The Briefing Room

General Category => Politics/Government => Topic started by: libertybele on March 30, 2015, 01:21:31 am

Title: Why Ted Cruz Is More Electable Than You Think
Post by: libertybele on March 30, 2015, 01:21:31 am
This is a great op-ed piece and I couldn't agree more.  Point well made; "There's something to be said about a legislator that has operated in the belly of the beast and remained true to himself and his constituents."    :amen:

Why Ted Cruz Is More Electable Than You Think



Ted Cruz is the candidate most likely to take our country from where it's arrived under the leadership of President Obama to where it should be - in the hands of "We the People." His authenticity and consistency are just two of the advantages he has over the rest of the field-in-waiting. He says what he means, he means what he says, and Washington knows it.

Expectedly, the knives are out against Sen. Cruz, and they're coming from both sides of the aisle. There's no doubt in my mind however, many of those knives will be dulled once the presidential debates begin. Critics have begun questioning Cruz's experience, intentions, judgment, likeability and overall appeal. However, if Sen. Cruz can persuade "establishment voters" of his electability, illustrate his in depth understanding of the separation of powers, communicate how silly it is to compare his tenure in the senate to that of President Obama's, and continue to stand against the progressive left who are determined to expand the powers of the federal government (particularly the executive branch) he could be America's last best hope.

The only thing worse than establishment politicians are establishment voters that habitually fill in the ballot for their party candidate no matter how many promises he or she breaks. Why? Because they don't want to see "their guy" from their party lose. Unequivocally they buy into the same old establishment arguments from the media and the parties themselves. For example: "he's unelectable," "he's too extreme" or "he doesn't have enough experience." The latter would be a valid argument if the country's moral decadence and federal deficits hadn't skyrocketed during the reign of experienced politicians.

I appreciate the executive experience that governors bring to a presidential race, but state politics are unlike Washington politics. Governors practice activism on behalf of their state; presidents should practice restraint for the betterment of their country. There's something to be said about a legislator that has operated in the belly of the beast and remained true to himself and his constituents. What makes Sen. Cruz unique is that he's well acquainted with arguing cases in front of the Supreme Court as Solicitor General. He did so nine times. He's shown courage, conviction and efficiency working within both the judicial and legislative arms of our federal government amounting to two-thirds of our government! Why shouldn't we believe he's capable to lead the executive branch?

...It is a fact that Obama lacked executive experience...On the other side of the spectrum stands Senator Cruz who believes in American Exceptionalism and constitutional originalism. I'm confident that a man with such convictions will make for a great president...

http://townhall.com/columnists/carljackson/2015/03/29/why-ted-cruz-is-more-electable-than-you-think-n1977390/page/2
Title: Re: Why Ted Cruz Is More Electable Than You Think
Post by: Formerly Once-Ler on March 30, 2015, 03:34:27 am
Quote
he could be America's last best hope.

I wonder who are the back up candidates for passengers on the Cruz Ship.
I really love Gov Walker but I'm not sure he's ready.  I also love Gov Perry.  I'm pretty sure he is ready.  Rubio and Paul are my back ups.

Do Sen Cruz fans have a back up?
Title: Re: Why Ted Cruz Is More Electable Than You Think
Post by: truth_seeker on March 30, 2015, 04:28:15 am
But first he would need to win the nomination.
Title: Re: Why Ted Cruz Is More Electable Than You Think
Post by: Formerly Once-Ler on March 30, 2015, 05:49:38 am
We don't need a back up candidate.    :patriot:
That sounds a bit like Sen Cruz's plan on day 16 of the Oct 2013 shutdown.

Senator Ted Cruz or Bust then.  Good Luck.
Title: Re: Why Ted Cruz Is More Electable Than You Think
Post by: Longiron on March 30, 2015, 03:17:44 pm
But first he would need to win the nomination.

As much as some, myself included  are TC fans that is going to be the hard part running under the R label. One it is TOXIC to most Independents especially the independents that left the party.2. The RINOGOP can fix the Primary and they have every intention to do so, Remember MS. They will do this via the crossover vote in states that allow anyone to vote in either Primary.  The FIX is in for JEB with the RINOGOP, DEMS Media, and LIBS. The R party has pushed the conservatives to the back of the BUS in the last R Convention. If somehow TC can over come this and  become the candidate he will be the next POTUS regardless whom the DEMS run? Put Jeb in and we get another DEM for POTUS. :shrug:
Title: Re: Why Ted Cruz Is More Electable Than You Think
Post by: Fishrrman on March 30, 2015, 04:16:25 pm
Random thoughts:

Cruz v. over-the-Hillary in 2016 harks the memory back to Goldwater v. Johnson in 1964.

I could happily put a mark on the ballot for Senator Cruz.
I will NOT put a mark on the ballot for another Bush.

