Neither will win the nomination. I think Romney will get it in the end. The religious right will tack to him once they accept his Mormonism.

Fred Thompson showed what a dud he was by questioning the patriotism of everyone who opposes the Iraq surge. He's a Dick Cheney candidate who, as Kevin Drum ably put it, "gives Reaganesque pastiche in baritone."

I don't know if a Republican has a chance in 2008. The voting public likes to give each party two terms, with few exceptions. There is Bush fatigue. But, if the Dems put up the wrong candidate (Hillary, Barack Hussein), it will be close and Repubs can win. Plus, a lot can happen over the next year+.

I like Fred as a nominee. I don't think Gulliani can build much more than what he's already got. He's basically peaked. McCain is Bob Dole in '96 (respected war record, old), though McCain does espouse some different views than Dole. Romney might be able to pull it off, but the Mormon thing will make some Christians look for another choice (Fred?). Adding books to the gospel, which some Christians consider to be the definition of a cult, and other Mormon practices (banned or not) will hurt Romney in the South if there is another viable alternative. Plus, "Big Love" returns for another season this year. The other Repubs have about as much chance as Kucinich.

As for tonights debate, my same comments as for the Dem debate last week. It's too early and no one cares, save the politically obsessed who might want to work for a specific candidate.

Some may disagree, but I think trotting Gore out yet again (what is this, his 3rd or 4th run?) is a weak candidate. The opposition will trot out ammunition from the bearded, fat and mad days, in addition to all the things said about him in 2000. It won't make him appear Presidential. Could Gore win? Maybe. But, I think he's a weak candidate.

Your comparison of McCain and Dole is interesting. I can't picture Dole being as friendly to Bushco had he been shafted the way Rove did McCain in South Carolina during the 2000 primaries. An honorable man would have called him out instead of sucking up as McCain did. I've been wrong before, but I like to think that Dole has more integrity than that.

It makes me wonder just what that bunch is holding over McCain's head.

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Regurgitating The Apple: How Modern Liberals "Think"

(link...)

"It makes me wonder just what that bunch is holding over McCain's head?"

His black baby. (But I've wondered the same thing...Can you say "domestic spying, boys and girls?)

"CBT, the "Barack Hussein" thing was beneath you."

Oh come on... This is totally expected of any republican operative. It's like this. Ask a conservative what he thinks about Hillary's health care proposal...You get an answer something like, "I heard she was a lesbian."

And Zach is Zach so Hillary can be Hillary. Conservatives are insulting enough without us having to look for things to be offended by.

"CBT, the "Barack Hussein" thing was beneath you."

'...Oh come on... This is totally expected of any republican operative. It's like this. Ask a conservative what he thinks about Hillary's health care proposal...You get an answer something like, "I heard she was a lesbian." ...'

Yes, but this is the kind of thing most repugs at CBT's level engage in commonly around their own ilk, wink-wink style. CBT has spent a lot of bandwidth here imploring that most Republicans are not this classless. So much for that. It now looks more certain that CBT endorses smearing Americans as terrorist sympathizers, just like his heroes W and Cheney have done and just like they did to defeat Max Cleland.

Didn't he just warn us recently that dirty tactics (like Corker used successfully) would backfire on Dems, if we were to stoop so low? (We haven't/wouldn't.)

(What happened to the comment posting tools, skb? Quotes, links, etc. gone.)

But, it IS Barack's name, right?

Re. posting tool, I didn't think many folks were using them, and the few who did seemed to have trouble. I'll put them back.

Yes, Barack Hussein Obama is his name. Somehow I don't think CBT mentioned his middle name just to show off his knowledge.

I know, just wasn't sure everyone knew that CBT wasn't making stuff up. Expect to hear it a lot, though.

Too bad Bush's middle name wasn't "Hitler". There would be peace on Earth we all be driving solar powered cars that run on free energy.

The Hillary camp will make sure you hear a lot about the Hussein name and Obama's background. Much moreso than Republicans, as I predict Obama will not be make it to the general election.

The thing I always remember about Obama is the way his wife introduced him the night he won the U.S. Senate seat. If it's on the 'net or You Tube, check it out. Anytime you can work in 'my baby's daddy' into an intro, well it's memorable.

Rachel, the reason you see and hear "Hillary" is that's how she campaigns. I believe her signs and campaign literature all say 'Hillary' not 'Clinton'. Apparently, it's how she likes it. My guess is it's designed to further establish her own identity.

But, it IS Barack's name, right?

It's not beneath me to admit it when I err--I had honestly forgotten that! I don't apologize for being hypersensitive about how those in the GOP mainstream have interchanged Obama and Osama and worse, but I hope I mis-read CBT and would like to give him the benefit of doubt on that.

Re. posting tool, I didn't think many folks were using them, and the few who did seemed to have trouble. I'll put them back.

Thanks! They may be a crutch, but I use 'em too.

When thinking of name liabilities, keep this in mind:

The first, and the worst, were both named George.

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