# Who is the most extreme and unbelievable candidate Republicans are running this cycle? **URL:** \ **Category:** Politics & Elections\ **Created:** [August 1, 2022, 11:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-the-most-extreme-and-unbelievable-candidate-republicans-are-running-this-cycle/968912 "2022-08-01T11:00:11Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![Paul\_was\_in\_Saudi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/b77776/32.png) [@Paul\_was\_in\_Saudi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Paul_was_in_Saudi)\ **Post date:** [August 5, 2022, 9:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-the-most-extreme-and-unbelievable-candidate-republicans-are-running-this-cycle/968912/61 "2022-08-05T21:31:03Z")
I believe in democracy. I think big decisions should be made by the people after long, serious discussion and much compromise. _Roe_ probably was not a bad decision. It was a premature decision. A lot of people had more to say on the subject and the Supreme Court shut down the discussion. ---
**Author:** ![Kimstu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/ecd19e/32.png) [@Kimstu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kimstu)\ **Post date:** [August 5, 2022, 9:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-the-most-extreme-and-unbelievable-candidate-republicans-are-running-this-cycle/968912/62 "2022-08-05T21:48:29Z")
> [@Paul\_was\_in\_Saudi](#): > > I believe in democracy. I think big decisions should be made by the people after long, serious discussion and much compromise. I don’t believe that democracy overrides the inalienability of individual rights. It wasn’t appropriate to let individual states “democratically” deny legal freedom and voting rights to Black people, for instance, and it’s not appropriate to let individual states “democratically” deny abortion rights to pregnant people. I will note, though, before a mod with a flyswatter notes it for me, that we have strayed rather far afield from the OP’s question about extremist Republican candidates. ---
**Author:** ![Paul\_was\_in\_Saudi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/b77776/32.png) [@Paul\_was\_in\_Saudi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Paul_was_in_Saudi)\ **Post date:** [August 5, 2022, 9:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-the-most-extreme-and-unbelievable-candidate-republicans-are-running-this-cycle/968912/63 "2022-08-05T21:50:05Z")
Well, these are emotional issues. Nonetheless, I will be voting against Mastriano here in Pennsylvania. See? We agree on a lot of things. ---
**Author:** ![PhillyGuy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ed655f/32.png) [@PhillyGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PhillyGuy)\ **Post date:** [August 5, 2022, 11:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-the-most-extreme-and-unbelievable-candidate-republicans-are-running-this-cycle/968912/64 "2022-08-05T23:33:05Z")
> [@pkbites](#): > > Have the party leaders select the candidates like they used to do . Yes, I am advocating for a return to the smoke filled back rooms. This would ensure that candidates would be chosen who adhered to the parties platforms and rid the electorate of “RINO’s” and such. I like the general idea, with a few qualifications. First, I’m thinking and hoping the candidates would be less likely to adhere to the platform. Mitch McConnell might be as moderate as Howard Baker was if wasn’t for modern primaries. Second, I rather like smokers doing it outside. ---
**Author:** ![Buck\_Godot](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/buck_godot/32/6573_2.png) [@Buck\_Godot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Buck_Godot)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2022, 12:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-the-most-extreme-and-unbelievable-candidate-republicans-are-running-this-cycle/968912/65 "2022-08-06T00:13:41Z")
Personally my general inclination is to agree with pretty much all of this sentiment, but to play devil’s advocate you leave out the third scenario which keeps me and presumably snowthx up at night: The Second Decade of the 21st century was the turning point for the United States transformation from a thriving Democracy to the Corrupt one party Oligarchy it would remain until they were deposed on the bloody water riots of 2167. The Republican party out maneuvered the Democrats using disinformation and exploiting cracks in the system to seize the reins of power, while the Democrats watched helplessly relying on their faith in traditional checks and balances that no longer applied. ---
**Author:** ![Temporary\_Name](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/8c91f0/32.png) [@Temporary\_Name](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Temporary_Name)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2022, 1:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-the-most-extreme-and-unbelievable-candidate-republicans-are-running-this-cycle/968912/66 "2022-08-06T01:44:20Z")
True and valid, I have no problem with that either and for the record – that is also most of what keeps me up at night. Two points however- 1. It is possible to go to war without committing war crimes. Wish we lived in a time when this was far from a consideration, but we don’t. If we must battle, if war is required, should we not strive to fight our battles with morality and honor and grace? 2. Working to vote out the few moral Republicans that did stand up to Trump and did vote for impeachment is the exact opposite fighting the MAGA crowd! It is a cynical and short-sighted way to be pawns in the MAGA movement. By encouraging more radical and misguided candidates (simply because those candidates might be easier to defeat in the general) is quite truly the opposite of our goals for a reasonable and moderate opposition party. To my mind (and this is far from a perfect metaphor) this sounds like someone saying they are raping a woman because he loves her so much – or beating a child for his or her own good. No one gets to say “We want a truly fair and honest debate followed by reasonable compromise” if they are pulling dirty tricks themselves. The equivalent of: “Let us meet as statesmen and discuss our differences as well informed men and women of thought- not as barbarians” . . . while in the mean time breaking into their hotel rooms and short sheeting their beds. I know it sounds very naive and idealistic. I came up the hard way on construction sites full of bullies and those who fought only for their own advantage. But if your methods do not match your goals – they seem unlikely to succeed. (On the other hand- there is a time to vigorously defend yourself. Just not every time you feel you are losing!) ---
