The American Spectator : The Republicans' 'Zebra' Field

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The Republicans’ ‘Zebra’ Field

By J.T. Young on 5.24.11 @ 6:08AM

Focus on the GOP’s lack of a 2012 presidential frontrunner overlooks the situation’s real advantages.

Focus on Republicans’ lack of a 2012 presidential frontrunner overlooks the situation’s real advantages. Prevailing opinion is that the absence of a frontrunner indicates a weak candidate field, which will prevent Republicans from making November after next the contest of sharp contrasts they could win.

However, current trends and historical precedent forcefully argue both assumptions may be wrong. Republicans may be about to follow the Democrats’ pattern that has worked for their last three successful presidential candidates.

Even if Osama bin Laden’s killing and April’s job growth provide boosts, Obama is still only emerging from one of his presidency’s lowest points. It is unclear how much, or how lasting, their impacts will be. With an election 18 months away, they need to be lasting. And with his current approval ratings, they also need to be big. Obama continues to hover around a 50% percent approval rating — often below and often negative.

The 2010 election results gave similarly serious signs. Obama’s base supporters showed an ominous low turnout and Democrats lost Senate and governor races in states Obama needs to win for reelection.

Strategists will argue things will be different with Obama at the ticket’s top. His supporters will return and equally important: his opposition lacks a strong candidate to rally behind.

While the first assertion’s accuracy is unknowable until next November, it’s time to seriously reassess the second.

Most importantly, reelections are almost always about the incumbent. Virtually no one Republicans could nominate will change that fact.

Second, even Democrats admit the 2012 presidential contest will not repeat 2008’s. This one will be tight. Obama is no longer an unknown. He now has a record and its construction has produced today’s approval ratings.

Nor do there appear many things that are likely to dramatically change that record before reelection. A split Congress seriously limits new legislation and the major issues — economy, unemployment, the federal deficit and debt — also are unlikely to change significantly.

For an incumbent with limited opportunity to alter his record, the goal is quickly to define the opponent. However, that is impossible with no leading opponent to attack. This not only protects the field now, it also increases the chance the nominee will be stronger. The herd of Republican candidates does not just obscure its members. It also encourages more to enter.

Such a wide-open field is atypical for Republican presidential primaries. But Democrats have made prototypical for successfully challenging incumbents.

Republicans have nominated “legacy candidates” for some time — picks fairly obvious well ahead of their nomination. Nixon in 1960 and 1968, Ford in 1976, Reagan in 1980, Bush I in 1988, Dole in 1996, Bush II in 2000, and McCain in 2008 all fit the description. And all gave Democrats a long time to target them, frequently successfully.

This election though, Republicans seem to be copying Democrats’ incumbent-challenging strategy.

Democrats’ last three presidents — Carter in 1976, Clinton in 1992, and Obama in 2008 — emerged either from “weak fields” or were initially seen as “weak candidates.” Few expected them to win the nomination, let alone the White House. Yet all did and did so in part because they were largely unknown and undefined — in clear contrast to the incumbents they beat.

Obama had these advantages just four years ago. He got them precisely by beating a prohibitive frontrunner for the nomination — Hillary Clinton — whose seemingly overwhelming advantages served to clear the field for Obama.

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About the Author

J.T. Young served in the Department of Treasury and the Office of Management and Budget from 2001 to 2004 and as a Congressional staff member from 1987 to 2000.

Letter to the Editor View all comments (105) | Leave a comment Leave a comment

Don L| 5.24.11 @ 6:34AM

Hey, not to get excited. It is just the leftist anti-truth machine in full swing -telling the rubes and hayseeds that they should not be for the GOP and for the anointed one. How silly that large numbers make for the best challange -if true, where are the large numbers of Democrats challenging Obama? (shhhh they don't want you to notice their contradiction)

Let's view the entire thing from a realistic view - as do the United States Marines; all we need are a few good men(or women)

SonOfSam| 5.24.11 @ 10:29AM

spot on, Don! A field with lots of different candidates means the field is alive and lively, not a corpse before its even born. The debates that will come from this "crowded" field will be the best thing that's happened to the GOP since the emergence of the Tea Party movement. They will FORCE the contestants to define themselves, so that we the voters have a clear choice. This same process will need to be repeated next November

"From the clash of differing opinions comes the spark of truth"

Purpleguy| 5.24.11 @ 12:36PM

the trouble is they all have flaws what might be insurmountable to the Republican base which = apathy = no voting.

John Navratil| 5.24.11 @ 12:44PM

Purpleguy,

And they have one defining virtue for the base. None are Obama = fervor = voting.

Drunken Sailor| 5.24.11 @ 12:44PM

Nice spin PG but there is no perfect candidate. Won't take the perfect one either to beat Obama's track record.

SonOfSam| 5.24.11 @ 12:47PM

Conservatives are practical people , p-Guy. Unlike libs, Dems and other born fools, we're not searching for a Messiah, and we sure as hell would never look for one to emerge from Washington DC. "Flaws"? Sure -- our guys are human beings, not soul-less robots mouthing scripted gibberish like "we are the ones we have been waiting for".

What you call flaws I tend to think of as the humanizing elements, the things that remind us all that we're people, not gods. Perhaps if the TelePrompter in Chief stopped worshiping at the altar of his own divinity, he wouldn't act like such an ass. "No drama" Obama? Puh-leaze...more like he's a heartless vampire.

canuckistani| 5.24.11 @ 1:44PM

"Conservatives are practical people , p-Guy. Unlike libs, Dems and other born fools, we're not searching for a Messiah"

Really?
No kidding, really?

