2016 Presidential Campaign

Yes, I admit it, I am a political-junkie! I like to follow national politics. Kind of a hobby...

So, with that said, I am launching this thread to begin following the 2016 run for the White House.

To start with, let's review the early favorites:

On the Repub side there is a long list. A list that will change often over the coming months, year. Near the top of the "list to watch" are:

Jeb Bush
Rick Perry
Mitt Romney
Rand Paul
Scott Walker
Alan West
Chris Christy
Bobby Jindal

Those last two are already done, IMO.

On the Demo side are:

Hillary K.
Elizabeth Warren
Joe Biden

That it? Is this the best the Demos have to offer? Surely I am missing a name or two from the list.

Unless Chief Lizzy Warren undercuts her enough, I think its Clinton all the way for the Democrats.

The Republicans are gonna nominate the worst possible candidate in order to appease the Rinos. That would be Jeb. Mitt has the best shot but has stated publically that he won't run if Jeb runs. It will end up being a Clinton vs Bush Oligarchy Election.

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Originally Posted by dawg80

Yes, I admit it, I am a political-junkie! I like to follow national politics. Kind of a hobby...

So, with that said, I am launching this thread to begin following the 2016 run for the White House.

To start with, let's review the early favorites:

On the Repub side there is a long list. A list that will change often over the coming months, year. Near the top of the "list to watch" are:

Jeb Bush
Rick Perry
Mitt Romney
Rand Paul
Scott Walker
Alan West
Chris Christy
Bobby Jindal

Those last two are already done, IMO.

On the Demo side are:

Hillary K.
Elizabeth Warren
Joe Biden

That it? Is this the best the Demos have to offer? Surely I am missing a name or two from the list.

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There are several different camps within the Republican Party that each candidate could specifically target.

Establishment: Jeb Bush (FL), Gov. Chris Christie (NJ)..."favorites of the donor class, RINOS, etc."
Evangelical: Mike Huckabee, Rick Santorum..."family values"
Governors (Managerial): Scott Walker (WI), Rick Perry (TX), Bobby Jindal (LA), John Kasich (OH)..."Look at my track records in my states when I was governor, etc."
Legislative (Center-Right): Paul Ryan (WI), Marco Rubio (FL)
Legislative (Right): Sen. Ted Cruz (TX), Sen. Rand Paul (KY)
Miscellaneous: Dr. Ben Carson

I think Paul Ryan will not run for President if Governor Scott Walker decides to run. If Jeb Bush runs (which he will), then Romney stays out.

I wouldn't eliminate Bobby Jindal from the race...yet. It's a year before the Iowa Caucuses, and one year is an eternity in politics.

If Jeb Bush is nominated I will never vote Republican in federal election again.

Bush
Christie
Ryan

http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epo...lls/president/

I vote none of the above

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Originally Posted by Soonerdawg

If Jeb Bush is nominated I will never vote Republican in federal election again.

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He's the frontrunner and the most likely to get $$,$$$,$$$'s thrown his way. He's got the nomination if he wants it.

Every potential candidate mentioned, on both sides, have their share (MORE than their share!) of naysayers.

Already, in just a handful of posts, some have stated if "this candidate" is nominated I'm done! Okay. Since no one listed here, and/or mentioned elsewhere, seems able to create a consensus, who then?

WHO do YOU want to see run for POTUS, and why?

Just to reiterate, I think both Christie and Jindal are "dead in the water." They might enter the race, fine, raising some money to get in for Iowa, New Hampshire....but, they won't garner more than 3% of the vote and be finished early.

John Kasich is an interesting candidate. I think he might be able to pull it off.

On the demo side, is it just Hillary, Warren, and Biden? And, I say Biden only because as the sitting VP he will be expected to run.

How about Al Franken!!!

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Originally Posted by dawg80

On the demo side, is it just Hillary, Warren, and Biden? And, I say Biden only because as the sitting VP he will be expected to run.

How about Al Franken!!!

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There is also
Formed Exploratory Committee:
Senator Jim Webb, Virginia

Expressed Interest:
Martin O'Malley
Joe Manchin
Howard Dean
Luis Guiterrez
Ed Rendell
Bernie Sanders
Brian Schweitzer

Suspected Candidates:
Tammy Baldwin
Steve Bullock
George Clooney
Andrew Cuomo
Russ Feingold
Al Franken
Maggie Hassan
Amy Klobuchar
William McRaven
Janet Napolitano
Jay Nixon
Antonio Villaraigosa
Mark Mark Warner

There are probably more, but these are the only ones with "serious" support to maybe run.
(sourced from wikipedia, huffpo, wsj, nyt, and various political sites)

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Originally Posted by dawg80

Just to reiterate, I think both Christie and Jindal are "dead in the water."

