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Iowa Caucus

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  • True enough, Ted Cruz is a religious guy but he seems more focused on politics than religion compared to Huckabee and Santorum.

    One thing I believe is coming home to roost for Donald Trump is that even though conservatives and outsiders like his brash appeal they have to consider his liberal history.

    WSS

    @westside-steve said:

    One thing I believe is coming home to roost for Donald Trump is that even though conservatives and outsiders like his brash appeal they have to consider his liberal history.

    WSS

    A part of me has always thought of him as just a plant. Trump was a run-of-the-mill liberal guy and then out of nowhere he is an arch conservative.

  • @westside-steve said:

    One thing I believe is coming home to roost for Donald Trump is that even though conservatives and outsiders like his brash appeal they have to consider his liberal history.

    WSS

    A part of me has always thought of him as just a plant. Trump was a run-of-the-mill liberal guy and then out of nowhere he is an arch conservative.

    @logicisforsquares said:

    A part of me has always thought of him as just a plant. Trump was a run-of-the-mill liberal guy and then out of nowhere he is an arch conservative.

    Surely not, it's not likely he's particularly close with any of the democratic front runners, or personally endorsed any of them in the past, right? Oh wait...

    Yeah, part of me is waiting for him to just pull out and leave the republicans in total disarray, having spent 6 months focussing on shutting him down and not the actual problems.

  • I think Cruz got 8 delegates, Trump/Rubio got 7 each, Carson got 1 or 2, Paul got 1. Really it's more like a 3 way tie than anything, though other states are winner-take-all.

    Huckabee and O'Malley dropped out, I expect a Huckabee/Trump endorsement after the veterans event and the things Huck said about Cruz.

    Rubio/McCain/Romney/Bush are all pretty much the same person to me - hate em all, except for the pre-2008 McCain was alright.

    Cruz invested his entire campaign in Iowa and it was the only state he was competitive, will probably stay that way.

    Trump isn't a plant, but he isn't conservative. He's a nationalist and that's why so many people like him - he has liberal, moderate, and conservative ideas all mixed in together. His potential downfall is the lack of a ground game - he doesn't have enough people phone banking and sending mail, knocking on doors like Cruz/Rubio do. Depending on how NH plays out it may turn into a major mistake - I don't think Iowa really counts for much other than a 3-way tie.

    Trump has much bigger leads in NH and SC than he did in Iowa though. Sanders will win NH, but winning more conservative states will likely be a challenge for him - he also hasn't spent much money/time outside of Iowa and NH.

  • Also, Ted Cruz's campaign told people that Carson was out of the race to steal the bible thumper vote:

    http://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2016-election/carson-other-campaigns-sabotaged-us-dirty-tricks-n509396

  • @bbedward said:

    Cruz is not like McCain or Romney, who both lost in Iowa to bible thumping conservatives.

    Regardless Cruz would be a total disaster for this country.

    I think that's his point - that Cruz is the bible thumping conservative in this case that shouldn't win the nomination, because a more moderate candidate is needed in november; and that more moderate candidate was McCain and Romney, who both solidly lost, so why try the same thing again? Why not go with Cruz?

    At least, I think that's the logic. I'm not sure I agree with it, but that's the logic.

    @gftchris said:

    I think that's his point - that Cruz is the bible thumping conservative in this case that shouldn't win the nomination, because a more moderate candidate is needed in november; and that more moderate candidate was McCain and Romney, who both solidly lost, so why try the same thing again? Why not go with Cruz?

    At least, I think that's the logic. I'm not sure I agree with it, but that's the logic.

    Not logic so much as the argument that is used every 4 years in republican circles that only moderates can win in the general election yet when the republicans throw up moderates like Bob Dole, John McCain and Mitt Romney they lose too....so why is the argument that only moderate republicans can win such a valid argument when the actual elections show different? Why did the most conservative republican Reagan win 2 landslide elections?

    I think the same argument is probably used against Trump too....that he is not electable.

    Can Cruz or Trump beat Clinton? Sure they both can. The democrats could not be running a weaker candidate than her.

