# Serious thoughts requested on some 2016 candidates **URL:** \ **Category:** Politics & Elections\ **Created:** [November 11, 2014, 1:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/serious-thoughts-requested-on-some-2016-candidates/704295 "2014-11-11T01:26:35Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![adaher](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/dec6dc/32.png) [@adaher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/adaher)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2014, 1:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/serious-thoughts-requested-on-some-2016-candidates/704295/1 "2014-11-11T01:26:35Z")
Preferably no “he’s evil personified”, or “he’s crazy”. I’m actually interested in people’s thoughts on some of the lesser known contenders who might be running for President. Democrats: Howard Dean Martin O’Malley Jim Webb Joe Biden(I realize he’s very well known, but people don’t seem to be talking about him one way or the other) Republicans: Bobby Jindal(my favorite!) John Kasich Mike Pence Lindsey Graham ---
**Author:** ![iiandyiiii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/iiandyiiii/32/7924_2.png) [@iiandyiiii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iiandyiiii)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2014, 1:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/serious-thoughts-requested-on-some-2016-candidates/704295/2 "2014-11-11T01:35:06Z")
> [@adaher](#): > > Howard Dean I like him a lot. I don’t know if he’s interested. I also don’t know what kind of campaigner he’ll be – his '04 campaign started very strong and fizzled out very quickly. > [@](#): > > Martin O’Malley Not particularly interesting, but a competent governor. Close to “generic Democrat”. > [@](#): > > Jim Webb Doesn’t seem like he’s that into politics. > [@](#): > > Joe Biden(I realize he’s very well known, but people don’t seem to be talking about him one way or the other) I like him, but he doesn’t have much chance at winning the nomination. Great in debates, but he has a weird tendency to go off script in amusing ways on the stump. > [@](#): > > Bobby Jindal(my favorite!) Unpopular governor, looks and sounds like he’s 12 (and made of wood), batshit religious beliefs, says “we shouldn’t be the stupid party” and then says really stupid things. SNL would hire a teenager to play him. Not much of a chance at the nomination, unfortunately for the Democrats. > [@](#): > > John Kasich > Mike Pence See Martin O’Malley – these are the “generic Republican” candidates. Not much stands out for either one, at least not right now, IMO. > [@](#): > > Lindsey Graham I do declare! Late night would have a lot of fun with this Southern belle warmonger. Not a chance. ---
**Author:** ![adaher](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/dec6dc/32.png) [@adaher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/adaher)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2014, 1:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/serious-thoughts-requested-on-some-2016-candidates/704295/3 "2014-11-11T01:46:31Z")
> [@iiandyiiii](#): > > I like him a lot. I don’t know if he’s interested. I also don’t know what kind of campaigner he’ll be – his '04 campaign started very strong and fizzled out very quickly. Dean has evolved from his time as DNC chairman and I think he’s learned from his 2004 flameout. He’s expressed an interest in running, but not if Clinton is. With Clinton such a prohibitive favorite, I’m mainly listing Democrats who could be the nominee if she decides to stay out. And Dean is one guy who is eminently qualified, very intelligent, and doesn’t mind dishing out the red meat. > [@](#): > > Doesn’t seem like he’s that into politics. I thought so too, and would never have listed him, except he’s expressed an interest in running in 2016. > **[Jim Webb Mulls 2016 Run That Could Pose Clinton Challenge](https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/jim-webb-mulls-2016-run-pose-clinton-challenge/story?id=25708072)** > > Former Virginia senator Jim Web said today he is “seriously” considering a 2016 presidential bid, and will make a decision within the next two to five months. He’s certainly qualified, but probably too heterodox for Democrats, plus lacks charisma to make up for that. But if you wanted the working white class back, there’s no better candidate to win them back. > [@](#): > > I like him, but he doesn’t have much chance at winning the nomination. Great in debates, but he has a weird tendency to go off script in amusing ways on the stump. I’ve actually followed his career with interest for a long time and always thought he’d make a good President other than his messaging snafus. His “weakness” is that he tells the truth too much. And he also is appealing to working white class voters. > [@](#): > > do declare! Late night would have a lot of fun with this Southern belle warmonger. Not a chance. He’s a McCain clone. I like him a lot. Unlike many Republicans, I’ve always respected independent-minded conservatives, even when they take positions I don’t agree with. Graham is attractive because he’s independent, he’s a dealmaker, he’s bipartisan, and unlike McCain, he’s not ancient. He does lack executive experience though. Even his military career didn’t involve leading people. ---
**Author:** ![adaher](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/dec6dc/32.png) [@adaher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/adaher)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2014, 1:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/serious-thoughts-requested-on-some-2016-candidates/704295/4 "2014-11-11T01:52:48Z")
I need sleep. It’s “white working class voters”, not “working white class voters”. ---
