Ben Carson Switches Parties – Will He Run?

[Cyber Liberty]

I totally agree with you. I was just responding to the idea that the next President has to be an old white male. I don't think that has to be so; I don't have race or gender on my "disqualify" list. To me, picking the next GOP candidate for President is all about resume checking. I want executive experience - a governor is good; management in a private business is added help; experience with other countries or in the military is good; and perhaps another elected office is also a help.

I think the original sentiments were not about race as much as it was about the never-ending drama with this bunch.  I'd love to have a stretch where I don't have to get steamed and the actions of a lawless President.  It just so happens this particular one plays into every negative sterotype about his race, and we're well past burned out.

[DCPatriot]

Ben Carson is one of the most boring speakers I've ever heard. He's too low key.

Plus, I'm opposed to a non-politician cutting his political teeth on the highest office in the land.  We've had a president with no management experience. Carson has even less.

No to Ben Carson.  He's even worse than Herman Cain.

I agree, Sink!

But he could prove to be a huge public asset to the GOP as they repeal Obamacare.

[aligncare]

Good point, DC. But it's if, not as, they repeal.

[jmyrlefuller]

Carson's the kind of guy who would make a good Secretary of Health and Human Services or Surgeon General, positions where his narrow but deep expertise would be best suited.

[raml]

I agree while I like Carson I want someone who has some experience and Walker or Perry have that.

[olde north church]

J. Myrle Fuller wrote above:
[[ But this time around, especially after a strong midterm, there are a number of quality candidates ]]

Name three. I dare ya.

You said "quality"...

[[ Right now I'm leaning heavily toward Walker. He has a strong conservative record and is a battle-tested campaigner. ]]

On that, I agree.
Scott Walker should be number one on the short list.
He has demonstrated the ability to win in "difficult political territory" (Wisconsin, a blue/purple state), has shown that he can advance a conservative agenda in extremely hostile circumstances and still come out ahead, has withstood withering pressure and attacks and come through it on top, and has literally turned his state around from deficits to surplus (and I believe he even refunded some of that back to the taxpayers).

Guys like Christie and Jeb Bush are political pipsqueaks by comparison. Rick Perry is ok (I could support him), but he's an example of a GOP governor from "friendly territory".

Scott Walker has "walked the walk" in enemy territory -- and won.

I think he could do the same on the national stage...

I wouldn't cast a vote for Christie again but if you think "Blue" Jersey is "friendly territory", you are sadly mistaken.

[Cyber Liberty]

I wouldn't cast a vote for Christie again but if you think "Blue" Jersey is "friendly territory", you are sadly mistaken.

It's certainly friendly to Christie.  That ought to tell you what you need to know about Christie?

[olde north church]

It's certainly friendly to Christie.  That ought to tell you what you need to know about Christie?

He's basically an honest guy.  Better than the last grifter and the pickle chugger before him.

[GourmetDan]

Also, Abraham Lincoln.  He had some political experience, but was only marginally qualified for the presidency.

Used to buy into Lincoln as a great president.

Now I think he presided over the needless slaughter of hundreds of thousands of men.

Slavery was on it's way out anyway...

[massadvj]

Used to buy into Lincoln as a great president.

Now I think he presided over the needless slaughter of hundreds of thousands of men.

Slavery was on it's way out anyway...

I agree, but...

Historical greatness is always a matter of perception.  The only real difference between a "terrorist" and a "great statesman" is whether he wins.  Lincoln was a terrorist who won, plain and simple.  That gave him the right to determine what would be said in the history books.

[EC]

I wouldn't cast a vote for Christie again but if you think "Blue" Jersey is "friendly territory", you are sadly mistaken.

I think that "friendly territory" point was specifically for Perry, not Christie and Jeb. Read it that way and it makes more sense. Perry is impressive, but he is a successful governor of a VERY conservative state.

Christie - well, he's got his detractors. Some of his approaches are hardly conservative. Still, I'll give him credit for both being fiercely loyal and getting stuff done in a toxic environment.

