2015-2016 Republican Primary Season - Trump Courts the Conservatives

[JPhillips]

Don Young is crazy and belligerent enough.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Originally Posted by JPhillips

Don Young is crazy and belligerent enough.

He's also 82 fucking years old. I could see that being a bit of a problem.

[larrymcg421]

Originally Posted by JPhillips

I'm not sure Trump can afford to throw away the witch vote.

Wouldn't that get him the witch vote?

She could cast an indictment spell on Hillary.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Bloomberg for VP? That would be a fun one.

[larrymcg421]

Originally Posted by Mizzou B-ball fan

Bloomberg for VP? That would be a fun one.

VP for who? He doesn't make sense for anyone in either party.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Originally Posted by larrymcg421

VP for who? He doesn't make sense for anyone in either party.

In fairness, he only said it'd be fun ... he didn't say it'd make sense or be productive in any way

[stevew]

Originally Posted by JonInMiddleGA

He's also 82 fucking years old. I could see that being a bit of a problem.

the 70 year old and the 82 year old battle for the future of this nation.

I think Trump goes military for VP. I have no idea who the guys are that would command such a selection but I'm sure he can find one.

Looking at 4 star generals, I'll throw out David M. Rodriguez as telegenic enough passable guy.

[JPhillips]

Originally Posted by larrymcg421

Wouldn't that get him the witch vote?

[Solecismic]

Unfortunately, James Bond Stockdale died in 2005. The hearing aid trick was absolutely the best debate tactic ever.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Originally Posted by stevew

I think Trump goes military for VP. I have no idea who the guys are that would command such a selection but I'm sure he can find one.

Looking at 4 star generals, I'll throw out David M. Rodriguez as telegenic enough passable guy.

Oooh, that actually jsut gave me a helluva idea.

How about a former Sgt Major of the Army? Or the equivalent from another branch?

There appear to be two former SMA that are under 60 & retired. No clue about their politics or the ability to survive a political campaign but it'd make a helluva interesting choice.

[Kodos]

Originally Posted by larrymcg421

She could cast an indictment spell on Hillary.

[Ben E Lou]

I missed this yesterday...

Trump picks up first congressional GOP endorsements | Fox News

[digamma]

I wonder if Rep. Hunter has vetted Trump's position on vaping.

[Ben E Lou]

Originally Posted by digamma

I wonder if Rep. Hunter has vetted Trump's position on vaping.

I wonder if the timing of these endorsements are related to the "political insider" comments about his Veep choice. I'm picturing something along these lines



Seriously, both are Reps, so I assume they're from districts where supporting Trump won't hurt them, and might help them. Not that I can imagine that Trump cares, but I'd think it'd be much harder to get an endorsement from a Senator in a purple state.

[Dutch]

Originally Posted by JonInMiddleGA

Oooh, that actually jsut gave me a helluva idea.

How about a former Sgt Major of the Army? Or the equivalent from another branch?

There appear to be two former SMA that are under 60 & retired. No clue about their politics or the ability to survive a political campaign but it'd make a helluva interesting choice.

As cool as that would be, they would probably kill Donald Trump. "Get a haircut, hippie!"

[Dutch]

Originally Posted by Ben E Lou

I wonder if the timing of these endorsements are related to the "political insider" comments about his Veep choice. I'm picturing something along these lines



Seriously, both are Reps, so I assume they're from districts where supporting Trump won't hurt them, and might help them. Not that I can imagine that Trump cares, but I'd think it'd be much harder to get an endorsement from a Senator in a purple state.

I don't really care about this VP thing, but anytime somebody references any show from the 70's, that's a winning post in my book.

[digamma]

Originally Posted by Ben E Lou

I wonder if the timing of these endorsements are related to the "political insider" comments about his Veep choice. I'm picturing something along these lines

...

Seriously, both are Reps, so I assume they're from districts where supporting Trump won't hurt them, and might help them. Not that I can imagine that Trump cares, but I'd think it'd be much harder to get an endorsement from a Senator in a purple state.

I think that's probably apt for Hunter. This was my reference (in case you missed it).

Oh My God, a U.S. Congressman Just Vaped While Legislating

[flere-imsaho]

Trump's likely going to pick someone with political (probably Congressional) experience: Trump Would Pick A "Somewhat Political" VP, Somebody That Can Help Pass Legislation | Video | RealClearPolitics

It's actually pretty saavy:

And then I would want somebody that could help me with government, so most likely that would be a political person, because I'm business and I'm very good at what I do, and all of that... But the most important thing is you have to have someone who can be a great president, but after that, you want somebody that can help you with legislation, getting it through, and all that.

