Official 2016 GOP thread: Is it really going to be Donald Trump?? (3 Viewers)

[SoBeDad]

I know a few people that have met and worked directly with Michael Bloomberg. They have said very good things about his management abilities and strategic thinking. Plus, his socially liberal / fiscal conservative approach doesn't bother me nearly as much as the opposite. While I would like to see more socialism in this country, I think that a good leader with a good, pragmatic approach would suit me ok.

Oh, and I don't really trust Hillary.

Here's a link to his stances: http://www.ontheissues.org/Mike_Bloomberg.htm I find that a lot of them are well reasoned. Add in some more income inequality stuff, and I'd be pretty happy with him.

I agree with many of his stands on the issues, but his age (73) and late start in the campaign would be major barriers to overcome. But he out-trumps Trump on wealth and was self-made. Apparently, he's not polling well in Iowa, so he may not even enter the campaign. Again, why is Iowa so important?

 

[Righetti]

Iowa is only important for a primary. After tomorrow it won't matter much

 

[[scooter]]

Iowa is only important for a primary. After tomorrow it won't matter much

And it's not even a primary.

 

[Ladsud]

I wouldn't be opposed to Bloomberg, but would need to know a lot more.

What would you ever make you want to vote for Bloomberg? Do you want big brother to be your daddy?

 

[Ladsud]

Bloomberg being posted in a GOP thread after the #### he pulled in NY is nothing but dis info. Go research him, nanny state personified.

 

[Maurile Tremblay]

Wow, the mailer Cruz sent out is really slimy.

 

[TripItUp]

Wow, the mailer Cruz sent out is really slimy.

Terrible, the mainstream media has been hammering him on it but who knows if it will have much of an adverse effect in Iowa.

Regardless, Ted's days are numbered IMHO.

 

[3C's]

Make America Great Godly Again! http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2016/02/01/ted-cruz-s-surreal-last-stand.html

 

[Jackstraw]

Kasich is electable. I don't see any other Republican nearing any victory.

If Iowa is smart, and they aren't, they go with Kasich.

Republicans have gone with the "electable" candidate the last two elections and it hasn't helped them. It's probably worth a shot at this point to roll the dice with the firebrand/demagogue.

Agreed. Let the Democrats have the "enthusiasm deficit" this time around.

A guy like Cruz or Trump would fire up both sides I think. I would fight extra hard to keep either of them away from the nuke suitcase.

 

[joffer]

Wow, the mailer Cruz sent out is really slimy.

 

[HellToupee]

Get on board with TRUMP

 

[Chadstroma]

I will not vote for Trump. I will vote Hillary over Trump in the general.

PLEASE, please, please! Fellow Republicans in early primary states.... don't make me vote for Hillary. Please.

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

This has been the greatest. Some guy screams "Ted Cruz looks so weird!" and makes fake vomiting sounds and it's only like the 75th funniest thing to happen during this Iowa campaign.

I love how the entire Cruz campaign has been a string of people telling him to his face that nobody likes him. I mean how much must you want to be President to endure that?

 

[Righetti]

Love the new viral message being sent out by a bunch of hot coeds to try to get the vote out in Iowa

Will hump for Trump

 

[B-Deep]

Watching Rubio on Meet The Press... My God he cannot get out of his own way on the immigration issue and the Gang of 8. It's unbelievable how badly he handles this issue.

Agreed, and I don't really care about that issue as much as I do his inability to handle it.

the problem is I don't think he believes what he is saying. He has abandoned his true feelings to gain votes and it is betraying him

 

[lod01]

Watching Rubio on Meet The Press... My God he cannot get out of his own way on the immigration issue and the Gang of 8. It's unbelievable how badly he handles this issue.

edit: What B-Deep said....and he's a POS.

 

[Todem]

Finally got to watch the debate yesterday. I think they all brought something to it except for maybe Carson. Someone outside of Trump, Rubio and Cruz could still surprise.

Kasich and Bush are going to sneak attack soon. Those are the only two republicans I could get behind in that order. Whomever is still in it by the time I vote in Florida will get my vote and I hope and pray it actually matters.

I just can't believe this side show we have going on with Trump and Cruz. Two guys who are not fit to lead the Western world. It's insane where we are right now.

Then take a look over on the left.....dear lord. Houston......we have a problem.

 

[Todem]

I will not vote for Trump. I will vote Hillary over Trump in the general.

