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7962

(11,841 posts)
Sat Nov 9, 2013, 09:44 AM Nov 2013

Last night I saw why the GOP will lose again in '16

I caught the end of the O'Reilly show over on fox. He reads a few letters/emails at the end of each show. When I came in he had just started that segment. He read 2 from people who were commenting on a previous show where O'reilly must have been talking about Christie being the apparent front runner for the next election. Both of these commenters basically said this (not exact quotes) "If the GOP nominates another moderate like Christie, I will not support him or vote for him" O'Reilly pointed this out as a problem that may be overcome by Christie GETTING more independent voters. Here is MY theory, which I have posted in a few OP comments recently.

This is why they will lose. There are only 2 scenarios for the GOP.
1- They nominate Christie, or some other seemingly "moderate" candidate. The far right, tea party types, etc, refuse to support him/her and stay home. The extra independent votes just equals it out and there is no vote gain. They lose.
2- The "conservatives" FINALLY get their long-awaited wish of getting a TRUE CONSERVATIVE candidate. A Cruz/Palin, whatever. They flock to the polls, but nobody else does and again, they lose. I wonder what their excuse would be then? Blame the liberal media?

And thats what is different here. Obviously Hillary is the frontrunner for '16. Many here on DU do not want her as the candidate, but 90% of those, from the comments I've read, WILL vote for her over a GOP candidate. Because staying home is almost the same as voting for the opponent. The GOP righties are too stupid to realize this and will continue to cut their own throats. You already see it with them running primary opponents against incumbents.

So thats my take on it. I dont see any scenario where the GOP will realize their folly and come together. The Democrats almost always have in the end.

