2016 as 1996 GOP Primary

[dudeabides]

Bob Dole 1996 = Chris Christie 2016
Pat Buchanan 1996 = Rand Paul 2016
Phil Gramm 1996 = Paul Ryan 2016
Lamar Alexander 1996 = Mike Huckabee 2016
Steve Forbes 1996 = Rick Santorum 2016
Alan Keyes 1996 = Ted Cruz 2016
Dick Lugar 1996 = Marco Rubio 2016
Robert Dornan 1996 = Rick Perry 2016
Arlen Specter 1996 = Peter King 2016
Pete Wilson 1996 = Bobby Jindal 2016

[Mr. Morden]

Most of these don't make much sense.  Santorum as Forbes?  What in the world do they have in common?

The 2012 race was actually rather similar to 1996 (with Romney as Dole).  At least in the invisible primary stage.  Too early to tell what 2016 will look like, as we're not even sure who's running.

[Snowstalker Mk. II]

No.

[MurrayBannerman]

Most of these don't make much sense.  Santorum as Forbes?  What in the world do they have in common?

The 2012 race was actually rather similar to 1996 (with Romney as Dole).  At least in the invisible primary stage.  Too early to tell what 2016 will look like, as we're not even sure who's running.

This, especially the Forbes thing. They're like the exact opposites while still being R's.

[BaconBacon96]

If anything Bob Dole equates to Jeb Bush.

[Indy Texas 🇺🇦🇵🇸]

Bob Dole 1996 = Chris Christie 2016
Pat Buchanan 1996 = Rand Paul 2016
Phil Gramm 1996 = Paul Ryan 2016
Lamar Alexander 1996 = Mike Huckabee 2016
Steve Forbes 1996 = Rick Santorum 2016
Alan Keyes 1996 = Ted Cruz 2016
Dick Lugar 1996 = Marco Rubio 2016
Robert Dornan 1996 = Rick Perry 2016
Arlen Specter 1996 = Peter King 2016
Pete Wilson 1996 = Bobby Jindal 2016

Bob Dole was the longtime candidate presence who had come in second the last time there was an open race (1988). By that measure, Santorum is a more logical analog.

Gramm/Ryan is the most plausible one on here since they're both wonky, interested in economics and budgets and fervently devoted to making the wealthiest 0.01% of Americans ever more richer.

Lamar Alexander was the "nice Southern governor" in 1996. (His slogan was "Come on along!") Huckabee was Lamar in 2008. He's not as nice anymore; talk radio has hardened his heart somewhat.

As for Keyes/Cruz, let me put it this way, I have more respect for Ted Cruz than to compare him to someone like Alan Keyes. What does that tell you?

Lugar and Rubio?!

Rick Perry is kind of a less intelligent, more self-serving version of Phil Gramm.

[⛄]

I'd rather say: 2016 as 1996 DEM Primary