PLEASE, please, please! Fellow Republicans in early primary states.... don't make me vote for Hillary. Please.

Same here. I am begging the GOP to smarten up and vote for a real candidate. Not this bile and rhetoric of two unfit men to lead a nation.

Come on people!!! Wake the **ck up.

1 term President whomever wins. God help us.

 

[HellToupee]

I will not vote for Trump. I will vote Hillary over Trump in the general.

PLEASE, please, please! Fellow Republicans in early primary states.... don't make me vote for Hillary. Please.

Same here. I am begging the GOP to smarten up and vote for a real candidate. Not this bile and rhetoric of two unfit men to lead a nation.Come on people!!! Wake the **ck up.

1 term President whomever wins. God help us.

You're either with US or against US

 

[Joe Summer]

Make America Great Godly Again! http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2016/02/01/ted-cruz-s-surreal-last-stand.html

Way to get the Duck Dynasty vote:

[Phil Robertson] When a fellow like me looks at the landscape and sees the depravity, the perversionredefining marriage and telling us that marriage is not between a man and a woman? Come on, Iowa! he said.

It is nonsense, he continued. It is evil. Its wicked. Its sinful.

The crowd cheered.

They want us to swallow it, you say, he went on. We have to run this bunch out of Washington, D.C. We have to rid the earth of them. Get em outta there.

What does Robertson mean by "rid the earth"? Is he talking about homosexuals, or just congress?

 

[Righetti]

Iowa is only important for a primary. After tomorrow it won't matter much

And it's not even a primary.

good point.. Iowa is only important for the caucus, after today it won't matter much... the fact that Bloomberg does NOT poll well here is not important to him running.. The people in that state have been bombarded with political ads for months and thousands of events.. I doubt anybody would come out that well there right now...

 

[squistion]

Make America Great Godly Again! http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2016/02/01/ted-cruz-s-surreal-last-stand.html

Way to get the Duck Dynasty vote:

[Phil Robertson] When a fellow like me looks at the landscape and sees the depravity, the perversionredefining marriage and telling us that marriage is not between a man and a woman? Come on, Iowa! he said.

It is nonsense, he continued. It is evil. Its wicked. Its sinful.

The crowd cheered.

They want us to swallow it, you say, he went on. We have to run this bunch out of Washington, D.C. We have to rid the earth of them. Get em outta there.

 

[Todem]

I will not vote for Trump. I will vote Hillary over Trump in the general.

PLEASE, please, please! Fellow Republicans in early primary states.... don't make me vote for Hillary. Please.

Same here. I am begging the GOP to smarten up and vote for a real candidate. Not this bile and rhetoric of two unfit men to lead a nation.Come on people!!! Wake the **ck up.

1 term President whomever wins. God help us.

You're either with US or against US

Cruz or Trump are disastrous.

Plain train wreck. Seriously. Crossing party lines is a nessecary evil when you have two clowns like that.

I am just praying Bernie Sanders does not get the nomination.

Then I have zero choice but to vote for whomever is against him. He is a true nightmare.

Holy Mary Mother of Joseph.

 

[The Commish]

I like the recent developments. As you guys may know, Cruz has been my concern all along, but it appears he's done after securing the support of both Rick Perry and Glenn Beck. Good job everyone That was a close one!

 

[PlasmaDogPlasma]

Bush and Kasich have both been my governor and I didn't care for either one of them. But I would sign up right now for either one of them becoming president if it guaranteed Trump could never hold that office.

 

[3C's]

He'll stop at nothing to get the votes. https://twitter.com/costareports/status/694216422336045056

ETA: posted that as tongue in cheek without watching the clip. Now that I've watched the clip.

 

[Chadstroma]

I will not vote for Trump. I will vote Hillary over Trump in the general.

PLEASE, please, please! Fellow Republicans in early primary states.... don't make me vote for Hillary. Please.

Same here. I am begging the GOP to smarten up and vote for a real candidate. Not this bile and rhetoric of two unfit men to lead a nation.Come on people!!! Wake the **ck up.

1 term President whomever wins. God help us.

You're either with US or against US

Cruz or Trump are disastrous.

Plain train wreck. Seriously. Crossing party lines is a nessecary evil when you have two clowns like that.

I am just praying Bernie Sanders does not get the nomination.

