GOP offers no real challenge to Democrats in 2016

Cpl Brett Wagner — Thu, 17 Jul 2014 19:29:47 -0400

With GOP front runners like Mitt Romney, Chris Christie and Jeb Bush it doesn't look like there is any competition for Hillary Clinton.

Response by SSG Ed Mikus made Jul 17 at 2014 7:50 PM

SSG Ed Mikus — Thu, 17 Jul 2014 19:50:52 -0400

if there is someone who could do the job they will ensure they don't make it out of the primaries.

Response by Capt Jeff S. made Jul 17 at 2014 9:06 PM

Capt Jeff S. — Thu, 17 Jul 2014 21:06:00 -0400

Don't underestimate the competition. Mitt Romney would not be as bad as the other two. Jeb is already a Globalist as is his brother and father who preceded him. Chris Christie is a sell-out RINO indistinguishable from a Democrat. Stick a fork in him, he's done!

We still have 2 years to see what shakes out. But in the interim, our focus should be on this November, so that we can take the Senate away from Harry Reid. Then we will find out if the GOP is more than talk...

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 17 at 2014 9:16 PM

Cpl Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 17 Jul 2014 21:16:26 -0400

The GOP, in my humble opinion, no longer represents the conservative base, or those of us that value the ideals the founders detailed in the language of the Declaration of Independence, Constitution of the United States and the Bill of Rights. When I see their voting records, I see no distinguishable differences between them and the left. The "compromise for the sake of compromise" mentality is not leadership in my opinion, it's weakness.

Response by Cpl Ray Fernandez made Jul 18 at 2014 1:20 AM

Cpl Ray Fernandez — Fri, 18 Jul 2014 01:20:10 -0400

Too soon to even consider a field that hasn't been named yet. I don't care who the front runner right now is since usually at this point who ever is the favorite usually doesn't win a nomination.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 18 at 2014 7:40 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 18 Jul 2014 07:40:13 -0400

GOP is in bad shape in many national/statewide elections and will have a VERY tough time winning the presidency in 2016. Looks like dems are going to pick up some governor seats (although GOP will likely pick up in the senate this year). With that said, the house is very well protected by district gerrymandering.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 18 at 2014 8:07 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 18 Jul 2014 08:07:31 -0400

BLUF: It matters to you personally, but not professionally. We all swore oaths to follow the orders of the President. Not which one, not which party. I understand the issues with both political parties that people may have, but in the end, I urge you to use caution in how you express them. Set the standard as a NCO, Officer, or leader.

Response by Cpl Brett Wagner made Jul 18 at 2014 8:38 AM

Cpl Brett Wagner — Fri, 18 Jul 2014 08:38:54 -0400

IMHO some people on RP do not want to come out and say exactly what they are politically or why they are motivated towards one party or the other and maybe that is due to being active duty. But when it is quite obvious where you stand from your posts I think it is disingenuous. I guess that is one great thing about being a veteran I do not have to worry about guarding my beliefs or what and who I am on any social media.

I am a Constitutional believing (all the parts even the ones I don't like) libertarian Christian with a Marine attitude. I hold no party affiliations I dislike both parties equally. I have been deserted by both parties. I wish I could return the country to the 1950's minus the rampant racism & Vietnam War. You don't have to like me but know what I am and I am not afraid to say it.

With that said I will defend with my life if need be your right to be different.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 18 at 2014 11:46 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 18 Jul 2014 23:46:50 -0400

Unless there are guys like Ted Cruz and Ben Carson on the ticket, there's no one even worth voting for. Romney, Christie, and Bush are all liberal conservatives... or are they conservative liberals? I don't know. It's hard to tell this difference anymore. One thing is for sure, we're going to be up the creek.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 19 at 2014 10:54 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 19 Jul 2014 10:54:56 -0400

Conservatives (MUST) stop letting people like news media and more importantly Democrats determining who their candidates are. They are politically poisonous to Conservative values.

Response by LCpl Steve Wininger made Jul 19 at 2014 11:57 AM

LCpl Steve Wininger — Sat, 19 Jul 2014 11:57:15 -0400

The GOP needs to think outside the box. Mitt is a has been, Christie has anger management issues, and the last thing we need in the White House is another Bush, Clinton, or Obama.

