# 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:** 55
**Author:** ![adaher](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/dec6dc/32.png) [@adaher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/adaher)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2015, 3:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2016-republican-candidates/709444/1082 "2015-03-22T03:18:01Z")
> [@RTFirefly](#): > > I seriously doubt that Obama has so much as left the door open a crack to the notion that a business establishment can choose who it’s going to serve, and who it’s not, on the basis of anything besides appropriate behavior and dress on its premises, and of course ability to pay. You’re right. His rhetoric on that issue is just rhetoric. IT’s probably also for Bush. It’s what you have to say to avoid pissing anyone off. ---
**Author:** ![adaher](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/dec6dc/32.png) [@adaher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/adaher)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2015, 3:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2016-republican-candidates/709444/1083 "2015-03-22T03:20:04Z")
> [@RTFirefly](#): > > I seriously doubt that Obama has so much as left the door open a crack to the notion that a business establishment can choose who it’s going to serve, and who it’s not, on the basis of anything besides appropriate behavior and dress on its premises, and of course ability to pay. You’re right. His rhetoric on that issue is just rhetoric. IT’s probably also for Bush. It’s what you have to say to avoid pissing anyone off. We do need to figure this issue out though. I think that a publicly owned corporation should have to serve everyone. I think that a business that is privately held should have to serve everyone. However, I think that individuals who sell their personal services should have a choice. If lawyers can pick and choose their cases, then wedding planners should be able to pick and choose whose weddings they’ll do. ---
**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:** [March 22, 2015, 3:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2016-republican-candidates/709444/1084 "2015-03-22T03:59:10Z")
> [@BrainGlutton](#): > > And, at least somewhat more inspiring than [“Vote For the Crook. It’s Important.”](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edwin_Edwards#Second_comeback:_Edwards_vs._Duke.2C_1991) From the same race, I preferred “Better a lizard than a wizard.” ---
**Author:** ![Northern\_Piper](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/northern_piper/32/5304_2.png) [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2015, 4:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2016-republican-candidates/709444/1085 "2015-03-22T04:11:20Z")
> [@adaher](#): > > If lawyers can pick and choose their cases, then wedding planners should be able to pick and choose whose weddings they’ll do. Lawyers can pick and choose based on their expertise and area of practise. A corporate type lawyer can say, “I don’t do litigation.” A litigator type can say, “I only do family litigation, not criminal.” And so on. A lawyer cannot reject clients based on protected grounds: “Normally I take this type of case, but only for white clients, not blacks.” ---
**Author:** ![adaher](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/dec6dc/32.png) [@adaher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/adaher)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2015, 4:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2016-republican-candidates/709444/1086 "2015-03-22T04:19:17Z")
They can reject a case for any reason they choose, although obviously if they are dumb enough to say they rejected a client based on their race they’d be exposed to lawsuits. I’m not sure that we should be forcing people, as individuals, to perform services. Just because you are a wedding planner or photographer does not mean that anyone who wants your services can force you to provide them. I fix computers as a side job, and I reserve the right to decline any business I choose. I think we have to distinguish between organizations and individuals in these cases. Individuals have religious rights. ---
**Author:** ![El\_Kabong](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/el_kabong/32/496_2.png) [@El\_Kabong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/El_Kabong)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2015, 1:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2016-republican-candidates/709444/1087 "2015-03-22T13:39:19Z")
Freshman Senator Ted Cruz [plans to announce on Monday](http://www.chron.com/news/politics/us/article/Ted-Cruz-to-announce-presidential-bid-Monday-6150890.php) that he’s running for President. I, for one, welcome this chance to see whether voters nationally find Tea Party ideas to be in their best interests. It will also be highly interesting to see how Republicans treat Mr. Cruz’ foreign heritage and lack of management experience, since we were told so often that these same factors disqualified the current President for office. ---
