In 2012 there was a dearth of viable Republican candidates for president. At last Romney emerged as the front runner, but he never seemed like he wanted to be elected. Many middle class Americans saw him as a rich candidate who only wanted to make life easier for his rich friends. Even though some delusional Republicans actually thought he would win, when he basically criticized the middle class for being lazy, he was toast.
It’s early. Very early. But already there appears to a lack of serious GOP contenders once again.
Paul Ryan has done very little to antagonize the base by following the GOP playbook. He is the writer of the GOP budget, but so far that only seems to prove he can’t add.
Chris Christie has placed his hopes on running an anti-conservative campaign.
Ted Cruz hopes to sway Latino’s to the Republican party. If he can, he might become a viable candidate. But that’s a big if.
Marco Rubio has pinned his hopes on passage of the immigration bill. If it passes he moves up. If he can’t even persuade his House Republican colleagues to go along, he becomes an after thought.
Jeb Bush maybe the most savvy politician. But I can’t believe we would elect another Bush in my lifetime. The memories of the last one are too fresh.
Scott Walker is who? Governor of Wisconsin. He is better liked outside of his state than inside.
Finally, Rand Paul is certifiably nuts. He’ll say or do something stupid.
Again it’s early. But it is interesting that the GOP keeps sending these clowns to run for president. The reason is Republicans do not prepare themselves well for presidential elections. They are good at making headlines (often with crazy comments). They are also good at motivating their base which is shrinking, winning non-presidential elections, and screaming the party line from the tops of their lungs. This may appeal to a certain demographic, but it does not play well to most critical thinking Americans.
Personally, I think Hillary Clinton or Elizabeth Warren would mop up the floor against these guys.