It really doesn't matter who I mark the ballot for in my state.
No Republican is going to win a presidential race here again, anyway.
When Joe Lieberman was forced to run here as an independent, the Republican candidate for Senator got a whopping 17% of the vote. SEVENTEEN percent.
Title: Re: Why Ted Cruz Is More Electable Than You Think
Post by: Luis Gonzalez on March 30, 2015, 05:01:06 pm
In order Cruz to be elected POTUS he will need the vote of the entirety of the Republican voter base. You know, those R word lemmings that purists are constantly criticizing for voting "Party not conscience" for decades now.

All that while conservatives still proclaim that they will not vote for an "establishment" nominee.

So the conservatives who claim that they are running against the establishment and won't vote for an "establishment" candidate, can't win the election without the "establishment" voters, those people who vote "R" irrespective of who the nominee is and that they have been badmouthing for years.

Maybe establishment GOP voters will claim the high ground vacated by the evangelicals in the last general election if Cruz wins the nomination and finally get some respect from the purists.

Quite the quandary. 
Title: Re: Why Ted Cruz Is More Electable Than You Think
Post by: Lando Lincoln on March 30, 2015, 05:36:54 pm
(http://hcfany.files.wordpress.com/2012/09/9-13-12-and-theyre-off.jpg)
Title: Re: Why Ted Cruz Is More Electable Than You Think
Post by: Luis Gonzalez on March 30, 2015, 05:53:53 pm
No he doesn't need the entirety of the Republican voter base. First of all he needs to become the nominee.  Being simplistic (other scenarios can happen though usually not likely); in order to do so he needs the most delegates from all the primaries and caucuses.  When Cruz becomes the nominee the Rhinocerotidae will have a choice; they can either vote for him or a Democrat or 3rd party.  The nominee to be president will have to have the majority of electoral votes.

My hunch is it's going to be a very interesting election with Ted having a few surprises.

Because you say so?

I see you're still calling people names. Do you think that's the way to win voters over to Cruz?

Quote
When Cruz becomes the nominee the Rhinocerotidae will have a choice; they can either vote for him or a Democrat or 3rd party.

When Bush wins the nomination, your choice will be to vote for him, the Democrat or 3rd party.

BTW, you forgot the obvious.

Not voting is a choice as well.
Title: Re: Why Ted Cruz Is More Electable Than You Think
Post by: Luis Gonzalez on March 30, 2015, 06:04:14 pm
I am a life-long Dallas Cowboys fan. Will always be one.

Living in South Florida, I constantly gets asked why I am not a Dolphins fan. I actually cheer for damned near anyone who plays against the Fins with the exception of the Patriots and the Eagles (if they happen to play each other).

The only answer that I can give those people is that I don't really hate the Fins, I hate their friggin' fans because of all the name calling and non-stop crap they gave me about being a Cowboys fan and not a Dolphins fan.

Cruz is barreling down that road at the speed of sound.
Title: Re: Why Ted Cruz Is More Electable Than You Think
Post by: truth_seeker on March 30, 2015, 06:25:32 pm
Cruz needs votes from the very people that his mean supporters INSIST on calling names.

Strangely whenever I refer to Dale Carnegie's 1936 best selling book, "How to Win Friends and Influence People," they NEVER remark  or even respond. The idea of this book, getting interest or getting through to these "real conservatives@" is not on their radar screens, so wrapped up are they with daily chanting to each other.

The dominant characteristic of these supporters, as with most "real conservatives@," is they already know everything. Let me repeat, they already know everything.

In TRUTH, whereas most conservatives are information and fact driven, these zealots are emotion driven. Show them facts contrary to their rigid beliefs, and they simply ignore them, and go back to chanting.

I've watched politics for decades. I think the education levels, incomes and IQs of "real conservatives@" are declining, and statistics back that up. They are moving closer to a regional, white peoples' movement.

For the record, Gallup reports on party affiliation. Last count, the TOTAL GOP was 27%, so FACTS say they need EVERYBODY, plus lots MORE.

But who relies on FACTS, when they can do a conservative circle-emote. It is a derivative of the olde Republican circular firing squad. The new version is to strive daily, to piss off people who's votes your candidate desperately needs.



Title: Re: Why Ted Cruz Is More Electable Than You Think
Post by: musiclady on March 30, 2015, 06:27:23 pm
No he doesn't need the entirety of the Republican voter base. First of all he needs to become the nominee.  Being simplistic (other scenarios can happen though usually not likely); in order to do so he needs the most delegates from all the primaries and caucuses.  When Cruz becomes the nominee the Rhinocerotidae will have a choice; they can either vote for him or a Democrat or 3rd party.  The nominee to be president will have to have the majority of electoral votes.