72 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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Last night I saw why the GOP will lose again in '16 (Original Post) 7962 Nov 2013 OP
No one on the right seems to be mentioning Jeb. It's early days but Jeb will be there with monmouth3 Nov 2013 #1
It's a nice thought, but in the end... M.G. Nov 2013 #5
According to the polls, several million GOP voters stayed home in 12 7962 Nov 2013 #13
I have a Christian Friend who voted for McCain in 08, & Obama in 12 Heather MC Nov 2013 #25
I thought he was a Muslim. demosincebirth Nov 2013 #51
Fortunately she never believed that Heather MC Nov 2013 #52
I know several super conservative fundamental Christians who believe that the Mormon faith is ... spin Nov 2013 #56
Yep, there you have it. Again, most here WILL vote for Hillary if she's the candidate. 7962 Nov 2013 #57
Fewer people voted in '12 M.G. Nov 2013 #58
Yes, I believe you're right. That would explain why Corporate Media is on full attack BlueCaliDem Nov 2013 #8
I don't know, even Jeb's mom said we've had enough Bushes! 7962 Nov 2013 #10
Odd because I am hearing more and more the name Jeb 4dsc Nov 2013 #37
That is what I'm saying. I think he's waiting until the amateurs are out of the way...LOL.. monmouth3 Nov 2013 #43
Yep... awoke_in_2003 Nov 2013 #48
I would think the Bush name is still mud. gopiscrap Nov 2013 #54
The only difference betweeh "bush" and "shit" is "it", so if you think Jeb is it for 2016 . . . hatrack Nov 2013 #72
well, Jeb has unfortunately got the Bush name and that brand ain't so good... CTyankee Nov 2013 #55
Jeb may actually be the better of the 2 Bush's (GHWB & GWB) but I don't think the Country is Fla Dem Nov 2013 #67
As long as the "My Way or the Highway" far right holds any leadership positions... CincyDem Nov 2013 #2
Making Christie look like a moderate makes sense to me. QuestForSense Nov 2013 #34
I don't even think Christie will get the nomination Shankapotomus Nov 2013 #3
I don't think Christie could survive an actual arthritisR_US Nov 2013 #4
Just how many far-right assholes are out there anyway... TreasonousBastard Nov 2013 #6
You might be right, but Proud Public Servant Nov 2013 #7
Exactly. They won't stay home when there is a Democrat to froth at the mouth about BlueStreak Nov 2013 #12
I agree. Hillary-hate among RWers will bring them out in droves. Does Nay Nov 2013 #28
Until we can break up this two-party oligopoly BlueStreak Nov 2013 #40
They WILL rally around him and only Hill can beat him Cosmocat Nov 2013 #27
+100 truebluegreen Nov 2013 #42
When the fringe becomes the 2nd base...If the GOP picks Christie, NightWatcher Nov 2013 #9
I agree. Another Perot scenario. 7962 Nov 2013 #11
Hillary's campaign director could be Socks the cat NightWatcher Nov 2013 #20
Maybe *Tally could be her campaign director. Beacool Nov 2013 #62
I don't think Christie could survive the primaries Brainstormy Nov 2013 #14
I think it's a given that the President elected in 2016 will be a Democrat. randome Nov 2013 #15
I wouldn't be so sure, nothing is a given in politics. Beacool Nov 2013 #17
I'm not advocating complacency but there comes a point where triage is needed. randome Nov 2013 #18
I sure as hell wouldn't bet the rent money on that. I think "teh crazy" has a Nay Nov 2013 #31
They can only cheat at the margins, though. Admittedly, that's been enough up to now. randome Nov 2013 #33
True, but as the Bush/Gore contest showed, they only have to cheat at Nay Nov 2013 #35
I will support the dem candidate over any repub n2doc Nov 2013 #16
The republicans will come together and support wilsonbooks Nov 2013 #19
/\/\/\/\ yes/\/\/\/\ dembotoz Nov 2013 #21
Hold your nose and spend some time on the repub sites; 7962 Nov 2013 #59
Yep gollygee Nov 2013 #70
As of this week Christie is the Republican to beat, but he may end up like Giuliani. Beacool Nov 2013 #22
Three years? Heck three months...even three weeks skepticscott Nov 2013 #50
REpublicans will vote for whoever they nominate just as dems will vote for abelenkpe Nov 2013 #23
and far too many don't vote at all. That's what has to change. mountain grammy Nov 2013 #24
24 GOP Senate seats up for grabs in 2016. It's over. Faygo Kid Nov 2013 #26
^^^This^^^ fredamae Nov 2013 #29
"Now? Silence-even when I ask them." BumRushDaShow Nov 2013 #38
I am aware of the DOJ's actions fredamae Nov 2013 #45
+1 uponit7771 Nov 2013 #65
Don't assume they won't turn out. Gore1FL Nov 2013 #30
It's way too early to assume anything. HappyMe Nov 2013 #32
They aren't going to run Christi.... Spitfire of ATJ Nov 2013 #36
Let me an a cautionary note. s-cubed Nov 2013 #39
Don't be fooled. Christie is a hard right conservative. He is NOT a moderate. totodeinhere Nov 2013 #41
That ploy worked -- he just won re-election. QuestForSense Nov 2013 #47
The Tea Party would rather lose than compromise their ultraconservative values... cynatnite Nov 2013 #44
+10000!! 7962 Nov 2013 #60
Or the commenters were lying Prophet 451 Nov 2013 #46
I don't think the GOP stay at home as much as young Dems do, historically. ancianita Nov 2013 #49
We learned a bitter lesson in 2010. It never should have happened. CTyankee Nov 2013 #53
One reason they might not lose Doctor_J Nov 2013 #61
I'm surprised it took 61 posts for that one. 7962 Nov 2013 #63
Waiting for the Repugs to self-destruct might work. A better plan would be ... Scuba Nov 2013 #64
They lie workinclasszero Nov 2013 #66
Don't be so smug. Our side must work to register more voters and GOTV at election bluestate10 Nov 2013 #68
I still see Christie as the nominee in 2016 BlueEye Nov 2013 #69
Pretty much my point. These tea party folks are hard headed. A LOT will NOT vote for him. 7962 Nov 2013 #71

monmouth3

(3,871 posts)
1. No one on the right seems to be mentioning Jeb. It's early days but Jeb will be there with
Sat Nov 9, 2013, 09:50 AM
Nov 2013

bells on and all the money the Bush cabal can muster. Count on it.

M.G.

(250 posts)
5. It's a nice thought, but in the end...
Sat Nov 9, 2013, 10:03 AM
Nov 2013

In the end, the TP would hold their nose and vote Christie just as they voted for Romney, and by all statistics I've seen McCain (even though they didn't go by the name "Tea Party" then.)

If Christie wins the primary, he'd pick a true conservative type to give the TP something to come out for, or at least get endorsements from their heroes like Coulter, Hannity, Rush, etc., not to mention his people would spread the word in TP circles that "Hillary is Obama's third term" or some such. Heck, I can easily see TP people justifying a vote for Christie just by telling themselves "I'm voting against Hillary and Benghazi."

