Conservative Activists Uncertain About 2012 GOP Field

[Gerald]

WASHINGTON - If the mood at the Conservative Political Action Conference is any gauge, Republican presidential hopefuls have a lot of convincing to do in order to sway the base to their side.

As candidates jockey for position ahead of the 2012 campaign, conservative activists are projecting a whole lot of uncertainty about the field that's starting to take shape. Attendees at the annual conservative convention in Washington, D.C., found a nit to pick with a number of the GOP leaders vying for their affection, and possibly their vote.

Some complained that the candidates with a sound policy vision had no "charisma." Those with plenty of personality offered less in the way of substance, they said. Some were too far right, others weren't conservative enough. Many said they'd prefer to "wait and see" before warming up to anyone in particular.

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2011/02/11/conservative-activists-uncertain-gop-field/

Note: Published February 11, 2011

[Platapus]

I have not seen any big names like we used to. I remember when I was younger we had actual career politicians running for President. These were people you knew and people who were supporting the party (either party) for years. They had "history" with the party.

In the past 25+ years we seen to have a bunch of newbees running for president. POTUS is not an entry level job, nor is being able to make deals with your and the other political party.

Carter (Ford does not really count)
Reagan
Bush I
Clinton
Bush II
Obama

All these guys were pretty much no bodies suddenly thrust into the top nomination position (with the possible exception of Bush I). It is like the nomination is a popularity contest like American Idol. And I say this having voted for the Republicans on this list up until Obama.

Even though he did not turn out that swell, I liked Nixon. He was a powerful supporter of the GOP for 20+ years. He was a name people knew about way before the nomination. He had history that went beyond last weeks poll.

I voted for Obama (actually I voted against McCain), but even I am still shocked at how fast Obama rose from Senatorial obscurity to being the top nominee.

It really does seem to me to be a popularity contest. Let's just cut to the basics and have a swimsuit and talent competition as part of the nomination process.

Looking over that list, none of them has been especially great as President.

[Armistead]

Not so sure, we seem to have a lot of career politicians running, they just lose in the primary. In the past before the 60's, military men did well.

No GOP possible wants to be the first one to come out, lot's of comparisons, etc. Right now Obama is up in the polls.

I don't like any of the GOP possibles.

It's stated Obama will be the first to hit the billion dollar mark raising money.

Not that I think it's possible, but the worse thing that could happen is Sarah Palin. I think she is more a media figure now and not serious, just likes to rile the left.

I would prefer a Ron Paul type, although my guess is Obama will win again.

[Ducimus]

although my guess is Obama will win again.

That would be my usual assumption. Presidents tend to serve two terms. I think people vote for what they know, or vote for the known evil. This time however, i really don't know. Republicans HATE this president. Not just because he's a democrat they love to label as a commie socalist, but I think the race card does come into play here, only nobody's wants to admit it.

[Sailor Steve]

IIn the past 25+ years we seen to have a bunch of newbees running for president. POTUS is not an entry level job, nor is being able to make deals with your and the other political party.
Really?

Carter
Two terms as Georgia State Senator and one as Governor.
Reagan
Two terms as Governor of California.
Bush I
Two term Congressman, two term Vice President, Director of the CIA.
Clinton
Arkansas Attorney General. Four-term Governor. Chairman of the National Governors Association.
Bush II
Two terms as Governor of Texas.
Obama
Well, you have me there.

Even though he did not turn out that swell, I liked Nixon. He was a powerful supporter of the GOP for 20+ years. He was a name people knew about way before the nomination. He had history that went beyond last weeks poll.
As did Johnson. But Eisenhower? None.

Abe Lincoln? None.

George Washington? Several years in the Virginia State Legislature, but no real political experience.

Experience is usually a good thing, but it's possible for a lifetime politician to have a lifetime's experience screwing people. I don't put much stock in it.

[em2nought]

I want a "fiscal" conservative, I wouldn't care if he/she was gay or used hookers. :arrgh!:

Actually I think it's too late to care, I'm planning on becoming an expatriate. Thailand looked good to me.

[Tribesman]

Thailand looked good to me.
You might bump into one of your politicians who is over there looking for gay used hookers

[Platapus]

Steve, but none of them other than Bush I had a lot of national history. Of course they all had state history.

That was my point.

[Gerald]

I have not seen any big names like we used to. I remember when I was younger we had actual career politicians running for President. These were people you knew and people who were supporting the party (either party) for years. They had "history" with the party.

In the past 25+ years we seen to have a bunch of newbees running for president. POTUS is not an entry level job, nor is being able to make deals with your and the other political party.

Carter (Ford does not really count)
Reagan
Bush I
Clinton
Bush II
Obama

All these guys were pretty much no bodies suddenly thrust into the top nomination position (with the possible exception of Bush I). It is like the nomination is a popularity contest like American Idol. And I say this having voted for the Republicans on this list up until Obama.

Even though he did not turn out that swell, I liked Nixon. He was a powerful supporter of the GOP for 20+ years. He was a name people knew about way before the nomination. He had history that went beyond last weeks poll.

