Should the Republican Party Bow Out of 2016?

[MikeH]

I totally agree Ben, my point is that if ANY bases ANYWHERE are no longer needed militarily they should be closed rather than kept open at great expense just as a sop to a local population.

And if it is going to have a major impact, programs should be put in place to mitigate it.

In the case of US bases in the UK, Germany those programs would obviously be the responsibility of the local government.

[Nikolai]

I read some dude called Chris Christie won overwhelmingly in an election today, and is suddenly considered a good contender for the presidency. Who is he and why is he so great, oh dear Poly oracles?

[Dr Strangelove]

It's a big company. There's no difference. There are an assload of bases in California. Tell me it wouldn't ruin California to close them all.
Go do some research instead of going by your preconceived ideas.

Can't they just grow and sell marijuana?

[Dr Strangelove]

I read some dude called Chris Christie won overwhelmingly in an election today, and is suddenly considered a good contender for the presidency. Who is he and why is he so great, oh dear Poly oracles?

He's the one prominent Republican politician who hasn't got his lips locked solidly around the lower GI orifice of the Tea Party. He's publicly praised President Obama. His policies are often liberal or at least bipartisan. In short, he's dead meat if he ever steps outside his home state.

[-Jrabbit]

I dunno. If he runs on an "obesity rocks" platform an can keep the debate focused on that, he could win in a landslide.

[dannubis]

Especially if that platform were to be located on top of an unstable hillside.

[kentonio]

I read some dude called Chris Christie won overwhelmingly in an election today, and is suddenly considered a good contender for the presidency. Who is he and why is he so great, oh dear Poly oracles?

He's a fairly reasonable guy politically, but he's also very bluff and occasionally downright rude and aggressive. It plays great for him in New Jersey but the juries out over how it would go down on a national campaign. Last year he got in a shouting match with a veteran at a town hall meeting and came out with..

If you decide what you want to do is put on a show today, let me tell you something, I can go back and forth with you as much as you want. And let me tell you something, after you graduate from law school, you conduct yourself like that in a court room, your rear end’s gonna get thrown in jail, idiot.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/0...n_1334963.html

On the other hand, he's also capable of coming across as extremely reasonable and decent. His temper would be a real danger on the campaign trail though.

[Imran Siddiqui]

He's the one prominent Republican politician who hasn't got his lips locked solidly around the lower GI orifice of the Tea Party. He's publicly praised President Obama. His policies are often liberal or at least bipartisan. In short, he's dead meat if he ever steps outside his home state.

"Liberal" is saying it a bit strangely. Sometimes bipartisan, yes... but you are still talking about a pro-life, anti-gay marriage (though fine with civil unions), pro-lower taxes (though in NJ, taxes are much higher than in the South or West) politician.

[kentonio]

Well yes, but compared to the rest of the current GOP that makes him practically a communist.

[DinoDoc]

"Liberal" is saying it a bit strangely.

He might be referring to his position on the 2nd Amendment. Something that puts him wildly out of step with the National Party.

[Imran Siddiqui]

Welcome to Northeastern Republicanism - Guiliani has the same view on that issue.

[MikeH]

People and politicians SHOULD have different views on different issues, not follow some mysterious party line across all issues. Otherwise they'd be a very odd individual.

[giblets]

Republican politicians are very odd individuals.

[DinoDoc]

Welcome to Northeastern Republicanism - Guiliani has the same view on that issue.

Guiliani couldn't win a national election either.

[DinoDoc]

People and politicians SHOULD have different views on different issues, not follow some mysterious party line across all issues.

In a local or state election sure, but I remain unconvinced one could win a national election much less a primary rejecting a position most of the party base holds as a core value.