My hunch is it's going to be a very interesting election with Ted having a few surprises.

What Republicans have you heard threatening to vote for a third party candidate if Cruz gets nominated?

I've seen lots of that about Bush and Christy, et al, but I've never seen the threat go the other way.

Have you?
Title: Re: Why Ted Cruz Is More Electable Than You Think
Post by: musiclady on March 30, 2015, 06:30:18 pm
I am a life-long Dallas Cowboys fan. Will always be one.

Living in South Florida, I constantly gets asked why I am not a Dolphins fan. I actually cheer for damned near anyone who plays against the Fins with the exception of the Patriots and the Eagles (if they happen to play each other).

The only answer that I can give those people is that I don't really hate the Fins, I hate their friggin' fans because of all the name calling and non-stop crap they gave me about being a Cowboys fan and not a Dolphins fan.

Cruz is barreling down that road at the speed of sound.

I don't think it's Cruz' doing it.

I DO think his fans are doing it.

And, IMO, it's a very stupid tactic for them to employ.  No one on the fence, or considering him seriously, is going to be impressed by being called a name by one of his supporters.
Title: Re: Why Ted Cruz Is More Electable Than You Think
Post by: truth_seeker on March 30, 2015, 06:46:53 pm
I don't think it's Cruz' doing it.

I DO think his fans are doing it.

And, IMO, it's a very stupid tactic for them to employ.  No one on the fence, or considering him seriously, is going to be impressed by being called a name by one of his supporters.
Well somebody ought to tell him about this ineffective baloney by his supporters, he should tell them to stop, and if he is the leader they claim he is, they would comply.

Let's watch and listen, to see if any of that takes place.
Title: Re: Why Ted Cruz Is More Electable Than You Think
Post by: Cyber Liberty on March 30, 2015, 07:10:24 pm
I don't think it's Cruz' doing it.

I DO think his fans are doing it.

And, IMO, it's a very stupid tactic for them to employ.  No one on the fence, or considering him seriously, is going to be impressed by being called a name by one of his supporters.

Whoa.  Shades of Ron Paul.... :smash:
Title: Re: Why Ted Cruz Is More Electable Than You Think
Post by: musiclady on March 30, 2015, 07:11:37 pm
Whoa.  Shades of Ron Paul.... :smash:

What shades of Ron Paul, and from whom?
Title: Re: Why Ted Cruz Is More Electable Than You Think
Post by: Cyber Liberty on March 30, 2015, 07:13:54 pm
What shades of Ron Paul, and from whom?

With their antics, Ron Paul's supporters drove away far more voters than Paul himself could ever attract.  Howard Dean had this problem too.
Title: Re: Why Ted Cruz Is More Electable Than You Think
Post by: musiclady on March 30, 2015, 07:14:55 pm
Well somebody ought to tell him about this ineffective baloney by his supporters, he should tell them to stop, and if he is the leader they claim he is, they would comply.

Let's watch and listen, to see if any of that takes place.

I'm not going to hold Cruz accountable for what any given anonymous supporter of his is doing on an internet forum (after all, we don't know how genuinely any of them actually supports him.  They may, in fact, be trying to make him look bad....).

What I am going to be interested in is how HE behaves towards those who are looking at him as a potential candidate of the Republican party (like me).  Is he going to try to reach those of us who are conservative, but not yet convinced?  Or is he just going to cater to those who already are beating others up on his behalf?
Title: Re: Why Ted Cruz Is More Electable Than You Think
Post by: musiclady on March 30, 2015, 07:16:02 pm
With their antics, Ron Paul's supporters drove away far more voters than Paul himself could ever attract.  Howard Dean had this problem too.

Gotcha.

Very true.  Ron Paul supporters often were crazy people, and drove practically everyone else away.
Title: Re: Why Ted Cruz Is More Electable Than You Think
Post by: Cyber Liberty on March 30, 2015, 07:17:42 pm
Gotcha.

Very true.  Ron Paul supporters often were crazy people, and drove practically everyone else away.

I decided a long time ago that I would not allow a fan base to drive me away from somebody, but I can understand how it can happen.  I missed a whole generation of Frank Zappa that way.   :smokin:
Title: Re: Why Ted Cruz Is More Electable Than You Think
Post by: Cyber Liberty on March 30, 2015, 07:20:00 pm
I am a life-long Dallas Cowboys fan. Will always be one.

Living in South Florida, I constantly gets asked why I am not a Dolphins fan. I actually cheer for damned near anyone who plays against the Fins with the exception of the Patriots and the Eagles (if they happen to play each other).

The only answer that I can give those people is that I don't really hate the Fins, I hate their friggin' fans because of all the name calling and non-stop crap they gave me about being a Cowboys fan and not a Dolphins fan.