I voted for Obama (actually I voted against McCain), but even I am still shocked at how fast Obama rose from Senatorial obscurity to being the top nominee.

It really does seem to me to be a popularity contest. Let's just cut to the basics and have a swimsuit and talent competition as part of the nomination process.

Looking over that list, none of them has been especially great as President. Why do not count Gerald Ford..

[Bubblehead1980]

"I voted for Obama (actually I voted against McCain), but even I am still shocked at how fast Obama rose from Senatorial obscurity to being the top nominee."



I will never understand the "I voted for Obama to vote against McCain" rationale.Why? Seriously, McCain is flawed and sucks but least you can trust the man to stand up for the country.McCain would not have bowed to Saudi King, aplogized for American repeatedly when it is not warranted.McCain more than likely would not have spent the billions Obama has with little effect.There are no questions about McCain's religion or place of birth.There are no skeletons like Wright, Ayers, Davis, etc McCain would not appoint a racist woman like Sotomayor to the Supreme Court.McCain would not have appointe Elena Kagan.McCain would not have tried to isolate a major news organization for simply not being a cheerleader for obamunism like MSNBC.McCain would not have dropped the case against the new black panthers, McCain would not have said the Cambridge Police acted stupidly without the facts because McCain is not a racist.McCain would not shove a massive healthcare plan built around an unconstitutional mandate down the public's throat.

I hate the excuse "I did not know what I voted for" really? Well yea if you listened to the obama infatuated media, yes.However, all you had to do was read his book "dreams from my father" and it would tell all you needed to know.The book was published before he was in politics, it was the only time Obama has prob been absolutely honest in a public forum since.The book revealed a flawed man with racist, anti white views.Troubling stuff.I read the book once it seemed he had a chance to be the nominee.

Yea, McCain/Palin ticket sucked, but we would be better off with them than Obama, that is for sure.Sad thing is, the info was around before November 4, 2008 but people were sucked into the hype.:damn:

[Platapus]

Why do not count Gerald Ford..

Because of the way Ford came in to office. He really did not come in to the Presidency due to public popularity

[Takeda Shingen]

I was a McCain voter before Palin came along. Afterwards, I stayed home on election day. Likewise, if Palin is the best that the GOP has to show in this next cycle, I'll be saving my vote again.

[Platapus]

"I voted for Obama (actually I voted against McCain), but even I am still shocked at how fast Obama rose from Senatorial obscurity to being the top nominee."



I will never understand the "I voted for Obama to vote against McCain" rationale.Why?


I did not think McCain would have been able to handle the issues any better than Obama and may have handled them worse (we will never know for sure). McCain is not exactly been a shaker and a mover in the GOP. I feared that with McCain we would have a president that both parties would not deal with.

My honest feeling is that the GOP did not expect to win in 2008 concerning the nation's feelings and opinions of Bush. I think McCain was thrown in there as a token GOP candidate with the expectation that in 2012 the GOP would make a stronger run for office. I think McCain was a throw away candidate.

And then there were the concerns I had for McCain's health. The job of POTUS is a killer. Look at pictures of recent presidents going into and out of office. That position ages a man far more than the 4/8 years he is in office. With a decent VP to take over, this can be an acceptable risk. In my opinion, having Palin one heartbeat from the Presidency was not a good risk.

Honestly, if McCain had selected a better VP, I might have voted for him. But, as far as my voting, he choose unwisely. His selection of Palin was what put me over the edge vote wise.

Voting for Obama was the lessor of two risky choices. I refuse not to vote. And unfortunately voting for a candidate of the minor political parties won't accomplish much in our two party system. One of these days I wish I would have an opportunity to vote FOR a candidate. In the last bunch of elections, I have not had this opportunity.

And no, I am not happy about it.

Anyway, you asked why I voted "not-McCain" in the election. That's why.

[Tribesman]

I will never understand
Bubble has never written truer words:up:

[Platapus]

Thanks for adding something insignificant and immature to what was, for a short time, a legitimate discussion. :nope:

[Tribesman]

Thanks for adding something insignificant and immature to what was, for a short time, a legitimate discussion.
The swing away from McCain and the reasons for it are pretty old news since the day he got that dumb hick put on his ticket, the fact that Bubble doesn't understand it are just because he can't understand things.
Though I did like her statements about "knuckle draggers" who had the front to bring up the very reasons about her suitability as she herself gave

[CaptainHaplo]

That would be my usual assumption. Presidents tend to serve two terms. I think people vote for what they know, or vote for the known evil. This time however, i really don't know. Republicans HATE this president. Not just because he's a democrat they love to label as a commie socalist, but I think the race card does come into play here, only nobody's wants to admit it.

I can't speak for every voter, but I don't hate the president. I do however, hate his policies and agenda. That has nothing to do with race. If I had a problem with race, I wouldn't have voted for Alan Keyes in 96 and 2000 primaries. Why would I be torn between Newt and Herman Cain?

Sorry, but it seems like anytime someone "doesn't like" the President's policies, its really because they must be some secret KKK member or wannabe.