There are plenty of good conservative candidates out there. If this is what the GOP is offering, than I suggest they are trying to throw the election. We need a third party candidate that has some spine to them.

Response by SSgt James Stanley made Jul 19 at 2014 12:13 PM

SSgt James Stanley — Sat, 19 Jul 2014 12:13:29 -0400

I expect COL Allen West and Dr. Ben Carson will decide to run. Both very conservative and popular. I don't think Romney will run again. I wouldn't vote for Christie if he did run and Jeb Bush is a rino.

Response by MSgt Lancia Stewart made Jul 19 at 2014 12:16 PM

MSgt Lancia Stewart — Sat, 19 Jul 2014 12:16:43 -0400

Just say no to polarized candidates and the establishments. Rand Paul 2016.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 19 at 2014 3:27 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 19 Jul 2014 15:27:45 -0400

I doubt Hilary will run. Benghazi will sink her

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 19 at 2014 3:31 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 19 Jul 2014 15:31:18 -0400

I believe we will see a Marco Rubio/ Bobby Jindal ticket in 16. That would really make the Leftists irate. I like Col. Allen West, as well as Ben Carson. Any man who can make Atheists look totally stupid and put them in their place is alright in my book

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Jul 19 at 2014 6:14 PM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Sat, 19 Jul 2014 18:14:06 -0400

Good Point Shipmate. It would be nice if the GOP could get an Honest to Goodness Moderate that the Far Right would support but I don't see that happening. To survive the GOP Primary he has to appeal to the Base that seems to be or appears to be very Xenophobic and Misogynistic and anything they say to get them to vote for them will be held against them in the General Election. All those that you named are the closest the GOP has to a Moderate but I hope they have learned that Mitt is a non-starter. The other Two though with some proper grooming might fit the bill.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 19 at 2014 10:51 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 19 Jul 2014 22:51:11 -0400

While I am a rare breed, being both left and right on various issues, and finding MASSIVE flaws in both of the major parties (The GOP trying to stop inevitable changes, and having a rabidly vocal minority speaking for and publicly representing them - with the Dems having too much variance within the party on simple issues, and having a spineless minority speaking for and publicly representing them) I would have to agree the opposition to a Hillary campaign is virtually nil right now.

If the GOP wants to win, they will have to come a little bit back to center for broad appeal. They would have to nominate someone with a low-key, but successful, political background which they could tout in ads. The career background of this candidate would have to be from military or law... no more business-people! Americans don't want the country ran like a company anymore.

The GOP would have to lay off any attacks on Hillary's gender, of course. And stay off of "women's issues" entirely - unless they nominate a woman also - because the women's vote isn't going to go to a guy speaking against a woman on women's issues. The women's vote went higher for the Dems this last time, the only close one being middle-aged married women. History shows that married women will think, feel, and vote like their husbands - so that's something to consider.

The biggest challenge for the GOP right now will be finding someone who is more near the center politically, and is going to stand up against that vocal minority within the party I wrote of earlier. That group is ruining the public image of the GOP with undecided voters, and could hurt big time in 2016. The midterms this year will show proof of that, I believe.

I am not familiar enough, however, to name any names. Although, from a centrist point of view, I could entertain and weigh in on names others might propose... LOL.

Meanwhile, should Hillary decide to run, her campaign will have to rely on her education, experience, and background - while ignoring and deflecting any attacks on her past. There's a lot of dumb crap people do throughout their lives, very little of which have relevance to their leadership style. Kerry lost in 2004 primarily because he couldn't just ignore the "Swift Boat" attacks on his service. Well, that, and Ohio's election system was questionable at best.

Also, Hillary would have to choose a moderate running mate - a male since America isn't ready for a two-woman ticket in EITHER party - from the west or south. A good choice would be Washington Governor Jay Inslee, as he has been centrist but still forward-thinking, and isn't so well-known as to bring scandal and pre-determination at the very mention of his name.

Response by CPO Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 20 at 2014 10:25 PM

CPO Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 20 Jul 2014 22:25:42 -0400

It doesn't matter to me I can't willfully vote for socialism so I can't vote for a democrat. So either I vote for a republican or no one, because a third party vote is just a waste unfortunately. I would love to see libertarian candidates get more of a look.