 

7962

(11,841 posts)
13. According to the polls, several million GOP voters stayed home in 12
Sat Nov 9, 2013, 10:31 AM
Nov 2013

And Romney got a few million less votes than McCain. Obama got several million fewer votes too, but I think that was more because the "wow" factor of electing the first black president was no longer there.
I also think Romney being a Mormon kept some of the evangelicals away. Since they think its a "cult" and all that nonsense.

I just see SO many saying they will only support a true conservative, whatever that is. And seeing how they ran Senate candidates that were doomed from the start instead of established ones that couldve won (Nevada, Virginia), I really think they're just to darn stubborn to change or give a little.

 

Heather MC

(8,084 posts)
25. I have a Christian Friend who voted for McCain in 08, & Obama in 12
Sat Nov 9, 2013, 11:07 AM
Nov 2013

Her top Reason, she said Obama was the only Christian in the race in 2012

spin

(17,493 posts)
56. I know several super conservative fundamental Christians who believe that the Mormon faith is ...
Sat Nov 9, 2013, 01:30 PM
Nov 2013

a cult. They would never vote for a Mormon for President and since they could not vote for Obama, they just chose not to vote in the last election.



 

7962

(11,841 posts)
57. Yep, there you have it. Again, most here WILL vote for Hillary if she's the candidate.
Sat Nov 9, 2013, 01:47 PM
Nov 2013

I know there are a few hardliners who may not, but the gop has a LOT like those you mention.

M.G.

(250 posts)
58. Fewer people voted in '12
Sat Nov 9, 2013, 01:57 PM
Nov 2013

Fewer people voted in 2012 but nothing I looked at suggested conservatives stayed home. From what I remember, it was more a matter of less interested voters being unexcited by either candidate.

BlueCaliDem

(15,438 posts)
8. Yes, I believe you're right. That would explain why Corporate Media is on full attack
Sat Nov 9, 2013, 10:09 AM
Nov 2013

of President Obama (a la Clinton in his second term) while remaining mum about the disaster the Republicans have been in the past three and a half years. They clearly want a repeat of 2000 - and they want to put another Bush in the WH. They've most likely been told - behind closed doors - that this is the plan by the "establishment Republicans, Wall Street, and Big Business".

Scalia and Kennedy are ripe for retirement, but they're going to hang in there by their nails until a Republican is seated in the WH. We also have too many vacancies on the DC Court of Appeals and Federal benches. The do-nothing Republican Senators are trying to block every one of President Obama's appointees for the courts until they can get that Republican in the WH.

We can't let this happen, and I believe we won't. There won't be a repeat of 2000. We don't need more Roberts or Scalitos in our SCOTUS.

 

7962

(11,841 posts)
10. I don't know, even Jeb's mom said we've had enough Bushes!
Sat Nov 9, 2013, 10:22 AM
Nov 2013

Not to mention the fact that the right doesnt consider HIM to be "conservative enough" either. He was always the "smart one", but W pulled the rug out from under him in 2000. I dont think he wouldve been the disaster that W was either.
But I think we'll know soon enough if he's going to run.

 

4dsc

(5,787 posts)
37. Odd because I am hearing more and more the name Jeb
Sat Nov 9, 2013, 11:46 AM
Nov 2013

as an alternative to everyone else. And the reasoning behind it is simple, he's plays well with the Hispanic voters.

So don't be alarmed that you hear more and more about Jeb as a candidate.

 

awoke_in_2003

(34,582 posts)
48. Yep...
Sat Nov 9, 2013, 12:46 PM
Nov 2013

just because a lot of our party have already picked our candidate doesn't mean the pukes have. 2 1/2 years is a long time.

hatrack

(61,018 posts)
72. The only difference betweeh "bush" and "shit" is "it", so if you think Jeb is it for 2016 . . .
Mon Nov 11, 2013, 01:58 PM
Nov 2013

Let it be so!

CTyankee

(65,123 posts)
55. well, Jeb has unfortunately got the Bush name and that brand ain't so good...
Sat Nov 9, 2013, 01:26 PM
Nov 2013

A second Clinton is one thing but a third Bush with all the baggage of the second one is really not gonna fly...