[Ben E Lou]

Originally Posted by digamma

I think that's probably apt for Hunter. This was my reference (in case you missed it).

Oh My God, a U.S. Congressman Just Vaped While Legislating

Hehehe. Yes, I missed that one.

[Kodos]

Originally Posted by Dutch

I don't really care about this VP thing, but anytime somebody references any show from the 70's, that's a winning post in my book.

Tries to come up with appropriate WKRP reference...

[larrymcg421]

Originally Posted by Kodos

Tries to come up with appropriate WKRP reference...

As God is my witness, I thought toupees could fly.

[Kodos]

I was gonna do some sort of Les Nessman step into my office thing, but it wasn't quite working.

[larrymcg421]

I think Trump is most like Herb.

[Kodos]

That is true. Maybe Herb can run with him!

[larrymcg421]

Quinnipiac FL poll - Trump 44, Rubio 28, Cruz 12, Kasich 7, Carson 4

Ouch for Rubio.

[Ben E Lou]

Originally Posted by larrymcg421

Quinnipiac FL poll - Trump 44, Rubio 28, Cruz 12, Kasich 7, Carson 4

Ouch for Rubio.

Speaking of Rubio/Trump, the Rubio camp has made noise about "going after Trump" for the first time tonight. I'm very interested to see how that goes. Surely Trump will come back hard and without answering the question/attack directly. ("Why should I be bothered with answering a question from someone who can't even beat me in his home state. Did you guys see that poll today???")

Will Team Rubio have him ready with responses to the obvious counter-attacks like that?

[QuikSand]

Originally Posted by Ben E Lou

Will Team Rubio have him ready with responses to the obvious counter-attacks like that?

I'm sure they will have their man armed with one very good-sounding sentence on it. Exactly one, mind you.

[Butter]

Originally Posted by Ben E Lou

("Why should I be bothered with answering a question from someone who can't even beat me in his home state. Did you guys see that poll today???")

Read it in Trump's voice. Sounded authentic.

[digamma]

Rubio started this in a stump speech last night. It's a bit about needing someone who is ready on day one rather than someone who needs to get up to speed on things after getting to the White House. In other words, make no mistake, Rubio knows exactly what he's doing.

[Kodos]

"Why should I be bothered with answering a question from someone who can't even beat me in his home state. Did you guys see that poll today???"

I can totally hear Trump's voice when I read that.

[Kodos]

Originally Posted by QuikSand

I'm sure they will have their man armed with one very good-sounding sentence on it. Exactly one, mind you.

I've been finding it hard to take Rubio seriously ever since that incident.

[larrymcg421]

I know the GOP thinks Rubio is their best general election bet, but he really seems to have a propensity to freeze up during big moments. I could see him getting hammered by Clinton in a debate.

[JPhillips]

Someone tonight needs to call Trump a short-fingered vulgarian.

[JAG]

Originally Posted by digamma

Rubio started this in a stump speech last night. It's a bit about needing someone who is ready on day one rather than someone who needs to get up to speed on things after getting to the White House. In other words, make no mistake, Rubio knows exactly what he's doing.

I laughed. Also kind of funny that that argument makes more sense for a Clinton presidency than his own.

[Ben E Lou]

Originally Posted by Butter_of_69

Read it in Trump's voice. Sounded authentic.

I went out of my way to put "you guys" instead of "y'all" in that sentence for that very reason. Glad it worked.

[Ben E Lou]

Originally Posted by Kodos

"Why should I be bothered with answering a question from someone who can't even beat me in his home state. Did you guys see that poll today???"

I can totally hear Trump's voice when I read that.

Heh. Two!

[Ben E Lou]

Originally Posted by QuikSand

I'm sure they will have their man armed with one very good-sounding sentence on it. Exactly one, mind you.

Well done, sir. Well done.

[ISiddiqui]

With those polls, at this point Rubio needs a knockout debate - or else he's going to get his clock cleaned on Super Tuesday and then he's completely done.

[Ben E Lou]

Originally Posted by ISiddiqui

With those polls, at this point Rubio, Cruz, Kasich, and Carson need a knockout debate - or else they're going to get their clocks cleaned on Super Tuesday and then they're completely done.

fixed

[flere-imsaho]

Originally Posted by QuikSand

I'm sure they will have their man armed with one very good-sounding sentence on it. Exactly one, mind you.

I just hope his campaign do all the patches before the debate, as it would be shame to have him reboot in the middle again.

Originally Posted by digamma

Rubio started this in a stump speech last night. It's a bit about needing someone who is ready on day one rather than someone who needs to get up to speed on things after getting to the White House.

The Clinton attack ad pretty much writes itself, here.