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Christie polls in the top five in most polls, while Jindal is in the bottom three in most polls. Christie is very much in the running; Jindal is not.

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Originally Posted by dawg80

WHO do YOU want to see run for POTUS, and why?

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Rubio.

Why? He's great in a sound clip and that's all any GOP candidate will get...unless they're a rino. In my view, he's one of the few with an acceptible blend of conservative and electable. Rand will be marginalized just like his dad. Jindal will marginalized himself with horribly executed populism.

I figure whoever is elected, we lose.

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Originally Posted by dawg80

Every potential candidate mentioned, on both sides, have their share (MORE than their share!) of naysayers.

Already, in just a handful of posts, some have stated if "this candidate" is nominated I'm done! Okay. Since no one listed here, and/or mentioned elsewhere, seems able to create a consensus, who then?

WHO do YOU want to see run for POTUS, and why?

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I'm basically done already. We have the illusion of self-government. But, to stay on topic, I would say it is easier to eliminate at this point. It would not be good for us to have another Bush in the White House. I know the Bushes are big government guys. But the Republican Party will shove him down our throats.

My guess is I vote third party this time around. I will not continue to vote Republican if they keep putting up the old retread big government candidates.

Bush
Dole
Bush
McCain
Romney

Yuck, that's as good as we can do?

I taste vomit in my mouth right now.

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Originally Posted by johnnylightnin

Rubio.

Why? He's great in a sound clip and that's all any GOP candidate will get...unless they're a rino. In my view, he's one of the few with an acceptible blend of conservative and electable. Rand will be marginalized just like his dad. Jindal will marginalized himself with horribly executed populism.

I figure whoever is elected, we lose.

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I think Rand is much more mainstream than his dad. I think he has a much better shot. While he leans Libertarian, he's still a Republican while his dad was, for the most part, a Republican in name only. IIRC His dad even ran for office as a Libertarian at one point.

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Originally Posted by Bigdog13

I think Rand is much more mainstream than his dad. I think he has a much better shot. While he leans Libertarian, he's still a Republican while his dad was, for the most part, a Republican in name only. IIRC His dad even ran for office as a Libertarian at one point.

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You're right on both (Rand being more mainstream and Ron's Libertarian run). I still don't feel he's "mainstream" enough to get a fair shake from the media. Here's the deal with folks who have complex thoughts on complex situations...they don't sound good in a 30-second clip. The tragedy of our modern culture is that we'd rather a good sound-byte than a well written article. We'd rather a great tweet than a through treatise.

I think Rubio has substance and can operate in our sound-clip culture. We'll see I guess.

Like his father was, Rand is where he needs to be now.

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Originally Posted by JuBru

Like his father was, Rand is where he needs to be now.

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Totally disagree. He's, as it currently looks, the only one offering a chance to break the crappy cycle we've been in. The only one that's significantly different from the RINO's.

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Originally Posted by Woof!

Christie polls in the top five in most polls, while Jindal is in the bottom three in most polls. Christie is very much in the running; Jindal is not.

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When push comes to shove and it's time to actually vote, I think Christie's negatives won't play in Iowa and New Hampshire. I think he'll get pummeled in those two primaries (caucus) and usually a long-shot who doesn't win, or finish in the top 3 in those, loses support (money dries up) and they are done. Also, Christie seems to be one of the GOP candidates the libtards fear, so the lamestream media has, and will continue to hammer him. That will cause GOP primary voters to have a "pause" about nominating Christie, thinking he'll have no chance in the general election.

This is JUST my view of the situation, as it stands in Jan. 2015, more than a year from the start of the primaries. Obviously, things can change.

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Originally Posted by Bigdog13

Totally disagree. He's, as it currently looks, the only one offering a chance to break the crappy cycle we've been in. The only one that's significantly different from the RINO's.

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But he still has some terrible wile indo ideas like his dad. If I could hand pick my president, it would be Ted Cruz. The guys is a jerk but he would definitely break the cycle.

Jim Webb has been mentioned along with Warren at the two with the biggest potential to send Clinton packing. I would never vote for a Democrat for President so I want Clinton to get the nomination. She is beatable

Why doesn't anyone like Jeb Bush?? He's my favorite now. Conservative yet moderate enough to get the independent vote and beat Hillary. I think he'd be a better President than Bush 43. Rubio would be a good VP candidate to get Hispanic vote. Jindal doesn't have a prayer IMO.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Bigdog13

Totally disagree. He's, as it currently looks, the only one offering a chance to break the crappy cycle we've been in. The only one that's significantly different from the RINO's.

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I love Rand but I wonder if he's too independent minded to run for President. He can be outspoken now but you have to be willing to compromise some to get votes; I'm not sure that in his DNA.

