservatives. The Wisconsin Governor begins this campaign as a vessel into which voters can pour their hopes and aspirations. The question now is whether the idea of Walker can match up with the reality of Walker.
At the annual Club for Growth conference in Florida this weekend, Walker was met by a group of conservative Republicans eager for a candidate who would throw some punches. After two consecutive White House losses, this crowd wanted to see a fighter. Instead, of Warrior Walker, however, they were met by Wonky Walker. At an 8:00 a.m. breakfast speech, the Wisconsin Governor ticked through his talking points about Wisconsins growing economy with accountant-like delivery. He left the room to polite applause. Meanwhile, Sens. Ted Cruz and Marco Rubio, who have been long-time Club allies and endorsees, ended their speeches to standing ovations.
The flat speech marked a less than illustrious couple of weeks for the Wisconsin Governor. Criticism over his non-answer on Rudy Giulianis anti-Obama comments were quickly followed by criticism for his non-answer to the Is Obama a Christian? question. His remarks to CPAC on Friday, in which he intimated that his success in dealing with 100,000 protestors in Madison prepared him to deal with ISIS, earned him blowback in the conservative media. Trying to get ahead of criticism that he once supported legal status for illegal immigrants, Walker went full pander on Sunday, telling Fox News Sunday host Chris Wallace that my view has changed on the issue.
Walkers quick rise in the polls is a double-edged sword. While it gets him in front of GOP donors and voters who wouldnt have given him much thought, it also puts a big target on his back. And, its clear that hes not yet prepared for the scrutiny. One top level Republican campaign operative not affiliated with any candidate in 2016 described Walker as a candidate who has gotten out in front of his supply lines.
However, theres no evidence that these early stumbles are impacting Walkers appeal. While he didnt get people to their feet in Florida, he didnt turn them off either. Moreover, it was clear from my observations at the Club confab that no candidate won the weekend. A hearty applause didnt necessarily equal support for his presidential campaign. The Club donors, like so many GOPers, seemed eager to find a candidate who was without obvious baggage or disqualifying positions on key issues.
Interestingly enough, Walker gets a benefit of the doubt that Bush doesnt get. In fact, while Walker is an empty vessel, Bush comes in as a half-full (or half-empty, depending on your perspective) vessel. Most Republicans have an opinion about the former Florida Governor (his last name is a problem; hes got a Common Core problem; hes too moderate), even though they know about as much about him and his overall record as they do Walkers. Meanwhile, Bush has done a masterful job of looking like hes campaigning while really not getting out and facing major league pitching. Bush isnt hiding. Hes giving plenty of public speeches, even showing up at the less-than-friendly CPAC venue. Yet, unlike Walker, hes deftly avoided the media scrum.
The other big question for Walker is if hes effectively using his newfound frontrunner status for some serious fundraising. Hes got access to and interest from more donors than ever. Can his team capitalize on this? And/or are donors sold on him?
At the end of the day, Walkers biggest asset is that hes not offensive to any of the GOP factions. His appeal is superficial but significant. At some point, however, Walker will have to go deeper. It is then where well see if his frontrunner status is for real or just a flash in the pan.
“hes too moderate”
Is that what they’re calling it these days? It’s why he’s avoided the “media scrum”. They’re playing on the same team.
“Is Scott Walker the GOP’s Barack Obama?”
Unlike a certain kenyan idiot, I doubt he’ll hide his college transcripts and birth certificate..
Walker is less Obama and more Romney-like.
Hes not Bush, hes not McCain, and hes not Romney. What he is is what we dont know yet. But I give a guy whose has survived what he has not only survived, but is still on his feat is telling. We still have almost another years until the game starts. This is all pre-season stuff.
Maybe it’s too early to decide on the Republican Candidate?
Maybe it’s too early to decide on our Libertarian Candidate.
Maybe it’s just too early to decide on any Candidate!
But of course. Only, I wonder how we ended up in 2008 with the likes of John McCain.
Because idiots that had no idea about politics voted for this clown! We seem to have a dearth of folks that actually know anything about what is going on in the world and so we suffer tremendously! Such is politics!
We have over half of the country that wants free handouts while the rest toil to provide them. Who would you vote for?
Thank you—you know it’s a GOPe article when it discusses Bush, Rubio and Walker without mention of illegal immigration.
Walker is less Obama and more Romney-like.
Silly goose. You were typing too fast and made a critical error. Walker is less Obama and more Reagan like. Fixed it for you. Next time be careful and use your brain and not your desires.
Oh get over it.....you are so 2014. Get with the times. 2015 he has for the millionth time said he is against all illegal aliens and what it comes with. He says he made a mistake. If we can forgive Reagan for actually giving amnesty, we can support Walker 100 percent. I know I haven’t replied to you in awhile....hope all is well with you.
So Walker’s fooled you twice?
I feel sorry for you. You are going to look so dumb when it becomes clear during President Walker’s Presidency that he is the Ronald Reagan incarnate.
If you want a “Ronald Reagan like” President, you choice should be Ted Cruz.
I just don’t see Ted Cruz as Ronald Reagan who was a two term Governor and got a lot done. Ted Cruz had the chance to run for Governor of Texas and turned it down. That was a bad decision on his part. I like him but don’t think he will ever be called President. Of course if he some how miraculously gets the nomination he gets my vote. I just don’t think realistically he would get enough votes. He is Santorum in a lot of ways who I supported last go round but was naive in my thinking.
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