Cruz is barreling down that road at the speed of sound.

I live in Phoenix.  We don't have a real Football team, so I don't get the analogy.   :shrug:
Title: Re: Why Ted Cruz Is More Electable Than You Think
Post by: musiclady on March 30, 2015, 07:24:43 pm
I decided a long time ago that I would not allow a fan base to drive me away from somebody, but I can understand how it can happen.  I missed a whole generation of Frank Zappa that way.   :smokin:

I'll never forget a little Ron Paul punk on TOS who used to beat up everyone else for not being 'conservative' enough and pure like he was, and then found out he had supported Jerry Brown in CA.

I didn't need anyone else to turn me away from Ron, but this little fellow made me laugh........... a lot!

And helped me learn not to trust name-calling bullies on the internet.  They may not be who they claim to be.   :whistle:
Title: Re: Why Ted Cruz Is More Electable Than You Think
Post by: Longiron on March 30, 2015, 08:19:08 pm
I'll never forget a little Ron Paul punk on TOS who used to beat up everyone else for not being 'conservative' enough and pure like he was, and then found out he had supported Jerry Brown in CA.

I didn't need anyone else to turn me away from Ron, but this little fellow made me laugh........... a lot!

And helped me learn not to trust name-calling bullies on the internet.  They may not be who they claim to be.   :whistle:

He also supported MITCH McConnell against a conservative in KY and gave that SOB another 6 years of caving??? Little RON is hard to trust . :whistle:
Title: Re: Why Ted Cruz Is More Electable Than You Think
Post by: Cyber Liberty on March 30, 2015, 08:50:42 pm
He also supported MITCH McConnell against a conservative in KY and gave that SOB another 6 years of caving??? Little RON is hard to trust . :whistle:

I've been pretty ticked at Rand Paul for that, there was no reason to jump for McConnell so early.  I called it an "unforced error" that he's going to have to dig himself out from under before I could vote for him in the Primary.  He has not done so yet.
Title: Re: Why Ted Cruz Is More Electable Than You Think
Post by: Luis Gonzalez on March 30, 2015, 09:04:13 pm
What Republicans have you heard threatening to vote for a third party candidate if Cruz gets nominated?

I've seen lots of that about Bush and Christy, et al, but I've never seen the threat go the other way.

Have you?

That's because REPUBLICANS in name and action don't make threats like that.
Title: Re: Why Ted Cruz Is More Electable Than You Think
Post by: Luis Gonzalez on March 30, 2015, 09:05:29 pm
I decided a long time ago that I would not allow a fan base to drive me away from somebody, but I can understand how it can happen.  I missed a whole generation of Frank Zappa that way.   :smokin:

Dude...

 :thud:
Title: Re: Why Ted Cruz Is More Electable Than You Think
Post by: Luis Gonzalez on March 30, 2015, 09:06:19 pm
I live in Phoenix.  We don't have a real Football team, so I don't get the analogy.   :shrug:

Wow.

Whatever you do, don't move to Jacksonville.
Title: Re: Why Ted Cruz Is More Electable Than You Think
Post by: Cyber Liberty on March 30, 2015, 09:27:52 pm
Wow.

Whatever you do, don't move to Jacksonville.
*bouche*
Title: Re: Why Ted Cruz Is More Electable Than You Think
Post by: Fishrrman on March 31, 2015, 01:48:20 am
Luis wrote:
[[ When Bush wins the nomination, your choice will be to vote for him, the Democrat or 3rd party. ]]

There is a fourth "choice" that you missed, Luis.
Title: Re: Why Ted Cruz Is More Electable Than You Think
Post by: Luis Gonzalez on March 31, 2015, 02:22:41 am
Luis wrote:
[[ When Bush wins the nomination, your choice will be to vote for him, the Democrat or 3rd party. ]]

There is a fourth "choice" that you missed, Luis.

Not voting.

You missed it in my post.
Title: Re: Why Ted Cruz Is More Electable Than You Think
Post by: Luis Gonzalez on March 31, 2015, 02:49:17 am
Uh, no, that's how our electoral system works.  Secondly, for Pet's sake; get over it, I am NOT calling anyone names.  IF Bush wins the nomination, yes, I can either vote for him, a Democrat or 3rd party.  However, I will NOT vote for Bush.

Excuse me?

Then you go ahead and educate me on how it is that our electoral system works. Obviously my twenty-plus years working for campaigns and being a political junkie hasn't properly educated me on how it is that the system works.

Secondly, for Pet's sake; get over it, I am NOT calling anyone names.

That's a quote directly from your post.

Back in the halcyon days of Ole Dixie and well into the Jim Crow era, Southerners just didn't see why everyone took offense to their use of the word nigg@r.

Now here's you. Another direct quote from your post::

When Cruz becomes the nominee the Rhinocerotidae will have a choice.

