# 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:** 58
**Author:** ![adaher](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/dec6dc/32.png) [@adaher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/adaher)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2015, 11:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2016-republican-candidates/709444/1142 "2015-03-27T11:22:38Z")
There are more Republicans than just Walker or Jeb, and flip-flopping can be overcome if the explanation is plausible. McCain flip-flopped to immigration hawk by saying, “I’ve heard you” to the Republican base, which is refreshing honesty. I just gave Walker his talking points to explain his flip-flop: he’s always supported a path to citizenship but not the Senate immigration bill because Democrats can’t be trusted and they left themselves too many ways to get out of their promises in the bill. ---
**Author:** ![ElvisL1ves](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/5daacb/32.png) [@ElvisL1ves](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ElvisL1ves)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2015, 12:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2016-republican-candidates/709444/1143 "2015-03-27T12:10:03Z")
> [@adaher](#): > > flip-flopping can be overcome if the explanation is plausible. So you \*do \*accept lying by a pol if the cover story is creative enough. And if it’s from one of your own guys. Gotcha. ---
**Author:** ![RTFirefly](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/c77e96/32.png) [@RTFirefly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RTFirefly)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2015, 12:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2016-republican-candidates/709444/1144 "2015-03-27T12:20:46Z")
Apparently Rep. Louie Gohmert (R-Crazy) [said yesterday](http://thehill.com/blogs/ballot-box/presidential-races/237158-louie-gohmert-weighing-presidential-bid) that he was considering forming an exploratory committee, then later said he was only joking. In between, longtime blogger Dan Drezner [tweeted](https://twitter.com/dandrezner/status/581248703698173952): “We’re SO close to a bracket of 64.” Win. ---
**Author:** ![adaher](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/dec6dc/32.png) [@adaher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/adaher)\ **Post date:** [March 28, 2015, 1:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2016-republican-candidates/709444/1145 "2015-03-28T01:02:36Z")
> [@ElvisL1ves](#): > > So you \*do \*accept lying by a pol if the cover story is creative enough. And if it’s from one of your own guys. Gotcha. It’s only lying if it’s not true. If Walker was trying to pull a fast one on immigration, and a LOT of Republicans lie about the issue, then that’s a problem. I was trying to be generous and assume that he’s always support a path to citizenship but does not support the Senate bill, which is a reasonable position and not a flip flop. ---
**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:** [March 28, 2015, 3:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2016-republican-candidates/709444/1146 "2015-03-28T03:29:40Z")
> [@adaher](#): > > It’s only lying if it’s not true. If Walker was trying to pull a fast one on immigration, and a LOT of Republicans lie about the issue, then that’s a problem. I was trying to be generous and assume that he’s always support a path to citizenship but does not support the Senate bill, which is a reasonable position and not a flip flop. Funny how you’re SO generous with the benefit of the doubt when it’s a Republican concerning an issue that affects real people. But if Obama misspells supercalifragilisticexpialidocious when asked by a nine-year old during a casual photo-op at an elementary school, he’s the fucking anti-Christ. Funny that. ---
**Author:** ![adaher](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/dec6dc/32.png) [@adaher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/adaher)\ **Post date:** [March 28, 2015, 3:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2016-republican-candidates/709444/1147 "2015-03-28T03:37:42Z")
I think I’ve been very fair. I’ve only accused OBama of lying when he’s, you know, lied. I’ve never accused him of lying before the mainstream media has already done it. In any case, Walker now denies that he ever said anything about a path to citizenship at this private meeting. ---
**Author:** ![Rick\_Kitchen](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rick_kitchen/32/522_2.png) [@Rick\_Kitchen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rick_Kitchen)\ **Post date:** [March 28, 2015, 4:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2016-republican-candidates/709444/1148 "2015-03-28T04:15:28Z")
Why does he “now” deny it instead of denying it when it was first brought up? ---
**Author:** ![adaher](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/dec6dc/32.png) [@adaher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/adaher)\ **Post date:** [March 28, 2015, 4:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2016-republican-candidates/709444/1149 "2015-03-28T04:20:39Z")
Could be he’s lying. We’ll find out. I’ve already been impressed by his dodging the evolution issue, even if it is a stupid question. Even stupid questions should be answered. ---
**Author:** ![ElvisL1ves](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/5daacb/32.png) [@ElvisL1ves](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ElvisL1ves)\ **Post date:** [March 30, 2015, 1:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2016-republican-candidates/709444/1150 "2015-03-30T13:19:24Z")
> [@RTFirefly](#): > > Apparently Rep. Louie Gohmert (R-Crazy) [said yesterday](http://thehill.com/blogs/ballot-box/presidential-races/237158-louie-gohmert-weighing-presidential-bid) that he was considering forming an exploratory committee, then later said he was only joking. His stated reason for dropping out? That he can’t win. Which is true. But why not, Louie? Because you’re [bald](http://www.breitbart.com/texas/2015/03/28/gohmert-presidential-aspirations-no-more-bald-presidents-in-my-lifetime/), you say? Um, I’m not quite sure you have your finger on it yet, but never mind. Oh, **adaher**? Pence has blown his shot now, too, if in fact he had one. You’re running out of options. ---
**Author:** ![ElvisL1ves](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/5daacb/32.png) [@ElvisL1ves](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ElvisL1ves)\ **Post date:** [March 30, 2015, 1:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2016-republican-candidates/709444/1151 "2015-03-30T13:20:31Z")
> [@adaher](#): > > I’ve already been impressed by his dodging the evolution issue How is that impressive? ---