Reading the hysterical meanderings of cons on this site only lead me to conclude cons are not really practical people at all. Why would they endorse deep tax cuts, a new drug entitlement and two protracted wars without raising or cutting a dime to pay for them?
How is that practical?
And now the "practical" conservative budget includes the ageist dismantling of Medicare with those lucky enough to be 55 or older avoiding the tough love of Ryan and his cabal of "practical" cons.
In truth, is not Ryan proposing ANOTHER seniors program to run in parallel with the existing parts A through infinity?

At 55, an American can expect to live another 30 to forty years, and there are a record number of 55 year olds that have spent their working lives NOT paying their fair share of the Medicare load.

According to Ryan, they get a free pass and everyone else goes into the twilight zone of the unknown. Seems practical don't it?
My upbringing taught me that borrowing money for "practical" things was ok as long as there was a "practical" plan to pay for them.

I see "practically" nothing to applaud in the Ryan fantasy budget.

John Navratil| 5.24.11 @ 2:58PM

canuckistani,

You may recall that it was the conservative who were screaming that Bush was spending wildly. It's why they stayed home on election day. What was the choice, Dem or Dem-lite?

As for the practical reality of living for 30 years on someone else's money, it seems perfectly reasonable that the richest sector of the economy (those who have amassed their pile for a lifetime) not be put on the public teat. There are plenty of ways to means test without bankrupting the follow generation.

Do I presume correctly that your "practical" budget will keep entitlements "as we know it" until we bleed our kids dry?

Trinacria| 5.24.11 @ 5:28PM

Canuckistani,
It really is rather unbecoming to be so drunk in the middle of the day. I trust based on your blathering (and your apparent inebriated state) that you haven't actually read either the Ryan plan or the Obamacare bill. If you had, you would have known that:

A) the Obama healthcare bill raids Medicare to the tune of $573 billion to pay for the increased cost of administering Medicaid.

B) the Ryan plan continues to cover all current Medicare recipients, as well as those who will become eligible within the next 10 years under the current system, and then pay the full premiums for the health insurance plan of the recipients' choosing for all individuals who reach the age of 65 beginning in 2021.

Only a mind numbed liberal (or perhaps a drunkard) could view the latter plan as "ageist" and the former as just.

Thanks, nonetheless, for your timely demonstration of the considerable limitations of the liberal mind. The heart is indeed a poor substitute for the mind.

Now - go back to MSNBC and get your marching orders for tomorrow.

Don L| 5.24.11 @ 6:45AM

By the way: considering the present crop of GOP candidates -few would meet the necessary high Marine standards, though one would have to recognize the fighting abilty of one potential candidate -Sarah Palin - and as a Marine firearms instructor might say, "Golly, that gal can outshoot a sober redneck anyday."
You'd have to admit -"she's tough enough to shoot her grizzlies from the inside."

canuckistani| 5.24.11 @ 1:48PM

and thankfully Marines are better at taking orders than giving them.

Leave the leadership of the nation to the people.

I want Marines on the wall, I need them on the wall, but nowhere near policy-making.

Clint| 5.24.11 @ 1:56PM

Uh Oh !

The Faux Canuck Is An Anti-Jarheadite.

Occam's Tool| 5.24.11 @ 3:07PM

So are you, Clint, "hack the defense budget."

Drunken Sailor| 5.24.11 @ 3:51PM

And you, have never had the pleasure of serving with the Marines. I have, and Leadership is drilled into them from the start. Those who can move up the ladder, those who can't get out and complain. The 4 best years of my 20 year Navy career was being called "Doc".

SpiralArchitect| 5.24.11 @ 2:59PM

Palin?

Is that the Gov that could not make it through a full term?

That is not my idea of tough.

wodiej| 5.24.11 @ 7:19AM

Palin is plenty tough to handle the job. She's solid as a rock. True to her beliefs and has values. 20 years of servant leadership. The field of nominees will clear as the public vets them and their weaknesses are revealed. They will either drop out or implode. In either case, the strongest will be left standing and that is what we want.

canuckistani| 5.24.11 @ 1:56PM

Why the continued absence of reason when it comes to Palin?

She stands for nothing.

She talks about billboard catch-phrases, but has done zero to educate herself in order to be better prepared. Leadership.

She did lead a state - about the size of an Altanta suburb, but a state nonetheless - and she quit. Leadership.

She has a high rating amongst value voters, but is a complete failure of these values inside of her own home. Leadership.

She has been on the national stage almost three years, has polarized the GOP, provided the center and left a clownish buffoon to satirize and has enriched herself at the expense of the party, conservatism and true solutions-oriented discourse. Leadership.

I do not see how Palin's thin-skinned reactions to EVERYTHING puts our hopes and dreams on the path to success. Leadership.

SpiralArchitect| 5.24.11 @ 3:24PM

Shall we look at Obummers leadership?

Let me know when you find any trace.

Barack H. Obama| 5.24.11 @ 6:29PM

Present.

voted against carter| 5.24.11 @ 8:20PM

Why are you here? Oh wait I know,..

This is a CONCERN TROLL DO NOT FEED THE TROLLS

CONCERN TROLL:
an an argument (usually a political debate), a concern troll is someone who is on one side of the discussion, but pretends to be a supporter of the other side with “concerns”. The idea behind this is that your opponents will take your arguments more seriously if they think you’re an ally. – Urban Dictionary

back to HUFF PO TROLL

Brian Mc| 5.24.11 @ 7:35AM

Threat.