Fla Dem

(25,766 posts)
67. Jeb may actually be the better of the 2 Bush's (GHWB & GWB) but I don't think the Country is
Sun Nov 10, 2013, 09:07 AM
Nov 2013

willing to elect a 3rd Bush. In fact, that may be the case with Hillary as well. I'm a Hill supporter, but I do think the country as a whole, is tired of the whole family dynasty thing, where it gets handed down to the next in line.

CincyDem

(6,957 posts)
2. As long as the "My Way or the Highway" far right holds any leadership positions...
Sat Nov 9, 2013, 09:56 AM
Nov 2013

...they will create sufficient fragmentation to ensure even a reasonably cohesive left will prevail.

They're getting so far out on the fringe that they can't execute the traditionally successful primary to general transition. Primary to the base and then tack to the center. Even Mitt was to far right but the time primaries were over and his primary supporters never understood that winning office required that they give him some slack.

The thing that worries me is that Cruz is in fact playing a role here for Christie to make Christie look like a moderate. The far right can stay home as long as they want if the undecided center sees Christie as a "reasonable guy who ain't that bad" by comparision.

QuestForSense

(653 posts)
34. Making Christie look like a moderate makes sense to me.
Sat Nov 9, 2013, 11:39 AM
Nov 2013

It just got him re-elected. But talk about putting lipstick on a pig!

Shankapotomus

(4,840 posts)
3. I don't even think Christie will get the nomination
Sat Nov 9, 2013, 09:57 AM
Nov 2013

He'll suffer the same fate as Giuliani. Not from a red state and not quite white enough.

TreasonousBastard

(43,049 posts)
6. Just how many far-right assholes are out there anyway...
Sat Nov 9, 2013, 10:03 AM
Nov 2013

enough to cause a loss for Republicans? I'm not sure.

Note that we always have this same argument amongst ourselves over liberal purity and how we compromise too much on our candidates. And see have the same arguments over what caused it if we lose.

Personally, I think the fringes on both sides have press and noise far more than their actual numbers and most people are perfectly happy to vote, if they vote at all, for someone who at least appears moderate.

Proud Public Servant

(2,097 posts)
7. You might be right, but
Sat Nov 9, 2013, 10:04 AM
Nov 2013

That's what they all said about Romney, too. Now, granted, Romney also lost -- but it wasn't because conservatives didn't come out, nor will Christie keep them from coming out. It was because their party is shrinking overall and the Obama campaign is better at GOTV than any organization ever.

Freep was the best place to see this. The site owner started by threatening to ban anyone that supported Romney; in the end, he published a long post about why it way important to hold one's nose and vote Republican. Likewise, the site went from being dominated in March-April by posters who threatened to stay home in Romney were nominated, to being dominated in Sept-Oct by posters who were flaming anyone who threatened to stay home. Trust me, the teahadists will fall in line behind Christie just like progressive Dems fall in line behind third-way corporatists, time and again.

That's why Christie really is the most formidable candidate, especially against Hillary. A Cruz or Paul or even Rubio would push mainstream independents and moderate suburban GOPers to Hillary; but Christie would keep those voters while retaining a base so scared of Democrats that they'll never bolt party, no matter how much the gripe about the dreaded GOP-e.

 

BlueStreak

(8,377 posts)
12. Exactly. They won't stay home when there is a Democrat to froth at the mouth about
Sat Nov 9, 2013, 10:30 AM
Nov 2013

And if it is Hillary, that hate machine is already well oiled.

Nay

(12,051 posts)
28. I agree. Hillary-hate among RWers will bring them out in droves. Does
Sat Nov 9, 2013, 11:18 AM
Nov 2013

no one remember "she killed Vince Foster!" or "Benghazi!" or "RW conspiracy!"?

I have mixed emotions already about the 2016 elections. I keep having the feeling that again I will have no one to vote for, but will be voting against some crazy winger. I feel tired already.

 

BlueStreak

(8,377 posts)
40. Until we can break up this two-party oligopoly
Sat Nov 9, 2013, 12:02 PM
Nov 2013

your choices will be between a corporatist authoritarian that gives lip service to the middle class and a corporatist authoritarian who gives lip service to the religious right.

Take your pick. it is called democracy.