Then I have zero choice but to vote for whomever is against him. He is a true nightmare.

Holy Mary Mother of Joseph.

I would take Cruz over Clinton and easily over Sanders.

If Soviet Sanders and Trump get the nominations.... for crying out loud.... no way I vote for either of them. I freaking would vote for freaking gun confiscating Bloomberg in third party than either the Socialist or the buffoon then just hope people come to their senses 4 years later.

 

[Todem]

I will not vote for Trump. I will vote Hillary over Trump in the general.

PLEASE, please, please! Fellow Republicans in early primary states.... don't make me vote for Hillary. Please.

Same here. I am begging the GOP to smarten up and vote for a real candidate. Not this bile and rhetoric of two unfit men to lead a nation.Come on people!!! Wake the **ck up.

1 term President whomever wins. God help us.

You're either with US or against US

Cruz or Trump are disastrous.

Plain train wreck. Seriously. Crossing party lines is a nessecary evil when you have two clowns like that.

I am just praying Bernie Sanders does not get the nomination.

Then I have zero choice but to vote for whomever is against him. He is a true nightmare.

Holy Mary Mother of Joseph.

I would take Cruz over Clinton and easily over Sanders.

If Soviet Sanders and Trump get the nominations.... for crying out loud.... no way I vote for either of them. I freaking would vote for freaking gun confiscating Bloomberg in third party than either the Socialist or the buffoon then just hope people come to their senses 4 years later.

Yeah. That's basically where I am at. I can't vote for any democrat in this election. I just can't. I would just hate having to vote for Cruz....as big a sleaze ball as Clinton.

I may go for the third party vote if Cruz or Trump is indeed on the ticket. I know I am throwing my vote away. But better in the garbage then to any of these awful candidates.

I gotta believe Republicans will come to their senses on Trump and Cruz....please people. Get a grip.

 

[sho nuff]

Soviet Sanders?

 

[Todem]

Soviet Sanders?

More like Sweden Sanders.

I think Soviet is a bit harsh and not right. But Sweden is quite fair.

 

[B-Deep]

Soviet Sanders?

More like Sweden Sanders.

I think Soviet is a bit harsh and not right. But Sweden is quite fair.

Soviet is also wildly inaccurate...

 

[Chadstroma]

Soviet Sanders?

More like Sweden Sanders.

I think Soviet is a bit harsh and not right. But Sweden is quite fair.

Nah- he wouldn't want to kick anyone out like the Swedes.

Free everything to everybody!

 

[Abraham]

Something is keeping Kasich, bush, and Christie in the race. Maybe they think finishing 3rd, 3rd will mean the other candidates will drop out and suddenly they will look like the best choice over Cruz and trump. It's really fascinating that so many guys polling in the single digits are staying along even though it's pretty early still.

 

[Chadstroma]

Something is keeping Kasich, bush, and Christie in the race. Maybe they think finishing 3rd, 3rd will mean the other candidates will drop out and suddenly they will look like the best choice over Cruz and trump. It's really fascinating that so many guys polling in the single digits are staying along even though it's pretty early still.

At this point- if you have the cash then ride it out and hope for a brokered convention.

 

[B-Deep]

Something is keeping Kasich, bush, and Christie in the race. Maybe they think finishing 3rd, 3rd will mean the other candidates will drop out and suddenly they will look like the best choice over Cruz and trump. It's really fascinating that so many guys polling in the single digits are staying along even though it's pretty early still.

I think it is as simple as they all think one of the more mainstream guys will win, and they want to be that guy

the problem is with so many of them in it looks more and more each day like none of them have a chance

if it was Trump v Cruz v Kasich or bush then things would look a lot different

 

[Kiddnets]

Something is keeping Kasich, bush, and Christie in the race. Maybe they think finishing 3rd, 3rd will mean the other candidates will drop out and suddenly they will look like the best choice over Cruz and trump. It's really fascinating that so many guys polling in the single digits are staying along even though it's pretty early still.

How long will it take to seriously thin the herd....I dont think anyone drops out after tonight....I think maybe 1 or 2 after NH....1-2 more after SC - then who knows.....would really like to see a debate with a smaller group of 4.

 

[Chadstroma]

If it wasn't for Trump being actually relevant I would be cheering Soviet Sanders on. We could freaking dig up Reagan up and prop him up and win (plus, dug up Reagan prob would look younger AND win the debates).