This will be the key in 2012. The MSM will lambast the opponent to the alien as a 'threat' to grandma, children, the environment, gay rights, pro choice...and so on. The internet will hum with talk of the alien's threat to all that is right...the Constitution, liberty, free enterprise, limited government.

That the Dem nominees won nominations and the presidency in the past when given no chance at the outset can be attributed to the MSM. If we can counter this obvious ace in the hole for socialism with our ability to beat the drum loudly across the world wide web there will be true hope for change that rescues this Republic.

I will not hold my breath.

roadmaster| 5.24.11 @ 8:14AM

Most of us "rubes" out here in fly-over country would vote for Elmer Fudd over Obama.

I'm not certain Palin is going to get in the race. I don't think she needs too, and after the state controlled media plasters the latest tell all book everywhere, her stock will dip some more. Those who DESPISE her will never like her. The only thing I've ever seen like this is the loathing of Rush by people who have NEVER even listened to him for 10 seconds.

Cain, and maybe Pawlenty and Santorum will push the field to the right, where it needs to be. Mush mouth RINO's like Romney will be dragged over because liberal-lite just won't cut it this cycle.

Paul, that guy from NM and probably Huntsman are a distraction and will fade quickly. EXCEPT for the Paul-bots. They'll screech and squeal until the bitter end, even if their guy drops dead.

SonOfSam| 5.24.11 @ 10:32AM

Romney doesn't have the guts for a real fight; just look how he wussied out when confronted with that uber RINO, McCain. Fer cryin' out loud, HILLARY showed more guts than he did: she fought Obama all the way to the convention.

Btw, at least with Elmer Fudd, we know where he stands on the 2nd Amendment

SpiralArchitect| 5.24.11 @ 3:28PM

If Obummer were to drop dead he could still be re-elected as there would likely be no release of the death cert holding to his style.

John| 5.24.11 @ 8:25AM

There is not a true conservative and patriot in the zebra field, including, Cain, Palin or Bachman. They are all globalists who are for free trade giveaways to communist China and Clinton/Gore’s NAFTA scam. This is international corporate/government socialism, which has decimated our industry (our engine of growth) and sold out our middle class and sovereignty for cheap labor. So even if we (correctly) cut spending and lower taxes we will not recover as an economic superpower -- we must make things again.

I am hoping Trump reconsiders and runs since he is the only contender who espouses pro-American values; otherwise the patriots in the Tea party should field an American-first candidate to run in the Republican primaries or as an Independent.

PolishKnight| 5.24.11 @ 9:11AM

Trump is a perfect example of a Zebra coming out and inviting the lions to chase after him. He went down even before the Apprentice series ended! And for good reason: His survival as a businessman in NYC requires him to embrace many leftist values both culturally and economically. He's another "Maverick". He's been living in a backyard to DC since he's been a child.

The left has successfully sold a narrative that our industries left our country due to corporate greed and this is half true, but it's also a cover story for the feminist destruction of the family and hatred for middle and working class men. (They LOVE rich patriarchs because that's whom most want to marry!)

Lincoln said a house divided cannot stand. The left has figuratively divided most American households.

All of these cultural and tied-in economic issues are difficult to tackle individually but collectively, almost impossible. So it's understandable that when people see a big crowd of leftist zombies over the horizon chanting "Big government now! Big government now!" they ask themselves whether they should join the herd while the joining is good. If you're tardy for the party, then you're like the kids in High School, or prison, who didn't join a gang on the first day.

It's an ugly situation. That boot on the face of humanity forever is hardening...

Drunken Sailor| 5.24.11 @ 11:42AM

You state there is not a true conservative in the field currently and then in the next breath you wish for Trump to reconsider? I admired Trump for his ability to tell it like it is and make the left squirm but his track record shows he is in no way, shape or form a conservative

Roy| 5.24.11 @ 5:48PM

If a "true conservative" is somebody who opposes free trade "giveaways", may a "true conservative" or any other type of person who wants to dictate other people's economic choices never be elected.

Michael Tomlinson| 5.24.11 @ 8:34AM

62,000 of the April jobs or a whopping 25% were hamburger flipper jobs. Unemployment is 9% and 25 million Americans are underemployed. That's why even Democrat Zogby can only find 42% who think he deserves reelection (the Democrat base and misguided independents). It will only get worse as the economy continues to suffer and his Middle East policy bears fruit and the imperialist Muslim Brotherhood becomes the de facto ruling party of Egypt and NATO drags into a ground war in Libya.

Purpleguy| 5.24.11 @ 1:11PM

Just remember - it was Bush's policies that pushed the economy over the edge ... slowly, but Obama's policies are adding jobs, not subtracting jobs. Just remember who was losing 750,000 jobs/month when he left office - and if you want to re-institute his programs in the future. Can we afford that?

Steve A| 5.24.11 @ 1:59PM

Hey Purple, It was Bush's policies that pushed the economy over the edge huh? You mean like the tax cuts Obama has preserved? The wars in Iraq & Afghanistan that he has perpetuated?? You must be so proud.

Steve A| 5.24.11 @ 2:00PM

I swear Purple, you are like a batting practice fastball right down the middle. It's really almost not even fun. Almost.

W| 5.24.11 @ 2:38PM

Purp, can you explain which policy caused what, and be specific? you, know, basic cause and effect with supporting evidence, not your lunatic left wing rants.

Occam's Tool| 5.24.11 @ 3:09PM

The last time Bush controlled the economy was 2006, as he had a Republican Congress. Congress (most notably the House) controlls the budget. The Dems took over in 2007, and things have gone to crap since then. Just as it wasn't Clinton's economic boom, it was the Republican Congress'.