**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 30, 2015, 6:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2016-republican-candidates/709444/1152 "2015-03-30T18:25:16Z")
[Scott Walker gives a gloomy pitch for the GOP nomination.](https://www.yahoo.com/politics/scott-walkers-gloomy-pitch-for-the-presidency-114940203681.html) > [@](#): > > In a recent speech here, the Wisconsin governor used the word “worry” or “worried” 12 times in the space of 15 minutes. The pitch is basically, “I’m worried, SO worried that I won’t get exactly what I want, waaah, waaah, waaah.” Someone’s gotta hire him a new speech writer. No one wants to elect the paranoid. ---
**Author:** ![Rick\_Kitchen](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rick_kitchen/32/522_2.png) [@Rick\_Kitchen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rick_Kitchen)\ **Post date:** [March 30, 2015, 7:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2016-republican-candidates/709444/1153 "2015-03-30T19:52:17Z")
As I mentioned in the Stupid Republican idea thread, Scott Walker thinks he would be a good commander-in-chief because he was a Boy Scout. ---
**Author:** ![RTFirefly](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/c77e96/32.png) [@RTFirefly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RTFirefly)\ **Post date:** [March 31, 2015, 3:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2016-republican-candidates/709444/1154 "2015-03-31T15:47:07Z")
So far, a half-dozen of the GOP candidates [have endorsed](http://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/gop-candidates-back-indianas-anti-gay-law-amid-uproar) Indiana’s new “right to discriminate” law. Some of them are the ones you’d expect (Cruz, Jindal, Santorum, Ben Carson), but it includes the supposedly semi-sane wing too (Jeb, Rubio). Scott Walker continued his Profiles In Political Courage Tour by waffling on the question. ---
**Author:** ![adaher](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/dec6dc/32.png) [@adaher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/adaher)\ **Post date:** [March 31, 2015, 3:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2016-republican-candidates/709444/1155 "2015-03-31T15:48:04Z")
What’s not sane about endorsing state versions of a federal law that passed nearly uninamously? Has gay marriage made the 1st amendment obsolete? I really do hope Democratic candidates try to make that argument. They are already on record as saying big money has made it obsolete. Might as well get rid of the other freedoms as well and replace them with political correctness as our new “first freedom”. ---
**Author:** ![Fear\_Itself](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fear_itself/32/19637_2.png) [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\ **Post date:** [March 31, 2015, 4:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2016-republican-candidates/709444/1156 "2015-03-31T16:16:40Z")
This is a perfect wedge issue on which to crucify the right. They just can’t understand why they are being excoriated, and until they do, they will continue to double down and suffer the consequences. Apparently they would rather be righteous than be President. Fortunately, most voters don’t agree. ---
**Author:** ![adaher](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/dec6dc/32.png) [@adaher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/adaher)\ **Post date:** [March 31, 2015, 4:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2016-republican-candidates/709444/1157 "2015-03-31T16:17:09Z")
You’re opposing a religious freedom bill. Good luck with that. ---
**Author:** ![Gyrate](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gyrate/32/3588_2.png) [@Gyrate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gyrate)\ **Post date:** [March 31, 2015, 4:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2016-republican-candidates/709444/1158 "2015-03-31T16:19:59Z")
> [@adaher](#): > > You’re opposing a religious freedom bill. Good luck with that. The only freedom it protects is freedom to discriminate. ETA: Let me rephrase: the only freedom it is \*intended to \*protect is the freedom to discrimination. ---
**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 31, 2015, 4:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2016-republican-candidates/709444/1159 "2015-03-31T16:20:58Z")
> [@adaher](#): > > You’re opposing a religious freedom bill. Good luck with that. At one time, the Bible was used to justify slavery. I’m sure that 1850s southern states would have gladly passed a law guaranteeing that those with religious belief in slavery would always have their views respected and called it a religious freedom bill. This is a license to discriminate bill. ---
**Author:** ![adaher](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/dec6dc/32.png) [@adaher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/adaher)\ **Post date:** [March 31, 2015, 4:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2016-republican-candidates/709444/1160 "2015-03-31T16:25:31Z")
Actually, it protects all religious freedom, including the freedom to discriminate. Just as religious freedom protects that right now. Last I checked, anyone could refuse an interfaith wedding. And believe me, I checked, having had an interfaith wedding with pretty much no help from any professionals. I’m sure I could have found an expensive wedding planner or officiant, but the cheap ones are cheap because they are religiously motivated. So you’re pretty much SOL if you’re not of their faith. Which is absolutely, 100% fine. ---
**Author:** ![adaher](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/dec6dc/32.png) [@adaher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/adaher)\ **Post date:** [March 31, 2015, 4:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2016-republican-candidates/709444/1161 "2015-03-31T16:27:09Z")
> [@BobLibDem](#): > > At one time, the Bible was used to justify slavery. I’m sure that 1850s southern states would have gladly passed a law guaranteeing that those with religious belief in slavery would always have their views respected and called it a religious freedom bill. This is a license to discriminate bill. You forgot what “compelling interest” means. As often as it’s been discussed in great detail on this board, it’s shocking that so many people still don’t know what it means. Ignorance not fought. Secondly, violating the 1st amendment ALREADY requires strict scrutiny, but some courts decided not to view religious freedom that way, so the RFRA was passed. If you believe that the government should be able to substantially burden religious practice without a compelling interest at stake, then make that argument. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2016-republican-candidates/709444.md?page=57) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2016-republican-candidates/709444.md?page=59)