Cosmocat

(15,007 posts)
27. They WILL rally around him and only Hill can beat him
Sat Nov 9, 2013, 11:11 AM
Nov 2013

As of today, he is an extraordinarily formidable candidate, cause he WILL be portrayed as the guy who will take charge in DC.

This will resonate VERY strongly with the public after the republican's spent 8 years turning it to shit, and they and the media will set the background by really coming together to portray Barrack Obama as having been a weak and ineffective President.

If Christie can clear the primary, only Hillary can beat him.

I feel pretty confident in this. She has the gravitas on her own, and his being a strong woman will separate her from him in a positive way more so than any other democratic, be it a male who will be negatively framed like Gore, Dean, Kerry, or a woman who will seem to soft compared to Christie.

She is the only D who can beat him right now.

Finally, they might want to think he is "too liberal" now while looking adoringly at jackasses like Rand and Cruz, but if they don't win the primary they will LOVE Christie. He is much more alpha (which they like) than Romney or even McCain, and is genuinely mean, which also is something they appreciate.

NightWatcher

(39,358 posts)
9. When the fringe becomes the 2nd base...If the GOP picks Christie,
Sat Nov 9, 2013, 10:18 AM
Nov 2013

I'd be willing to wager that the far right wingnuts will throw their support behind a 3rd candidate possibly running as an Independent or (or what I really hope happens) the Tea Party will field their own candidate.

Let's have a November decision that puts Hillary vs Christie vs Rand Paul (or some other nut du jour). Hillary could win with 40% leaving Christie with 30% and the nutters picking up the crazy scraps.

If they'll just start a 3rd party, the Dems will take House, Senate and White House for several elections to come.

 

7962

(11,841 posts)
11. I agree. Another Perot scenario.
Sat Nov 9, 2013, 10:25 AM
Nov 2013

Or if they DID nominate Cruz, Hillary would win campaigning from her couch.

Its like they care more about proving a point than winning. Fools.

NightWatcher

(39,358 posts)
20. Hillary's campaign director could be Socks the cat
Sat Nov 9, 2013, 10:49 AM
Nov 2013

and she could fund her victory campaign from change in her couch cushions

Brainstormy

(2,432 posts)
14. I don't think Christie could survive the primaries
Sat Nov 9, 2013, 10:31 AM
Nov 2013

He's a loose canon with a bad temper and huge insecurities. He'll never withstand the pressure without hanging himself with his own mouth. But it'll be fun to watch.

 

randome

(34,845 posts)
15. I think it's a given that the President elected in 2016 will be a Democrat.
Sat Nov 9, 2013, 10:35 AM
Nov 2013

Which is why it is much, much more important to focus our time and energy on 2014.
[hr][font color="blue"][center]Birds are territorial creatures.
The lyrics to the songbird's melodious trill go something like this:
"Stay out of my territory or I'll PECK YOUR GODDAMNED EYES OUT!"
[/center][/font][hr]

 

randome

(34,845 posts)
18. I'm not advocating complacency but there comes a point where triage is needed.
Sat Nov 9, 2013, 10:43 AM
Nov 2013

The most important battle before us now is 2014. After that, we can worry about 2016.

We can do both. We can capture the House and win the Presidency. But if we don't do both, nothing will change.
[hr][font color="blue"][center]Birds are territorial creatures.
The lyrics to the songbird's melodious trill go something like this:
"Stay out of my territory or I'll PECK YOUR GODDAMNED EYES OUT!"
[/center][/font][hr]

Nay

(12,051 posts)
31. I sure as hell wouldn't bet the rent money on that. I think "teh crazy" has a
Sat Nov 9, 2013, 11:29 AM
Nov 2013

few more years to prevail, frankly. I still believe Obama owes many of his votes to the fact that his was an historic election and tons of people came out to vote for that reason only. That may happen for Hillary as well, which is probably one reason the DLC is pushing for her and one reason she is running. However, the female voting bloc has plenty of rabid Republican women who won't vote for her, when the black voting bloc did not have gobs of RWers in it, plus many one-time black voters came out for his election only. Repub women are very reliable voters in every election. So, we'll see.

And they're getting pretty good at screwing with election results with no investigation or pushback from Democrats.

 

randome

(34,845 posts)
33. They can only cheat at the margins, though. Admittedly, that's been enough up to now.
Sat Nov 9, 2013, 11:33 AM
Nov 2013

But demographics are making that harder and harder to sustain.

