Don't hit me...

[TVDOC]

Well.....this would be my take on this issue......right now I'm supporting Newt, for a quite simple reason.......I know the man personally (awhile back).  I spent some time with him when he was Speaker, and I was the General Manager of a TV station in the Washington DC market in 1996.  We had a number of long conversations about academia, which we both share some experience, although in divergent areas.  We had some spirited discussions over political topics and history.  I have a great deal of respect for his intelligence and knowledge, and we found that.......our thought processes are very similar (and we are almost exactly the same age).......

This is where my concerns begin with Newt........he is an idealist, a "big thinker", an idea person, who thinks in macro about issues all the time.....many of his ideas are far-fetched, and unworkable in practical terms, although logical and well-defined.  He has difficulty (as I do) getting "down to earth" with practical solutions to complex problems.  He (and I) are much more likely to arrive at a complex, multistage solution to a difficult problem than a simple one that is easy to understand by the electorate.  This doesn't mean that the complex solution isn't correct......just that it's difficult to think through and analyze...... 

That is not to say that the complex solutions are not what is called for to resolve issues, it's simply that were he president, I doubt that he can sell many of these ideas to either the congress or the population, due to their difficulty to understand.  It's kinda like the link that I posted yesterday about Obama's SOTU speech being written to an eighth-grade comprehension level.......Newt would find it very difficult to accomplish that.......he simply expects those to whom he speaks to do their homework and understand what his point is, much like I did as a postdoc college lecturer.......some would call that ego......but it's not, it is simply the way the man's mind works.

I see this as his real weakness, not all the mud that is flung against the wall about his past.  Every candidate has issues that are uncomplimentary.  I think there is a very real possibility that a candidate can be "too intelligent" to successfully hold office at a national level in the US.......and I find this sad......

doc

[SSG Snuggle Bunny]

If we keep up this measured, cordial airing of our opinions with respect for differing ideas we will never be able to become a forum like DU.

[Rugnuts]

yeah i agree DOC, it is sad that that is his weakness. i dont want a 8th grade intellect running our country anymore.
i would like to see more praise for newt in the media to the likes of what you posted.

[Karin]

There are things I admire from all the candidates (including the ones who have dropped out), and things about which I have misgivings.  I will say that I am sick of the circular firing squad.  On the news, they show really nasty attack ads from one R candidate aimed at another.  I change the channel.  It's starting to really piss me off.  Suppose they succeed in making the other look like such a monster, it sends the I's into the arms of Obama?  Cut it the F out!

I am solidly an Anybody But Obama voter at this point.  There are Marxist communists in the White House.  They must be removed from office.   

[whiffleball]

There are things I admire from all the candidates (including the ones who have dropped out), and things about which I have misgivings.  I will say that I am sick of the circular firing squad.  On the news, they show really nasty attack ads from one R candidate aimed at another.  I change the channel.  It's starting to really piss me off.  Suppose they succeed in making the other look like such a monster, it sends the I's into the arms of Obama?  Cut it the F out!

I am solidly an Anybody But Obama voter at this point.  There are Marxist communists in the White House.  They must be removed from office.   

I'm right where you are Karin.  I was in Cain's camp, but that's not happening.  I'm voting for ABO and will take my lumps if I deserve it for feeling that way.

BTW, Beg, I'm glad you started this thread if for nothing else than to show the lurking DUmmies that decent, civilized people can discuss politics in a decent, civilized manner.  Thank you.

[Flame]

I also wanted Cain, and am hating that the media is pushing Romney on us. I think I like (or dislike) Romney and Gingrich equally.  At this point, I just want the one who can beat Obama to win the nomination, though I have no clue whih one that would be.

The only thing I DO know is that Obama needs to be GONE.

[thundley4]

I also wanted Cain, and am hating that the media is pushing Romney on us. I think I like (or dislike) Romney and Gingrich equally.  At this point, I just want the one who can beat Obama to win the nomination, though I have no clue whih one that would be.