**Author:** ![iiandyiiii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/iiandyiiii/32/7924_2.png) [@iiandyiiii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iiandyiiii)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2014, 1:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/serious-thoughts-requested-on-some-2016-candidates/704295/5 "2014-11-11T01:55:04Z")
> [@adaher](#): > > He’s a McCain clone. I like him a lot. Unlike many Republicans, I’ve always respected independent-minded conservatives, even when they take positions I don’t agree with. Graham is attractive because he’s independent, he’s a dealmaker, he’s bipartisan, and unlike McCain, he’s not ancient. He does lack executive experience though. Even his military career didn’t involve leading people. God, if he were in charge, thousands upon thousands more Americans would be dead. We’d be at war with Iran and probably elsewhere – maybe even Russia. Would be a disaster for America. How on earth can you like him? ---
**Author:** ![thelurkinghorror](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/7c8e57/32.png) [@thelurkinghorror](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thelurkinghorror)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2014, 2:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/serious-thoughts-requested-on-some-2016-candidates/704295/6 "2014-11-11T02:22:04Z")
I am really surprised that no mention is of Hillary Clinton nor Jeb Bush, considering how I saw several news stories about the possibility of each today. Most are saying that Jeb isn’t sufficiently conservative enough, and I’m not sure either has a great chance beyond initial interest. Also talks about Cruz, who seems icky, and has less experience than Obama gets accused of. But who has been talking about Dean, honestly? _Checks OP date_ Nope, not 10 years ago. Otherwise I mostly agree with the above, many of these don’t show much interest, or are (thus far) not distinct enough. ---
**Author:** ![adaher](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/dec6dc/32.png) [@adaher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/adaher)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2014, 2:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/serious-thoughts-requested-on-some-2016-candidates/704295/7 "2014-11-11T02:23:39Z")
He’s no worse than McCain, who in turn is no worse then Reagan, and all are a lot less worse than GWB. Because they support the Powell Doctrine, which automatically makes them smarter. ---
**Author:** ![adaher](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/dec6dc/32.png) [@adaher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/adaher)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2014, 2:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/serious-thoughts-requested-on-some-2016-candidates/704295/8 "2014-11-11T02:24:57Z")
> [@thelurkinghorror](#): > > I am really surprised that no mention is of Hillary Clinton nor Jeb Bush, considering how I saw several news stories about the possibility of each today. Most are saying that Jeb isn’t sufficiently conservative enough, and I’m not sure either has a great chance beyond initial interest. Also talks about Cruz, who seems icky, and has less experience than Obama gets accused of. > > But who has been talking about Dean, honestly? _Checks OP date_ Nope, not 10 years ago. Otherwise I mostly agree with the above, many of these don’t show much interest, or are (thus far) not distinct enough. I left out the most prominent candidates on purpose, because most of us have already expressed our thoughts on them. If Clinton doesn’t run, this could be an election where neither candidate is one that a majority of voters, or even Dopers, are all that familiar with. As for Dean, no one may be talking about him, but more are talking about him now than in 2002. If he runs, he’ll have instant name recognition and in a field without Clinton or Warren, I have to think he’ll have a pretty large group of supporters. ---
**Author:** ![harmonicamoon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/65b543/32.png) [@harmonicamoon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/harmonicamoon)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2014, 2:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/serious-thoughts-requested-on-some-2016-candidates/704295/9 "2014-11-11T02:33:11Z")
Huntsman isn’t on the list. Maybe he doesn’t wanna play this time? ---
**Author:** ![adaher](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/dec6dc/32.png) [@adaher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/adaher)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2014, 3:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/serious-thoughts-requested-on-some-2016-candidates/704295/10 "2014-11-11T03:12:55Z")
> [@harmonicamoon](#): > > Huntsman isn’t on the list. Maybe he doesn’t wanna play this time? Huntsman is a definite no, as of last month. Another one of my favorites, but he just doesn’t see a path to the nomination. ---
**Author:** ![Velocity](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/velocity/32/18006_2.png) [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2014, 3:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/serious-thoughts-requested-on-some-2016-candidates/704295/11 "2014-11-11T03:17:54Z")
Jeb Bush has NO chance. America will not allow another Bush to become president. ---
**Author:** ![harmonicamoon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/65b543/32.png) [@harmonicamoon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/harmonicamoon)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2014, 3:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/serious-thoughts-requested-on-some-2016-candidates/704295/12 "2014-11-11T03:22:48Z")
> [@adaher](#): > > Huntsman is a definite no, as of last month. Another one of my favorites, but he just doesn’t see a path to the nomination. Yeah, Huntsman is so intelligent, he could almost be a democrat, no? ---