I agree, we're not out of the woods yet. But the treeline is thinning. There is a way out, which is why 2014 is so important.
[hr][font color="blue"][center]Birds are territorial creatures.
The lyrics to the songbird's melodious trill go something like this:
"Stay out of my territory or I'll PECK YOUR GODDAMNED EYES OUT!"
[/center][/font][hr]

Nay

(12,051 posts)
35. True, but as the Bush/Gore contest showed, they only have to cheat at
Sat Nov 9, 2013, 11:39 AM
Nov 2013

the margins in a couple of states and they get the whole pie. Maybe they were lucky that one time, but again, I think they've probably set up several cheating opportunities (Pub election officials a la Florida; funky voting machines; IT hackers ready to be deployed where needed, etc.) in relevant states in readiness for 2016. If I were a big liar and cheat, that's what I would do.

n2doc

(47,953 posts)
16. I will support the dem candidate over any repub
Sat Nov 9, 2013, 10:39 AM
Nov 2013

That said, I think people are overstating the power of the far right nutjobs. Just like with Rmoney, they will vote for the R, no matter how much they think he is a "RINO". And I think the primaries are more determined by who has the money to fund GOTV efforts, blanket advertise, and fund negative research on opponents. If Christie gets the establishment backing, he will get through the primaries. He might lose South Carolina and a few other bagger heavy states, but he will win the northeast, the west, and the midwest (in the primaries). His biggest worry is if another so called moderate, like JEB, gets in also and splits the establishment.

wilsonbooks

(972 posts)
19. The republicans will come together and support
Sat Nov 9, 2013, 10:46 AM
Nov 2013

their nominee. They did for romney and mccain, they will bitch and then get in line.

 

7962

(11,841 posts)
59. Hold your nose and spend some time on the repub sites;
Sat Nov 9, 2013, 02:02 PM
Nov 2013

Even on Facebook. I have read SO MANY comments about "RINO"s and such. I based my opinion in the OP largely on that and people I know personally. And read some of the previous posts above; others who know GOP people who didnt vote for Romney for stupid reasons. The tea party has them all in a tizzy. Christie is seen as democrat-lite. Listen to Limbaugh and Hannity from last week after Christie's election. I WANT them to pick a tea party guy just so I can see what happens when he gets TROUNCED in the general election. I want to ask them: what's the excuse now? You FINALLY got that true conservative that would finally win and it didnt happen.

I do see some of the same dissent here on DU regarding Hillary, but in the end the conversation ends up with "I'll vote for her." Except for a couple, who will remain nameless! But I'm not sure what they're thinking. With the right-wing websites, its widely agreed upon; "I'm not supporting the gop establishment anymore". And I really think most will stay home.

The GOP primaries are gonna be fun to watch.

gollygee

(22,336 posts)
70. Yep
Mon Nov 11, 2013, 01:30 PM
Nov 2013

They will just like we end up supporting whichever Dem is running regardless of what we say before or during the primaries.

Beacool

(30,329 posts)
22. As of this week Christie is the Republican to beat, but he may end up like Giuliani.
Sat Nov 9, 2013, 10:56 AM
Nov 2013

A lot can happen in three years. We have to remember that one of the reasons that the Romney campaign didn't choose him as his VP was, not just concerns over his health, but that he failed their vetting process.

It's too soon to make any predictions. The chances of a Democrat winning in 2016 will depend on the state of the country at that point in time. Are people finding jobs? Have the glitches been fixed with Obamacare? Do people feel more optimistic about the direction where the nation is heading?

 

skepticscott

(13,029 posts)
50. Three years? Heck three months...even three weeks
Sat Nov 9, 2013, 01:09 PM
Nov 2013

Last election, the Republicans went through candidates like chewing gum. Loved the taste at first, but they quickly lost their flavor and were tossed in the trash bin, either for insufficient ability to pull poll numbers or insufficient ideological purity. Perry, Cain, Santorum, Trump, Pawlenty, etc. Romney would probably not even have lasted if he didn't have potfulls of his own money. Christie doesn't, so he's no guarantee to last. Someone will, in the end, but I would make no bets on who.

Running Jeb Bush would present the Repugs with the interesting dilemma of either having to get Dubya out on the campaign trail (which they have carefully, and for good reason, avoided doing in the last two cycles) or having to explain why a recent ex-president is not stumping for his own brother.