That term has become so ingrained in your mind and in your persona, that it flows out of you just like nigg@r used to out of the mouths of Antebellum and Jim Crow Southerners. You don't see a thing wrong with it.

You use that world and apply it to people in order to color them in a negative light. It permeates nearly every one of your posts. RINOs, to you, are contemptible people that should be chastised for their pack of moral values and convictions.

RINO is a pejorative term, a slur, and it's been that since the acronym first surfaced in the 1920's, so when you use that name to describe an individual or a group of individuals, you use it with the intention of demeaning them.

You can't change history and the language just because you're as comfortable with the use of the word RINo as Huck Finn was using the word nigg@r.
Title: Re: Why Ted Cruz Is More Electable Than You Think
Post by: truth_seeker on March 31, 2015, 03:50:00 am
I will vote for Bush, or for any Republican that gets the nomination, because he/she will be better for AMERICA than any democrat or 3rd party exhibitionist crackpot, period.

That is simply plain olde common sense politics.

Title: Re: Why Ted Cruz Is More Electable Than You Think
Post by: Formerly Once-Ler on March 31, 2015, 04:39:04 am
Excuse me?

Then you go ahead and educate me on how it is that our electoral system works. Obviously my twenty-plus years working for campaigns and being a political junkie hasn't properly educated me on how it is that the system works.

Secondly, for Pet's sake; get over it, I am NOT calling anyone names.

That's a quote directly from your post.

Back in the halcyon days of Ole Dixie and well into the Jim Crow era, Southerners just didn't see why everyone took offense to their use of the word nigg@r.

Now here's you. Another direct quote from your post::

When Cruz becomes the nominee the Rhinocerotidae will have a choice.

That term has become so ingrained in your mind and in your persona, that it flows out of you just like nigg@r used to out of the mouths of Antebellum and Jim Crow Southerners. You don't see a thing wrong with it.

You use that world and apply it to people in order to color them in a negative light. It permeates nearly every one of your posts. RINOs, to you, are contemptible people that should be chastised for their pack of moral values and convictions.

Rhinocerotidae is a pejorative term, a slur, and it's been that since the acronym first surfaced in the 1920's, so when you use that name to describe an individual or a group of individuals, you use it with the intention of demeaning them.

You can't change history and the language just because you're as comfortable with the use of the word Rhinocerotidae as Huck Finn was using the word nigg@r.

So spot on that I wish I had written that.  Well worth reading twice.  I'm probably gonna steal that analogy.

If I used inflammatory labels like "knuckle dragging mouth breathing So-Con", or "Tea-Birchers" every post I suspect center right Republicans would be uncomfortable agreeing with my comments and I would piss off the hard right.  What would I win? 

There is a contempt of "RINOs" by the hard right that is stupid and suicidal.  From the far right perspective a "RINO" is a cancer that eats away at conservatism from the inside.  In reality a "RINO" is the best you can get in liberal districts or states like NY, CA, or NJ, and those "RINOs" mean the difference between Speaker Boehner and Speaker Pelosi.  The funny thing is, some on the far right fringe can't see a difference between Speaker Boehner and Speaker Pelosi.  They are so far removed from the center that they have a poor perspective with which to gauge the difference.


Title: Re: Why Ted Cruz Is More Electable Than You Think
Post by: Fishrrman on March 31, 2015, 04:49:44 am
Once-Ler wrote above:
[[ If I used inflammatory labels like "knuckle dragging mouth breathing So-Con", or "Tea-Birchers" every post I suspect center right Republicans would be uncomfortable agreeing with my comments and I would piss off the hard right. ]]

You're perfectly welcome to use such a description in reference to me, I'll be the first to admit I'm a cross between a troglodyte and a neanderthal -- and proud of it!

Fishrrman "working on" his keyboard:

(http://www.flamewarriorsguide.com/Assets/troglodyte.jpg)
Title: Re: Why Ted Cruz Is More Electable Than You Think
Post by: Formerly Once-Ler on March 31, 2015, 04:58:47 am
You're perfectly welcome to use such a description in reference to me, I'll be the first to admit I'm a cross between a troglodyte and a neanderthal -- and proud of it!

Thank you for the permission, and I rejoice in your pride.
Title: Re: Why Ted Cruz Is More Electable Than You Think
Post by: aligncare on March 31, 2015, 07:44:38 am
I would never call anyone on this forum RINOs – that would be rude.  But, I sure as heck harbor a strong opinion that many republicans in Washington power circles are exactly that, bad-for-the-country RINOs.
Title: Re: Why Ted Cruz Is More Electable Than You Think
Post by: DCPatriot on March 31, 2015, 09:49:21 am
I will vote for Bush, or for any Republican that gets the nomination, because he/she will be better for AMERICA than any democrat or 3rd party exhibitionist crackpot, period.