SpiralArchitect| 5.24.11 @ 3:33PM

The "jobs-created" stat is a false display of growth.

The conclusion of 'growth' & 'gain' is derived from the unemployment numbers shrinking.

When people no longer are able to receive benefits they drop from the stats & the Gov counts the lower UI numbers as 'job creation' - this is yet another Gov lie.

voted against carter| 5.24.11 @ 8:26PM

Making UP STUFF does NOT make it TRUE

Sorry,.. NO SALE

"purpleguy" is a CONCERN TROLL .

DO NOT FEED THE TROLLS

back to HUFF PO TROLL

Steve A| 5.24.11 @ 9:04AM

The GOP candidate is not so relevant. All the GOP candidate really has to do to win is not screw up.

Obama has 3 serious problems:
#1: Unemployment #s
#2: Fuel prices / his stance on energy.
#3: The novelty has clearly worn off.

The only real shot he has is to play the race card to fire up the slumbering base. It will be the nastiest campaign on record.

He is now percieved as a big government insider. The "change we can believe in" has shown itself to be "more government." Most Americans still inherently reject this theory. Thankfully.

John Navratil| 5.24.11 @ 9:31AM

Steve A,

I believe you are correct. But as an added bonus, it is nice to have a candidate for whom one can vote without wearing a clothes pin on the nose.

The big issues of the day are dismantling the leviathan government (that will originate in the house) and managing foreign policy in a fractious world. On the first issue, I believe every candidate will support the efforts of the House and Senate. It is the requirement for such support which, in turn, requires that this be an "anyone but Obama" election. The second issue is the province of the Presidency and, unfortunately, no candidate is very strong here (Huntsman may be, but I don't know him well enough to comment), and Paul, for all his strengths, is particularly weak in my mind. On the other hand, the current buffoon has demonstrated his complete inability in that regard.

It seems that, despite having our individual preferences, that we can all get behind the nominee, no matter whom.

Steve A| 5.24.11 @ 10:20AM

John, Agree. Unfortunately, the next Regan type is in the pipeline & not quite ready for prime time (Ryan & / or Rubio), maybe Christie. Meanwhile, we need to push as hard as we can to avoid another pseudo, milk toast "conservative" like McCain. The situation is too precarious & we are running out of time.

I am waaaaaaay off the Romney bandwagon, but if he is the nominee, I will run to the poll to vote for him.

Occam's Tool| 5.24.11 @ 3:09PM

Steve A,

you are right, but I hope we avoid your worst case scenario.

PolishKnight| 5.24.11 @ 11:06AM

This was largely the theory the McMavericks tried to push: Anyone but Obama so go for McCain! He's just like the Bushes!

I've gotten leftists to open up over a drink and they tell me that they love moderate republicans because they provide double political cover for their own positions: They first undermine and contaminate conservative positions by misrepresenting them. Then next, they can continue to attack moderates as if they were "extremists" and blame them for the failures of liberal policies that the moderate or "extremist" has supported.

As bad as Obama is, and he really is bad, the past 20 years of Republican moderates has been worse for the conservative/Republican brand. It's hard to tell what it really means anymore other than a few core positions: Big military and police security, low taxes (especially on the upper bracket), anti-gay marriage and anti-abortion. I'm not saying those are bad things. The problem is that it's hard to get excited about a platform that is largely only those things when the left has a lot more going on.

Dismantling the government is easier said than done. People need to be weaned off of it and the politics of the left is powerful and alluring. It helps them that their agenda tends to help them gain power and friends while the current conservative positions is about giving up power voluntarily. It's like a monk trying to get people to come over to the monastary rather than going to Vegas. There has to be a way to make conservativism "sexy".

And that is possible. Dual parent families are sexy. Heck, the left hated marriage until recently and now they're griping the right doesn't want to let them in! It's useful to ask why the left is suddenly in love with a silly notion of monogamy and contract marriage.

John Navratil| 5.24.11 @ 11:12AM

PolishKnight,

We have no disagreement. My point was that everyone in the current field, with the possible exception or Romney, in NOT a squishy McCain clone.

Your point about making conservatism sexy is fine (it's a carrot), but the more effective stick of impending bankruptcy seems to be getting the job done just as well.

I like you point about marriage. But, it's just a remake of the liberal position, of "I'll do as I want and you'll do as I say." No surprise there.

Nunya| 5.24.11 @ 2:18PM

Huntsman is a McCain (McClown?) clone. He was a "moderate" Republican governor for UT, and is not one that I would support for President. He can't do what needs to be done, in my opinion.

John Navratil| 5.24.11 @ 2:53PM

Nunya,

I'll take your word for it. I don't know much about the guy.

JayDick| 5.24.11 @ 11:12AM

You are correct, it's more about Obama than the Republican candidate. I think the best chances of Republican success would be a clean candidate (no big baggage) who can be a real attack dog on Obama's record. Christy seems to fit this bill best; I wish someone could persuade him to run. Cain might be able to do it but his lack of political experience will probably catch up to him, like his fumbling response on the Palestinians' right of return. That was pretty bad but maybe not fatal. Does Pawlenty have an attack dog lurking inside him somewhere? I don't think so. Palin could attack, but she is also prone to gaffs that might do her in. Newt also suffers from hoof in mouth disease.

John Navratil| 5.24.11 @ 11:18AM

JayDick,

You make fair points. I'd personally like someone with stronger foreign policy experience, but I see no one so bad that John Bolton couldn't fix it.