The only thing I DO know is that Obama needs to be GONE.

The MSM seems to be going easy on Romney for now, which makes me think they have been told by Team Obama that Mitt is the preferred candidate.  If he is the nominee, then the big guns come out and shred Romney endlessly.

[dixierose]

If you ask me, the MSM and/or Obama's campaign staff do not need to say anything. Fellow Republican candidates are doing their dirt throwing for them. I wish they would stop picking on each other and go after the REAL "bad" guy here...Obama.

I supported Cain, and hated to see what the MSM did to him. Now that he is no longer in the race, I'm not sure who I will vote for in Ga's primary. I know that I will stand behind the Republican nominee, whoever it may be. Any one of them will be worlds better than Obama (except maybe Ron Paul, but I really don't think he stands a chance).

[FreeBorn]

OP was 10:00 this morning so I'm playing catch up.

Beg don't feel bad about your Newt trepidation, you are not alone. I saw an article somewhere just yesterday which said 1/3 of conservatives are longing for "a better candidate" to enter the race.

If the election were held today and it was Newt vs. Soetoro I would pull the lever for Newt but I wouldn't be walking out of the booth with a warm fuzzy smile.

As I've mentioned before about my observations of Laura Ingraham's infatuation with Rinomney I'll up that to include all mention of him by all of the MSM, including the right side of the dial. If I hear one more talking head extolling Rinomney as a done deal that we must just accept I am going to vomit.

Both Newt and Rinomney have reputations for flip flopping more than a trout in a canoe.

Which turd stinks less?

[FreeBorn]

BTW, ^5 for being honest. 

[FreeBorn]

I also wanted Cain, and am hating that the media is pushing Romney on us. I think I like (or dislike) Romney and Gingrich equally.  At this point, I just want the one who can beat Obama to win the nomination, though I have no clue whih one that would be.

The only thing I DO know is that Obama needs to be GONE.

k&r! 

[Chris_]

I also wanted Cain, and am hating that the media is pushing Romney on us. I think I like (or dislike) Romney and Gingrich equally.  At this point, I just want the one who can beat Obama to win the nomination, though I have no clue whih one that would be.

The only thing I DO know is that Obama needs to be GONE.

Agreed.

[FreeBorn]

I like(ed) Cain. IMHO a Cain/Rubio ticket would have been effing HUGE and unbeatable.

Rinomney- Democrat. I don't care that he has an "R" in front of his name, he is a downeast democrat any way you cut it. To borrow a phrase that folks from up that way would understand I just don't like the cut of his jib. I don't trust this man. He gave us 0bamacare, too many people forget that. Too many people want that to continue (who must be defeated).

Newt- A great player. At this point the best bet we have as a product of a shit system that picks our candidates for us from the top down. Shady. He goes full bore with great passion and that is commendable. The problem is in the steering, it varies. On record as being open to and has advocated for illegal alien amnesty and let's not sugarcoat that, facts is facts. I don't trust this man.

The rest who have fallen by the wayside- Probably we lost more than we will know, good folks who have "We The People" in their hearts. The hurdles and barriers thrown down by powerful interests keep good men and women down. Sucks but true.

Last but not least- Nobody wants to talk about him. "The crazy old uncle", Ron Paul. Like it or not this man has a large following comprised of people from all points on the political compass. Conservatives, liberals, middle of the roaders too. His crowd is growing like a patch of weeds on a leach field. Despite the blatant blackout he just won't go away. Let's face it, he has the establishment on both sides of the aisle scared shitless. That must be where his appeal comes from.
Like I said, he just won't go away and he keeps growing. He will not get the republican nomination. I also don't think he will endorse another candidate. What worries me about him is that he may go rogue and run on a third party line and whether anyone wants to admit it or not he is getting big enough to do just that. Can he beat Soetoro? Probably not. Can he royally #*&@ things up so bad by splitting the vote in a three way race and causing a republican loss? Yes, very likely.

