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And then there were Four...
Author: BobR    Date: 12/07/2011 14:04:20

With the recent "suspension" of Cain's campaign (translation: I'll still take donations, and if everyone else melts down, I may step back in), there are 4 candidates left that have not peaked and then cratered. Despite being written off months ago as a non-entity in the race, he is now considered the front runner, thanks to the "anybody but Romney" mindset of the Republican primary voters. If past history is any indication, he too will experience a spiral into the abyss within a week or two.

But for now, he shares the "top 4" status with Romney, Paul, and Huntsman. Cain is essentially out, Perry bumbled and fumbled his way out of the nomination, and Bachmann and Santorum are just too nutty even for the average Republican primary voter (even in this weak field, they seem to be out of their league). Pawlenty must be kicking himself for dropping out so soon. There are a couple others trying to get some attention (like Buddy Roemer), but are not getting invited to the debates, so they will never be contenders.

The "Gingrich Bump" ™ is amazing in its own right. Cain was essentially marginalized because of an alleged 13-year affair with another woman - the sexual harrassment charges were far more serious, and should have been the bullet to his campaign. Of course, that was all icing on the "things swirling around in my head" cake. Gingrich, on the other hand, has had at least two affairs, and is on his third wife. For the "protect marriage" crowd, that should be a deal-breaker, but the voters can certainly be selectively forgiving.

On top of that, Gingrich has a rather well-documented past of shady doings and impulsive behavior, including shutting down government because then-President Clinton didn't let him ride in Air Force One, and being charged with 84 ethics violations while Speaker of the House (he ended up paying $300K). Having been in Congress so long and holding the Speaker's chair, he is also clearly not "an outsider", and voters looking to "clean house" will soon realize that they don't want to sweep the dirt back in.

Ron Paul is another old-timer in the political arena. Older than the rest of the candidates, he's been part of the political machine for decades, which is interesting in that he constantly reminds us how much he hates government. He even switched from the Libertarian party (where he truly belongs) to the Republican party to further his own career, despite the clashes with party dogma that frequently occur (and visible in every debate), especially as they relate to the military and drug policy. Paul always has a noisy hard-core base that pulls for him every 4 years (this isn't his first time in the rodeo), but his wacky libertarian ideas always alienate a majority of Republican voters who - while complaining about the size of government - still like their government services (click here to see how Paul's brand of libertarianism plays out in real life).

At least Paul was adult enough to say "no thanks" to Trump and his ego-fest debate (and did so in quite colorful fashion). Huntsman was the first one to say "this is a joke, and I won't participate", and following Paul's defection, Romney bailed too. So the Trump debates should be a real circus freak show of Gingrich acting like King Boo-foo, and the rest of the also-rans desperately trying to regain some relevancy, and possibly a Veep slot in the impending race.

Along with Paul and Gingrich, that leaves Mitt "why-doesn't-anybody-like-me" Romney, and Jon "I'm-the-other-Mormon" Huntsman. It might end up being a bland-off between those two. Right now, Romney is running against himself (or - more accurately - himself several years ago) by wearing the arch-conservative vestments of his opponents. He looks about as comfortable in those clothes as he would if he had to wear Rick Perry's unwashed boxer shorts. Hopefully, that Mormon magic underwear will protect him.

Which leaves Huntsman... By all measures, he is the most reasoned and seasoned pro in the bunch. He's not a nut-job, and doesn't seem to have any skeletons in his closet. In short - no controversy, so no press. Also, the extremists voters in the Republican party don't trust (and likely don't understand) his non-absolutist nuanced approaches to political positions.

Naturally, this has left the Republican primary voter in fits of desperation, like watching your favorite football team blow a field goal with less than 2 minutes left, and hoping (but deep down knowing otherwise) that some last minute miracle will occur. New Jersey Governor Chris Christie was supposed to be that miracle, but he said "Thanks, but no thanks". This late in the game, it's highly unlikely that there will be an 11th hour candidate jump in. This is the field; this is who the Republicans have to choose from.

It's about to get very interesting.
 

69 comments (Latest Comment: 12/08/2011 00:18:17 by Raine)
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Comment by Mondobubba on 12/07/2011 14:10:55
Comment by TriSec on 12/07/2011 14:15:34
http://www.sflistteamhouse.com/Misc/Pearl%20Harbor/origin10.jpg


Remember Pearl Harbor. That is All.