 

[Kiddnets]

Something is keeping Kasich, bush, and Christie in the race. Maybe they think finishing 3rd, 3rd will mean the other candidates will drop out and suddenly they will look like the best choice over Cruz and trump. It's really fascinating that so many guys polling in the single digits are staying along even though it's pretty early still.

At this point- if you have the cash then ride it out and hope for a brokered convention.

this is interesting.....perhaps they are counting on Trump winning and maybe the party revolting and appointing one of the others instead of naming him? That would be insane!

 

[Yankee23Fan]

Something is keeping Kasich, bush, and Christie in the race. Maybe they think finishing 3rd, 3rd will mean the other candidates will drop out and suddenly they will look like the best choice over Cruz and trump. It's really fascinating that so many guys polling in the single digits are staying along even though it's pretty early still.

Part of it is that. They are hoping that a big wave of change happens once Cruz and Trump start actually looking like they could really win and votes are being counted. But the main part of it is with the new campaign finance rules it doesn't do them any good to drop out quick if the money is willing to still stay in there somehow.

 

[SIDA!]

Something is keeping Kasich, bush, and Christie in the race. Maybe they think finishing 3rd, 3rd will mean the other candidates will drop out and suddenly they will look like the best choice over Cruz and trump. It's really fascinating that so many guys polling in the single digits are staying along even though it's pretty early still.

How long will it take to seriously thin the herd....I dont think anyone drops out after tonight....I think maybe 1 or 2 after NH....1-2 more after SC - then who knows.....would really like to see a debate with a smaller group of 4.

What is crazy is even if one or two drop out....that is 1% of the total vote....lol

 

[Chadstroma]

Something is keeping Kasich, bush, and Christie in the race. Maybe they think finishing 3rd, 3rd will mean the other candidates will drop out and suddenly they will look like the best choice over Cruz and trump. It's really fascinating that so many guys polling in the single digits are staying along even though it's pretty early still.

At this point- if you have the cash then ride it out and hope for a brokered convention.

this is interesting.....perhaps they are counting on Trump winning and maybe the party revolting and appointing one of the others instead of naming him? That would be insane!

Two things really: 1) Crazy things happen in politics and inevitable nominee isn't always inevitable. 2) If not enough delegates are awarded because no one runs away with this then they go to the convention and it is a power broker this for that.

 

[Chadstroma]

Something is keeping Kasich, bush, and Christie in the race. Maybe they think finishing 3rd, 3rd will mean the other candidates will drop out and suddenly they will look like the best choice over Cruz and trump. It's really fascinating that so many guys polling in the single digits are staying along even though it's pretty early still.

How long will it take to seriously thin the herd....I dont think anyone drops out after tonight....I think maybe 1 or 2 after NH....1-2 more after SC - then who knows.....would really like to see a debate with a smaller group of 4.

What is crazy is even if one or two drop out....that is 1% of the total vote....lol

It wouldn't just be moving numbers over but momentum and now that voting has kicked off- momentum is more important because it can sway others than just the 1% of someone dropping out.

 

[Yankee23Fan]

Something is keeping Kasich, bush, and Christie in the race. Maybe they think finishing 3rd, 3rd will mean the other candidates will drop out and suddenly they will look like the best choice over Cruz and trump. It's really fascinating that so many guys polling in the single digits are staying along even though it's pretty early still.

At this point- if you have the cash then ride it out and hope for a brokered convention.

this is interesting.....perhaps they are counting on Trump winning and maybe the party revolting and appointing one of the others instead of naming him? That would be insane!

Two things really: 1) Crazy things happen in politics and inevitable nominee isn't always inevitable. 2) If not enough delegates are awarded because no one runs away with this then they go to the convention and it is a power broker this for that.

The GOP cannot allow the convention to be brokered. Political scientistst and junkies would love it. But the media message that comes out of it would destroy the parties chance to win the general election. There are too many easy attack points in a brokered convention. Back room deals, not listening to the people, electability counting more than principal, social media gotcha moments, and on and on and on. The media would love the thing but it would do considerable damage to whoever came out alive from it. And all the while, the democrats would have a singular message and messenger that could look more polished and have more leadership skills than what is going on with the GOP.

