Republicans: Who do you want in 2012?

[Whacker77]

I want Jeb Bush to run.  I'm not sure he will, but this race sets up perfectly for him.  Obama's brand is poor and, based on recent polling in Ohio, the Bush name is not dog food anymore.  Let's not forget he nails down Florida.

I could get on board with Romney, but not wholeheartedly.  I have problems running a retread who was so unsuccessful against such a weak field.  I haven't really seen Romney doing a lot to re-manage his brand either.

David Patreaus is a name I see all of the time, but we know nothing about his views.  Word is he is a New England style Republican.  A deficit hawk sounds great except until he raises taxes.

I wish we could clone Calvin Coolidge.

[Whacker77]

I want Jeb Bush to run.  I'm not sure he will, but this race sets up perfectly for him.

His brother says he's definitely not running:

http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2010/11/08/bush-says-brother-jeb-isnt-running-for-prez/

as does Jeb himself:

http://www.newsweek.com/blogs/the-gaggle/2010/07/27/jeb-on-2012-run-thanks-but-no-thanks.html

I've seen all of those quotes, but I can find a whole bunch of quotes from Obama saying the same thing.  Until we're in the heat of the battle next Spring and Jeb says no, I still think he may run.

[Whacker77]

Newt Gingrich and Sarah Palin are two peas in a pod.  Most importantly, they are both far too divisive to win a general election.  I may totally agree with the views they espouse, but the whole picture must be considered.

Just as important, these are two of the most vanity obsessed candidates I've seen in Republican politics.  Palin quit the governorship to make money.  Gingrich is just a boof producing guy who can't keep his mouth shut.