Faygo Kid

(21,484 posts)
26. 24 GOP Senate seats up for grabs in 2016. It's over.
Sat Nov 9, 2013, 11:09 AM
Nov 2013

Only 10 Dem seats. They have got to destroy the right to vote between now and 2016, or they are finished. They know that. Scary times coming.

fredamae

(4,458 posts)
29. ^^^This^^^
Sat Nov 9, 2013, 11:25 AM
Nov 2013

DC Politicians have gone Silent on fixing the Damage committed against the VRA by the SCOTUS--Right after their decision came down -Dems were sharply critical of this decision and many vowed to "do everything we can" to assure all Americans have the Right to Vote...Now? Silence-even when I ask them.

For 2-3 years now I've expressed my concerns: "By 2014/2016 Will We Still Be Allowed to Vote?"

It seems a simple enough answer to the Blatant attack upon our rights and the very open pandering to Wall Street et al...They don't worry because we won't be allowed to vote them out anyway...

I want to be so WRONG.

BumRushDaShow

(143,113 posts)
38. "Now? Silence-even when I ask them."
Sat Nov 9, 2013, 11:55 AM
Nov 2013
Have you not been paying attention?

Perhaps you missed this too?



There are a number of states that have "threatened" but haven't actually done anything yet. Others have ballot measures to have voters decide how to proceed. And then you have states like mine (PA) where the state court itself has put in place restraining orders regarding implementation for the time being, pending various litigation.

Here's a good summary of where things stand - http://www.propublica.org/article/voting-rights-by-state-map

And as a FYI - if you are looking for legislation to "fix the problem", then you need to wait until after the 2014 elections, assuming Democrats can take back the House and finally bring back the act of "governing" at the federal level. Until then, the lunatic rethugs in the House will continue to yell "Benghazi!!1!!!111", "IRS!11!11!1" (this zombie just got resurrectred again last week), "Repeal. Replace!!!!11!!!!!"

fredamae

(4,458 posts)
45. I am aware of the DOJ's actions
Sat Nov 9, 2013, 12:30 PM
Nov 2013

I appreciate them. My comments are specific to Congressional action/bills.

Yes, yes, I understand that in the GOP controlled House Nothing will likely happen, but imo-I believe the Dems should be writing bills and trying to get it out of cmte and to a floor vote. I expect that Boehner would say No--Then it's time for the Dems to publicly hound the GOP and bring that point home...every day-every week - Pound on this point that the GOP Refuses to secure voting rights for All-Just like they did on the GOP shutdown and budgets and jobs and womens reproductive rights and immigration and wage inequality and etc

 

Spitfire of ATJ

(32,723 posts)
36. They aren't going to run Christi....
Sat Nov 9, 2013, 11:44 AM
Nov 2013

They're gonna find someone who sounds like Haley Barbour and go for the "Jesus Loves Your SUV/Country Western" crowd.

Yee,........haw....

s-cubed

(1,385 posts)
39. Let me an a cautionary note.
Sat Nov 9, 2013, 12:02 PM
Nov 2013

I live in northern Virginia is. McAuliffe led - often by large margins - up to the election. Part of the reason was that the libertarian candidate was polling at Around 10%. But when it came time to vote, he actually got about 6 or 7%". Some of those voters realized they were actually voting for the Dem. Also, Dems got cocky and too many stayed home. We could have a similar scenario in 2016, with a 3rd part candidate on either side. Remember Ralph Nader and Ross Perot? Both sides throw away their votes, either by staying home, or voting third party.

People do cut off their noses to spite their faces.

totodeinhere

(13,334 posts)
41. Don't be fooled. Christie is a hard right conservative. He is NOT a moderate.
Sat Nov 9, 2013, 12:04 PM
Nov 2013

Barack Obama is a moderate. They are dressing Christie up to try to make him look more reasonable, but that is no more than a ploy to try to fool the voters. But I agree that if he runs he will lose.

QuestForSense

(653 posts)
47. That ploy worked -- he just won re-election.
Sat Nov 9, 2013, 12:44 PM
Nov 2013

How many voted for him because of his hard right views, and how many because he 'stood with Obama' and 'seems so reasonable?' Impossible to know, but I too don't think he'll fare as well in a national race with a well-known Democrat. Interesting that Dems did not support his opponent. I did not even know her name until the day of the election.

cynatnite

(31,011 posts)
44. The Tea Party would rather lose than compromise their ultraconservative values...
Sat Nov 9, 2013, 12:27 PM
Nov 2013

They're not likely to loosen their grip on the Republican party despite the continuing losses.