This election will be won on domestic issues. That doesn't diminish the importance of foreign policy in today's world, however. Cain has some learning to do, no doubt, but this gaffe isn't fatal and he is smart.

Actually, I'd almost forgotten that Newt was in. I like Krauthammer's assessment... Newt is NOT toast. He is a deflated souffle'.

Purpleguy| 5.24.11 @ 1:15PM

The polls contradict you - even on RealClearPolitics.com. with 52% approval rating, most Americans approve of Obama - not quite what you are espousing here. GW Bush was a disaster for this country with his big-spending ways and huge growth of government - and you want to blame the one who's helping to fix the mess?

Steve A| 5.24.11 @ 2:16PM

This is classic. Bush spent too much & increased government. Now Obama saves the day by multiplying those efforts off the charts. I swear, my 8 year old could blow holes in that one. Does your IQ break the speed limit?

Nunya| 5.24.11 @ 2:21PM

Steve, you must remember that the AVERAGE IQ is 100--meaning roughly half the population is under it. Purp obviously falls in that category, along with many of the Obozo supporters that voted him in. "Hopey changey!" Woo hoo.

Steve A| 5.24.11 @ 2:28PM

Nunya, You make an excellent point. I was aiming low for our pal Purple to shatter the 65 mph / IQ barrier.

Drunken Sailor| 5.24.11 @ 3:53PM

You beat me to it.

Purpleguy| 5.24.11 @ 8:55PM

So let's make this simple for you - if you own a house and rent it out. And your renters move out, but unbeknownst to you they trash the place. Sure they did a bad thing. But what do you have to do? You have to pay to fix the damage they caused. Now, who do you blame for having to pay to fix the place - the trashers or the fixers? I'm sure even in your own little minds you can understand that little analogy.
Y'all love to criticize Obama's policies for spending. But Obama signed the extension of the Bush tax cuts - where's the jobs coming from all those rich bast***s that got those tax breaks? And, they've been in place since 2003 - why did we lose all the jobs? That wasn't Obama chuckles. You really should read "Too Big to Fail" if you want to really know. But of course you don't. You don't know why you like R's. You just do, right? You like how they cozy up to the wealthy, the oil barons, and now want to throw Grandma off the cliff without Medicare.

Occam's Tool| 5.24.11 @ 3:30PM

Rassmussen Polls list the most likely voters, and pegged Obama's percentage win in 2008. Let's see:

25% strongly approve, 35% strongly disapprove. His total approval is 41 %, with 49% disapproving. Note that the overwhelming majority of those who oppose Barack oppose him strongly, whereas only 1/2 of those who support him support him strongly. Further, overall support and opposition are almost equal.

Purpleguy| 5.24.11 @ 8:58PM

What are you smoking? this in just today:
http://www.realclearpolitics.c.....-1044.html

voted against carter| 5.24.11 @ 8:27PM

silly libratard. not able to read are you??

"purpleguy" is a CONCERN TROLL .

DO NOT FEED THE TROLLS

back to HUFF PO TROLL

Purpleguy| 5.24.11 @ 9:02PM

I don't pretend to be on your side at all. You vote against your interests all the time, and you're happy to do it. That's a recipe for insanity in my book. No one stands in your way of making a buck or being successful - if you're not, it's your own fault.
On the other hand if you're sick, old, disabled, too young to work you need others to care for you. That's where we differ. I believe we should support the less fortunate and you don't. In my book you are selfish, self-centered and blasphemous. Even Jesus said " A camel can pass through the eye of needle more easily than a rich man can enter the Kingdom of Heaven". What is wrong with helping others? If the government is the vehicle by which that happens, so what? Give you fair share and calm down - you'll feel better. have a nice day!

canuckistani| 5.24.11 @ 2:19PM

Why the continued lack of reason from these posts?

1) BHO: Illegals: more deported than Bush in ANY year. GOP congress: ZERO to address the issue.
2) Bush: fastest growth in government since WW2, without raising a dime to pay for Drugs, wars and badly conceived tax cuts.
3) Bush: surplus gone
4) Bush: 2M veterans on his watch
5) Bush: 9/11 on his watch
6) Bush: OBL missing
7) BHO: OBL dead, Omar likely dead
8) Bush: stock market crash, TARP, housing collapse
9) BHO: 15 months of recovery, strengthening dollar, moderated inflation.

Cons constantly speak about "more government" as the mantra of bearded marxists.
I suggest you look in the mirror.

The GOP controlled the house since 94, had ALL of the power the last decade, and we sit here and suggest the lefties are to blame for the calamity we experienced the last several years? Shame.

That GOP included Cantor, Boehner, and Ryan - a now you think these same people will do better if only given another chance?

Thanks to Camping, the doubters are rising up!

Nunya| 5.24.11 @ 2:30PM

Canuck, I don't disagree with most of your post, but the "BHO: 15 months of recovery, strengthening dollar, moderated inflation" is pure nonsense. If you consider this a recovery, you're off your rocker. U6 unemployment is at 16% as of April, "official" unemployment is back up to 9%. This is no recovery, there is none in sight. This is called a depression, and I'll bet you dimes to dollars we're headed for a second dip in the near future.

You also missed the boat with Bush's spending. Yes, he spent money like a drunken sailor, but Obozo has taken spending money to a completely new level! Obozo has spent more than ALL OTHER PRESIDENTS COMBINED--including W! I'm not defending W, as I am not a fan of his. However, trying to portray Obozo as fiscally responsible is completely laughable.