**Author:** ![Buck\_Godot](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/buck_godot/32/6573_2.png) [@Buck\_Godot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Buck_Godot)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2022, 2:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-the-most-extreme-and-unbelievable-candidate-republicans-are-running-this-cycle/968912/67 "2022-08-06T02:02:25Z")
As I said, by temperament I agree with you, and the fact that there are a lot of people like you and me among the Democratic base is also why getting down in the mud with Republcans won’t work for Democrats. While Republican voters thrive on liberal tears and will gladly turn a blind eye or even encourage unethical behavior to own the Dems, such behavior makes Democrats uncomfortable and will depress turnout eliminating the tactical advantage. ---
**Author:** ![Temporary\_Name](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/8c91f0/32.png) [@Temporary\_Name](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Temporary_Name)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2022, 4:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-the-most-extreme-and-unbelievable-candidate-republicans-are-running-this-cycle/968912/68 "2022-08-06T04:15:02Z")
The disadvantage is what drives me to stay vigilant no matter what the other side pulls. I believe that Stacy Abrams showed that diligence is as powerful as unfair corruption in the previous cycle. In the other thread we also agreed the Supreme Court has become just another partisan organization – but overall the courts are likely to help us recover when the other side cheats as long as we remain (close to) spotless ourselves. The Alex Jones trial is an example of this (as long as the amount stands). Nothing wrong with fighting hard – just with fighting dirty. We do agree. I do not always live up to my ideals – but I do try to live by them or at least start out using them. Do you have a “most wanted” candidate from the other side? One thing I keep thinking as we roll closer to the general election is which races are more important – the state officials, or the senatorial candidates. As of now, they all seem winnable for Democrats but the state races seem more vital. I think Mastriano in Pennsylvania and Finchem here in AZ are my top two feared Republicans. They would both be very dangerous if elected. But boy would I love to win every race in the senate. ---
**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:** [August 7, 2022, 12:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-the-most-extreme-and-unbelievable-candidate-republicans-are-running-this-cycle/968912/69 "2022-08-07T00:50:09Z")
> [@Temporary\_Name](#): > > If you could ask John Lewis if the best way to fight oppression and injustice was to sink to the level of your murderous opponent - or to show character and courage and dignity, even while under duress, what do you think he would answer?? Michelle Obama during the 2016 election: “When they go low, we go high.” How did that turn out? > **[Michelle Obama: Why going 'high' when faced with a challenge is so important...](https://www.cnbc.com/2020/02/12/michelle-obama-on-famous-catchphrase-when-they-go-low-we-go-high.html)** > > At the 2016 Democratic National Convention, Michelle Obama first uttered her now-famous catchphrase, "When they go low, we go high" while discussing how to "handle bullies" in support of Hillary Clinton. Her motto quickly caught on. In an interview... ---
**Author:** ![Leaper](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/4bbf92/32.png) [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2022, 1:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-the-most-extreme-and-unbelievable-candidate-republicans-are-running-this-cycle/968912/70 "2022-08-07T01:01:53Z")
It arguably worked pretty well for Obama, at least. But then, he maybe didn’t have much of a choice, due to his race. ---
**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:** [August 7, 2022, 1:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-the-most-extreme-and-unbelievable-candidate-republicans-are-running-this-cycle/968912/71 "2022-08-07T01:07:29Z")
Obama wasn’t running in 2016. ---
**Author:** ![Leaper](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/4bbf92/32.png) [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2022, 1:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-the-most-extreme-and-unbelievable-candidate-republicans-are-running-this-cycle/968912/72 "2022-08-07T01:08:59Z")
Yeah, I know. I was saying that going high might have helped him a lot in 2004 and 2008, to combat racial stereotypes held by white voters. Maybe it didn’t help Hillary because she’s white, 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Guest-starring\_Id](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guest-starring_id/32/21736_2.png) [@Guest-starring\_Id](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guest-starring_Id)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2022, 3:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-the-most-extreme-and-unbelievable-candidate-republicans-are-running-this-cycle/968912/73 "2022-08-10T03:35:30Z")
Has Tina Forte (R.), who’s running to represent New York’s 14th Congressional district, been mentioned yet? Didn’t show up in search. AOC’s opponent. Much fun. > **[\#greenscreenvideo #tinaforte #alexandriaocasiocortez #Congress | TikTok](https://www.tiktok.com/@senorita_r786/video/7115683100163722538?is_from_webapp=v1&item_id=7115683100163722538&lang=en)** > > 588 Likes, 169 Comments. TikTok video from Senorita (@senorita\_r786): "#greenscreenvideo #tinaforte #alexandriaocasiocortez #Congress". original sound - Senorita. Bad enough her toque namesake appears to be upsidedown. She seems patriotic. Classy, even. ---
