GOP Nominee in 2012?

[cjcrew022000]

The problem is for both parties is the candidate has to appeal to the far side of their party to get nominated and then move to the center to be elected. That's why I think Romney would be more electable if he got the nomination, but he's not right wing enough to get that far.

Romney's problem will be his connection to the unpopular government run healthcare. Obamacare is one of the major reasons the GOP crushed the Dems in the midterms.

[retdetsgt]

Romney's problem will be his connection to the unpopular government run healthcare. Obamacare is one of the major reasons the GOP crushed the Dems in the midterms.

A fairly minor reason. The big one was the economy and unemployment. I know I'm quoting polls, but most show that about a third of Americans want no government involvement in healthcare, about a third are okay with what was passed, but another third want more with a government option.

I'm in the third that wants no part of it, but the reality of it is, a lot of Americans are getting accustomed to being cared for by Uncle Sam.

[Switchback]

A fairly minor reason. The big one was the economy and unemployment. I know I'm quoting polls, but most show that about a third of Americans want no government involvement in healthcare, about a third are okay with what was passed, but another third want more with a government option.

I'm in the third that wants no part of it, but the reality of it is, a lot of Americans are getting accustomed to being cared for by Uncle Sam.

I think, for the most part you are right about what motivated the mid-term elections. However, I think that tide will change and the gov-run healthcare will become more critical as it progresses along and starts to hit more people in the pocket-books. Right now, it is still mostly just something on paper and little impact has been felt by the general populace. I think there is good chance that it will become a bit more of an issue.

[retdetsgt]

I think, for the most part you are right about what motivated the mid-term elections. However, I think that tide will change and the gov-run healthcare will become more critical as it progresses along and starts to hit more people in the pocket-books. Right now, it is still mostly just something on paper and little impact has been felt by the general populace. I think there is good chance that it will become a bit more of an issue.

I agree. It's more or less an unknown quantity right now and the concept sounds good to some people.

[dadyswat]

I haven't seen a real leader yet, I'm still waiting. I just don't want another lawyer in there.

[SHH 1313]

Haven't got much time here but just Google Trump. He probably will run and I think he might be the man! We will know soon. He was just on Fox and CNN. Very interesting take on US and world views.

[kendral77]

Mitch Daniels, the Second term governor of Indiana has done a great job in this state. When he was first elected, he inherited a major deficit when most states were seeing a surplus. He actually downsized the state government and put the state into the black, while also lowering property taxes. Now, even with the recession that we have, the state is still operating within it's means.

[madchiken]

I'd like to see Jeb Bush and/or Giuliani make a run for it. Don't know if either have much support, due to one's last name and the other's failed 2008 attempt.

Palin is an idiot, she hurts the party. She has zero chance as the Dems will just counter by replacing Biden with Hilary (who now has the foreign exp she lacked in 08).

I agree Mitt looks like a used car salesman, never impressed me.

Huckabee, through his TV show, has likely given the dems plenty of ammo against him.

Petraeus will just get slammed for Iraq and all we will hear is Gen. Betray us.

Newt is far too Right, and would have more fun pissing off the left than fixing anything...

[retdetsgt]

I think it's going to have to be someone fairly untested from the GOP if they're going to have an opportunity. I don't see anyone in the current pool who have much of a chance. They are either viewed as loose cannons or have too much baggage.

Reagan and George W. both started in politics fairly late in life and only had a few years as governor to judge them. That also worked for Carter (cough) too (and Obama to some extent as his only political experience was a short time as senator). Too many governors though try to grab national attention by acting like idiots.

Giuliani was too much of a one trick pony and tried to campaign on 9-11 only and people got tired of that.

Another problem with some Republican candidates is that they haven't exactly practiced what they've preached with it comes to "family values". The press is always looking for something to slam them with on that subject.

[uicipher]

My money is on Jindal, Romney or other to win the nomination, or the VP slot.
I'm 95% certain that it won't be Palin, Huckabee, or Gingrich.
/my two cents

[dadyswat]

Personnally I think Romney is fake and I haven't seen anyone else that really gets my blood flowing yet.