That is simply plain olde common sense politics.

Word!    :beer:
Title: Re: Why Ted Cruz Is More Electable Than You Think
Post by: Luis Gonzalez on March 31, 2015, 12:50:41 pm
The DEMS haven't made any announcements and it appears that Hillary may be kept busy for a bit. "3rd party exhibitionist crackpot" is name-calling by the way, so it's fair play when I mention Rhinocerotidae.   I sure as hell would vote for a 3rd party candidate over Bush.

Yet, you have the gall to call others Republicans in Name Only.
Title: Re: Why Ted Cruz Is More Electable Than You Think
Post by: Lando Lincoln on March 31, 2015, 01:22:58 pm
To me, it is unfathomably obvious that a 3rd party vote is one that is pissed away. To me, that is.
Title: Re: Why Ted Cruz Is More Electable Than You Think
Post by: Luis Gonzalez on March 31, 2015, 01:25:52 pm
The DEMS haven't made any announcements and it appears that Hillary may be kept busy for a bit. "3rd party exhibitionist crackpot" is name-calling by the way, so it's fair play when I mention Rhinocerotidae.   I sure as hell would vote for a 3rd party candidate over Bush.

I posted this earlier on another thread.

Here's an online review of a book you should read. I assume that you read stuff other than what's posted in these forums and WND. The book is called "Conservative Hurricane. How Jeb Bush Remade Florida."

Quote
This is an at-times-dry but generally useful assessment of Jeb Bush's eight years as governor of Florida. After a couple of introductory chapters covering the history of Florida and of the Republican Party, the author, a professor of political science, makes the case that Bush turned Florida into "an executive-driven conservative public-policy showcase."

On economic policy, Mr. Bush turned Florida, which already had no state income tax, into an even lower-tax state by implementing what Professor Corrigan describes as “the largest tax cut in Florida’s history,” a reduction of about $20 billion. Tort reform capped punitive damages for businesses. He privatized the state government’s personnel department, its child protective services, its prison food services, its Medicaid program, and its defense of death-row inmates.

The state government workforce was reduced by 12%, as Mr. Bush pursued a goal he set out in his second inaugural address: “I look forward to the time when these buildings of government are empty. There would be no greater tribute to our maturity as a society than if we can make these buildings around us empty of workers — silent monuments to the time when government played a larger role than it deserved or could adequately fill.”

On education reform, Mr. Bush gave schools A through F letter grades based on student test scores, gave students in failing schools vouchers for private schools, and implemented merit pay for teachers. Test scores jumped, as did high school graduation rates.

On social issues, Mr. Bush put an emphasis on life. The state issued optional “choose life” license plates, passed a parental notification law for minors who wanted abortions, and restricted late-term “partial-birth” abortions. He went to great lengths in an ultimately fruitless attempt to prevent Terri Schiavo’s husband from having Schiavo’s feeding tube removed.

He created two “faith-based prisons” over the objections of the American Civil Liberties Union. By executive order, he eliminated race and gender-based affirmative action in public college admissions and in state contracting, denouncing a sit-in protest by two black lawmakers as “childish.”

Mr. Bush backed gun rights by supporting a “stand-your-ground” law, signing legislation preventing gun ranges for being sued for causing pollution, requiring stores that sell hunting and fishing licenses to make voter registration applications available, and exempting concealed-weapons licenses from disclosure under the state’s public records laws.

Philosophically, as Professor Corrigan describes it, Mr. Bush saw big government as eroding character and virtue. Bush is certainly no pure libertarian; among other things, he approved half a billion in state and local incentives to lure the non-profit Scripps Research Institute to Palm Beach County from California. While Mr. Bush used his line item veto to block hundreds of millions in spending approved by his Republican legislature, the state budget overall did increase on his watch to about $74 billion from about $49 billion, according to Mr. Corrigan. Some of that increase was hurricane relief and Medicaid, partially reimbursed by the federal government, and it also came at a time when the value of the dollar was declining relative to gold.

Professor Corrigan, who teaches political science and public administration at the University of North Florida, delivers a sometimes critical but nonetheless generally admiring portrait of Mr. Bush’s record as governor from 1999 to 2007. The point is that, like his record or hate it, Mr. Bush's policy accomplishments were substantial.

Jeb is socially conservative.

He is staunchly pro life.

He is fiscally conservative.

He is a tax cutter.

He is pro business.

He believes in smaller government.

He is pro 2nd Amendment.

Most importantly, he's actually DONE all of these things as an Executive. He's not just talking about what he would do if he were an Executive.

And unlike any other GOP candidate or possible candidate, we know EXACTLY where he stands on EVERY FACET of the issue of immigration.

