Can Jeb Beat The Rest Of The Field For The Repug Slot?

[DistressedAmerican]

Just pondering Jeb's recent photo-op-ortunism in Southeast Asia. I think it is the clearest indication of presidential aspirations yet put forth by any of the Repugs. Who else are likely contenders and can/will he beat them? There is a lot of noise out there about Rudy. But, I don't think he's the guy. I've heard Newt is thinking on it. Who am I missing?

We have 4 years to pound on these guys. Who are Aces in the Republican Deck?

[yankeedem]

1. Diebold

is the Ace, the candidates are jokers, every one.

[atommom]

2. Well, do we think it will be a fair fight? He is, after all, a Bush.

[DistressedAmerican]

3. I'm sure the scam team has already been assembled

from the ranks of the sleaziest, most underhanded, Right Wing Henchmen. What I wonder is does Newt or anyone else have the team that can dip lower than that? I think it is possible. He's no pussy ass John McCain. Fair fight? No. Even dirtier fighter than Jeb? Possible.

[ThorsHammer]

4. Another possibility

Many people think Cheney will resign for "health reasons", and that the new VP will be the guy that they want to run in 2008. If this happens, I don't think Jeb will run until 2012/2016.

[DistressedAmerican]

5. That's an interesting theory.

Makes a lot of sense to hand pick the guy to groom. Don't you think that pick could be Jeb? I think it would (in Bush's mind) be a lot like the Kennedy's. Instead of Attorney General make Jeb VP/Heir Apparent. Keep the whole incestuous thing in the family.

[ThorsHammer]

7. True, but I don't know if people would go for that

I don't think many people in the U.S. really want a dynasty setup. Having Jeb step in as VP, then run for the big job in 2008 is too blatant. I could see him running on his own in 2008, but think people might see through the whole thing if he is elevated to VP in the meantime. I'm no expert, but my guess would be someone like Frist or Santorum.

[DistressedAmerican]

10. Well, that may be true

On the other hand, the Bush's power syndicate isn't really know for their subtlety!

[ThorsHammer]

11. Sadly, you're right on that (McCain campaign, Swift Vets, etc) - n/t

[DistressedAmerican]

13. Yeah, the McCain deal was very, very instructive

when it comes to understanding how these guys will even eat their own to keep their hands on the power. I guess I'd do the same if I have to power in the first place.

[Comicstripper]

6. I know you may disagree, but:

I don't think Jeb will run. I mean, he's been saying "no" forever. Deciding to toss his hat into the ring? That'd be flip-flopping. And we all know how the Bushes hate that...
He may accept a running mate position. After all, he's from F-L-O-R-I-D-A. The Purple Peninsula. The King of Swing. Uncle Jeb's Vote Vortex.
Just my thoughts.

[DistressedAmerican]

9. The problem is that is you listen to them,

None of them are running. That's what they all say until they have have money in the bank, a team assembled and are ready to announce. Nobody announces this early. Especially the President's (an I use the tern VERY loosely).

[tanyev]

8. GOP Cage fight!

[DistressedAmerican]

12. I'm hoping for the "Three B's" from the Repugs

Battered, Bruised, and Bleeding.

[Kahuna]

14. Absolutely. If Jeb runs, he wins.

nt