There are plenty of reasons not to like the way this President has performed (or failed to perform), and plenty of reasons not to like the direction he and the left have moved forward. Playing the "its all because people are secretly racist" is merely a way to marginalize any opposition without having to take it on directly.

BTW - I do suggest anyone interested in a good candidate for president look into Herman Cain. I don't agree with him on everything by any means (mainly his stimulus and affirmative action stances), but his real world economics, support of the gold standard, moral stances and downright refreshing honesty make him a contender in my view. The guy calls a spade a spade, whether you or I or anyone else likes it. I respect that.

[Armistead]

I was on the fence. I voted for Bush Sr., Clinton both times and GW one time.

I was on the fence. It was obvious Obama got in due to a Bush backlash.
The GOP had control for most those years, so let's not talk about the big mess were in.

McCain lost me with Palin. It was obvious it wasn't a thought out move to take someone you don't know. I would vote for Obama over her dumb arse any day. I preferred Hillary that election.
Hoped she would go center like her husband.

Both parties have ruined this nation with spending, wars, nation building, ect. Nothing done about illegals, no energy policy, ect...The GOP more worried about social issues and supporting corporations, the Dems want to
spread the wealth, not by correct regulation, but just take from one to give to the other.

They all sell out, why this nation is ruined. They still feed us lies, like it's getting better, it's not.

[Sailor Steve]

Steve, but none of them other than Bush I had a lot of national history. Of course they all had state history.

That was my point.
But they all had leadership experience to differing degrees. Sorry, but I think career politicians are the worst thing for the country.

[Bubblehead1980]

I was a McCain voter before Palin came along. Afterwards, I stayed home on election day. Likewise, if Palin is the best that the GOP has to show in this next cycle, I'll be saving my vote again.


I can respect that I guess, Palin is :har::damn:

[Bubblehead1980]

I did not think McCain would have been able to handle the issues any better than Obama and may have handled them worse (we will never know for sure). McCain is not exactly been a shaker and a mover in the GOP. I feared that with McCain we would have a president that both parties would not deal with.

My honest feeling is that the GOP did not expect to win in 2008 concerning the nation's feelings and opinions of Bush. I think McCain was thrown in there as a token GOP candidate with the expectation that in 2012 the GOP would make a stronger run for office. I think McCain was a throw away candidate.

And then there were the concerns I had for McCain's health. The job of POTUS is a killer. Look at pictures of recent presidents going into and out of office. That position ages a man far more than the 4/8 years he is in office. With a decent VP to take over, this can be an acceptable risk. In my opinion, having Palin one heartbeat from the Presidency was not a good risk.

Honestly, if McCain had selected a better VP, I might have voted for him. But, as far as my voting, he choose unwisely. His selection of Palin was what put me over the edge vote wise.

Voting for Obama was the lessor of two risky choices. I refuse not to vote. And unfortunately voting for a candidate of the minor political parties won't accomplish much in our two party system. One of these days I wish I would have an opportunity to vote FOR a candidate. In the last bunch of elections, I have not had this opportunity.

And no, I am not happy about it.

Anyway, you asked why I voted "not-McCain" in the election. That's why.

Thanks for explaining, I understand.I suspect many people, most likely the people who pushed barry o over the limit were in your position.McCain could have beat Obama if he hammered on all the stuff that would turn most rational people away but he refused to until the very end.The Wright, Ayers, Davis thing, his backround and religion, his efforts to hide his college transcripts and thesis along with his own words from his book, could have pretty easily beat obama down with all that but refused to really.I didn't see many Wright commercials until the very end when it was too late.

McCain had a thing about "negative" campaigning, prob since he was a victim of true negative campaigning in 2000 primaries in SC by the Bush team, it cost McCain the nomination.The difference is it would all be true against obama, just putting the facts out.Not true McCain had an out of wedlock half black/white child as they claimed in SC.McCain's adopted daughter is from India I believe, but someoutside group(most likely connected to Karl Rove) claimed otherwise, which cost McCain the SC primary.I believe that is how it went down, been a long time ago.

Even with his flaws and Caribou Barbir as VP, safer bet than Barry O.

[Bubblehead1980]

Bubble has never written truer words:up:


oh tribes you little troll.Good job taking a line out of statement out of context, you took it from a legit discussion to crap.One day I think I will put you on ignore but then again, I kind of enjoy watching you act like a petty little fool.Noticed you never can argue a point, you just fly into personal insults that make no sense.I disagree with you and usually explain how things are, then you fly into insults trying to paint me as not so intelligent etc Typical tactic of the left.sad, really because it shows your lack of intellect.Just another idiotic lefty....

Plat explained in a later statement why he made such a tough decision to vote for barry o, I disagree but understand.

[Tribesman]

Good job taking a line out of statement out of context
Indeed, it had to be taken out of context for it to make sense.

Noticed you never can argue a counter point, you just fly into personal insults.
The counter point is provided by yourself.

Plat explain in a later statement why he made such a tough decision to vote for barry o, I disagree but understand.
Your response showed how little you understood, in fact your response showed how difficult it is for you to see anything at all in relation to politics let alone understand it.