I hate to say it but Newt is a dirty son of a bitch yet he's the best we've got.

[DixieBelle]

I have Electile Dysfunction. I wanted Cain!!!

But, I will pull the "R" lever. Even if I have to hold my nose. I think I can eat a dirt sandwich as opposed to the one filled with broken glass we currently have on our plates.

[FreeBorn]

Well Dixie if it lasts more than four hours on election day I hope you live in one of those states with no voter I.D. checks. Hit as many polls as you can is as many jurisdictions as you can get to, vote early and vote often!

[Duke Nukum]

I can't really stand either Mr. Green Conservative or Mr Perfect Hair Forever but I will vote against Obama. I don't really mind the circular firing squad although I wish they would go after Obama more.

[TVDOC]

Last but not least- Nobody wants to talk about him. "The crazy old uncle", Ron Paul. Like it or not this man has a large following comprised of people from all points on the political compass. Conservatives, liberals, middle of the roaders too. His crowd is growing like a patch of weeds on a leach field. Despite the blatant blackout he just won't go away. Let's face it, he has the establishment on both sides of the aisle scared shitless. That must be where his appeal comes from.
Like I said, he just won't go away and he keeps growing. He will not get the republican nomination. I also don't think he will endorse another candidate. What worries me about him is that he may go rogue and run on a third party line and whether anyone wants to admit it or not he is getting big enough to do just that. Can he beat Soetoro? Probably not. Can he royally #*&@ things up so bad by splitting the vote in a three way race and causing a republican loss? Yes, very likely.

Ron Paul won't go third party if he wants his son to keep his Senate seat in Kentucky.

They'd toss him out in the next election, and he'd be finished politically if his father cost the Republicans their best shot at the WH......

doc

[DixieBelle]

Well Dixie if it lasts more than four hours on election day I hope you live in one of those states with no voter I.D. checks. Hit as many polls as you can is as many jurisdictions as you can get to, vote early and vote often!

[JakeStyle]

It's like the South Park episode where they had to chose between a turd sandwich and a giant douche for school mascot.  I'll vote for whoever the nominee is, but I wish we had some better choices.

[IassaFTots]

It's like the South Park episode where they had to chose between a turd sandwich and a giant douche for school mascot.  I'll vote for whoever the nominee is, but I wish we had some better choices.

That would be the taco that crapped ice cream.   

[Boudicca]

Anyone think Rick Santorum would be in the running as the VP candidate should either Newt or Mitt get the nomination?  Or maybe Governor Brewer, one kickass lady.  All the people I really liked are gone, or never entered, like Sarah Palin.  But, oh Lord, I'd LOVE to see O'Boden go down in a flurry of TKO debates if our ticket is Gingrich/Brewer.

Brewer may be an unpopular figure to the crazyass turncoats who'd love to just hand over the keys to our country and have us devolve into Northern Mexico, but even amongst LEGAL Hispanic voters here in AZ she's got some cred. 
Prop 200, passed in Nov 2004 with 47% of Hispanics voting yes.  That's our voter id law, which McCain, Kyl, Napolitano, the RNC and every other RINO out there campaigned, or at least spoke out, against.

http://www.tbotech.com/electronicwatchdog.htm

And what number of voters liked her for SB1070?  Seventy percent or so.

I do think we need fighters, who can also compromise when it's necessary.  Miktt as the nominee will get his ass handed to him, unfortunately.  I want a nominee who isn't afraid to stand up for himself and who can take the battle to the political enemy instead of ducking all the verbal grenades the Dems will be lobbing.

[SSG Snuggle Bunny]

Ron Paul won't go third party if he wants his son to keep his Senate seat in Kentucky.

They'd toss him out in the next election, and he'd be finished politically if his father cost the Republicans their best shot at the WH......

doc

I wish the man who believes the government is wiretapping his money could think that rationally.

