# The 2016 Republican candidates **URL:** \ **Category:** Politics & Elections\ **Created:** [January 9, 2015, 10:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2016-republican-candidates/709444 "2015-01-09T22:38:42Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 25
**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:** [February 3, 2015, 12:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2016-republican-candidates/709444/481 "2015-02-03T00:03:58Z")
> [@adaher](#): > > It wasn’t meant to be some major selling point. But if you take Clinton seriously based on objective standards rather than subjective, Huckabee had a better record of political success in the very same state. I get where you’re coming from, and I think you’re right that his stance on social issues is going to be a big problem for him in 2016. But I also think that if he made it through the primaries somehow he’d be the perfect contrast to Hillary Clinton. She’s just too artificial. He comes off as extremely natural and easy to relate to. Plus he’s disciplined. What you saw with his Beyonce moment is unlikely to be repeated. I’m less than convinced – he’ll be hammered on the Beyonce/Nugent hypocrisy, and he’s already been caught lying about it (saying that Nugent censored his lyrics – he didn’t). He strikes me as trying to cover up rage (such as suggesting that if gay marriage is legalized _rebellion_ might be necessary) with folksiness, and not doing a very good job of it. On the plus side, at least he seems like he’s a grown up man-person, unlike Jindal. ---
**Author:** ![CaptMurdock](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/captmurdock/32/11736_2.png) [@CaptMurdock](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CaptMurdock)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2015, 1:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2016-republican-candidates/709444/482 "2015-02-03T01:14:36Z")
> [@adaher](#): > > Huckabee is dangerous in a general election because he’s so unthreatening and a good talker. He’s authentic. Against the plastic Hillary Clinton he’ll match up very well… Are you referring to the life-size plastic statue of Hillary Clinton in Madame Toussad’s? Because that’s the only one Huckabee will not look like a Bible-humping hick next to. No, I lie. He’ll look like a Bible-humping hick next to the statue, too. ---
**Author:** ![Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7cd45c/32.png) [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2015, 2:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2016-republican-candidates/709444/483 "2015-02-03T02:10:17Z")
I hadn’t heard anything about Huckabee and Beyonce (two people I never expected to mention in the same sentence). Google to the rescue! Here’s more: [http://www.salon.com/2015/01/31/evangelicals\_racist\_purity\_culture\_whats\_really\_behind\_huckabees\_beyonce\_slur/](http://www.salon.com/2015/01/31/evangelicals_racist_purity_culture_whats_really_behind_huckabees_beyonce_slur/) ---
**Author:** ![pkbites](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pkbites/32/204_2.png) [@pkbites](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pkbites)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2015, 3:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2016-republican-candidates/709444/484 "2015-02-03T03:01:16Z")
Hickabee, Christie, and even Bush are old news. Too much exposure in national news for years and years, including dirt. I think people are not excited by any of them and are tired of hearing about them. Enter Walker or Kasich. Haven’t been overplayed on national news. Will come across as new and fresh. Governors who have, yes, made some controversial decisions, but it was their decisions to make and they stuck with them. I honestly think the old guard like Bush is going to get it’s ass handed to them in the '16 primaries. If it doesn’t I don’t see the GOP having any chance of winning. Like Bush in '92, Dole, McCain, Romney. Guys like this are not inspiring anyone and are not going to win. ---
**Author:** ![BrainGlutton](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/82dd89/32.png) [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2015, 4:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2016-republican-candidates/709444/485 "2015-02-03T04:10:43Z")
> [@adaher](#): > > They are governors, and successful at that. Any successful governor is a serious candidate. Walker is successful electorally, but Wisconsin’s economic track record under him . . . not good. ---
**Author:** ![adaher](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/dec6dc/32.png) [@adaher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/adaher)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2015, 3:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2016-republican-candidates/709444/486 "2015-02-03T15:09:41Z")
That’s outdated news. Employment has skyrocketed in the last 18 months in Wisconsin: [http://data.bls.gov/timeseries/LASST550000000000003](http://data.bls.gov/timeseries/LASST550000000000003) IT’s possible that political uncertainty was to blame for the lagging recovery, but with that behind Wisconsin due to Walker’s THREE victories, things are really looking up. ---
