Daniels Decision Leaves Two Outcomes

[Whacker77]

We all know the bush/moderate wing has had nothing to offer the GOP since 92. It's time the conservatives to lead under the Paul's, Pence's, Cain's, DeMint's, Bachmann's etc

All one need do is look at Jeb's record in Florida to realize he is no fiscal moderate or moderate in general as his father and brother were.  Immigration is another issue, but to marginalize like that is unfair.

Too bad for Jeb he'll never be president now.  Stupidly, he believes we'll be interested in him in 2016.  Not likely after he abandoned the party in 2012.  Other bigger names will be on the scene and it will have be 10 ten years since he was governor.

Hasta la vista Jebby.

If you think the country will elect another Bush in 2012, well, you need to think harder.  Jeb might be smart enough to know that.  Or at least smart enough to make him not look like a fool trying.

It's easy to buy into liberal talking points, but recent history and the electoral map tell a far different story.  In terms of recent history, polls last fall showed GWB even with Obama in Ohio.  If the Bush name was dog food, why was that the case?  Also, unnamed Democrats strategists have been telling Poltico and National Journal for months they are worried about Jeb.

There's no comparison between Jeb and his brother either.  Jeb not only speaks English but he also speaks Spanish.  Even Chris Mathews has said Jeb would be very formidable and everyone realizes there is no comparison between Jeb and his brother.

Most importantly, the electoral map shows a very easy path to vistory for Jeb.  He will win all of the McCain 2008 states.  No one would dispute that.  He would also lock up Florida easily and would reclaim IN, NC, and VA from Obama.  Jeb would also be the favorite in OH thanks to the continuing poor economy and the state's natural position to the center/right.  That leaves CO, NM, and NV.  Given his Hispanic appeal, Jeb cwould need only win two of three states.  That doesn't even take into account the strength he would likely have in PA, MI, and WI.

But the media is convinced no one wants another Bush because of the name.  Didn't we just elect a man whose name could be confused with a Muslim name.

[milhouse24]

Yeah, the only people who think the "Bush name is dead" are hardcore democrats who don't want to go near a bush, even if it was trimmed. 

The rest of the 50% of the country who voted for Dubya twice aren't as stupid.  They know JEB is his own man and has his own record of success and intelligence. 

The votes will be there for Jeb, over 51% if he wants them. 

Heck, if Jeb doesn't want to run, I would want to see Crist run for the nomination, even if he does have a log cabin problem.  I think Crist wants the VP spot, and be seen as a viable candidate.

[The Mikado]

Heck, if Jeb doesn't want to run, I would want to see Crist run for the nomination, even if he does have a log cabin problem.  I think Crist wants the VP spot, and be seen as a viable candidate.

Did 2010 never happen in your universe?

[milhouse24]

Heck, if Jeb doesn't want to run, I would want to see Crist run for the nomination, even if he does have a log cabin problem.  I think Crist wants the VP spot, and be seen as a viable candidate.

Did 2010 never happen in your universe?

Crist will never be VP or president, but I still think he should run for the nomination.  He's married now and that's half the battle.  Besides, he's best buddies with Obama, how can he not lose!

[The Mikado]

Heck, if Jeb doesn't want to run, I would want to see Crist run for the nomination, even if he does have a log cabin problem.  I think Crist wants the VP spot, and be seen as a viable candidate.

Did 2010 never happen in your universe?

Crist will never be VP or president, but I still think he should run for the nomination.  He's married now and that's half the battle.  Besides, he's best buddies with Obama, how can he not lose!

I meant how he explicitly left the GOP and ran an an independent against Republican hero Marco Rubio.

[specific_name]

Yeah, the only people who think the "Bush name is dead" are hardcore democrats who don't want to go near a bush, even if it was trimmed. 

I have a reasonable degree of certainty that I'm not a Democrat (nor a hardcore one) and there's no way another Bush gets elected or even nominated by the Republican party for a long time. We've had two father son duos and one Grandfather/Grandson (Harrisons). The dynastic thing doesn't really play well, especially when the Republicans are trying to assimilate an insurgent anti-elitist element. This isn't going to happen after only one term of a non-Bush. If it really didn't matter Jeb probably would be in. They'd sooner nominate Palin, if only because the messaging is better for the climate that they were winning in, in 2010 (anti-elite/anti-government).

[milhouse24]

Yeah, the only people who think the "Bush name is dead" are hardcore democrats who don't want to go near a bush, even if it was trimmed. 

I have a reasonable degree of certainty that I'm not a Democrat (nor a hardcore one) and there's no way another Bush gets elected or even nominated by the Republican party for a long time. We've had two father son duos and one Grandfather/Grandson (Harrisons). The dynastic thing doesn't really play well, especially when the Republicans are trying to assimilate an insurgent anti-elitist element. This isn't going to happen after only one term of a non-Bush. If it really didn't matter Jeb probably would be in. They'd sooner nominate Palin, if only because the messaging is better for the climate that they were winning in, in 2010 (anti-elite/anti-government).

You may feel that way, but I think there is a better than 50% chance that Jeb would be the VP choice.  He's just way to valuable electorally for Florida and even Ohio.  The Iraq War is no longer news, and troops have been drawn back.  Bin Laden is dead.  So the focus now becomes the economy.  Romney can speak intelligently on the economy and can beat Obama debating those issues.  Most people know that Jeb is not the same person as Dubya.  People were more squeamish about Hillary Clinton, because Bill could easily take charge by default, which is a clever way for him to get a 3rd term, but perhaps not desired by the rest of America.   The anti-Bush messages may still resonate in the strong Blue states, but I have a strong feeling the mid-west and South are more forgiving, especially the Evangelicals and Religious Suburbanites.  Remember, it wasn't even the Iraq war that people were upset with, it was the length of the war and the War spending.  Those issues are no longer front and center.  Now the issue is deficit spending on Universal Health Care and other Tea Party Money issues.  These resonate with independents who voted with Obama, and they will be more willing to vote GOP in 2012.