Comment by Scoopster on 12/07/2011 14:19:35
Morning all & Happy Humpdee..
Quote by Mondobubba:
Hey Tri! Mythbusters cannonball hits Dublin home, minivan. Ooops!

DAMNIT! You stole my thunder!

Comment by Mondobubba on 12/07/2011 14:21:36
Quote by Scoopster:
Morning all & Happy Humpdee..
Quote by Mondobubba:
Hey Tri! Mythbusters cannonball hits Dublin home, minivan. Ooops!

DAMNIT! You stole my thunder!



Sorry dude, I head about on Morning Edition on the way to work. I hit the Google as soon as I got to my desk.

Comment by Scoopster on 12/07/2011 14:22:38
NPR's On Point interview with former Medicare chief Donald Berwick

Heard this last night.. this guy should be Secretary of HHS he's really got good solutions to bringing health care costs under control.

Comment by wickedpam on 12/07/2011 14:24:05
Quote by Mondobubba:
Hey Tri! Mythbusters cannonball hits Dublin home, minivan. Ooops!



why do I think Tory was involved some how?

Comment by wickedpam on 12/07/2011 14:24:33
Morning

Comment by Mondobubba on 12/07/2011 14:34:58
Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by Mondobubba:
Hey Tri! Mythbusters cannonball hits Dublin home, minivan. Ooops!



why do I think Tory was involved some how?



That is so totally a Tory, Kari & Grant myth. Twitter must be ablaze with this! I loved Jamie's terse quote.

Comment by wickedpam on 12/07/2011 14:38:25
Quote by Mondobubba:
Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by Mondobubba:
Hey Tri! Mythbusters cannonball hits Dublin home, minivan. Ooops!



why do I think Tory was involved some how?



That is so totally a Tory, Kari & Grant myth. Twitter must be ablaze with this! I loved Jamie's terse quote.


What did he say - didn't see it in the article

Comment by BobR on 12/07/2011 14:38:37
blog posted!


Comment by Raine on 12/07/2011 14:44:54
good morning! I'll scarce this morn, as I am co-hosting again today! Along with Nicole calling in from DC, David Shuster and Ray Meddieros (From his own show in Boston) will be among the guests!

Excellent summary Bobber. We'll probably be talking about this on the show. Wish me luck!

Comment by Raine on 12/07/2011 14:55:41
http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/12/07/article-2070918-0F1513DC00000578-140_634x413.jpg




Comment by Mondobubba on 12/07/2011 15:05:55
Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by Mondobubba:
Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by Mondobubba:
Hey Tri! Mythbusters cannonball hits Dublin home, minivan. Ooops!



why do I think Tory was involved some how?



That is so totally a Tory, Kari & Grant myth. Twitter must be ablaze with this! I loved Jamie's terse quote.


What did he say - didn't see it in the article



"I can't talk right now."

Comment by wickedpam on 12/07/2011 15:07:56
Quote by Mondobubba:
Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by Mondobubba:
Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by Mondobubba:
Hey Tri! Mythbusters cannonball hits Dublin home, minivan. Ooops!



why do I think Tory was involved some how?



That is so totally a Tory, Kari & Grant myth. Twitter must be ablaze with this! I loved Jamie's terse quote.


What did he say - didn't see it in the article



"I can't talk right now."



XD that's so Jamie

Comment by BobR on 12/07/2011 15:27:27
Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by Mondobubba:
Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by Mondobubba:
Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by Mondobubba:
Hey Tri! Mythbusters cannonball hits Dublin home, minivan. Ooops!


why do I think Tory was involved some how?


That is so totally a Tory, Kari & Grant myth. Twitter must be ablaze with this! I loved Jamie's terse quote.


What did he say - didn't see it in the article


"I can't talk right now."


XD that's so Jamie

Per the linked article, it was Adam that said that.

Comment by Mondobubba on 12/07/2011 15:30:59
Quote by BobR:
Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by Mondobubba:
Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by Mondobubba:
Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by Mondobubba:
Hey Tri! Mythbusters cannonball hits Dublin home, minivan. Ooops!


why do I think Tory was involved some how?


That is so totally a Tory, Kari & Grant myth. Twitter must be ablaze with this! I loved Jamie's terse quote.


What did he say - didn't see it in the article


"I can't talk right now."


XD that's so Jamie

Per the linked article, it was Adam that said that.