**Author:** ![BobLibDem](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/boblibdem/32/3149_2.png) [@BobLibDem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BobLibDem)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2015, 4:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2016-republican-candidates/709444/487 "2015-02-03T16:08:54Z")
I see 2016 as a replay of 2012. This time, all the un-Bushes will come out of the clown car one by one, only to stumble or be shot down by the big money boys. Right now it seems to be Walker’s turn. He’ll have his day in the sun and wilt under the public spotlight. He’ll fade, then maybe it will be Paul or Cruz. One by one they will falter and the GOP faithful will suck it up, hold their noses, and vote for Bush. ---
**Author:** ![adaher](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/dec6dc/32.png) [@adaher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/adaher)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2015, 4:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2016-republican-candidates/709444/488 "2015-02-03T16:23:00Z")
Unlikely. Again, too many serious candidates, and even the ones you believe are unserious have proven their electoral viability multiple times in their states. Even the rookie, Ben Carson, is gaining more traction than Herman Cain did. He’s in third place without having spent a dollar. Christie, Kasich, and Walker are all serious candidates, and even the unready Rubio is going to have a formidable presence. Rand will probably outperform his dad, taking away more delegates. Jeb Bush will be looking at a much tougher race than Romney did. ---
**Author:** ![BrainGlutton](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/82dd89/32.png) [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2015, 4:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2016-republican-candidates/709444/489 "2015-02-03T16:51:37Z")
[Swing-state polls not looking good for Jeb.](http://www.salon.com/2015/02/03/most_electable_republican_swing_state_poll_brings_bad_news_for_jeb_bush/) Of course, once again, it is all kinds of early – but, at this point, he couldn’t beat Hillary in Ohio, Pennsylvania or Florida. Whoever gets the nom, let’s all hope it ain’t [Paul](http://www.salon.com/2015/02/03/rand_paul_needs_to_be_shushed_why_the_confrontational_brat_is_not_ready_for_prime_time/). [Nor Walker.](http://www.salon.com/2015/02/03/scott_walkers_isis_problem_why_hes_so_clueless_about_foreign_policy/) Og, the GOP field seems to be in competition to reach new and daring heights of stupid . . . ---
**Author:** ![BrainGlutton](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/82dd89/32.png) [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2015, 5:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2016-republican-candidates/709444/490 "2015-02-03T17:02:53Z")
> [@adaher](#): > > That’s outdated news. Employment has skyrocketed in the last 18 months in Wisconsin: > > [Bureau of Labor Statistics Data](http://data.bls.gov/timeseries/LASST550000000000003) Yeah, well, [Wisconsin ain’t feelin’ it.](http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/purple-wisconsin/280089862.html) ---
**Author:** ![adaher](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/dec6dc/32.png) [@adaher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/adaher)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2015, 5:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2016-republican-candidates/709444/491 "2015-02-03T17:08:51Z")
Minnesota went from 6.8% to 3.6% since Jan 2011. Wisconsin went from 7.7% to 5.2%. While Minnesota’s record is a little better, Wisconsin is blowing the doors off Illinois. ---
**Author:** ![BrainGlutton](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/82dd89/32.png) [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2015, 5:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2016-republican-candidates/709444/492 "2015-02-03T17:10:17Z")
> [@BrainGlutton](#): > > [Swing-state polls not looking good for Jeb.](http://www.salon.com/2015/02/03/most_electable_republican_swing_state_poll_brings_bad_news_for_jeb_bush/) Of course, once again, it is all kinds of early – but, at this point, he couldn’t beat Hillary in Ohio, Pennsylvania or Florida. > > Whoever gets the nom, let’s all hope it ain’t [Paul](http://www.salon.com/2015/02/03/rand_paul_needs_to_be_shushed_why_the_confrontational_brat_is_not_ready_for_prime_time/). > > [Nor Walker.](http://www.salon.com/2015/02/03/scott_walkers_isis_problem_why_hes_so_clueless_about_foreign_policy/) > > Og, the GOP field seems to be in competition to reach new and daring heights of stupid . . . [And Huckabee is winning.](http://www.salon.com/2015/02/03/jon_stewart_rips_into_mike_huckabees_outrageous_remarks/) ---
**Author:** ![adaher](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/dec6dc/32.png) [@adaher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/adaher)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2015, 5:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2016-republican-candidates/709444/493 "2015-02-03T17:10:39Z")
> [@BrainGlutton](#): > > [Swing-state polls not looking good for Jeb.](http://www.salon.com/2015/02/03/most_electable_republican_swing_state_poll_brings_bad_news_for_jeb_bush/) Of course, once again, it is all kinds of early – but, at this point, he couldn’t beat Hillary in Ohio, Pennsylvania or Florida. > > Whoever gets the nom, let’s all hope it ain’t [Paul](http://www.salon.com/2015/02/03/rand_paul_needs_to_be_shushed_why_the_confrontational_brat_is_not_ready_for_prime_time/). > > [Nor Walker.](http://www.salon.com/2015/02/03/scott_walkers_isis_problem_why_hes_so_clueless_about_foreign_policy/) > > Og, the GOP field seems to be in competition to reach new and daring heights of stupid . . . The trial heat polls mean a lot when it comes to Clinton vs. Bush, because both have nearly universal name recognition. For the other Republicans it means a lot less. Of course, Dukakis once led Bush 41 by what, 15 points? I guess Bush figures Hillary is very easy to tear down when the time comes. And frankly, I don’t think she has the skill to fight back. She’s a name, not a talent. ---