P.S. Here's what Ted Cruz had to say about Jeb's other issue... Common Core during his candidacy announcement:

Instead of a federal government that seeks to dictate school curriculum through Common Core... imagine repealing every word of Common Core.

Cruz apparently thinks that the Common Core is embedded in a federal law that can be repealed. It isn't. The federal government is forbidden by the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 from  dictating school curriculum.

The Common Core State Standards initiative is a series of K-12 standards in math and English Language Arts and aligned standardized testing that was set in place by the National Governor's Association. It was fully adopted by 45 States making this Common Core an exercise in Federalism. It is not a curriculum. The States set the curriculum.

Now, "conservatives" are supporting the idea of engaging the Federal government in overturning a bipartisan exercise in Federalism and calling Jeb Bush a liberal for supporting Federalism.

That's just ignorant.
Title: Re: Why Ted Cruz Is More Electable Than You Think
Post by: Relic on March 31, 2015, 01:51:54 pm
Jeb Bush the Republican has two major issues.

Can you guess what they are?

I don't back anyone, I'm not picking anyone, but I do know Jeb Bush has no chance to win the general election. None. Zero. Zilch. Nada.

If, by some odd happenstance, Jeb wins the nomination, I'd be willing to wager on the outcome of the general election.
Title: Re: Why Ted Cruz Is More Electable Than You Think
Post by: Fishrrman on March 31, 2015, 02:31:41 pm
Luis wrote above:
[[ Yet, you have the gall to call others Republicans in Name Only ]]

Let's examine those four words a bit more closely:
"Republicans -- in -- name -- only".

What is this term intended to define or describe?

To me it connotes:
1. an elected official or member of a political party,
2. who choses to call himself or herself a "Republican",
3. ...but who doesn't otherwise ACT in a manner consistent with that which Republicans (even so-called "moderate" Republicans) normally conduct themselves,
4. and by his/her behavior seems to resemble (in a political manner) a member of "the other" major political party, and by such behavior advances the agenda of that other party.

Points 1 and 2 are not to be argued. They simply "are".
Points 3 and 4 are subject to a degree of interpretation. Nevertheless I content that they comprise a modestly accurate description and therefore valid to my definition.

So.

"Republican in name only", while it can certainly be used with a measure of scorn to sharpen the barbs, remains an accurate term by which to describe a certain type of political behavior that is unique to some members of the Republican Party.

Again:
[[ Yet, you have the gall to call others Republicans in Name Only ]]

Brings to mind a line by a [far leftist] singer-songwriter I always kinda liked by the name of Phil Ochs. In one of his better-known songs, Phil wrote:
Call it peace or call it treason,
call it love or call it reason,
But I ain't a-marchin' any more.


Call it gall or whatever you wish.
I call it the freedom to speak one's mind.
Title: Re: Why Ted Cruz Is More Electable Than You Think
Post by: Luis Gonzalez on March 31, 2015, 02:49:05 pm
Luis wrote above:
[[ Yet, you have the gall to call others Republicans in Name Only ]]

Let's examine those four words a bit more closely:
"Republicans -- in -- name -- only".

What is this term intended to define or describe?

To me it connotes:
1. an elected official or member of a political party,
2. who choses to call himself or herself a "Republican",
3. ...but who doesn't otherwise ACT in a manner consistent with that which Republicans (even so-called "moderate" Republicans) normally conduct themselves,
4. and by his/her behavior seems to resemble (in a political manner) a member of "the other" major political party, and by such behavior advances the agenda of that other party.

Points 1 and 2 are not to be argued. They simply "are".
Points 3 and 4 are subject to a degree of interpretation. Nevertheless I content that they comprise a modestly accurate description and therefore valid to my definition.

So.

"Republican in name only", while it can certainly be used with a measure of scorn to sharpen the barbs, remains an accurate term by which to describe a certain type of political behavior that is unique to some members of the Republican Party.

Again:
[[ Yet, you have the gall to call others Republicans in Name Only ]]

Brings to mind a line by a [far leftist] singer-songwriter I always kinda liked by the name of Phil Ochs. In one of his better-known songs, Phil wrote:
Call it peace or call it treason,
call it love or call it reason,
But I ain't a-marchin' any more.


Call it gall or whatever you wish.
I call it the freedom to speak one's mind.

The GOP is a political coalition made up of left of center thinking politicians.

Some are way closer to the center than others, and in the case of social issues, some could be considered to be left of center by to the more conservative members of the coalition. Republicans from the more liberal States are there to represent the points of view of the people who elected them, not to advance the ideology of people from other, more conservative States.

Where you and all others who think like you think go wrong, is believing that the Republican Party is there to support a strictly conservative agenda, as defined by the most conservative members of the Party.

