The Candidates: Republican Riff-Raff
April 4th, 2007 | by Scott |For previous discussion on candidates click here.
I was going to continue with individual entries but at this point there is such a steep drop-off between the top three in each party that I just don’t have a whole lot to say about each of them. And with the recent release of first-quarter campaign donations the gap between the haves and have nots becomes more pronounced.
Among the Dems it’s a three-horse race between Clinton, Edwards and Obama.
Among the GOP it’s a three-horse race between Giuliani, McCain and Romney. Of course, that landscape changes greatly in Gingrich and Thompson (not Tommy) throw their hats in the ring.
So, rather than prolong this list longer than it needs to, let’s do a quick run-down of the GOP contestants who running for president but running from reality:
Mike Huckabee–He’s long been my GOP dark horse but a 500,000 dollar first quarter is too paltry against the front-runners. He is the one bona fide social conservative who isn’t either a)Mormon (Romney) and b)downright frightening (Brownback). But he would have a long way to go to convince the party that he is a fiscal conservative. His record as governor of Arkansas proves otherwise. My personal issues with him aside, he has about the best consistent message of the GOP aspirants. But his road is too uphill at this point. And he’s never met a gift he didn’t like.
Sam Brownback–Theocrat without a country. Ain’t happening.
Duncan Hunter–Who?
Ron Paul–Who? I live in Texas and I don’t know this guy.
Jim Gilmore–Again, who?
Tom Tancredo–Um, first act as president is what? Bombing Mexico?
Tommy Thompson–It may just be me but I don’t see much likelihood, at this point, of someone from the Bush Administration getting the nom.
I really don’t see a scenario at the current time of any of these guys punching through to the other side. The only one that would even have a shot is Huckabee because he is nominate-able providing he can explain away his tax increases.
Again, the landscape changes drastically with Gingrich or Thompson (not Tommy) if they throw their hats in the ring.
Any thoughts on these guys?
18 Responses to “The Candidates: Republican Riff-Raff”
By KS on Apr 4, 2007 | Reply
I think Huckabee is going to end up on someones ticket to make them look much more conservative (Guliani/Huckabee could be strong).
By Scott on Apr 4, 2007 | Reply
Great point, Kenny. A guy like Giuliani, in particular, would need to balance himself with someone more conservative AND from the south.
By Jeff B. on Apr 4, 2007 | Reply
The more I learn about Ron Paul, the more I like him. He was a long-time libertarian who is now identified as a Republican, but is absolutely NOT defined by that party. Note this from his website: http://www.ronpaul2008.com.
By Jeff B. on Apr 4, 2007 | Reply
OK, the above block quote was NOT from his website. I was making an ill-fated attempt to create a block quote. It did not work. The actual quote from his website:
Brief Overview of Congressman Paul’s Record:
He has never voted to raise taxes.
He has never voted for an unbalanced budget.
He has never voted for a federal restriction on gun ownership.
He has never voted to raise congressional pay.
He has never taken a government-paid junket.
He has never voted to increase the power of the executive branch.
He voted against the Patriot Act.
He voted against regulating the Internet.
He voted against the Iraq war.
He does not participate in the lucrative congressional pension program.
He returns a portion of his annual congressional office budget to the U.S. treasury every year.
By justin on Apr 4, 2007 | Reply
Ron Paul is my guy.
By KS on Apr 4, 2007 | Reply
Sounds like a good candidate…that still has no chance in the election.
By Jeff B. on Apr 4, 2007 | Reply
KS might be right that Ron Paul has no chance in the election, although its still quite early. However, that does not mean that he (or any other candidate) should be dismissed. As Howard Dean showed us last year, a candidate that has no chance of winning can change the tone and message of the other candidates. If a little bit of Ron Paul rubs off on the rest of the field, a small victory has been won, IMHO.
By Scott on Apr 4, 2007 | Reply
I just noticed that Paul would be 73 at the time of the election. That’s one of the same problems that dog McCain. Coming from an unknown status it doesn’t matter how far it is until 11/08, he ain’t electable.
By Belinda on Apr 4, 2007 | Reply
Ron Paul - try LewRockwell.com
By Belinda on Apr 4, 2007 | Reply
I’m surprised your not mentioned the anniversary of MLK’s death.
By Greg Brooks on Apr 4, 2007 | Reply
I think Huckabee will end up giving someone his endorsement, and if they won the election he’d be in their administration–probably the obesity tzar.
Of course, that “if they won” is the real problem, since Huckabee will endorse a Republican candidate who will either: (a) lose in the primaries, or (b) lose to a Democrat in the general election.
After Bush, I’m convinced there is no way America will elect a Republican president.
By Scott on Apr 4, 2007 | Reply
Greg, I hope you are right.
By Mike on Apr 4, 2007 | Reply
If you don’t know Ron Paul, go check out the many speeches he has given over the past 7 years on his house webpage:
http://www.house.gov/paul
click on Legislation.
By Lane on Apr 4, 2007 | Reply
just curious, Scott, but what DO you think about Fred Thompson running? Do you like him or not? A lot of talking heads are saying he’ll join in after his tv show is done this season. Other talking heads are saying he’s very “Reagan”-esqe. Thoughts?
By R-Liz on Apr 4, 2007 | Reply
Scott– I’m curious if you’ll ever give us the personal scoop on Huckabee. Sounds juicy!
After living in Arkansas for only a few years, I have to admit that I have my Hutchinsons and Huckabees all mixed up. I can’t remember who was what when I lived there.
By KS on Apr 5, 2007 | Reply
Scott: Post 12 doesn’t sound to “fair and ballanced”
By Scott on Apr 5, 2007 | Reply
KS, I guess you are right. But I was actually referring to Huckabee giving someone his endorsement
Belinda, I actually forgot all about April 4th. But I did listen to the chronologically challenged U2 song after you reminded me.
R-Liz, someday I will after some legal issues are resolved.
Lane, I like Fred. But I think I diverge from him on too many issues.
By Tracy on Apr 5, 2007 | Reply
I knew the name Ron Paul sounded familiar! He’s the guy who does bathroom remodel commercials. And he’s running for president??