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Originally Posted by Bigdog13

Totally disagree. He's, as it currently looks, the only one offering a chance to break the crappy cycle we've been in. The only one that's significantly different from the RINO's.

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I could vote for Rand.

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Originally Posted by Dawg85

Why doesn't anyone like Jeb Bush?? He's my favorite now. Conservative yet moderate enough to get the independent vote and beat Hillary. I think he'd be a better President than Bush 43. Rubio would be a good VP candidate to get Hispanic vote. Jindal doesn't have a prayer IMO.

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Jeb is a classic RINO. They won't pair him with Rubio as that wouldn't help national appeal (both from Florida).

I know "they" say candidates like Jeb and McCain will get independents, but they usually don't.

Always have and always will. Rich Republicans vs. Dems and them throwing more $$ out there was always a huge lie by the Dems. The Dems are the ultra wealthy and "ultra elite".

Dem billionaires top Republicans in political contributions...

This alone should lose Christie a shot at the GOP nomination. :laugh:

Christie in Jerry's box on the right in red/orange when the play was overturned LMAO https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B7GnGLfCcAA0dlI.jpg

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Originally Posted by KSDAWG

But he still has some terrible wile indo ideas like his dad. If I could hand pick my president, it would be Ted Cruz. The guys is a jerk but he would definitely break the cycle.

Jim Webb has been mentioned along with Warren at the two with the biggest potential to send Clinton packing. I would never vote for a Democrat for President so I want Clinton to get the nomination. She is beatable

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What ideas does he have that you strongly oppose?

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Originally Posted by johnnylightnin

Jeb is a classic RINO. They won't pair him with Rubio as that wouldn't help national appeal (both from Florida).

I know "they" say candidates like Jeb and McCain will get independents, but they usually don't.

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Nailed it.

Hillary would Obama 3.0!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Originally Posted by 70TECHGRAD

Hillary would Obama 3.0!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Much better than Bush 4.0!!!!!!!!!!!!! :laugh:

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Originally Posted by Dawg85

Why doesn't anyone like Jeb Bush?? He's my favorite now. Conservative yet moderate enough to get the independent vote and beat Hillary. I think he'd be a better President than Bush 43. Rubio would be a good VP candidate to get Hispanic vote. Jindal doesn't have a prayer IMO.

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Jeb invented Common Core for one thing. He is pro amnesty from what I hear. He is also a member of an Oligarchy. Rand is ok, but I struggle with him still being the son of Ron Paul.

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Originally Posted by Bigdog13

What ideas does he have that you strongly oppose?

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I am more of a hawk when it comes to Israel which I question Rands Foreign Policy. I follow him on twitter and he seems like a good guy so we will see.

What's your issue with Ron KS?

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Originally Posted by johnnylightnin

What's your issue with Ron KS?

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I am a libertarian by heart, but I don't like his foreign policy. The Gold Standard is a great idea on paper, but cannot be used to hold our monetary system together. There just isnt18 Trillion dollars worth of gold out there.

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Originally Posted by Woof!

Much better than Bush 4.0!!!!!!!!!!!!! :laugh:

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I agree on that.

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Originally Posted by KSDAWG

I am more of a hawk when it comes to Israel which I question Rands Foreign Policy. I follow him on twitter and he seems like a good guy so we will see.

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I support Israel as well but I'll be honest I agree with his dad on a lot of other foreign policy stuff. We are way too spread out and in too many peoples business. Hell I've read where Hezbollah is digging tunnels under the Mexican border and we're back jacking around in Iraq. We've got way too much crap to deal with in our own Hemisphere to be messing around over there. Plus about 6 months to a year ago we dropped a drone on a wedding party on accident. You don't think that shit creates terrorists??

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Originally Posted by 70TECHGRAD

Hillary would Obama 3.0!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Originally Posted by Woof!

Much better than Bush 4.0!!!!!!!!!!!!! :laugh:

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Woof...you are a flaming idiot.

As for Jeb Bush, true, I am not all that enthused. But, just because he shares a name, just because he is related, does not mean he will be "Bush 4." However, from what I've heard him say, I do think he may very well be "McCain 2."

What this nation....the world!...needs is a "Reagan 2." Anything short of that will leave us wallowing in muck.

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Originally Posted by dawg80

What this nation....the world!...needs is a "Reagan 2." Anything short of that will leave us wallowing in muck.

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Nice try but but you have fundamental lack of knowledge concerning politics.

http://www.businessinsider.com/ronal...ot-win-2011-11

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Originally Posted by Woof!

