A Conservative is not going to win in this cycle IMHO.
The brand has been too badly tarnished by the onslaught of Democrat attacks which received NO pushback from the likes of George W. or Boehner.
Also tarnished by two-plus decades of the Chamber of Commerce and other crony-types pursuing their own financial self-interests above and beyond anything that was good for the country. Fairly or not, they are linked in the public’s mind to “conservatives”.
In a country that was trending to the right, a guy like Bernie Sanders would not be drawing these huge crowds. We are clearly now swimming against the tide.
It is clear this race is going to be won by a Populist. A Populist like Trump who leans to the right is likely the best we can hope for. Otherwise get ready for Bernie or the Fake Indian.
“Also tarnished by two-plus decades of the Chamber of Commerce and other crony-types pursuing their own financial self-interests above and beyond anything that was good for the country”
100%
In practice, who do you think would have a better chance of actually cutting government? Cruz or Trump? I don’t think it will be any contest. Trump will be able, and willing, to cut ineffective, wasteful crap and will push it through. Cruz would be seen as an ideologue and would be resisted at every level. Trump can do it on the basis of “efficiency.”
Well said, your insight matches what I’ve noticed as well.