However, you're right on target when you mention the RINO's in Congress. We need true conservatives in charge.

Purpleguy| 5.24.11 @ 9:04PM

So where were you complaining about Bush when he WAS spending us to oblivion? BTW - what's a "true conservative" and why does that matter? Are they blessed with perfect knowledge and perfect powers of passing laws?

Steve A| 5.24.11 @ 2:43PM

canuck, Great points. Bush spent too much & liked government too much. The GOP has been spineless & acted like liberals. So.....I suppose we agree. You are for less spending, less government, fewer illegals & killing terrorists. Welcome to the tea party.

Steve A| 5.24.11 @ 2:45PM

Oh, by the way. If this is 15 months of recovery, just go ahead & give me some stagflation for dessert. What a joke.

Purpleguy| 5.24.11 @ 9:05PM

Tell that to the auto workers who still have jobs.

SpiralArchitect| 5.24.11 @ 4:30PM

Hey 'nuck, could we get a debriefing on how piss poor Woodrow Wilson was for the next history installment please?

Thx pal.

PattyMor| 5.24.11 @ 9:07AM

Well its apparent that Obambi can not run on his record. Unemployment is at 9%, Gas prices near $4.00, food stamps at an all time high, and deficits higher than Mt. Everest. So the strategy has to be attack the Reps as Obambi has no answer other than hand outs (which we can not afford).
They will attack Reps. for inconsistent policy statements, but most of all on taking Medicare away from grannie. No matter that the Demons already took a half trillion dollars out of medicare. Facts do not matter to Demons; they can misstate facts or outright lie better than any common criminal. And, they always have the Marxist Media to cover their backs.

Purpleguy| 5.24.11 @ 9:09PM

Not from Medicare - Medicare Advantage which gives advantage to those who are wealthy enough to pay more for Medicare supplementation (subsidized by the government by the way). the subsidies ended that's all. Not quite the same as canceling the guaranteed coverage of Medical Care (Medicare) by the government. the Ryan plan would give seniors 8-15,000 per year to buy insurance. Tell me what insurance company will cover 70 and 80 year olds? Also, nursing homes will have to throw every one out in the street. So what happens to them? Yep, the Ryan plan is a real winner. Keep supporting it - please.

Dee See| 5.24.11 @ 9:17AM

AS the Tavistock Institute and CFR seem to
be running out of inspired front ops ---reaching
for the likes of franchise slummer Trump, and
Globalist/EUGENICS 'friendly' Gingrich
(--BOTH btw operators during the very height of
RED China set up, sellout and TREASON)
---we're expecting yet more Clinton/Bush/Obama
'continuity of agenda' along with furthur disfunction, NO action on the
fake debt ripoff, and the final implementation of the FULL police state grid against the American people.

Nunya| 5.24.11 @ 2:35PM

Did you sniff glue as a child?

Purpleguy| 5.24.11 @ 9:10PM

I sure hope you're right on the continuity of agenda Clinton/Obama ... def not Bush.

ann| 5.24.11 @ 9:38AM

It's about time someone said something good about the GOP field. I keep hearing GOP as well as democratic talking heads say the the GOP field is weak, this one has no name recognition, blah, blah. Who the heck ever heard of Obama or Clinton, or for that matter Carter before they won their party's presidential nomination. It's too early to be making assumptions that the GOP field is weak.

Purpleguy| 5.24.11 @ 1:21PM

Saying something good doesn't make it so. They are all weak not because of poor name recognition - they all have flaws that we don't want in a president. Romneycare - enuf said. Flip-flopping serial cheat and divorcee Newt. Sarah "I can see Russia from my house" Palin and the "Palin Place" saga of out of wedlock "fun". Jon "I worked for Obama" Huntsman. Tim "I'd rather watch paint dry" Pawwwwleeennnntyyyy. Ron "Legalize Marijuana" Paul. Who's left? That's why they are considered weak - and that's just what we know today.

Occam's Tool| 5.24.11 @ 3:36PM

Definitely agree with you on Paul. There. Isn't it nice to agree? (And Huntsman, and Newt, and Romney.)

But Boredom IS Good in a leader of a government. Quick: under which Emperor did Rome have the greatest prosperity. A: Antoninius Pius. Nobody remembers him. Marcus Aurelius succeeded him. 21 years Emperor, lived a modest lifestyle, only 4 people put to death for treason in the entire Empire in 21 years (To AN ABSOLUTE RULER!)

Boredom is very good for the governed. Sucks for Historians. For example, who remembers Chester Arthur?

voted against carter| 5.24.11 @ 8:29PM

Huff PO is down on the left, did you get lost??"

purpleguy" is a CONCERN TROLL .

DO NOT FEED THE TROLLS

back to HUFF PO TROLL

Purpleguy| 5.24.11 @ 9:11PM

Are you stuck in "Groundhog Day"? You repeat yourself too much ... no new material - is that it?

voted against carter| 5.24.11 @ 8:36PM

ok,.. I'll play. But just this once,.. CAN WE SAY,..

AFFIRMATIVE ACTION BARRY?,...

YES WE CAN!!! the ONLY reason Harvard let him in.

Purpleguy| 5.24.11 @ 9:11PM

And your point is?