Nice try but but you have fundamental lack of knowledge concerning politics.

http://www.businessinsider.com/ronal...ot-win-2011-11

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I understand the nation's, and the world's, issues perfectly. Which is why a pragmatist like Reagan is what we need. The article you now hold up as evidence as to why Reagan wouldn't be successful as POTUS today, I hold up as evidence that he would.

Now, while a true Reagan 2 would be better than any of the candidates likely to be our next Prez, that person would still fall short of who would definitely clean up our mess: Dawg80 1. Yep!

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Originally Posted by Bigdog13

I support Israel as well but I'll be honest I agree with his dad on a lot of other foreign policy stuff. We are way too spread out and in too many peoples business. Hell I've read where Hezbollah is digging tunnels under the Mexican border and we're back jacking around in Iraq. We've got way too much crap to deal with in our own Hemisphere to be messing around over there. Plus about 6 months to a year ago we dropped a drone on a wedding party on accident. You don't think that shit creates terrorists??

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My foreign policy would be very limited as well. I agree with you 13. I'm just very pro Israel and Pro Great Britain. Out side of that, if it does not effect us economically the I could care less.

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Originally Posted by dawg80

Woof...you are a flaming idiot.

As for Jeb Bush, true, I am not all that enthused. But, just because he shares a name, just because he is related, does not mean he will be "Bush 4." However, from what I've heard him say, I do think he may very well be "McCain 2."

What this nation....the world!...needs is a "Reagan 2." Anything short of that will leave us wallowing in muck.

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We have a winner!!!!! Great post!!!!

And....not Dawg80 1? :(

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Originally Posted by dawg80

And....not Dawg80 1? :(

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Dawg80 would have already defeated the Islamist terrorists, made a parking lot out of Iran, and kicked Putin's ass!

With Rep. Paul Ryan (WI) declining to run for the GOP nomination in 2016, I think Gov. Scott Walker from Wisconsin will run for President. IIRC, Paul Ryan said if Walker ran for President, he wouldn't.

Scott Walker would be as bad as Jindal. He will get no traction in moderate states.

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Originally Posted by 70TECHGRAD

Dawg80 would have already defeated the Islamist terrorists, made a parking lot out of Iran, and kicked Putin's ass!

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Yep...all in my first 100 days in office.

I'd also have a fence built along the Mexican border, with some "gadgets" in place, rebuild America's manufacturing base, creating 10's of thousands of great jobs, refine the tax code (with more tax revisions to come later), overhaul all federal agencies, starting with the IRS and Dept of Education, reel in the EPA, and generally change the culture of this nation to some old, quaint ideals, such as: respect, work ethic, and PATRIOTISM!

Then in my 2nd 6 months in office.....

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Originally Posted by dawg80

Woof...you are a flaming idiot.

As for Jeb Bush, true, I am not all that enthused. But, just because he shares a name, just because he is related, does not mean he will be "Bush 4." However, from what I've heard him say, I do think he may very well be "McCain 2."

What this nation....the world!...needs is a "Reagan 2." Anything short of that will leave us wallowing in muck.

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I would take a Reagan 1.0!

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Originally Posted by dawg80

Yep...all in my first 100 days in office.

I'd also have a fence built along the Mexican border, with some "gadgets" in place, rebuild America's manufacturing base, creating 10's of thousands of great jobs, refine the tax code (with more tax revisions to come later), overhaul all federal agencies, starting with the IRS and Dept of Education, reel in the EPA, and generally change the culture of this nation to some old, quaint ideals, such as: respect, work ethic, and PATRIOTISM!

Then in my 2nd 6 months in office.....

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You should probably run for governor of Louisiana first. If you do...I'll put up a sign in my yard and vote for you.

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Originally Posted by 70TECHGRAD

You should probably run for governor of Louisiana first. If you do...I'll put up a sign in my yard and vote for you.

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Should I build a fence around Louisiana? ;)

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Originally Posted by dawg80

Should I build a fence around Louisiana? ;)

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Nah, we'll need more people coming in to help with the new businesses.

dawg80 for Governor of Louisiana.......go dawg80!!!!:)

Yes indeed!

Ben Carson, famed neurosurgeon, running for president

http://o.aolcdn.com/dims-shared/dims...o_2012.svg.pngSTEVE PEOPLES and BILL BARROWMay 3rd 2015 8:20PM

http://www.aol.com/article/2015/05/0...id%3D489856084

No indeed. Unless he is the candidate. Then yes indeed. Otherwise, no.

First major policy stance from the republicans is a flat tax. That won't fly.

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Originally Posted by JuBru

First major policy stance from the republicans is a flat tax. That won't fly.

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How soon that the GOP forgets Herman Cain's 9-9-9 plan and all the talk within the party about it not being a good idea.