**Author:** ![Temporary\_Name](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/8c91f0/32.png) [@Temporary\_Name](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Temporary_Name)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2022, 5:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-the-most-extreme-and-unbelievable-candidate-republicans-are-running-this-cycle/968912/74 "2022-08-10T05:35:28Z")
> [@Guest-starring\_Id](#): > > Classy, even. A polished and refined sophisticate without doubt. Perhaps she should be the poet laureate rather than a run of the mill congressperson. A woman of her exquisite taste and lyrical cadence is rarity, there are very few women who can make the likes of Lauren Bobert and Empty Greene seem - - - adequate? Perhaps, after all, the right has a point with regard to the always present slippery slope. It starts off when you nominate Sarah Palin for a office she is woefully unprepared to fill → Trump → Boebert & Greene (which sounds like a boutique health spa where all the personal trainers carry sidearms . . . as well as AR-15’s??) and that leads to Tina Forte. Evan as a stone cold atheist, I do now, believe in The Apocalypse-- the only logical conclusion to many Republican Candidates in this election cycle. ---
**Author:** ![Marvin\_the\_Martian](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/marvin_the_martian/32/2898_2.png) [@Marvin\_the\_Martian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marvin_the_Martian)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2022, 1:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-the-most-extreme-and-unbelievable-candidate-republicans-are-running-this-cycle/968912/75 "2022-08-12T13:47:04Z")
> [@Marvin\_the\_Martian](#): > > A very minor election, and technically non-partisan (no party affiliation on ballot), but our old friend ex-Sheriff Joe Arpaio is running for mayor in my town of Fountain Hills, AZ. The election is on the primary ballot, so is tomorrow rather than in November. > > Why this guy can’t just go away is beyond me. He lost re-election as sheriff, lost the primary when he ran for sheriff again, tried to run for Senate and lost in the primary again. I think he is doing it just to piss me off. Update: Final vote has been announced, Sheriff Joe lost by ~200 votes (2%) - 5420 to 5207. Could we finally be rid of the little troll for good? ---
**Author:** ![Euphonious\_Polemic](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/euphonious_polemic/32/3002_2.png) [@Euphonious\_Polemic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Euphonious_Polemic)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2022, 4:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-the-most-extreme-and-unbelievable-candidate-republicans-are-running-this-cycle/968912/76 "2022-08-12T16:48:35Z")
> [@Marvin\_the\_Martian](#): > > Update: Final vote has been announced, Sheriff Joe lost by ~200 votes (2%) - 5420 to 5207. Could we finally be rid of the little troll for good? Nah. I’m waiting for Ol’ Joe to rally his supporters to have an armed takeover of the Fountain Hills AZ town counsel chambers. Maybe force the city clerk at gunpoint to sign the papers certifying him as mayor, and set up a gallows in the town square. This is how elections are supposed to work, right? ---
**Author:** ![Marvin\_the\_Martian](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/marvin_the_martian/32/2898_2.png) [@Marvin\_the\_Martian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marvin_the_Martian)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2022, 4:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-the-most-extreme-and-unbelievable-candidate-republicans-are-running-this-cycle/968912/77 "2022-08-12T16:57:21Z")
Only after his call to the county recorder to “Just find me 214 votes” fails. Or if he can’t find his opponent’s Kenyan birth certificate, not even the short form. ---
**Author:** ![Guest-starring\_Id](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guest-starring_id/32/21736_2.png) [@Guest-starring\_Id](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guest-starring_Id)\ **Post date:** [August 13, 2022, 5:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-the-most-extreme-and-unbelievable-candidate-republicans-are-running-this-cycle/968912/78 "2022-08-13T17:28:59Z")
> [@Marvin\_the\_Martian](#): > > Could we finally be rid of the little troll for good? From AP article: > [@](#): > > Even though election officials say all votes in Maricopa County have been counted, Arpaio said Wednesday evening that he wasn’t conceding the race and instead was going to consult with an attorney to explore whether to challenge the results. “I am not saying I am going to do it,” Arpaio said of a legal challenge. “I’m not a lawyer. I just want a little information. In today’s environment, a large percentage of the people are not happy with the way the (election) system was working.” I’m sure none of us will be gobsmacked to see him challenging the results. “I just want a litle information.” 🙄 ---
**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:** [August 13, 2022, 7:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-the-most-extreme-and-unbelievable-candidate-republicans-are-running-this-cycle/968912/79 "2022-08-13T19:42:58Z")
> [@](#): > > In today’s environment, a large percentage of the people are not happy with the way the (election) system was working.” Because Republicans aren’t winning all the time. ---
**Author:** ![wolfpup](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wolfpup/32/10618_2.png) [@wolfpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfpup)\ **Post date:** [August 13, 2022, 7:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-the-most-extreme-and-unbelievable-candidate-republicans-are-running-this-cycle/968912/80 "2022-08-13T19:58:31Z")
> [@Guest-starring\_Id](#): > > In today’s environment, a large percentage of the people are not happy with the way the (election) system was working.” “Many people are saying this election was rigged.” [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-the-most-extreme-and-unbelievable-candidate-republicans-are-running-this-cycle/968912.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-the-most-extreme-and-unbelievable-candidate-republicans-are-running-this-cycle/968912.md?page=5)