My bad, thought it was The Hineman.

Comment by wickedpam on 12/07/2011 15:35:18
Quote by Mondobubba:
Quote by BobR:
Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by Mondobubba:
Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by Mondobubba:
Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by Mondobubba:
Hey Tri! Mythbusters cannonball hits Dublin home, minivan. Ooops!


why do I think Tory was involved some how?


That is so totally a Tory, Kari & Grant myth. Twitter must be ablaze with this! I loved Jamie's terse quote.


What did he say - didn't see it in the article


"I can't talk right now."


XD that's so Jamie

Per the linked article, it was Adam that said that.


My bad, thought it was The Hineman.



was it Jamie in an Adam disguise, cause it still sounds like a quick thing Jamie would use

Comment by wickedpam on 12/07/2011 15:38:00
Chrysler needs to bring back the Acclaim, my mom's had her's for 18 years and that sucker still runs pretty great - looks like hell though

Comment by Raine on 12/07/2011 15:44:31
/david Schuster!

Comment by Raine on 12/07/2011 15:48:08
SCOOP (BREAKING NEWS)

Prog Radio is coming to DC!


Comment by wickedpam on 12/07/2011 15:52:33
Quote by Raine:
SCOOP (BREAKING NEWS)

Prog Radio is coming to DC!



I heard they were flipping 950am - it comes from MD so not sure how far that signal goes

Comment by wickedpam on 12/07/2011 16:01:55
Quote by Raine:
good morning! I'll scarce this morn, as I am co-hosting again today! Along with Nicole calling in from DC, David Shuster and Ray Meddieros (From his own show in Boston) will be among the guests!

Excellent summary Bobber. We'll probably be talking about this on the show. Wish me luck!


ok, so I love how ShaneO turns to the side when talking to you, like your sitting next to him


Comment by Raine on 12/07/2011 16:33:25
Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by Raine:
SCOOP (BREAKING NEWS)

Prog Radio is coming to DC!



I heard they were flipping 950am - it comes from MD so not sure how far that signal goes

I dunno -- I didn't get a chance to get more out of Schuster.... but it sounds very hopeful.

Comment by Raine on 12/07/2011 16:34:21
Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by Raine:
good morning! I'll scarce this morn, as I am co-hosting again today! Along with Nicole calling in from DC, David Shuster and Ray Meddieros (From his own show in Boston) will be among the guests!

Excellent summary Bobber. We'll probably be talking about this on the show. Wish me luck!


ok, so I love how ShaneO turns to the side when talking to you, like your sitting next to him
I never realized that until you mentioned it -- but he does!



Comment by Scoopster on 12/07/2011 16:34:53
Comment by livingonli on 12/07/2011 16:41:51
Good morning folks. Listening to that last right-wing caller on Momma's show who couldn't seem to get out of his talking points fritata.

They really don't want to discuss, they just want to club you with their argument even when you do point out how lacking it is in facts.

Comment by Raine on 12/07/2011 16:46:33
Just gave Tri a huge shout out!
Ray Knows TriSec!

Comment by TriSec on 12/07/2011 17:00:58
< ears prick up >

Hmmmm?



Comment by wickedpam on 12/07/2011 17:03:21
Raine I got that from DCRTV

Comment by wickedpam on 12/07/2011 17:03:53
Hey!!!!!!! *waves*

Comment by wickedpam on 12/07/2011 17:07:44
I feel like I'm spying on ShaneO and Raine

Comment by Raine on 12/07/2011 17:20:24
Quote by TriSec:
< ears prick up >

Hmmmm?

@raymedeirosshow on Twitter.

Mentioned you -- he said you and he had communicated. Here is his website. You guys should talk.


Comment by Raine on 12/07/2011 17:21:23
Quote by wickedpam:
I feel like I'm spying on ShaneO and Raine
I wanted to make sure you got props for your info.

I'm still very excited about this.




Comment by wickedpam on 12/07/2011 17:23:04
Quote by Raine:
Quote by wickedpam:
I feel like I'm spying on ShaneO and Raine
I wanted to make sure you got props for your info.

I'm still very excited about this.





Awww thanks it was very exciting to hear my name on the show

Comment by wickedpam on 12/07/2011 17:24:00
what tidbit it you hear about Prog radio in DC? I came in after you guys were talking to Schuster

Comment by livingonli on 12/07/2011 17:26:43
I was looking at DCRTV as well. Looks like 950 may have the same line-up as Boston. I was wondering if they took Momma off Boston radio again.