  • Moderate republicans losing doesn't mean conservative republicans will win. We lose with Johnny Manziel at QB, but that doesn't mean we should start Steve there just because he's not Manziel.

  • Moderate republicans losing doesn't mean conservative republicans will win. We lose with Johnny Manziel at QB, but that doesn't mean we should start Steve there just because he's not Manziel.

    @gftchris said:

    Moderate republicans losing doesn't mean conservative republicans will win. We lose with Johnny Manziel at QB, but that doesn't mean we should start Steve there just because he's not Manziel.

    Well we did win two of the three games that we won with him so... Let's not pretend it's not a lot about the optics.

    WSS

  • @gftchris said:

    Moderate republicans losing doesn't mean conservative republicans will win. We lose with Johnny Manziel at QB, but that doesn't mean we should start Steve there just because he's not Manziel.

    Well we did win two of the three games that we won with him so... Let's not pretend it's not a lot about the optics.

    WSS

    @westside-steve said:

    Well we did win two of the three games that we won with him so... Let's not pretend it's not a lot about the optics.

    WSS

    Switch to your QB of choice.

  • Moderate republicans losing doesn't mean conservative republicans will win. We lose with Johnny Manziel at QB, but that doesn't mean we should start Steve there just because he's not Manziel.

    @gftchris said:

    Moderate republicans losing doesn't mean conservative republicans will win. We lose with Johnny Manziel at QB, but that doesn't mean we should start Steve there just because he's not Manziel.

    It also doesn't mean conservatives will lose like the establishment GOP says every 4 years.

    Steve would go down in flames as QB (sorry WS) but I could see Westside Steve doing very well performing at halftime firing up the fans. Just a matter of properly using your talent.

  • 45% or something of Iowans voted based on who shares their values, while only 20% voted on who would do the best job for the country.

    The rest of the country doesn't vote like the evangelical nut jobs do.

  • @gftchris said:

    Moderate republicans losing doesn't mean conservative republicans will win. We lose with Johnny Manziel at QB, but that doesn't mean we should start Steve there just because he's not Manziel.

    It also doesn't mean conservatives will lose like the establishment GOP says every 4 years.

    Steve would go down in flames as QB (sorry WS) but I could see Westside Steve doing very well performing at halftime firing up the fans. Just a matter of properly using your talent.

    @oldbrownsfan said:

    It also doesn't mean conservatives will lose like the establishment GOP says every 4 years.

    Steve would go down in flames as QB (sorry WS) but I could see Westside Steve doing very well performing at halftime firing up the fans. Just a matter of properly using your talent.

    I think I could do well enough in the primary. I'm enough of an ass hole but unlike Trump I'd have an arsenal of canned responses.

    It really doesn't take much to make the public think you might know what you're talking about but all the Donald does is he we'll take care of it, we'll fix it.

    He's got the money to hire any military strategists economist medical people that will help him put together a handful of great sounding blurbs and sound bites.

    WSS

  • @gftchris said:

    I think that's his point - that Cruz is the bible thumping conservative in this case that shouldn't win the nomination, because a more moderate candidate is needed in november; and that more moderate candidate was McCain and Romney, who both solidly lost, so why try the same thing again? Why not go with Cruz?

    At least, I think that's the logic. I'm not sure I agree with it, but that's the logic.

    Not logic so much as the argument that is used every 4 years in republican circles that only moderates can win in the general election yet when the republicans throw up moderates like Bob Dole, John McCain and Mitt Romney they lose too....so why is the argument that only moderate republicans can win such a valid argument when the actual elections show different? Why did the most conservative republican Reagan win 2 landslide elections?

    I think the same argument is probably used against Trump too....that he is not electable.

    Can Cruz or Trump beat Clinton? Sure they both can. The democrats could not be running a weaker candidate than her.

    @oldbrownsfan said:

    Not logic so much as the argument that is used every 4 years in republican circles that only moderates can win in the general election yet when the republicans throw up moderates like Bob Dole, John McCain and Mitt Romney they lose too....so why is the argument that only moderate republicans can win such a valid argument when the actual elections show different? Why did the most conservative republican Reagan win 2 landslide elections?