In their minds, they're standing their ground even if it means the demise of the political party.

I do think this entire group will have to remain in the political wilderness for some time before common sense prevails. I've told my sister time and time again that their position on social issues will keep them out of power. It will take a few more big losses at election time before her and the republican party wakes up.

Prophet 451

(9,796 posts)
46. Or the commenters were lying
Sat Nov 9, 2013, 12:43 PM
Nov 2013

Teabaggers and teh Religious Reich like to bluster about how they won't support Christie or whoever but that's all it is. If the GOP nominated Satan himself, teh Teabaggers and teh Religious Reich would vote for him.

ancianita

(38,727 posts)
49. I don't think the GOP stay at home as much as young Dems do, historically.
Sat Nov 9, 2013, 12:49 PM
Nov 2013

I think they both swung toward Cucinelli in VA, though, with help from so-called libertarians, no?

CTyankee

(65,123 posts)
53. We learned a bitter lesson in 2010. It never should have happened.
Sat Nov 9, 2013, 01:23 PM
Nov 2013

If we can't shake loose some of those House seats from repuke control, even a Dem president and Senate won't be able to do much....

 

7962

(11,841 posts)
63. I'm surprised it took 61 posts for that one.
Sat Nov 9, 2013, 07:50 PM
Nov 2013

Only caught the end part, but as I said in an earlier post, I do read some of the right-winger stuff. I shake my head a lot. I think its important to know whats going thru their heads. I think we all should, to some extent.

 

Scuba

(53,475 posts)
64. Waiting for the Repugs to self-destruct might work. A better plan would be ...
Sun Nov 10, 2013, 07:03 AM
Nov 2013

... to offer voters (including those eligible who don't bother) some good reasons to show up at the polls.

Somethings like ...

...Living Wage

...Medicare for All, including dental, optical and hearing aids

...Lowering the eligibility age for Social Security, increasing payments

...Legalizing weed

...Progressive taxation

...Cut defense and spy budgets

Or we can just wait for the other side to screw up, but I like the active, rather than passive, approach myself.

 

workinclasszero

(28,270 posts)
66. They lie
Sun Nov 10, 2013, 09:03 AM
Nov 2013

The teabaggers will hold their nose and vote for whoever is the repig nominee.

I mean they all voted for that loser Rmoney, they will vote for Christie as well.

I just hope the thug primaries are all out war between the tea taliban and the rich who invented monsters like Limpballs, hate radio and their spawn from hell like Cruz and Palin.

Those money boys are riding the tiger now and desperately trying to find a way to get off, they hope its Christie!

bluestate10

(10,942 posts)
68. Don't be so smug. Our side must work to register more voters and GOTV at election
Sun Nov 10, 2013, 10:24 AM
Nov 2013

time. We are in a fight for the future of this nation, we can't make assumptions about the other side and not maximize our participation in the electorate. I would love to see Texas go blue in 2016, that will break republican spirits and I think destroy that party, their one dependable high electoral vote red state went blue, likely forever. As long as Democrats nominate Center to Center-Left Presidential candidates states like Virginia and Florida are gone for the GOP, even a plain speaking Liberal populist like Elizabeth Warren would likely win Virginia and Florida and possibly Texas in 2016.

BlueEye

(449 posts)
69. I still see Christie as the nominee in 2016
Mon Nov 11, 2013, 01:28 PM
Nov 2013

But he is going to have ONE HELL OF A PRIMARY FIGHT. The Tea Party ain't going down quietly. It will leave him damaged, much like Romney was in 2012. Hillary will waltz to the nomination with minimal resistance (Biden 2016? Okay...) and will be far better positioned to beat a wounded Christie in the general. Count on it.

 

7962

(11,841 posts)
71. Pretty much my point. These tea party folks are hard headed. A LOT will NOT vote for him.
Mon Nov 11, 2013, 01:54 PM
Nov 2013

And if they nominate Cruz or one like him, Hillary wont even have to campaign. There would be so many Todd Akin type screw ups that it would be a bigger defeat than Mondale. A Lot bigger. All IMO, of course, but we'll see soon how it starts up.

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