That's not the truth at all, and the reason why that is not the truth is that the most conservative faction of the GOP is in a minority.

The single most important and relevant sentence in your entire post is this one:

Nevertheless I (am) content that they comprise a modestly accurate description and therefore valid to my definition.

YOUR definition is not THE definition of the Republican Party.

It's just yours and not actually in concert with the actual definition of what the Republican Party is.

You can stand up in the middle of the Town Square all day long proclaiming that the Earth is flat. You have the right to stand there and speak your mind.

That however, doesn't make the Earth flat.
Title: Re: Why Ted Cruz Is More Electable Than You Think
Post by: Longiron on March 31, 2015, 02:50:39 pm
The DEMS haven't made any announcements and it appears that Hillary may be kept busy for a bit. "3rd party exhibitionist crackpot" is name-calling by the way, so it's fair play when I mention Rhinocerotidae.   I sure as hell would vote for a 3rd party candidate over Bush.

DITTO But the RINO has to hide somewhere with anyone but a DEM. This is how we got into this mess??? **nononono*
Title: Re: Why Ted Cruz Is More Electable Than You Think
Post by: Cyber Liberty on March 31, 2015, 03:59:47 pm
I see this discussion is still going on.  An owner of this forum, a very dear friend, has requested the term "Rhinocerotidae" and it's variants not be applied to individuals in the course of debate, and I intend to respect that request.

That said, I'd like to deliver a humble opinion on the matter.  I am one of those "conservatives."  A TEA Party type person.  I have always considered the GOP, home of Lincoln, Reagan and others as the home of conservatives in general.  Hence, the term "Republican In Name Only" seemed to fit the more liberal of our contingent.  Over recent years, I've been recalibrating my interpretation of that term, and when I find the leader of our party in the Senate openly declaring war on the TEA Party, and when I find the Speaker of the House, a Republican, fishing in the pool of Democrats and Nancy Pelosi for votes he knows he won't get from the right wing of his party, then this is my conclusion:

I am the Rhinocerotidae.  I won't be calling anybody else one for a good long time.

(If Bush wins the nomination of the GOP for President, I'll vote for him.  He might be misguided on some issues, but Dems are evil and must be stopped.)

Edited to add:  I did not type the word "Rhinocerotidae," so I assume the forum software is replacing the four-letter acronym I used.
Title: Re: Why Ted Cruz Is More Electable Than You Think
Post by: Fishrrman on April 01, 2015, 01:42:49 am
Luis wrote above:
[[ The GOP is a political coalition made up of left of center thinking politicians. ]]

Well, speak for yourself Luis.
I'm not going to get in your way!
Title: Re: Why Ted Cruz Is More Electable Than You Think
Post by: Luis Gonzalez on April 01, 2015, 02:24:52 am
Luis wrote above:
[[ The GOP is a political coalition made up of left of center thinking politicians. ]]

Well, speak for yourself Luis.
I'm not going to get in your way!

It's a typo.

Get over yourself.
Title: Re: Why Ted Cruz Is More Electable Than You Think
Post by: Oceander on April 02, 2015, 12:52:26 am
It's a typo.

Get over yourself.

quite a doozy of a typo!  :silly:
Title: Re: Why Ted Cruz Is More Electable Than You Think
Post by: Lando Lincoln on April 02, 2015, 01:00:41 am
quite a doozy of a typo!  :silly:

The mind does that sometimes.
Title: Re: Why Ted Cruz Is More Electable Than You Think
Post by: Oceander on April 02, 2015, 01:07:26 am
The mind does that sometimes.

That's why I gave mine up years ago:  I don't even miss it!
Title: Re: Why Ted Cruz Is More Electable Than You Think
Post by: Lando Lincoln on April 02, 2015, 01:11:02 am
That's why I gave mine up years ago:  I don't even miss it!

Now that I am north of 60, it is amazing what the brain can do all on its own.
Title: Re: Why Ted Cruz Is More Electable Than You Think
Post by: DCPatriot on April 02, 2015, 01:22:32 am
Now that I am north of 60, it is amazing what the brain can do all on its own.

Just misplaced my brand new Canon T5i and over $2,000 in auto-focus fixed and zoom lenses.  Racking my brain everyday now for over a week.

They're gone.  Startling and perplexing.
Title: Re: Why Ted Cruz Is More Electable Than You Think
Post by: Lando Lincoln on April 02, 2015, 01:47:49 am
Just misplaced my brand new Canon T5i and over $2,000 in auto-focus fixed and zoom lenses.  Racking my brain everyday now for over a week.

They're gone.  Startling and perplexing.

Oh man... They will turn up. They will. I recently misplaced my most expensive watch - an Omega Planet Ocean for months. Then, I found it exactly in the ridiculous spot I put it at about the time I was convinced it was gone.