Response by TSgt Kevin Buccola made Jul 22 at 2014 4:07 PM

TSgt Kevin Buccola — Tue, 22 Jul 2014 16:07:58 -0400

I am more concerned about the mid term elections in November than the election in 2016. My main concern is the GOP might lose the House and not win the Senate - then that will give one party total control for 2 years. If the GOP keeps the House and some how wins the Senate then I think you will see a good strong candidate step forward.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 27 at 2014 2:38 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 27 Jul 2014 14:38:46 -0400

Just keep in mind a lot can happen and change the options and minds of voters in the substantial time remaining before the primaries and before final election.

I would never say any election will necessarily be a cakewalk for anyone.

The GOP has some outstanding candidates if voter base can be united.

Response by SSgt James Sciortino made Aug 11 at 2014 12:51 AM

SSgt James Sciortino — Mon, 11 Aug 2014 00:51:41 -0400

Romney won't try and run again, simply because he couldn't get past a President who was ripe for the picking. As much as Jeb Bush might want to be a player, voters aren't ready for another Bush. In a recent CNN Poll Romney trounced Obama if the election was held today, but lost by double digits to Hillary Clinton. The Tea Party has caused such a stir but I am not sure America is ready for a Tea Party candidate right now. That being said the long time serving GOP members are all just unimpressive as candidates. Not even sure the GOP can expand it hold on the House or gain much in the Senate right now, have to see what happens in November.

Response by Sgt Packy Flickinger made Sep 12 at 2014 12:01 AM

Sgt Packy Flickinger — Fri, 12 Sep 2014 00:01:02 -0400

Thats complete BS!!

It doesn't matter who runs for the GOP, they will be a better pres than Hillary. Its just the media refuses to be honest, fair, and complete when it comes to coverage. Lies abound when it comes to talking about the GOP and half of America is to stupid to do a little research on their own.

Remember Hillary SWORE many times she had no interest in ever running for office. See how honest she is.

Response by SGT David Curiel made Sep 13 at 2014 9:18 PM

SGT David Curiel — Sat, 13 Sep 2014 21:18:33 -0400

Do any of you look at polls? There are plenty of polls out right now & none of these guys are in the polls except Christie. The two leading Republican candidates for President are Senator Rand Paul & Senator Ted Cruz. Christie is an after thought even among Republicans. The only Republican candidate that beats Hillary in any of the current polls is Libertarian Christian Senator Rand Paul from Kentucky. I don't understand how you guys talking politics don't know that?

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Sep 15 at 2014 2:50 PM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Mon, 15 Sep 2014 14:50:40 -0400

I would call that a safe assessment but the next Presidential Election is a bit off yet. Republicans really need to find someone with some Fresh Ideas and not the current hogwash of blaming everybody else.

Response by Sgt Packy Flickinger made Sep 15 at 2014 6:18 PM

Sgt Packy Flickinger — Mon, 15 Sep 2014 18:18:38 -0400

What if I ran. No experience but a love of my country. Who'd vote vote for me? I think in this day and age a lack of experience and NOT having been a lawyer would be a good thing. Thumbs up if I'd get your vote.

Response by Capt Jeff S. made Sep 17 at 2014 1:27 AM

Capt Jeff S. — Wed, 17 Sep 2014 01:27:39 -0400

Let's see how this coverup scandal impacts on Killary's chances at a 2016 run. Rumor has it the Dems are thinking of tapping Rahm Emmanuel to run. Let the Election Fraud begin!!!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 21 at 2014 11:16 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 21 Sep 2014 11:16:42 -0400

So to say but it's true. Bridge gate is going to drag Christie. Jeb will lose because his last name is Bush. Rand Paul would lose in primaries for the nomination and let's face it, the RNC is telling Mitt to stay far away along with Palin and Bachmann. Looks like the Dema are going to be in White House for another 8 years

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 21 at 2014 12:13 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 21 Sep 2014 12:13:36 -0400

Looks like I will be Voting third party again.

Response by CPT Zachary Brooks made Sep 21 at 2014 1:12 PM

CPT Zachary Brooks — Sun, 21 Sep 2014 13:12:22 -0400

I would love to see a Cruz/Carson ticket personally. Real conservatives that could do great things for this country.

