Why do they all submit their candidacy?

[question everything]

The Republicans, that is. Surely Jindal, Pataki, Fiorina, Carson, Huckabee, Graham, Santorum, even Trump, know that they have no chance in winning the nomination. Though it would be fun if they did...

Are they hoping for the VP spot? For a cabinet position, ambassadorship?

Or do they just want to get into position for the next round since Republican history has been to nominate the one who came second last time around?

[glinda]

2. Because the 1% has so much money that they can get 50X the messaging out there.

I don't think it is at all about some of them thinking they can win but rather how much they can force the exclusion of Progressives or Dems.plus hoard the media with what they will say their message is. Eventually some of the American Public will succumb to it because it is like a psychotic hypnosis. Fox on steroids.
And the sad part it is any idea of equal time per person still works against the opposition. Some of them really are pretending to run IMHO.
It is a plan as far as I can see that is obvious. And besides that we know they all love money and the rich are so rich they can basically buy tons of air time with these people.
Course you will never hear Rachel talk about this. MSNBC is all sewed up with whatever the latest crisis is.

[davidpdx]

6. Very true

I think with the fricken circus going on in the Republican primary anything happening in the Democratic primary is going to get buried. People are going to get burnt out very very quickly (and I'm not talking about the political junkies like you, me, and everyone on DU but "normal" people like my mom who can't stand it).

[question everything]

8. Can they really keep the money?

I thought that we've seen some politicians going to jail for "inappropriate" use of campaign funds?

[merrily]

3. Somehow, some way, they must find a way to keep a chunk of the money

they raise for a Presidential run. Legal or not.

Jindal just got into this. He knew there was already a long line for next time.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

4. Publicity. Ego. Maybe a Faux "News" gig.

[greyl]

5. That's showbiz! nt

[1StrongBlackMan]

7. Fund raising. n/t

[Agnosticsherbet]

9. First, they are going to collect money that they do not have to pay back9

that can be used for other political purposes.

(2) It allows them to find a personal millionaire to support them.

(3) Historically, only two Democrats have been elected to a third term after a two term Democratic President. They think it is their year and they want to be the one.