[debk]

This is a great thread, BEG...thanks for starting it.

I've just read the whole thing at once, and what stands out the most, regardless of who the GOP candidate is, we will vote for them, if for no other reason, to get Obama out of office!

I too, was a Cain supporter, and think a Cain/Rubeo ticket would have been great.

The best thing about Newt is that he would so kick Obama's ass to the curb in the presidential debates...and I, like many of you, would pay for a ticket to see it happen!!  He is knowledgeable of both domestic and foreign issues, he has the political experience needed, but he comes with so much baggage that I don't think he is electable. Regardless of whether or not it is important to his capability of being president, the multiple wives, and particularly an long time mistress and dumping the cancer stricken wife to marry said mistress, will not fly with many conservative voters.

Romney? Pfffft! There is some something about that man, that makes my skin crawl everytime he smiles. He's like a smarmy snake oil salesman who comes off as soooo very wonderful until you buy the bottle of "cure all" only to find out it's mint flavored water! I want to tell him to wash his hair, too. Obama's camp and MSM want Romney desparately, because they know they can beat him. If Romney was electable, he would have been the choice in '08, instead of McCain.

Santorum may be good someday, but now is not his time. He's too idealistic or something. I also don't think he has the cojones to stand up against Obama in debates.

Paul is a combination of many things. Old and crazy among them, but I think part of his purpose is to bring out some of his thoughts and ideas to both the candidates and to the public, to make all of us look at things from a slightly different perspective, than how they have been viewed. I don't think he will run as a 3rd party candidate, and I heard him say a week or two ago, that he knows he can't win the presidential election. To me, he's like a small shit disturber tornado, wanting to shake the walls and rafters, but not destroy the foundation.

I do agree with Bou, that Brewer is something else!!! I think she's an incredibly smart individual, level headed, and determined to do what's right for her state and citizens. I don't know that I've ever heard that she has any interest in teh VP or presidency, but I think she's capable. I don't however, think this is the time to put a woman on the slate in either position. This country is not ready to accept a woman VP or president, and the last thing the GOP needs to be doing right now when Obama needs to be kicked to the curb, is to try and tilt at windmills.

[rustybayonet]

It tells me alot about the candidates we have, by the amount of attacks leveled by the MSM.  The person they attack the most is the one they fear the most - self evident by who is gone.  I lived through the 'Romney' [George] Republican governorship in Michigan, when Mitts dad was there, and Mitt sure isn't anything like his father.  I don't trust Mitt as far as I can throw a baby 'RINO' by the tail.
So much dirt as been dumped on Newt - weather true or false - at least I don't think he falls into the Obummer mold -when his mouth is moving, he's lying; plus Newt can think on his feet, without the teleprompter being programed by his handlers.
IMO if either of the other two are nominated - we lose and get more O'sh*t.
Do I want Newt - well my pick won't run, he's staying in New Jersey -- so Newt will get my vote, both for the primary [is he's still there] and to hopefully run the current 'donkey' [commonly called a**] out of the 1600 Pennsylvania house.
As has been said many times earlier, Newt has a fire - if any of the other three get nominated - all we'll have is a re-run of the Obummer/McLame fiasco all over again.

[MrsSmith]

The media has already destroyed the really "scary" conservatives.  Once we have a nominee, they'll get even busier.  There is no lack of lefty money to pay for hit pieces on any Republican.

I'd love to see a Newt - Obama debate, but seriously, do you think Obama is going to fall for that?  We've seen those stumbles that the media has so carefully kept off the news.  Obama would be even more of a fool to think he could look halfway intelligent facing Newt.  So his "team" will either do whatever is needed to get rid of Newt, or there will be no debate.

I am not at all sure our country, our military, and our economy can survive 4 more years of borrow, spend, and "green" policy...I just hope enough of the country sees this and votes for Anyone But Obama.  No matter WHAT the media manages to invent.