Booby J. just needs to give it up. His campaign...unofficial still....is on life-support (and I'm being generous), and will be dead coming out of New Hampshire. He's HOPING to be alive by the SC primary, thus his comments on "the flag." And, he might garner a 3rd place finish, or so, in SC, maybe even better! But, that'll be his high-water mark.

I find it curious that the national lamestream media is attacking him so much. They usually save their efforts for front-runners. Yeah, the attacks are silly on Rubio, Walker, Bush... but that's all they got.

As for "our" guy, give up the ghost Jindal, it ain't happening.

What are some of y'alls thoughts on John Kasich (Governor of Ohio)?

He's probably the least clown car-ish of the Republican candidates and I think that will keep him from getting the nomination.

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Originally Posted by dawg80

Booby J. just needs to give it up. His campaign...unofficial still....is on life-support (and I'm being generous), and will be dead coming out of New Hampshire. He's HOPING to be alive by the SC primary, thus his comments on "the flag." And, he might garner a 3rd place finish, or so, in SC, maybe even better! But, that'll be his high-water mark.

I find it curious that the national lamestream media is attacking him so much. They usually save their efforts for front-runners. Yeah, the attacks are silly on Rubio, Walker, Bush... but that's all they got.

As for "our" guy, give up the ghost Jindal, it ain't happening.

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The author of this article argues that Jindal should have run for resident in 2012, not 2016. It also includes a cool graphic which illustrates how each GOP candidate is grouped into five general categories (moderate, establishment, libertarian, etc.)

http://fivethirtyeight.com/features/...2012-not-2016/

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Originally Posted by JuBru

What are some of y'alls thoughts on John Kasich (Governor of Ohio)?

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He was great on Face the Nation this weekend.

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Originally Posted by JuBru

What are some of y'alls thoughts on John Kasich (Governor of Ohio)?

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Probably too nice. He is also probably one of the most qualified of the batch having been a Congressman and a Governor of a very large state.
But I don't like his illegal alien stance as I have read if true. I do really like the guy but again he seems too nice for the job similar to Reagan. At least he's not a lawyer by trade. maybe that's why he seems nice and naturally genuine. ;)

But I still think I like Walker. He's a Tea Party guy, not a lawyer, a governor that hammered the libs into submission, in their own state, and proving them wrong the entire time.

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Originally Posted by JuBru

What are some of y'alls thoughts on John Kasich (Governor of Ohio)?

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Seen him interviewed many times. I like him. He's not as conservative as some in "the base" will like, but I think he's mostly a pragmatist.

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Originally Posted by TYLERTECHSAS

But I still think I like Walker. He's a Tea Party guy, not a lawyer, a governor that hammered the libs into submission, in their own state, and proving them wrong the entire time.

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If you like Jindal, you'll love Walker. Walker = Jindal, north.

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Originally Posted by Woof!

Walker = Jindal, north.

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And all you have is the lying, distrustful and evil Billary team and a raving, admitted socialist/marxist lunatic Bernie Sanders. Both are nothing but commies in drag. Of course they learned from the muslim in drag.

Sounds like Louisianians with a negative view of Jindal just didn't like taking their medicine according to this blogger

http://www.redstate.com/2015/06/24/b...ng-home-again/

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Originally Posted by Cool Hand Clyde

Sounds like Louisianians with a negative view of Jindal just didn't like taking their medicine according to this blogger

http://www.redstate.com/2015/06/24/b...ng-home-again/

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Yeah, the medicine Jindal is serving up is a poison pill. :laugh:

I mourn for those who actually think Government can fix everything.

Jindal is surging in the national polls!

He was at 1% and is now at a solid 2%. He has doubled his favorability rating! Plus, he is now 12th, out of 14 GOP candidates. Most pundits think he'll climb into the top 10 and be able to participate in the debates. He'll get a huge boost this week when he appears on Hannity. Go Bobby go!!!

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Originally Posted by Cool Hand Clyde

Sounds like Louisianians with a negative view of Jindal just didn't like taking their medicine according to this blogger

http://www.redstate.com/2015/06/24/b...ng-home-again/

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Some people are better off just not saying, or posting anything. One commenter, some self-confessed Cajun (and probably a delusional ull/lsu fan too) bashed someone for placing Angola Prison in the wrong parish, citing "truth in blogging," and then proceeded to say his great great grandfather served in the original Fightin' Tigers with Stonewall Jackson in the Battle of New Orleans defeating the British. :laugh: That is so stupid it is comical. Guess Brian Williams of NBC was there reporting on it too.

But, overall, lost of favorable comments for Jindal.

Anybody gonna point out Hillary's 180 on gay marriage. That was only what 2 years ago? Maybe 3? She (and Obama) wave those rainbow flags well now, but that's a new development.