**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:** [February 3, 2015, 5:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2016-republican-candidates/709444/494 "2015-02-03T17:15:49Z")
> [@adaher](#): > > The trial heat polls mean a lot when it comes to Clinton vs. Bush, because both have nearly universal name recognition. For the other Republicans it means a lot less. > > Of course, Dukakis once led Bush 41 by what, 15 points? I guess Bush figures Hillary is very easy to tear down when the time comes. And frankly, I don’t think she has the skill to fight back. She’s a name, not a talent. Right. When has underestimating a Democratic candidate ever gone wrong? I sincerely hope the winning Republican candidate feels the same way. ---
**Author:** ![adaher](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/dec6dc/32.png) [@adaher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/adaher)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2015, 5:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2016-republican-candidates/709444/495 "2015-02-03T17:18:19Z")
It’s gone right as often as its gone wrong. And we may know zilch about Hillary Clinton as a leader, but we know tons about her as a campaigner. She does not fight back well. Obama beat her with negative campaigning as well as positive and she had no answer. Well, that’s not entirely true. She did cry, which won her New Hampshire. ---
**Author:** ![jayjay](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jayjay/32/6765_2.png) [@jayjay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jayjay)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2015, 5:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2016-republican-candidates/709444/496 "2015-02-03T17:19:51Z")
> [@adaher](#): > > The trial heat polls mean a lot when it comes to Clinton vs. Bush, because both have nearly universal name recognition. For the other Republicans it means a lot less. > > Of course, Dukakis once led Bush 41 by what, 15 points? I guess Bush figures Hillary is very easy to tear down when the time comes. And frankly, I don’t think she has the skill to fight back. She’s a name, not a talent. I know past performance is not necessarily indication of future performance, but I do hope you’ll forgive me for not wholeheartedly believing that your political analysis in this case has any relation to reality. ---
**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:** [February 3, 2015, 5:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2016-republican-candidates/709444/497 "2015-02-03T17:24:21Z")
> [@adaher](#): > > It’s gone right as often as its gone wrong. And we may know zilch about Hillary Clinton as a leader, but we know tons about her as a campaigner. She does not fight back well. Obama beat her with negative campaigning as well as positive and she had no answer. Well, that’s not entirely true. She did cry, which won her New Hampshire. Right. A brilliant campaign beat her by the skin of their teeth, and she fought hard the entire campaign, still winning contests up to the finish line. This just sounds like more of your wishful thinking. ---
**Author:** ![adaher](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/dec6dc/32.png) [@adaher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/adaher)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2015, 5:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2016-republican-candidates/709444/498 "2015-02-03T17:26:45Z")
Fought hard? I don’t doubt her effort, but did she have an effective response to ANY of the Obama campaign’s critiques? She’s Allison Lundergan Grimes with a bigger name. That’s all. Bush’s team will rip her to shreds. You’ve been warned, so let’s not have too much whining when it 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:** [February 3, 2015, 5:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2016-republican-candidates/709444/499 "2015-02-03T17:29:57Z")
> [@adaher](#): > > Fought hard? I don’t doubt her effort, but did she have an effective response to ANY of the Obama campaign’s critiques? > > She’s Allison Lundergan Grimes with a bigger name. That’s all. Bush’s team will rip her to shreds. You’ve been warned, so let’s not have too much whining when it happens. LOL. God I love you. You never fail to top yourself with hyperbole and ridiculous predictions. I look forward to bringing this one back up in the future. ---
**Author:** ![BrainGlutton](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/82dd89/32.png) [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2015, 5:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2016-republican-candidates/709444/500 "2015-02-03T17:30:52Z")
> [@adaher](#): > > Bush’s team will rip her to shreds. Well, I don’t know about that, but I’m confident they’ll stop at nothing. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2016-republican-candidates/709444.md?page=24) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2016-republican-candidates/709444.md?page=26)