Michael L. Hauschild| 5.24.11 @ 10:07AM

Let’s go with the predator analogy but expand it a bit. The closer the candidates are to the convention, the less they are exposed to the predatory nature of the DNC, the Soros backed MSM and the other alphabet fangs and claws. “Announce” later, rather than sooner; don’t join the herd at the water hole of the circular firing squad. See “which way the wind is blowing” by observation from the camouflaged position of the demure.
For a candidate to survive they must take advantage of the “natural selection” aspect of campaigning. Those same predators will go after the sick, lame and lazy first. The “cap and trade” disease, the “tax and spend” credibility sprain, and “Thompson” syndrome will provide sustenance to the beasts until the actual life and death struggle of the progressive and conservative final battle.
Finally the survivor must not simply be a result of escaping the culling of the herd. Political genetics will not only assure survival but strengthen the conservative breed. Our candidate must weight on the “fight” side of the fight or flight reflex; our candidate must have a strong family, be willing to defend the offspring and have a strong mate with true moral fortitude; our candidate must spare no quarter and when the time comes take the fight to the danger.
The survival of the country must be based on the fortitude provided by convictions, not convoluted spin of record. The candidate must lead by example, must be tempered by experience on the national stage, and must live by the adage, “What does not kill you makes you stronger.
Those here know who I favor, we are the herd. My candidate is an alpha, the rest will end up as food.

Purpleguy| 5.24.11 @ 1:24PM

With a weak bunch of possibilities, good luck with that!

Remember - Obama got Osama - Bush couldn't

Steve A| 5.24.11 @ 2:29PM

Obama = Rambo. I truly do respect the way he disposes of pirates & terrorists. I mean that sincerely. You must be so proud of your left wing warrior.

Purpleguy| 5.24.11 @ 9:15PM

You betcha! And it wasn't a military invasion with thousands of casualties - That invasions work to capture terrorists can be put to bed, thankfully. Careful intelligence gathering, police work and ultimately surgical military strikes are the way to go. The brought out Saddam Hussein, Iraq's Al Qaeda leader Zarqawi, and now OBL himself.

voted against carter| 5.24.11 @ 8:29PM

"purpleguy" is a CONCERN TROLL .

DO NOT FEED THE TROLLS

back to HUFF PO TROLL

bill carson| 5.24.11 @ 10:10AM

Total agreement on this. Dems are already planning for their Messiah's victory party. We can win with almost anyone. Just make a million promises, like Obama, that no one can refute until after we win.

ArchStanton| 5.24.11 @ 4:35PM

Who is Bill Carson?

LMajito| 5.24.11 @ 10:16AM

r u kidding? who gives a rip who's leading the pack on 5/11 when the election takes place 11/12?

the fact that all of these characters are not making any headway shows how weak they're are and how far away from the election we're...

as soon as a new dc political whore buys, er gets elected, everybody begins to predict who's going to be the next greedy hand that is going to do occupy the seat and do what to whom...

did not learn anything from doomsday 5/21? predictions do not work, and never had...let life take its course...

will things be different is a rabid psychotic gets a briefcase nuke and detonates in nyc or dc? how about a major conflict that extends from the northwest coast of africa all the way to western iran?

there are so many items that could happen and will change the whole scenario that people with nothing to do spent endless hours predicting the unpredictable and if the gop fails to hold the line on the debt ceiling and get a serious reduction in spending, no amount of money and fake smiles will get them the victory...specially if the big wigs at gop central are the ones picking up the next bob or john just 'coz its his/her turn...

John| 5.24.11 @ 10:21AM

Corporate greed should not be allowed to dictate trade policies. Multi-national corporations use the corrupt WTO and slippery lawyers with no loyalty to America to formulate 2000 page trade giveaways. Both the left and the right politicians and media greased the skids for the corporate sellout of our manufacturing base to hostile powers. And trade is a movement of goods, not factories, nurtured and raised by hard working Americans.

Trump was the only one to expose these anti-American policies that are purposely kept quiet in the conservative media and that is why he resonated. We are the laughing stock of the world. Patriotic Americans want a self-reliant and sovereign America and want to walk into Walmart and see products made in America.

Purpleguy| 5.24.11 @ 1:26PM

Very true ... with regard to WalMart - if Sam was still here, it would be "made in America" only. Not the shills that run the place now.

voted against carter| 5.24.11 @ 8:29PM

"purpleguy" is a CONCERN TROLL .

DO NOT FEED THE TROLLS

back to HUFF PO TROLL

Merlin| 5.24.11 @ 10:29AM

I cannot believe that even the MSM says the Republicans have a weak field. Cain, Palin, Bachman, and a bunch of white guys. Any of these would make a good to great president.

And waiting in the wings? Ryan, Rubio, Jindal, Christy, etc.

Maybe noone stands out because they are all winners. I don't think I can forgive Romney for MassCare, but other than him, pick a number.

Purpleguy| 5.24.11 @ 1:27PM

Winners? The Pizza King that knows nothing about government. The quitter governor and the crazy lady Bachman? This is their problem, and it isn't going away - the R's are in for a disaster in 2012

voted against carter| 5.24.11 @ 8:30PM

"purpleguy" is a CONCERN TROLL .

DO NOT FEED THE TROLLS

back to HUFF PO TROLL

TrueBlue| 5.25.11 @ 11:43AM

I'll take the Pizza King out of the current list personally. We need someone that understands business and isn't corrupted by the DC crowd to fix the situation we're in.

As for the Palestinian's "right of return" that is not legally binding, it's the result of a UN General Assembly Resolution (3236 to be precise) and not mentioned at all in the Oslo Agreement in 1993 or Oslo 2 in '95 where Palestine agreed to ensure public order and to affirm Israel's right to exist in exchange for Israel withdrawing from Gaza; which got Israel hit by more terrorist attacks, and never got their right to exist confirmed. So it really doesn’t matter that Cain didn’t know anything about “right of return” because it’s a failed (and foolish) idea anyway.