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Originally Posted by Cool Hand Clyde

Sounds like Louisianians with a negative view of Jindal just didn't like taking their medicine according to this blogger

http://www.redstate.com/2015/06/24/b...ng-home-again/

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There are so many reasons to hate Jindal. He is Obama with an "R" in front of his name. He has no ethics, rules are only for others to follow. He destroyed education. He "saved" money by privatizing jobs to take money from one pot and increased the cost for the same functions by hiring outside contractors. I know there is a lot of Hannity love for Jindal here on this board, but if you lived in the state, there would be little. He would have a very difficult battle if he ran in our state again- even in North Louisiana where we always vote Republican. People hate him here- and he earned it.

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Originally Posted by KSDAWG

I mourn for those who actually think Government can fix everything.

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Amen to that!

I think if it weren't for all the pissed of Louisiana Folks, no one would be talking about Jindal. That's why I don't.

7 years after Bush is out of office. 4 years after Iraq pull out. Half of the declared Democratic field is still running against the Iraq War.

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Originally Posted by Cal&Ken

There are so many reasons to hate Jindal. He is Obama with an "R" in front of his name. He has no ethics, rules are only for others to follow. He destroyed education. He "saved" money by privatizing jobs to take money from one pot and increased the cost for the same functions by hiring outside contractors. I know there is a lot of Hannity love for Jindal here on this board, but if you lived in the state, there would be little. He would have a very difficult battle if he ran in our state again- even in North Louisiana where we always vote Republican. People hate him here- and he earned it.

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I wouldn't vote for Jindal for dog catcher. He screwed up the state workers' health insurance beyond belief.

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Originally Posted by JuBru

7 years after Bush is out of office. 4 years after Iraq pull out. Half of the declared Democratic field is still running against the Iraq War.

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I agree but their crazy low informed and ignorant voter base won't know the difference. Bush won the won and Obama/Hillary have lost the peace. In fact they have lost the peace over most of the globe and where they haven't they will soon. The world knows Obama can't be trusted and can't be depended upon.

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Originally Posted by TYLERTECHSAS

I agree but their crazy low informed and ignorant voter base won't know the difference. Bush won the won and Obama/Hillary have lost the peace. In fact they have lost the peace over most of the globe and where they haven't they will soon. The world knows Obama can't be trusted and can't be depended upon.

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Spoken like a true clown car candidate supporter! :laugh:

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Originally Posted by 70TECHGRAD

He screwed up the state workers' health insurance beyond belief.

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I hear this often. What did he do to it?

Oh, and I'm all about Donald Trump. He has the Dems and Republicans running scared. Un PC comments are so cool!

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Originally Posted by 70TECHGRAD

I wouldn't vote for Jindal for dog catcher. He screwed up the state workers' health insurance beyond belief.

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The state workers' insurance isn't screwed up, it's still good insurance. It's just a lot more expensive! An average of $3,000 more in premiums, and higher deductibles and co-pays. But, my understanding is this is a direct result of obummercare, not something Jindal did, or didn't do. In case you're not privy to it, everyone's costs has gone up, thanks to obummer, not just LA. state employees'.

But, I'd be interested in hearing what Jindal did. Because if he contributed to it, that means the next guv-nor can undo some of it.

So.....

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Originally Posted by dawg80

The state workers' insurance isn't screwed up, it's still good insurance. It's just a lot more expensive! An average of $3,000 more in premiums, and higher deductibles and co-pays. But, my understanding is this is a direct result of obummercare, not something Jindal did, or didn't do. In case you're not privy to it, everyone's costs has gone up, thanks to obummer, not just LA. state employees'.

But, I'd be interested in hearing what Jindal did. Because if he contributed to it, that means the next guv-nor can undo some of it.

So.....

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Yes, I still want to hear what Jindal did. We did see a small increase in premium on our state group plan, but nothing close to $3k. This $3k amount sounds like some of the other rumors I'm hearing about what Jindal did to the state group.

I can give many horror stories as to what Obamacare has done, but from what I've seen so far, it has not affected group health insurance...yet.

That $3K is annual.

I will get you the exact amount my wife's state employee insurance has gone. She has that Magnolia Plan, or whatever it is called. Off the top of my head, hers has gone up at least $175/month, $2,100. But she has an individual plan, not the family plan. But, I will verify that. We keep copies of check stubs, and I can look back at the pre-obummercare days and compare to today.

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Originally Posted by dawg80

That $3K is annual.

I will get you the exact amount my wife's state employee insurance has gone. She has that Magnolia Plan, or whatever it is called. Off the top of my head, hers has gone up at least $175/month, $2,100. But she has an individual plan, not the family plan. But, I will verify that. We keep copies of check stubs, and I can look back at the pre-obummercare days and compare to today.