**Author:** ![ElvisL1ves](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/5daacb/32.png) [@ElvisL1ves](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ElvisL1ves)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2015, 2:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2016-republican-candidates/709444/1088 "2015-03-22T14:01:19Z")
There actually \*is \*a foreign birth certificate for this guy, too. Might even be the long form. Don’t discount his tactical abilities. When else has a freshman Senator ever been able to take control of the House? ---
**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:** [March 22, 2015, 2:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2016-republican-candidates/709444/1089 "2015-03-22T14:08:47Z")
> [@adaher](#): > > They can reject a case for any reason they choose, although obviously if they are dumb enough to say they rejected a client based on their race they’d be exposed to lawsuits. I think it should be just as illegal to refuse services based on sexual preference as it is to refuse service based on race. About Ted Cruz- how can anyone support this guy? He has made his entire career out of exploiting the paranoia, fear, racism, and xenophobia of his moronic base. How can you not look at him and see the reincarnation of Joe McCarthy? He has no chance for the nomination, he knows that, everybody knows that. He’s just boosting his profile for the inevitable Fox show and speaking tour that he will embark on after one term in the Senate. ---
**Author:** ![adaher](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/dec6dc/32.png) [@adaher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/adaher)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2015, 2:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2016-republican-candidates/709444/1090 "2015-03-22T14:25:44Z")
No, Ted Cruz doesn’t need a Presidential run for that. He’s already high profile enough. But for most candidates, in order to win the GOP nomination you first have to lose it, making a good enough showing to be logically considered “next”. As for why he commands support, think about why Alan Grayson commands support and you get the idea. ---
**Author:** ![adaher](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/dec6dc/32.png) [@adaher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/adaher)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2015, 2:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2016-republican-candidates/709444/1091 "2015-03-22T14:35:43Z")
CNN polled voters on what they want from a 2016 candidate: > **[Election 2016: The perfect candidate | CNN Politics](https://www.cnn.com/2015/03/22/politics/2016-election-poll-perfect-candidate/index.html)** > > If you could create the perfect candidate to succeed Barack Obama as president, what would their background be and what would they think? > [@](#): > > Three statements generated wide-reaching support. Fifty-nine percent of Americans say they’d like a candidate who has been in the public eye as a political leader for many years over one who’s new to the political scene. Further, 59% say they prefer a candidate with executive experience over one who’s worked as a legislator, and 57% say their perfect Obama successor would change most of the policies enacted by Obama’s administration. ---
**Author:** ![Northern\_Piper](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/northern_piper/32/5304_2.png) [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2015, 3:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2016-republican-candidates/709444/1092 "2015-03-22T15:17:46Z")
> [@ElvisL1ves](#): > > There actually \*is \*a foreign birth certificate for this guy, too. Might even be the long form. Plus, his father was not born in the United States. I’m sure Orly is firing up her injunctions as we speak. ---
**Author:** ![Locrian](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/locrian/32/14146_2.png) [@Locrian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Locrian)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2015, 3:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2016-republican-candidates/709444/1093 "2015-03-22T15:21:40Z")
> [@El\_Kabong](#): > > Freshman Senator Ted Cruz [plans to announce on Monday](http://www.chron.com/news/politics/us/article/Ted-Cruz-to-announce-presidential-bid-Monday-6150890.php) that he’s running for President. > > I, for one, welcome this chance to see whether voters nationally find Tea Party ideas to be in their best interests. > > It will also be highly interesting to see how Republicans treat Mr. Cruz’ foreign heritage and lack of management experience, since we were told so often that these same factors disqualified the current President for office. And he’s doing this at Liberty university of all places. (The place that guarantees your resume lands in the circular file unless you’re applying to sweep church floors.) I’m betting his announcement will include making this country an official xtian country. I thought he was Canadian. Is he really allowed to run? ---
**Author:** ![ElvisL1ves](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/5daacb/32.png) [@ElvisL1ves](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ElvisL1ves)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2015, 3:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2016-republican-candidates/709444/1094 "2015-03-22T15:22:49Z")
And his \*real \*first name is Rafael. Just like most Republican convention delegates’ gardeners. ---