[larrymcg421]

Originally Posted by Ben E Lou

fixed

I'd guess that the rest were not included because they're already done.

[stevew]

Oh man, an actual "knockout debate" between the non-Trumps would be great. Carson would have lots of knowledge about knives and which pressure points to attack at. Ted Cruz would be the master of the sucker punch and broken alliance. He'd clearly win GOP:Hunger Games but not sure how he'd do in a 4 way fight. Rubio would have 1 really good attack combo, but as mentioned before, would only have that one move. Maybe Kasich has old man strength?

[Ben E Lou]

Originally Posted by larrymcg421

I'd guess that the rest were not included because they're already done.

It'd be hilarious if Rubio, Kasich, and Cruz struck a deal with one another but Carson refused to buy in or drop out.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Originally Posted by Dutch

As cool as that would be, they would probably kill Donald Trump. "Get a haircut, hippie!"

Kind of random/off topic I suppose but ... I actually had the privilege of knowing one of the Sergeant Major of the Army (then known as Command Sgt Major). He was the sixth (1979-1983) to hold the position, there have only been fifteen in history.

I always thought he was one of the coolest "celebrities" I've ever met.

[Solecismic]

Taking a look at Super Tuesday...

14 States have Republicans events (9 primaries, 5 caucuses). Three of the caucuses produce unbound delegates for conventions, so those I'm excluding. They amount to 94 delegates.

The other ten events produce 592 delegates of the remaining 2341 in the race.

I looked at recent polling in each state, and used national polling to fill in for Alabama and Tennessee, where there hasn't been anything in a while.

If this is accurate, Tuesday will produce the following delegates: Trump 208, Cruz 159, Rubio 130, Carson 48, Kasich 47. This will increase Trump's lead to 113 over Cruz and 144 over Rubio, with 1749 remaining.

So, eight more expected wins will do less for him than South Carolina, with it's WTA approach, did for him. That's the nature of the winner-takes-all approach.

On March 15, the Republicans have Florida (99, WTA), Missouri (52, WTA), Ohio (66, WTA), Illinois (69, somewhat WTA), North Carolina (72, Proportional) and Northern Marianas (9, WTA). That's 367 total, but in chunks that can significantly alter the landscape.

March 15 can provide inevitability. Until then, there's time.

[larrymcg421]

Winner take all is such a dumb system, especially when you have so many people running.

[cuervo72]

David Duke Urges His Supporters To Volunteer And Vote For Trump - BuzzFeed News

“Voting for these people, voting against Donald Trump at this point is really treason to your heritage,” Duke said on the David Duke Radio Program Wednesday, referring to Ted Cruz and Marco Rubio. “I’m not saying I endorse everything about Trump, in fact I haven’t formally endorsed him. But I do support his candidacy, and I support voting for him as a strategic action. I hope he does everything we hope he will do.”

[flere-imsaho]

Originally Posted by Solecismic

March 15 can provide inevitability. Until then, there's time.

Yep.

Although, I think a weak showing on Super Tuesday pushes Kasich out.

I have no idea about Carson. I honestly could see him staying in until the convention, even after he's mathematically eliminated.

Super Tuesday's probably going to be less about Trump and more about Rubio vs. Cruz, especially from a narrative standpoint.

[Arles]

The republicans really need Kasich and Carson to bow out. It's pretty much impossible for them to win. Then, they can have a 3-way race between Trump, Rubio and Cruz. The more people in the race, the bigger margins for Trump. Funny to think this way, but Kasich getting second in New Hampshire (and staying in longer than he realistically should have) might be the reason Trump wins the nomination.

[BishopMVP]

Originally Posted by digamma

Rubio started this in a stump speech last night. It's a bit about needing someone who is ready on day one rather than someone who needs to get up to speed on things after getting to the White House. In other words, make no mistake, Rubio knows exactly what he's doing.

Originally Posted by JAG

I laughed. Also kind of funny that that argument makes more sense for a Clinton presidency than his own.

Exactly. "You need an experienced legislator... Vote Marco Rubio!" is not a winning argument.

Originally Posted by Arles

The republicans really need Kasich and Carson to bow out. It's pretty much impossible for them to win. Then, they can have a 3-way race between Trump, Rubio and Cruz. The more people in the race, the bigger margins for Trump. Funny to think this way, but Kasich getting second in New Hampshire (and staying in longer than he realistically should have) might be the reason Trump wins the nomination.

Ehhh, I think Cruz and Rubio are so flawed they'd have serious problems beating Trump H2H anyways. It's not 4 good, well-qualified candidates splitting votes and one ideologue latching on to a guaranteed 30%.