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Yeah, I knew you meant annual...We have the Magnolia family plan. It did not go up very much at all. Most state group plans pay a large (if not all) of the employee portion.

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Originally Posted by maddawg

I hear this often. What did he do to it?

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He took all the money the workers paid in for the state budget. Instead of the "self-insurance" type of plan, all the money was then gone and the rates were jacked up to cover the new cost. If he was going to go to a new plan, he should have allowed that money to pay the increase until it was gone. Instead he used it.

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Originally Posted by Cal&Ken

He took all the money the workers paid in for the state budget. Instead of the "self-insurance" type of plan, all the money was then gone and the rates were jacked up to cover the new cost. If he was going to go to a new plan, he should have allowed that money to pay the increase until it was gone. Instead he used it.

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You know I respect your opinion greatly. Do you have a source for this?

The Group Benefits Plan's administration was taken over by Blue Cross as a cost saving measure. State worker's premiums were set to go up and would have gone up, but state employees asked for relief. Jindal (some say illegally) reduced the premiums by more than 9%. The premium reduction and rising health care costs are what actually ate up the once large surplus held by the Office of Group Benefits.

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Originally Posted by maddawg

You know I respect your opinion greatly. Do you have a source for this?

The Group Benefits Plan's administration was taken over by Blue Cross as a cost saving measure. State worker's premiums were set to go up and would have gone up, but state employees asked for relief. Jindal (some say illegally) reduced the premiums by more than 9%. The premium reduction and rising health care costs are what actually ate up the once large surplus held by the Office of Group Benefits.

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Here is an article that deals with the argument. http://www.nola.com/politics/index.s...s_planned.html I don't think anyone has "proof", just allegations. Here is one talking about the trust fund. http://www.statebudgetsolutions.org/...urance-program

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Originally Posted by maddawg

The Group Benefits Plan's administration was taken over by Blue Cross as a cost saving measure. State worker's premiums were set to go up and would have gone up, but state employees asked for relief. Jindal (some say illegally) reduced the premiums by more than 9%. The premium reduction and rising health care costs are what actually ate up the once large surplus held by the Office of Group Benefits.

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IIRC, the premiums were reduced for a couple of years to help reduce the amount of money the state government would have to pay for their share of the state employee insurance premiums (and help balance the budget). Eventually, the surplus of the state employee insurance program ran low, and the premiums had to go back up.

I converted to the Pelican HSA 775 plan when the state employee insurance changes were made late last year. A lot of the money I saved from the reduced health insurance premiums are now being deposited into a Health Savings Account. For me, it works. I can build up my HSA instead of paying as much money as I was paying into the health insurance program without any major health expenses the last eight years.

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Originally Posted by TechAlum05

IIRC, the premiums were reduced for a couple of years to help reduce the amount of money the state government would have to pay for their share of the state employee insurance premiums (and help balance the budget). Eventually, the surplus of the state employee insurance program ran low, and the premiums had to go back up.

I converted to the Pelican HSA 775 plan when the state employee insurance changes were made late last year. A lot of the money I saved from the reduced health insurance premiums are now being deposited into a Health Savings Account. For me, it works. I can build up my HSA instead of paying as much money as I was paying into the health insurance program without any major health expenses the last eight years.

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Yes, HSAs should be encouraged. Hopefully Obama won't take a parting shot at them in some strange executive action.

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Originally Posted by maddawg

I hear this often. What did he do to it?

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It was State operated and had millions of dollars in the fund. He sold it to Blue Cross/Blue Shield who has been taking one million dollars per year out for operating expenses. They now have much less money to pay claims. My deductible this year went from $300.00 to $600.00. My copay went from 10% to 20%!! The premium will soon be going up $20.00/month.

I saw Jindal's interview by Hanity. I kept an open mind. He said some things I liked. But, I just can't vote for someone who balances the State budget on the backs of the State workers and school students!

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Originally Posted by 70TECHGRAD

It was State operated and had millions of dollars in the fund. He sold it to Blue Cross/Blue Shield who has been taking one million dollars per year out for operating expenses. They now have much less money to pay claims. My deductible this year went from $300.00 to $600.00. My copay went from 10% to 20%!! The premium will soon be going up $20.00/month.

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Yes, there was $500B in the fund. It was costing much more than $1m per year to operate the OGB. That $500M was not being used to play claims and is not now. Consider yourself blessed if your plan changed so little. I can assure you Jindal nor BCBS taking over OGB caused these small changes in your plan.

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Originally Posted by maddawg

Oh, and I'm all about Donald Trump. He has the Dems and Republicans running scared. Un PC comments are so cool!

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I agree. It's very refreshing to hear the truth he's speaking. Don't hear that kind of straightforward talk from someone in his position anymore. He has no fear.