    I think the same argument is probably used against Trump too....that he is not electable.

    Can Cruz or Trump beat Clinton? Sure they both can. The democrats could not be running a weaker candidate than her.

    I don't think a more conservative candidate would work out well for Republicans.

    Instead of doubling down on old social policies maybe they need to update some of their beliefs?

  • Reporter: Donald, you keep saying you'll make this country great again, how exactly do you plan to do that?

    Trump: You know that's a great question, I get that kind of question all the time, just the other day I was speaking to someone who asked me exactly this question and I'll tell you the same as I told him, there are serious problems with this country, we're letting too many people in, china is laughing at us, and Obama, Obama, he is so weak. If it were me, China would know who they're dealing with. I would stand up to China. I'm great at making deals and if I'm president, China will be paying us to sell their stuff here!

    Crowd: wooooo!!!!

    Rinse and repeat for every question trump faces.

  • @oldbrownsfan said:

    Not logic so much as the argument that is used every 4 years in republican circles that only moderates can win in the general election yet when the republicans throw up moderates like Bob Dole, John McCain and Mitt Romney they lose too....so why is the argument that only moderate republicans can win such a valid argument when the actual elections show different? Why did the most conservative republican Reagan win 2 landslide elections?

    I think the same argument is probably used against Trump too....that he is not electable.

    Can Cruz or Trump beat Clinton? Sure they both can. The democrats could not be running a weaker candidate than her.

    I don't think a more conservative candidate would work out well for Republicans.

    Instead of doubling down on old social policies maybe they need to update some of their beliefs?

    @mld-woody said:

    I don't think a more conservative candidate would work out well for Republicans.

    Instead of doubling down on old social policies maybe they need to update some of their beliefs?

    That has been the argument for many years. If only the republicans would become more like the democrats. Then we could re-name the republican party to the democrat lite party.

  • @mld-woody said:

    I don't think a more conservative candidate would work out well for Republicans.

    Instead of doubling down on old social policies maybe they need to update some of their beliefs?

    That has been the argument for many years. If only the republicans would become more like the democrats. Then we could re-name the republican party to the democrat lite party.

    @oldbrownsfan said:

    That has been the argument for many years. If only the republicans would become more like the democrats. Then we could re-name the republican party to the democrat lite party.

    If only the republicans could let go of the 50s values they're hanging on to, they could be a modern party.

  • @mld-woody said:

    I don't think a more conservative candidate would work out well for Republicans.

    Instead of doubling down on old social policies maybe they need to update some of their beliefs?

    That has been the argument for many years. If only the republicans would become more like the democrats. Then we could re-name the republican party to the democrat lite party.

    @oldbrownsfan said:

    That has been the argument for many years. If only the republicans would become more like the democrats. Then we could re-name the republican party to the democrat lite party.

    Well if they wish to be obsolete then they can continue the stance of not at least being pragmatic about social issues. They would likely get more voters if they appealed to working class wallets and economics. Dems wouldn't have the "oh no the war on (insert group here)" issue and would have to actually talk money which likely puts them at a disadvantage.

  • @oldbrownsfan said:

    That has been the argument for many years. If only the republicans would become more like the democrats. Then we could re-name the republican party to the democrat lite party.

    If only the republicans could let go of the 50s values they're hanging on to, they could be a modern party.

    @gftchris said:

    If only the republicans could let go of the 50s values they're hanging on to, they could be a modern party.

    If that's the goal.

    I suppose the Catholic Church would be more popular in the Middle East if they accepted Sharia law.

    Not to worry Chris, many things the world has believed in over the years will slowly be changing.

    I guess if your pursuit is change for the sake of change, you are in luck.

    1984 or Brave New World, pick your poison.

    Hey there might even be some traditions that fellow your age might not like to see destroyed. Who knows.

    WSS

  • Reporter: Donald, you keep saying you'll make this country great again, how exactly do you plan to do that?

    Trump: You know that's a great question, I get that kind of question all the time, just the other day I was speaking to someone who asked me exactly this question and I'll tell you the same as I told him, there are serious problems with this country, we're letting too many people in, china is laughing at us, and Obama, Obama, he is so weak. If it were me, China would know who they're dealing with. I would stand up to China. I'm great at making deals and if I'm president, China will be paying us to sell their stuff here!