 

[B-Deep]

Something is keeping Kasich, bush, and Christie in the race. Maybe they think finishing 3rd, 3rd will mean the other candidates will drop out and suddenly they will look like the best choice over Cruz and trump. It's really fascinating that so many guys polling in the single digits are staying along even though it's pretty early still.

How long will it take to seriously thin the herd....I dont think anyone drops out after tonight....I think maybe 1 or 2 after NH....1-2 more after SC - then who knows.....would really like to see a debate with a smaller group of 4.

What is crazy is even if one or two drop out....that is 1% of the total vote....lol

It wouldn't just be moving numbers over but momentum and now that voting has kicked off- momentum is more important because it can sway others than just the 1% of someone dropping out.

if trump and Cruz combined are running at 55% or so, that leaves 45% elsewhere. IF one person starts really bringing those in then they can build momentum and have a chance. Some Trump and Cruz voters could jump if there was another viable candidate

right now, though, it is just a bunch of noise

 

[Chadstroma]

Something is keeping Kasich, bush, and Christie in the race. Maybe they think finishing 3rd, 3rd will mean the other candidates will drop out and suddenly they will look like the best choice over Cruz and trump. It's really fascinating that so many guys polling in the single digits are staying along even though it's pretty early still.

How long will it take to seriously thin the herd....I dont think anyone drops out after tonight....I think maybe 1 or 2 after NH....1-2 more after SC - then who knows.....would really like to see a debate with a smaller group of 4.

What is crazy is even if one or two drop out....that is 1% of the total vote....lol

It wouldn't just be moving numbers over but momentum and now that voting has kicked off- momentum is more important because it can sway others than just the 1% of someone dropping out.

if trump and Cruz combined are running at 55% or so, that leaves 45% elsewhere. IF one person starts really bringing those in then they can build momentum and have a chance. Some Trump and Cruz voters could jump if there was another viable candidate

right now, though, it is just a bunch of noice

That isn't how momentum works. If it did- then polls would be much more stable than they are. Things happen. People rethink things. They look at another candidate that they didn't think about before. They jump from who they were saying that they would vote for because they are closer to voting and don't want to vote for them because X, Y and Z. Things are fluid and it is not just a game of moving numbers from one category to the other.

 

[B-Deep]

Something is keeping Kasich, bush, and Christie in the race. Maybe they think finishing 3rd, 3rd will mean the other candidates will drop out and suddenly they will look like the best choice over Cruz and trump. It's really fascinating that so many guys polling in the single digits are staying along even though it's pretty early still.

How long will it take to seriously thin the herd....I dont think anyone drops out after tonight....I think maybe 1 or 2 after NH....1-2 more after SC - then who knows.....would really like to see a debate with a smaller group of 4.

What is crazy is even if one or two drop out....that is 1% of the total vote....lol

It wouldn't just be moving numbers over but momentum and now that voting has kicked off- momentum is more important because it can sway others than just the 1% of someone dropping out.

if trump and Cruz combined are running at 55% or so, that leaves 45% elsewhere. IF one person starts really bringing those in then they can build momentum and have a chance. Some Trump and Cruz voters could jump if there was another viable candidate

right now, though, it is just a bunch of noice

That isn't how momentum works. If it did- then polls would be much more stable than they are. Things happen. People rethink things. They look at another candidate that they didn't think about before. They jump from who they were saying that they would vote for because they are closer to voting and don't want to vote for them because X, Y and Z. Things are fluid and it is not just a game of moving numbers from one category to the other.

no one thinks about moving from a 30% to a 4%

they need someone who is picking up steam to make them rethink. Someone needs to start consolidating votes, and all these people think they can do it. they all think if they can make a little move they could be the answer to Trump and Cruz, and that person (if one emerges) DOES have a chance

but as long as they are all trying they are all hurting each other's chances

 

[Chadstroma]

Cruz messed up the expectation game. If he does not place 2nd in Iowa it will be a huge blow to his campaign- likely actually be fatal.

 

[3C's]

https://media.giphy.com/media/l2JI9hJjzH1VjJxS0/giphy.gif

 

[Chadstroma]

https://media.giphy.com/media/l2JI9hJjzH1VjJxS0/giphy.gif

If that is not a family member then that is CRAZY.

 

[3C's]

https://media.giphy.com/media/l2JI9hJjzH1VjJxS0/giphy.gif

If that is not a family member then that is CRAZY.

I think it's his daughter. Reported to be anyway. Apparently she was not in the mood.