**Author:** ![harmonicamoon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/65b543/32.png) [@harmonicamoon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/harmonicamoon)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2014, 3:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/serious-thoughts-requested-on-some-2016-candidates/704295/13 "2014-11-11T03:25:01Z")
> [@Velocity](#): > > Jeb Bush has NO chance. > > America will not allow another Bush to become president. I don’t know about that. America voted one of them for two terms. Sh\*t happens. ---
**Author:** ![iiandyiiii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/iiandyiiii/32/7924_2.png) [@iiandyiiii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iiandyiiii)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2014, 3:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/serious-thoughts-requested-on-some-2016-candidates/704295/14 "2014-11-11T03:28:06Z")
> [@adaher](#): > > He’s no worse than McCain McCain is awful and would have resulted in thousands – possibly tens of thousands – more dead Americans. He would have massively weakened and damaged America. There’s hardly a lower bar. > [@](#): > > , who in turn is no worse then Reagan, and all are a lot less worse than GWB. Because they support the Powell Doctrine, which automatically makes them smarter. I seriously doubt they actually support the Powell Doctrine. These guys just think that peace and stability can be imposed by force, and that’s been pretty much proven false by the last several years. I’m not sure if any prominent Republican would weaken America more than McCain/Graham. ---
**Author:** ![Stringbean](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/d6d6ee/32.png) [@Stringbean](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stringbean)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2014, 3:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/serious-thoughts-requested-on-some-2016-candidates/704295/15 "2014-11-11T03:39:29Z")
I sure wish Huntsman would run again. He would make the best president of any candidate in either party. ---
**Author:** ![adaher](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/dec6dc/32.png) [@adaher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/adaher)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2014, 3:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/serious-thoughts-requested-on-some-2016-candidates/704295/16 "2014-11-11T03:42:17Z")
> [@harmonicamoon](#): > > I don’t know about that. America voted one of them for two terms. Sh\*t happens. Jeb CAN win, but not against Clinton. You can’t beat old and stale with old, stale, and failed(although Jeb didn’t fail, but he’ll be associated with his family.) However, Jeb does have competence and moderation on his side, so he could win if liberals got cocky and nominated someone too liberal. Presidential elections are still about capturing the center and I think Liz Warren or someone as liberal as her would go the way of McGovern against any plausible Republican. I wouldn’t feel comfortable with Warren vs. Cruz, but Warren vs. Bush? Easy money. ---
**Author:** ![adaher](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/dec6dc/32.png) [@adaher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/adaher)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2014, 4:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/serious-thoughts-requested-on-some-2016-candidates/704295/17 "2014-11-11T04:10:26Z")
Something I just read about Martin O’Malley that makes him stand out: he adopts government performance metrics to see how the government is performing and publicizes the results. He started this as mayor of Baltimore and carried it into state government. Assumedly, he’d bring it into national government if he became President: > **[O’Malley talks StateStat during meeting with the prime minister of India](https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/md-politics/omalley-talks-statestat-during-meeting-with-the-prime-minister-of-india/2014/09/30/7f5294c4-48f1-11e4-b72e-d60a9229cc10_story.html)** > > Maryland’s governor spent about 30 minutes with Narendra Modi in Washington on Tuesday. > **[Home](https://gopi.maryland.gov/)** > > An official website of the State of Maryland. I guess that makes him not quite your typical Democrat anymore. This is good stuff. ---
**Author:** ![Velocity](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/velocity/32/18006_2.png) [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2014, 5:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/serious-thoughts-requested-on-some-2016-candidates/704295/18 "2014-11-11T05:26:19Z")
> [@harmonicamoon](#): > > I don’t know about that. America voted one of them for two terms. Sh\*t happens. Bush Stigma wasn’t there yet. ---
**Author:** ![Chronos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chronos/32/134_2.png) [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2014, 3:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/serious-thoughts-requested-on-some-2016-candidates/704295/19 "2014-11-11T15:49:23Z")
> [@](#): > > I guess that makes him not quite your typical Democrat anymore. This is good stuff. There are Democrats who don’t do similar things? Heck, there are any politicians at all who don’t do similar things? ---
**Author:** ![adaher](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/dec6dc/32.png) [@adaher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/adaher)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2014, 4:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/serious-thoughts-requested-on-some-2016-candidates/704295/20 "2014-11-11T16:03:47Z")
It is actually rare for politicians to actively seek ways to measure the performance of the government they oversee. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/serious-thoughts-requested-on-some-2016-candidates/704295.md?page=2)