    Crowd: wooooo!!!!

    Rinse and repeat for every question trump faces.

    @gftchris said:

    Reporter: Donald, you keep saying you'll make this country great again, how exactly do you plan to do that?

    Trump: You know that's a great question, I get that kind of question all the time, just the other day I was speaking to someone who asked me exactly this question and I'll tell you the same as I told him, there are serious problems with this country, we're letting too many people in, china is laughing at us, and Obama, Obama, he is so weak. If it were me, China would know who they're dealing with. I would stand up to China. I'm great at making deals and if I'm president, China will be paying us to sell their stuff here!

    Crowd: wooooo!!!!

    Rinse and repeat for every question trump faces.

    But it did work for Obama with the slogans of hope and change. His lofty speeches about bringing the country together only to be the biggest divider for president we have had. His talk about working across the isle with the republicans when he has tried to force his polices on us with illegal executive actions. Trump is making promises now and they are empty until they are delivered on. Obama has a bunch of those empty promises that will not be happening in his 2 terms, not even close.

  • @gftchris said:

    If only the republicans could let go of the 50s values they're hanging on to, they could be a modern party.

    If that's the goal.

    I suppose the Catholic Church would be more popular in the Middle East if they accepted Sharia law.

    Not to worry Chris, many things the world has believed in over the years will slowly be changing.

    I guess if your pursuit is change for the sake of change, you are in luck.

    1984 or Brave New World, pick your poison.

    Hey there might even be some traditions that fellow your age might not like to see destroyed. Who knows.

    WSS

    @westside-steve said:

    If that's the goal.

    I suppose the Catholic Church would be more popular in the Middle East if they accepted Sharia law.

    Political parties aren't religions (as much as the republican party seems to be trying to be)

    Not to worry Chris, many things the world has believed in over the years will slowly be changing.

    Things that used to be believed that have been proven false will no longer be believed. How amazing.

    I guess if your pursuit is change for the sake of change, you are in luck.

    Who said change for the sake of change? Nothing is perfect. Nothing could not stand to be improved in some manner. We don't live in a global (multiplanetary?) utopia, so yeah, things need to be improved.

    1984 or Brave New World, pick your poison.

    I have that Iron Maiden album. Pretty sweet.

    Hey there might even be some traditions that fellow your age might not like to see destroyed. Who knows.

    Like the browns losing?

    WSS

  • @gftchris said:

    Reporter: Donald, you keep saying you'll make this country great again, how exactly do you plan to do that?

    Trump: You know that's a great question, I get that kind of question all the time, just the other day I was speaking to someone who asked me exactly this question and I'll tell you the same as I told him, there are serious problems with this country, we're letting too many people in, china is laughing at us, and Obama, Obama, he is so weak. If it were me, China would know who they're dealing with. I would stand up to China. I'm great at making deals and if I'm president, China will be paying us to sell their stuff here!

    Crowd: wooooo!!!!

    Rinse and repeat for every question trump faces.

    But it did work for Obama with the slogans of hope and change. His lofty speeches about bringing the country together only to be the biggest divider for president we have had. His talk about working across the isle with the republicans when he has tried to force his polices on us with illegal executive actions. Trump is making promises now and they are empty until they are delivered on. Obama has a bunch of those empty promises that will not be happening in his 2 terms, not even close.

    @oldbrownsfan said:

    But it did work for Obama with the slogans of hope and change. His lofty speeches about bringing the country together only to be the biggest divider for president we have had. His talk about working across the isle with the republicans when he has tried to force his polices on us with illegal executive actions. Trump is making promises now and they are empty until they are delivered on. Obama has a bunch of those empty promises that will not be happening in his 2 terms, not even close.

    On Obama's promises:

    http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/promises/obameter/browse/

    I think it would be unrealistic to expect any president to keep every promise, simply because it's so damn difficult to get things through, especially a 'revolutionary' president such as Obama. Let alone Bernie.

    Illegal executive actions? What's illegal about them?