Also, while I hate that the crime happened because it never should have if the gov't was doing its job, I also like how his comment about the illegals came true (once again) right after all the libs slammed him for being racist.

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Originally Posted by Dowty

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Also, while I hate that the crime happened because it never should have if the gov't was doing its job, I also like how his comment about the illegals came true (once again) right after all the libs and RINO's slammed him for being racist.

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Fixed it.

I'm done with the GOP. They are as bad as the dems. We might as well not be voting at all.

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Originally Posted by maddawg

Fixed it.

I'm done with the GOP. They are as bad as the dems. We might as well not be voting at all.

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Very true. You can polish a turd all you want, but it's still a turd. When I last updated my voter registration, I also removed my registration with the Republican Party. I wouldn't want to be seen in the same room with 95% of them anymore.

I've come to accept that I'll probably never vote for a winning candidate because we've become so fixated on just electing Republicans and Democrats, but I still vote because I want to have a say, and the privilege of voting may not always be guaranteed with the way we're headed. It also really bothers me when people complain about their elected officials, but then follow it up by saying they didn't vote.

BY the people, OF the people, FOR the people.

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Originally Posted by Dowty

Very true. You can polish a turd all you want, but it's still a turd. When I last updated my voter registration, I also removed my registration with the Republican Party. I wouldn't want to be seen in the same room with 95% of them anymore.

I've come to accept that I'll probably never vote for a winning candidate because we've become so fixated on just electing Republicans and Democrats, but I still vote because I want to have a say, and the privilege of voting may not always be guaranteed with the way we're headed. It also really bothers me when people complain about their elected officials, but then follow it up by saying they didn't vote.

BY the people, OF the people, FOR the people.

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Don't feel bad for voting for the candidate you feel will do the best job. I voted for Ross Pero when he ran for president. He made a lot of sense. His prediction of the "sucking sound" as our jobs left the US became VERY TRUE!!

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Originally Posted by 70TECHGRAD

Don't feel bad for voting for the candidate you feel will do the best job. I voted for Ross Pero when he ran for president. He made a lot of sense. His prediction of the "sucking sound" as our jobs left the US became VERY TRUE!!

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It's not that I feel bad for voting for the guy I think will do the best job, it's that I know he/she probably won't win because they typically aren't an "establishment" candidate.

What I feel bad for is the direction of this country and all of the sheeple that are blinded by false promises from corrupt politicians and a just as corrupt national media. People need to wake up and realize that the world around them is crumbling right in front of their eyes. My generation is killing this world in the name of political correctness, "open mindedness," and their desperate desire to take a stand for anything, even if it has adverse effects and goes against their core ideology. They want to be popular, not right.

Politicians nowdays promise one group one thing and another group the exact opposite! Then, so as not to piss off either group...they do NOTHIG!!!!

So Trump commits a gaffe with his asinine comment about John McCain, and now the other GOP candidates are calling for him to drop out. Of course they are. He's leading in the polls. Tell ya what...Rick Perry, allow voters to decide.

Trump needs to keep talking, but he doesn't need to be POTUS. The other candidates need to learn from Trump that Americans want to hear Hillary called a loser. Obama needs to be called a Marxist. Quit being so nice to these creeps. It doesn't turn people off like the media says it does.

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Originally Posted by T1

Trump needs to keep talking, but he doesn't need to be POTUS. The other candidates need to learn from Trump that Americans want to hear Hillary called a loser. Obama needs to be called a Marxist. Quit being so nice to these creeps. It doesn't turn people off like the media says it does.

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Yes, the media consultants for each candidate are all from the same school except they coach liberals in a different way than conservatives. Trump is his own consultant.

I don't believe Clinton can beat any GOP candidate who has a real chance of being nominated.

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Originally Posted by T1

Trump needs to keep talking, but he doesn't need to be POTUS. The other candidates need to learn from Trump that Americans want to hear Hillary called a loser. Obama needs to be called a Marxist. Quit being so nice to these creeps. It doesn't turn people off like the media says it does.

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For the most part, I agree; however, it does turn off people. Maybe not those on the right who will vote for a Republican no matter what, but people who vote for a person rather than a party.

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Originally Posted by maverick

For the most part, I agree; however, it does turn off people. Maybe not those on the right who will vote for a Republican no matter what, but people who vote for a person rather than a party.

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Most people aren't paying attention any more. They only care about Confederate flags on the right and gay marriage on the left, for the most part. Global trade, illegal immigration, government health care, etc.. flies over their heads. In our modern day Idiocracy, the "coolest" guy has the best chance. Republicans need a black guy who plays basketball smokes cigarettes, has some swag and talks like Trump. Charles Barkley or somebody like that. The special interests will still run the country.