Comment by wickedpam on 12/07/2011 17:32:34
Quote by livingonli:
I was looking at DCRTV as well. Looks like 950 may have the same line-up as Boston. I was wondering if they took Momma off Boston radio again.



the problem with 950 is the same as it was with 1260 - can anyone actually hear it? I don't live that far to the south and west and I couldn't get 1260 to save my life

Comment by Raine on 12/07/2011 17:39:09
Quote by livingonli:
I was looking at DCRTV as well. Looks like 950 may have the same line-up as Boston. I was wondering if they took Momma off Boston radio again.
I think this may be the case. I know my representive, Jim Moran posted this the other day on twitter:
The Jeff Santos show is now airing in DC - and I'll be one of the first guests! Tune into WCTN AM950 in a few minutes!
I looked into it, and yes, Santos is based out of Boston, it appears.

Not sure if this Endeavor with Schuster, Cliff Shector and Jeremy Koulish is the same thing. They did seem rather mysterious about it all.

I still like it!
that said, I was having a tough time finding WCTN's website for streaming.





Comment by Raine on 12/07/2011 17:41:19
Quote by wickedpam:
what tidbit it you hear about Prog radio in DC? I came in after you guys were talking to Schuster
it looks like after the first of the year a new radio netowrk is gonna start up. that is what I got from the interview with Jeremy and David.



Comment by Raine on 12/07/2011 17:42:48
I need to go back and listen to the podcast myself... Strange being in the midst of it-- when you don;t know what is gonna be said.

I'm just the chick hanging out listening -- I think even Shane was surprised.


Comment by wickedpam on 12/07/2011 17:48:34
Quote by Raine:
Quote by livingonli:
I was looking at DCRTV as well. Looks like 950 may have the same line-up as Boston. I was wondering if they took Momma off Boston radio again.
I think this may be the case. I know my representive, Jim Moran posted this the other day on twitter:
The Jeff Santos show is now airing in DC - and I'll be one of the first guests! Tune into WCTN AM950 in a few minutes!
I looked into it, and yes, Santos is based out of Boston, it appears.

Not sure if this Endeavor with Schuster, Cliff Shector and Jeremy Koulish is the same thing. They did seem rather mysterious about it all.

I still like it!
that said, I was having a tough time finding WCTN's website for streaming.






That sounds like something different then the 950 thing - oh to having an actual Prog over the air station to listen to in the car!

Comment by trojanrabbit on 12/07/2011 17:56:01
Sometimes I need a good laugh when I turn on the PC in the morning. Somehow this does it.

http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q225/trojanrabbit74/desktop.jpg


Comment by Raine on 12/07/2011 17:59:44
HEy everyone, Nicole is live streaming from the occupy K street march right now online. Watch: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/radio-or-not

RT this ! @NicoleSandler

Comment by Mondobubba on 12/07/2011 18:06:35
Quote by Scoopster:
Ugh.. they took the bait.



Really PETA? REALLY??

Comment by trojanrabbit on 12/07/2011 18:06:46
WCTN 2.5kW Daytime
350W Nighttime.

SPEAK UP! I CANT HEAR YOU!

I know, we take what victories we can. It's better than nothing.

Comment by trojanrabbit on 12/07/2011 18:09:23
Jeff Santos' website

Revolution Boston

Comment by TriSec on 12/07/2011 18:37:28
Good lord. And I take WBZ'z 50,000 watts for granted around here.

Mondo, give it a listen one night - 1030am. No, I'm not being facetious; I've heard it myself on Flagler Drive in West Palm Beach.



Comment by wickedpam on 12/07/2011 18:41:14
Breaking news on Yahoo - Blogo sentenced to 14 year

Comment by Mondobubba on 12/07/2011 18:50:40
Quote by TriSec:
Good lord. And I take WBZ'z 50,000 watts for granted around here.

Mondo, give it a listen one night - 1030am. No, I'm not being facetious; I've heard it myself on Flagler Drive in West Palm Beach.




Yes, I'll rush out and by a radio with AM on it just for that!

Comment by Raine on 12/07/2011 19:02:43
Quote by wickedpam:
Breaking news on Yahoo - Blogo sentenced to 14 year
WHAT?!?!?! Wow.