TURK| 5.24.11 @ 10:52AM

The conventional media wisdom that repeats the 'weak field-no leader-it's getting late-no money-not presidential-behind in Iowa, drumbeat, is like the scared soul whistling in the dark. One only had to watch the recent Repub debate to know how the media is distorting. At least 3 of the candidates were tough and right on with their performances. Herman Cain won it in a landslide within the standard focus group. He has gotten the silent treatment ever since. I love the way they shoved Juan Williams 'when did you stop beating your wife' questions down his partisan throat. I have a question????? Why do we have to watched leftist democrats peddle their sewage in a debate between Republicans?

Purpleguy| 5.24.11 @ 1:29PM

Focus groups are not scientific, are not polls, and mean very little. Do you know the difference?

Oh, and you have to watch because it's a Democracy - remember that one? It's his right to free speech, so get over it.

Drunken Sailor| 5.24.11 @ 1:43PM

Now I get it. When a liberal says it, it is free speech. When a conservative says it they are being racist. Must have missed that memo.

Nunya| 5.24.11 @ 2:39PM

Yep, me too.

Purpleguy| 5.24.11 @ 9:17PM

Absolutely not ... that's why you are able to speak your right-wing trash as much as you like ... that's the definition of American Democracy - or did you forget that?

Johnny| 5.24.11 @ 3:49PM

A democracy? Really? PG (lol) you are contused. Yes I know it's misspelled. Polls, by the way, no matter how scientific are B.S. They an be skewed to whatever angle the pollster wishes. Lastly, you just plain suck!

voted against carter| 5.24.11 @ 8:32PM

sorry you are mistaken,.. as usual,.. It is,..wait for it,. A REPUBLIC!

Silly libratard. Here have a cookie.

Steve A| 5.24.11 @ 2:24PM

Hey, Are there not a few polls out there in direct opposition to Obamacare & Obamagration?? Just checking. Of course, let us not forget the underwhelming support for the Obamaratorium on drilling. These are all huge positives for our brilliant leader.........

Al Adab| 5.24.11 @ 3:49PM

Is he white with black stripes or black with white stripes? That is to say, are they Conservative with pragmatic words or pragmatic with Conservative words? We know by now, that is a horse of a different color.

Drunken Sailor| 5.24.11 @ 3:57PM

I was simply thinking he was a ass of a different stripe.

martin j smith| 5.24.11 @ 4:43PM

The more in the Presidential Race the more choice and the better too for us as voters. With Conservatives and others who are more vocal of their criticism of the Socialists etc this mixture will help encourage the quiet ones even RINOS to be willing to be assertive in their arguments against Obama's Policies. Main thing, no repeat of the 2008 election. I think the dynamics are very different--Obama is running on his record--not too good. And, there is no "BUSH" to blame. Main caveat--my concern are those who oppose the Ryan Plan--what in heck are THEY going to do about the deficit? I think, like Netenyahu, we need candidates who can be real with the American people about our problems.

voted against carter| 5.24.11 @ 8:24PM

Reagan was an actor for 20 years BEFORE he became a politician.

This is one reason he was able to LOOK so in control (which he ALSO was) He understood the theatrics of politics better than ANYone else at the time.

Keep the message simple and easy to understand.

EVIL EMPIRE. TEAR DOWN THIS WALL. THERE HE GOES,.. AGAIN,..
Reagan WAS a MASTER politician, there is NO denying that.

To day we MIGHT be witnessing the birth of the NEXT MASTER politician in the Reagan school but that remains to be seen in that she might not run and America will be poorer for it if she does not.

All I can say is Carter / Reagan 1979.

And we ALL know just how THAT worked out thank God.

The Leftwing nut LIBRATARDS know in their bones that Sarah Palin,...

IS Ronald Reagan ALL OVER AGAIN. IT TERRIFIES them to no end.

ESPECIALLY the ones who are OLD enough to remember Reagan.

So they are trying with EVERY thing they have to,...

destroy her in a pre-emptive strike.

If you have heard her recent WI speech you understand.

Sarah Palin REALLY IS the real deal.

Not some pre-packaged made up configuration like their hero Barry.

The Left senses this and has reacted like expected.

IF she runs against barry in 2012,…

She WILL CRUSH him with indisputable numbers.

Compared to barry she is Exactly what America will NEED to repair

ALL of the damage wrought by the Dumb-O-cRATs and barry and his UNION masters.

This is ONE MORE REASON America NEED's Sarah Palin NOW more than EVER.

And I can NOT stress this enough,...

Sarah Palin IS ONE of the ONLY women IN the REPUBLICAN PARTY,...

With the "B A L L S" to tell Barry and his UNION masters,...

AND the Dumb-O-cRATs to SHOVE their agenda were the sun does NOT SHINE!!.

PALIN / BOLTON 2012

Barack Obama 2012?

then “YOU may want to think about a TRADE-IN.”

PALIN / (Fill in the blank) 2012

Purpleguy| 5.24.11 @ 9:19PM

Palin/Bolton - yes please, please, please ... I would enjoy the election results in 2012 oh so much ... watching them follow McCain/Palin to oblivion. Please....

Adult toys | 7.4.11 @ 1:22AM

boyfriend wants to have sex with his girlfriend,but ashamed of his small organ...decided to bring girlfriend in dark place,open his ziper and put penis in GF's hand...GF:no thanks ,i don't smoke!

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