[GourmetDan]

Lincoln was a terrorist who won, plain and simple.  That gave him the right to determine what would be said in the history books.

Well, he didn't because he was dead.  But the people who managed him certainly did.

When Obama said he was like Lincoln, he was correct.  Generally a failure but elected to the presidency to preside over a great destruction and change in America.

People just didn't understand that was what he meant...

[Bigun]

Historical greatness is always a matter of perception.  The only real difference between a "terrorist" and a "great statesman" is whether he wins.  Lincoln was a terrorist who won, plain and simple.  That gave him the right to determine what would be said in the history books.

Exactly correct!   

[Cyber Liberty]

He's basically an honest guy.  Better than the last grifter and the pickle chugger before him.

True, but the last grifter and the pickle chugger (ick) are not on the short list for the GOP Presidential contest in '16.

[olde north church]

True, but the last grifter and the pickle chugger (ick) are not on the short list for the GOP Presidential contest in '16.

The media may put him on the short list for GOP candidates but I don't think it's on his RADAR.  I think he knows his limitations.  I really don't know why Dr. Carson should be considered a candidate.  He spoke the truth to a tyrant?  That's commendable but doesn't make him Presidential timber.

[Bigun]

The media may put him on the short list for GOP candidates but I don't think it's on his RADAR.  I think he knows his limitations.  I really don't know why Dr. Carson should be considered a candidate.  He spoke the truth to a tyrant?  That's commendable but doesn't make him Presidential timber.

 

[Cyber Liberty]

The media may put him on the short list for GOP candidates but I don't think it's on his RADAR.  I think he knows his limitations.  I really don't know why Dr. Carson should be considered a candidate.  He spoke the truth to a tyrant?  That's commendable but doesn't make him Presidential timber.

You are correct, but I wasn't talking about Dr. Carson.  I don't think he's either a grifter or a pickle chugger.  That was a reference to Chris Christie's predecessor.

[olde north church]

You are correct, but I wasn't talking about Dr. Carson.  I don't think he's either a grifter or a pickle chugger.  That was a reference to Chris Christie's predecessor.

Nor do I believe Dr. Carson to be a grifter or pickle chugger.  I thought about something since my last comment.  What if Christie would like to follow into Haley Barbour's footsteps to become head of the RNC?  His weight wouldn't matter, would it?

[Cyber Liberty]

Nor do I believe Dr. Carson to be a grifter or pickle chugger.  I thought about something since my last comment.  What if Christie would like to follow into Haley Barbour's footsteps to become head of the RNC?  His weight wouldn't matter, would it?

He would be a good chairman.  I'd support that.  I liked Barbour, too, because he was constantly in outreach mode.  He had a weekly cable-TV show (Rising Tide) where he discussed party affairs with panels.  As a rank-and-filer, I found the discussions enlightening.  Folks may have trouble with some of Barbour's political positions lately, but back then his gig was Party Chair, and he was good at it.

[evadR]

I will echo all the "I Like Ben" comments,
but,
I've got to know more about his views on critical matters, i.e. defense, terrorism.

He's obviously a member of the Black 5%, matter of fact I'd say he's in the top 1% of the 5%. But, he needs to be vetted.

I'm very, very interested.

[MACVSOG68]

Used to buy into Lincoln as a great president.

Now I think he presided over the needless slaughter of hundreds of thousands of men.

Slavery was on it's way out anyway...

What was the alternative?

[GourmetDan]

What was the alternative?

Industrialization...

[MACVSOG68]

Industrialization...

Before or after secession?

[GourmetDan]

Before or after secession?

Necessary or un-necessary?

[Right_in_Virginia]

I am always in favor of a big menu.  The more choices I have the better.  -----

Except all we do is split the party, damage feelings and limp into the general election splintered.

Democrats figured out long ago not to do this and they enter the general united.  And, they tend to win.