**Author:** ![adaher](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/dec6dc/32.png) [@adaher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/adaher)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2015, 3:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2016-republican-candidates/709444/1095 "2015-03-22T15:56:16Z")
A Presidential candidate must be a natural born citizen. Cruz is. ---
**Author:** ![adaher](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/dec6dc/32.png) [@adaher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/adaher)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2015, 3:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2016-republican-candidates/709444/1096 "2015-03-22T15:57:28Z")
> [@ElvisL1ves](#): > > And his \*real \*first name is Rafael. Just like most Republican convention delegates’ gardeners. Just to be clear, whenever there’s a “nanny problem”, it’s always been a Democrat. > **[Nannygate](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nannygate)** > > "Nannygate" is a popular term for the 1993 revelations that caused two of President Bill Clinton's choices for United States Attorney General to become derailed. > In January 1993, Clinton's nomination of corporate lawyer Zoë Baird for the position came under attack after it became known that she and her husband had broken federal law by employing two people who had immigrated illegally from Peru as a nanny and chauffeur for their young child. They had also failed to pay Social Security taxes fo... ---
**Author:** ![Robot\_Arm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/robot_arm/32/18280_2.png) [@Robot\_Arm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Robot_Arm)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2015, 4:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2016-republican-candidates/709444/1097 "2015-03-22T16:48:40Z")
> [@El\_Kabong](#): > > I, for one, welcome this chance to see whether voters nationally find Tea Party ideas to be in their best interests. When you’re six years old, you find he idea of Santa Claus to be in your best interest. ---
**Author:** ![Locrian](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/locrian/32/14146_2.png) [@Locrian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Locrian)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2015, 4:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2016-republican-candidates/709444/1098 "2015-03-22T16:55:03Z")
> [@adaher](#): > > A Presidential candidate must be a natural born citizen. Cruz is. Is this coming from the interpretation of natural born citizen meaning didn’t require a period of naturalizing? And will he deny his Cuban heritage by revoking a treaty with Cuba made by Obama? ---
**Author:** ![DigitalC](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ebca7d/32.png) [@DigitalC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DigitalC)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2015, 5:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2016-republican-candidates/709444/1099 "2015-03-22T17:46:09Z")
> [@El\_Kabong](#): > > Freshman Senator Ted Cruz [plans to announce on Monday](http://www.chron.com/news/politics/us/article/Ted-Cruz-to-announce-presidential-bid-Monday-6150890.php) that he’s running for President. > > I, for one, welcome this chance to see whether voters nationally find Tea Party ideas to be in their best interests. > > It will also be highly interesting to see how Republicans treat Mr. Cruz’ foreign heritage and lack of management experience, since we were told so often that these same factors disqualified the current President for office. I honestly thought Ted Cruz was smart enough to realize 99% of what comes out of his mouth is utter bullshit and that being a Tea Party Stooge he would have zero chance at ever being president. I expected a long career of saying and doing stupid shit and almost but not quite running for president out of him. ---
**Author:** ![ElvisL1ves](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/5daacb/32.png) [@ElvisL1ves](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ElvisL1ves)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2015, 5:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2016-republican-candidates/709444/1100 "2015-03-22T17:46:30Z")
He’s already taken the legal steps to forswear his \*Canadian \*heritage, including his dual citizenship, so maybe Cuba will follow. The small issue of his parents having left before La Revolucion will be swept aside by those who will point to his heritage in an attempt to show his party actually does value diversity, not to his immigration demagoguery. ---
**Author:** ![BrainGlutton](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/82dd89/32.png) [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2015, 5:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2016-republican-candidates/709444/1101 "2015-03-22T17:49:03Z")
Hey, how many presidential candidates have their own [coloring book](http://www.amazon.com/Ted-Cruz-Future-Coloring-Activity/dp/1619530953)?! [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2016-republican-candidates/709444.md?page=54) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2016-republican-candidates/709444.md?page=56)