I'm also more worried about Elizabeth Warren being the nominee than Hillary Clinton as many of her political views scare me.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 22 at 2014 8:50 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 22 Sep 2014 20:50:24 -0400

I find it comical that we still consider Democrats and Republicans to be two separate entities at this point in our history. They are both basically headed in the same direction, with the only real difference being the way they deliver the message. Based on what I saw during the last election though, I remain hopeful that more and more voters will actually start to look at each individual candidate with more scrutiny and vote based on their records rather than simply voting along party lines. Unfortunately, I think the actual viable candidates are kept further than arms distance from running due to the current structure of our electoral system. Lastly, please tell me I'm not the only one sitting here wondering why there are 50 candidates for Miss America, but we're perfectly alright with only 2 for the highest office in this country. I realize that there's a process to narrow the nominees down for each party and that there are a handful of other parties with their own nominees, but the cost to run is the issue. If you don't have the financial clout, you simply don't get the air time to have your political views heard.

Response by Cpl Aaron Nelson made Sep 23 at 2014 4:00 PM

Cpl Aaron Nelson — Tue, 23 Sep 2014 16:00:32 -0400

At this point it seems to me that we are forced to pick the lesser of two evils here. there is a pattern of progression going on in DC and regardless of which party wins this pattern is going to persist. I'll likely vote for Cuz, unless the GOP can provide a better candidate. I truly fear for our country if Hillary takes office.

Response by Cpl Matthew Wall made Sep 25 at 2014 11:25 AM

Cpl Matthew Wall — Thu, 25 Sep 2014 11:25:32 -0400

Just from my point of view and others can chime in if they want, but I believe the two system party is broken. It used to be a system that worked, but now it isn't working and the problem really comes down to uneducated people and the parties themselves. If party A is your party then when you vote you just walk up and vote for party A without really knowing what they stand for or if they were actually any good. I always hear I hate Party B and I'm voting for Party A even though they aren't that good either. Or I hear I'm voting for the lesser of two evils.

Now how do you fix this? Get rid of the party system. No point to it. We are all Americans are we not? Why can't people run against each other on a ticket with no party affiliation? You have a vote off until you get to the top 2 candidates running for the office as selected via a Primary Vote. The winner of those two was selected by the majority of Americans. This would eliminate people voting strictly party lines.

Since the above will never happen the other problem I see is that they don't let 3rd party candidates in on debates. The media does this and I think it is poor sportsmanship. I believe if you are on the POTUS ticket then you should be in debate. Let everyone hear what you have to say.

Just my thoughts.

Response by Sgt S.P. Woodke made Sep 25 at 2014 11:41 AM

Sgt S.P. Woodke — Thu, 25 Sep 2014 11:41:56 -0400

Trey Gowdy S.C. or (wait for it ) Ted Cruz VP - that'll shake it up...they're articulate, young, passionate AND NOT pacifists...

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Oct 4 at 2014 10:51 AM

MSG Brad Sand — Sat, 04 Oct 2014 10:51:40 -0400

It is WAY too early to be talking about who is challenging who. Please, for the love of God, lets not start debating 2016 already.

Response by SSG Maurice P. made Oct 4 at 2014 6:20 PM

SSG Maurice P. — Sat, 04 Oct 2014 18:20:24 -0400

why would you vote gop when you have a handout government in place already
(doppers stay close to the crack and the glass cock)
most americans want to stay close to them government handouts and food stamps hehehehe
and all the other freebies that the dems dangle in front of them...
he said (i'm going to fundamentally change america) he did people,,, and hillary will reenforce it...

Response by Pvt Diane Pownall made Oct 5 at 2014 3:51 PM

Pvt Diane Pownall — Sun, 05 Oct 2014 15:51:15 -0400

I like Chris Christie, Allen West, Dr Ben Carson and Jeb Bush.

Response by SPC James Mcneil made Oct 5 at 2014 6:19 PM

SPC James Mcneil — Sun, 05 Oct 2014 18:19:30 -0400

Hillary Clinton is her own biggest competition. I find it difficult to take someone like her seriously, and it's not "just because she's a woman." I take Sarah Palin seriously. I take Michelle Bachmann seriously. I take Michelle Obama seriously, or at least more seriously than Hillary Clinton.

I'd still love to see General Cody run.