# 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:** 34
**Author:** ![elucidator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/8edcca/32.png) [@elucidator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elucidator)\ **Post date:** [February 11, 2015, 4:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2016-republican-candidates/709444/661 "2015-02-11T16:28:26Z")
> [@adaher](#): > > Just shows that it’s not all about age. John McCain may not have known how to personally open an email, but he didn’t have huge snafus like this. Didn’t he make really bad choice for a running mate? I don’t recall, my memory isn’t what it used to be. Or maybe it is, and I just don’t remember… ---
**Author:** ![Steve\_MB](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/steve_mb/32/5339_2.png) [@Steve\_MB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Steve_MB)\ **Post date:** [February 11, 2015, 4:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2016-republican-candidates/709444/662 "2015-02-11T16:56:10Z")
> [@ElvisL1ves](#): > > Better to make your blunders now, while only we wonks are paying attention. In the summer of 2016, it would destroy him. That remains to be seen. I’m sure that some poor shmucks working for Hillary’s not-yet-a-campaign are sifting through the accidental data dump looking for any time bombs that might be gleaned therein. ---
**Author:** ![adaher](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/dec6dc/32.png) [@adaher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/adaher)\ **Post date:** [February 11, 2015, 5:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2016-republican-candidates/709444/663 "2015-02-11T17:42:04Z")
> [@elucidator](#): > > Didn’t he make really bad choice for a running mate? I don’t recall, my memory isn’t what it used to be. Or maybe it is, and I just don’t remember… I was referring to tech issues. Whether or not one can open an email is immaterial to whether they can hire a competent tech team. Just another example of how opponents will latch onto the smallest things to disqualify a candidate they don’t like for other reasons, then whine when the tactic is turned back on them. But what has happened with Jeb, that’s pretty serious. If it’s the only major staff problem he has, then you know, we all make mistakes. But if it happens again, that establishes a pattern. ---
**Author:** ![DrumBum](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e79b87/32.png) [@DrumBum](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrumBum)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2015, 6:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2016-republican-candidates/709444/664 "2015-02-12T18:27:34Z")
It would appear that Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal might be off the list due to [fiscal troubles at home.](http://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2015/02/bobby-jindal-campaigning-114948.html#.VNzvclcpcUM) I don’t recall anyone suggesting he had much of a chance but it does not look good for him or the residents of Louisiana. ---
**Author:** ![BrainGlutton](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/82dd89/32.png) [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2015, 7:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2016-republican-candidates/709444/665 "2015-02-12T19:50:32Z")
[Scott Walker called out (by a teacher) for lying (about school-related matters) at the Iowa Freedom Summit.](http://www.salon.com/2015/02/11/scott_walkers_lying_mess_how_a_tough_wisconsin_teacher_schooled_the_governor/) [Walker dodges evolution question.](http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/02/11/scott-walker-dodges-question-on-whether-he-believes-in-evolution_n_6663218.html) Also: > [@](#): > > Walker also alluded to the expectation back in the United States that he would run for president, noting the media had described him as “bland” as a prospective candidate. “I’d rather be bland than stupid, or ignorant, or moronic,” he said. Don’t worry, Governor. You are not bland. You are evil. ---
**Author:** ![BrainGlutton](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/82dd89/32.png) [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2015, 8:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2016-republican-candidates/709444/666 "2015-02-12T20:14:49Z")
[Rick Perry: Texans like being uninsured.](http://www.salon.com/2015/02/12/rick_perrys_cold_blooded_health_care_claim_texans_like_being_uninsured/) ---
**Author:** ![adaher](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/dec6dc/32.png) [@adaher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/adaher)\ **Post date:** [February 13, 2015, 12:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2016-republican-candidates/709444/667 "2015-02-13T00:50:34Z")
> [@DrumBum](#): > > It would appear that Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal might be off the list due to [fiscal troubles at home.](http://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2015/02/bobby-jindal-campaigning-114948.html#.VNzvclcpcUM) I don’t recall anyone suggesting he had much of a chance but it does not look good for him or the residents of Louisiana. Geez. That’s pretty much the end of that then. John Kasich is my pick for President! ---
**Author:** ![Quartz](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quartz/32/267_2.png) [@Quartz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quartz)\ **Post date:** [February 13, 2015, 1:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2016-republican-candidates/709444/668 "2015-02-13T01:31:31Z")
> [@adaher](#): > > Geez. That’s pretty much the end of that then. > > John Kasich is my pick for President! Why? ---
**Author:** ![elucidator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/8edcca/32.png) [@elucidator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elucidator)\ **Post date:** [February 13, 2015, 1:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2016-republican-candidates/709444/669 "2015-02-13T01:45:01Z")
Despair. ---
