Tag: Campaign 2016

Too Much Talk of a ‘Frontrunner’ When There’s Not Even a Race Yet

Buck Banks

Look, y’all. I ain’t even trying to put the kibosh on discussing the relative strengths and weaknesses of potential 2016 candidates. I’m even OK with making comparisons. But we have to stop abusing this poor word, ‘frontrunner,’ before the English-language’s version of Sarah MacLachlan starts making sad teevee commercials about it. There is no ‘frontrunner’ at this point. There isn’t even a race.

— Jason Linkins, in Huffington Post.

Jeb Bush Defers Decision on Prez Run Until Late 2014

Buck Banks

I’m deferring the decision to the right time which is later this year and the decision will be based on, can I do it joyfully, because I think we need to have candidates lift our spirits. It’s a pretty pessimistic country right now; and, is it right for my family? So I don’t even want to think about that till it’s the right time and that’s later on.

— Jeb Bush, telling CBS Miami he’s not ready to decide on a 2016 presidential bid. Said Bush: “I’m going to think about it later. I don’t wake up each day saying, ‘What am I going to do today to make this decision?'”

56 Democratic Lawmakers Say They Would Endorse Hillary Clinton for Prez

Buck Banks

56

Number of Democratic lawmakers who say they would endorse Hillary Clinton for president if she launches a 2016 White House bid, according to a new survey by The Hill. “The level of support is astounding, especially 2 1/2 years before the Democratic Party hosts its nominating convention. The total represents more than 20 percent of the 253 Democrats in the House and Senate. It is also more than half of the lawmaker endorsements Clinton received in 2008.”

Charlie Cook: Christie Was a Long Shot for 2016 Before Bridgegate

Jon Ponder

Charlie Cook is one of the most hard-nosed — and accurate — political prognosticators around. When my take on political events agrees with his, it’s reassuring. When it doesn’t, it is alarming or worse, depending on the issue at hand. In the case of Chris Christie’s chances of becoming president in 2016, even prior to the Bridgegate scandal, it is reassuring to learn Charlie Cook’s take was similar to mine:

Think for a moment who makes up the Republican Party, and most specifically the part of the GOP base that dominates the presidential nomination process. Think about the people they seriously considered for their party’s presidential nomination last time around. Think Michele Bachmann, Herman Cain, Rick Santorum, Rick Perry, and Newt Gingrich. Now, quickly, think Christie. Now think Sesame Street: “One of these things is not like the others; one of these things just doesn’t belong.” […]