**Author:** ![Zakalwe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zakalwe/32/270_2.png) [@Zakalwe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zakalwe)\ **Post date:** [February 13, 2015, 1:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2016-republican-candidates/709444/670 "2015-02-13T01:55:59Z")
> [@adaher](#): > > Geez. That’s pretty much the end of that then. > > John Kasich is my pick for President! That’s it? Really. Maybe you should rethink the whole “being a governor automatically qualifies you to be President” thing you’ve been spouting here. Maybe you should rethink the “starve the beast” approach to government. Or maybe you just shoot the horse that couldn’t jump the bar and move on to the next horse. ---
**Author:** ![BrainGlutton](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/82dd89/32.png) [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Post date:** [February 13, 2015, 3:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2016-republican-candidates/709444/671 "2015-02-13T03:38:23Z")
> [@Zakalwe](#): > > That’s it? Really. Maybe you should rethink the whole “being a governor automatically qualifies you to be President” thing you’ve been spouting here. Maybe you should rethink the “starve the beast” approach to government. Or maybe you just shoot the horse that couldn’t jump the bar and move on to the next horse. Well . . . at least [there is this to be said for Kasich](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Kasich#2014_re-election_campaign). Anyone who pisses off the Tea Party can’t be all bad. ---
**Author:** ![adaher](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/dec6dc/32.png) [@adaher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/adaher)\ **Post date:** [February 13, 2015, 4:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2016-republican-candidates/709444/672 "2015-02-13T04:10:42Z")
> [@Zakalwe](#): > > That’s it? Really. Maybe you should rethink the whole “being a governor automatically qualifies you to be President” thing you’ve been spouting here. Maybe you should rethink the “starve the beast” approach to government. Or maybe you just shoot the horse that couldn’t jump the bar and move on to the next horse. I never said being governor automatically qualifies you. Being a GOOD governor automatically qualifies you. I’ve never endorsed the “starve the beast” approach to government. ---
**Author:** ![elucidator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/8edcca/32.png) [@elucidator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elucidator)\ **Post date:** [February 13, 2015, 4:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2016-republican-candidates/709444/673 "2015-02-13T04:11:58Z")
This is just the break the Draft Romney movement has been waiting for! ---
**Author:** ![adaher](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/dec6dc/32.png) [@adaher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/adaher)\ **Post date:** [February 13, 2015, 4:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2016-republican-candidates/709444/674 "2015-02-13T04:29:38Z")
And if Kasich doesn’t run I’m rooting for Christie. Failing that, fuggit, Rand Paul. ---
**Author:** ![elucidator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/8edcca/32.png) [@elucidator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elucidator)\ **Post date:** [February 13, 2015, 4:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2016-republican-candidates/709444/675 "2015-02-13T04:38:18Z")
Now, Universe, I know I haven’t been a very good pantheist, but if you could just give me this \*one \*sign… ---
**Author:** ![BrainGlutton](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/82dd89/32.png) [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Post date:** [February 13, 2015, 5:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2016-republican-candidates/709444/676 "2015-02-13T05:20:29Z")
> [@adaher](#): > > I never said being governor automatically qualifies you. Being a GOOD governor automatically qualifies you. Then, neither Walker nor Jindal nor Christie nor Perry **nor Kasich** qualifies. ---
**Author:** ![RTFirefly](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/c77e96/32.png) [@RTFirefly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RTFirefly)\ **Post date:** [February 13, 2015, 3:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2016-republican-candidates/709444/678 "2015-02-13T15:11:07Z")
> [@Quartz](#): > > Why? I’m convinced he’s channeling the spirit of David Broder. ---
**Author:** ![RTFirefly](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/c77e96/32.png) [@RTFirefly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RTFirefly)\ **Post date:** [February 13, 2015, 3:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2016-republican-candidates/709444/679 "2015-02-13T15:13:14Z")
> [@BrainGlutton](#): > > [Rick Perry: Texans like being uninsured.](http://www.salon.com/2015/02/12/rick_perrys_cold_blooded_health_care_claim_texans_like_being_uninsured/) And the slaves were happy that way, which is why that big government program\* shouldn’t have come along to free them. \*AKA the Civil War. ---
**Author:** ![BrainGlutton](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/82dd89/32.png) [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Post date:** [February 13, 2015, 4:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2016-republican-candidates/709444/680 "2015-02-13T16:31:38Z")
[Rand Paul never graduated from college.](http://www.salon.com/2015/02/13/rand_paul_caught_lying_about_his_college_record/) ---
**Author:** ![Quartz](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quartz/32/267_2.png) [@Quartz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quartz)\ **Post date:** [February 13, 2015, 4:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2016-republican-candidates/709444/681 "2015-02-13T16:55:41Z")
> [@RTFirefly](#): > > I’m convinced he’s channeling the spirit of David Broder. I’m afraid that reference is lost on me. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2016-republican-candidates/709444.md?page=33) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2016-republican-candidates/709444.md?page=35)