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| − | The '''Presidential Election 2012''' is on Tuesday, November 6, 2012. No incumbent has won reelection in the past 70 years with unemployment above 7.2%; reported unemployment is at 8.3% (and real unemployment much higher) merely 3 months before the election. The [[economy]] grew less than predicted in the first quarter, and "the last time the economy was this slow was in the last year of President [[George H.W. Bush]]’s one term in office" - '''''who then lost reelection'''''.<ref>http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Elections/President/2012/0427/GDP-report-puts-Obama-in-economic-gray-zone.-Will-Republicans-profit</ref> In addition, [[Barack Obama]] is polling poorly in the key [[Swing State|swing state]]s of [[Ohio]] and [[North Carolina]]. | + | The '''Presidential Election 2012''' was held on Tuesday, November 6, 2012. By relying on extensive [[early voting]] driven by the [[Democrat]] political machine—which totaled more than 40% of the vote -- [[Barack Obama]] defeated [[Mitt Romney]] despite losing nearly 10 million votes from 2008, carrying fewer states and a smaller proportion of both the electoral vote and the popular vote than he had before. Thus, Obama's "victory" was smaller in magnitude by four different measures than in 2008. |
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| − | Obama has struggled in some of his own primaries, despite the lack of media attention to them. 40% of ''[[Democrats]]'' voted against [[Obama]] in the [[Arkansas]] and [[Kentucky]] primaries in May 2012, and in Arkansas Obama was not declared the winner of his own primary by some in the media until nearly midnight.<ref>http://thehill.com/blogs/ballot-box/presidential-races/229023-in-kentucky-42-percent-of-dems-pick-uncommitted-instead-of-obama</ref> | + | Obama was leading in the polls by a substantial margin until the first presidential debate, which Romney won by the widest margin ever recorded by Gallup polling. Afterward Romney surpassed Obama and was leading by 49-48% in both the Rasmussen and Gallup polls on [[Election Day]]. |
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| | + | As ''Conservapedia'' anticipated, this election was similar to the election of 1948, when the [[RINO]] [[Thomas Dewey]] was unable to attract grassroots voters despite the unpopularity of [[Harry Truman]] and the deteriorating economy. A handful of [[swing state]]s selected the winner in both instances. |
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| − | The [[Republican Party]] is in the process of selecting its nominee through the [[2012 Republican Primary]]; the latest delegate totals are [http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2012/president/republican_delegate_count.html here] and [http://www.politico.com/2012-election/delegate-tracker/ here]. About 1,144 delegates<ref>http://www.centerforpolitics.org/crystalball/articles/republicanracelateentry/</ref> are needed to win the nomination.<ref>Primaries held before April 1, 2012, awarded delegates based on the proportionality of the votes (except Florida claimed to award winner-take-all, at half the delegate count, for its primary on Jan. 31). However, some early states are winner-take-all by Congressional district, sometimes leading to a single candidate taking a large majority of the delegates. For instance, in South Carolina, the winner of each district got 2 delegates (for a total of 14), and the winner of the state got 11. This was permissible because less than 50% of the delegates were awarded to the state winner automatically. Newt Gingrich won all but one Congressional district, as well as the state overall, earning him 23 delegates to Mitt Romney's 2. Beginning on April 1, the traditional winner-take-all system may be used by states, but the second biggest state, Texas (155 delegates), will be proportional, and the biggest state, California (172 delegates), is winner-take-all by each of its 53 congressional districts. [http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_19843184] Only seven primaries totalling a small number of delegates are winner-take-all; New York was winner-take-all only if one candidate were to win more than 50% of the vote. [http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Politics/DC-Decoder/2012/0131/Florida-primary-Why-it-s-one-of-the-last-few-winner-take-all-states]</ref> The dates of the primaries are [http://www.thegreenpapers.com/P12/events.phtml?s=c here].
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| − | __NOTOC__
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| − | == Republican Contenders for the Nomination ==
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| | {| class="wikitable" | | {| class="wikitable" |
| | |- | | |- |
| − | !Candidate | + | !Issue or Factor |
| − | !Pros | + | ![[Mitt Romney]] |
| − | !Cons | + | ![[Barack Obama]] |
| − | !Trending ... | + | !Comment |
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| − | |[[Mitt Romney]] | + | |Social issues |
| − | |Would probably appoint conservative judges to the federal bench, more so than other Republicans would. Has business experience and was a Republican governor of a Democratic state who cut taxes and the deficit. Outraises [[Barack Obama]] in campaign contributions, and [[Super PAC]]s supportive of Romney are likely to spend hundreds of millions of dollars in negative ads against [[Obama]]. In the primaries Mitt came in second in [[Iowa]], first in [[New Hampshire]], a distant second in South Carolina, first in Florida, lost three states to Santorum on February 7, but then won in [[Arizona]] and [[Michigan]] on February 28 and in six other states on Super Tuesday, March 6. Has received endorsements from moderate and liberal Republicans such as [[Bob Dole]], [[John McCain]], [[Kelly Ayotte]], [[John Thune]], [[Jon Huntsman]], [[Chris Christie]],<ref>[http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/Chris-Christie-Mitt-Romney-Endorse-GOP-Republicans-2012-131530343.html http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/Chris-Christie-Mitt-Romney-Endorse-GOP-Republicans-2012-131530343.html]</ref> [[Dan Quayle]], [[Nikki Haley]], [[Tim Pawlenty]], [[Jeb Bush]], [[Marco Rubio]], and [[George H. W. Bush]]<ref>[http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/03/29/its-official-elder-bush-backs-romney/ It's official, elder Bush backs Romney] New York Times 538 election blog. March, 29th 2012</ref>. Won the 2012 [[CPAC]] straw poll. | + | |Romney has downplayed social issues, but supports defunding [[Planned Parenthood]] and would likely nominate more [[conservative]] judges. |
| − | |Has weaknesses with "[[Reagan Democrats]]," making it difficult for Romney to win the general election: Romney has a pro-[[abortion]] record and favors big corporations, continued to believe in [[liberal]] propaganda claiming [[global warming]] long after it was discredited, and is criticized for standing behind his [[ObamaCare]]-like health plan in [[Massachusetts]], which featured "the mandate" and taxpayer-funded abortion. The mostly tepid criticism of Romney by the [[lamestream media]] until they started forcefully attacking him after the voting officially started suggested that they wanted him to win so that they could defeat him in the general election. | + | |Obama is vocally [[pro-abortion]], pro-[[same-sex marriage]], and pro-[[homosexual agenda]]. |
| − | |With his victory in the Texas primary on May 29, Romney reportedly reached the number needed to secure the Republican nomination. | + | |As with Tom Dewey's loss in 1948, Romney's running away from social issues could cost him the election. |
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| − | |[[Ron Paul]] | + | |Economic issues |
| − | |Terrific on economic issues, can raise the money needed to win; people may look to an anti-war Republican; Won the 2011 [[CPAC]] Poll. Appeals to many social liberals. Runs [[pro-life]] ads while Romney says little about the issue. Also, Obama's support in polls is lowest when Paul is his opponent. | + | |Romney favors free enterprise, low taxes, and personal responsibility. |
| − | |Voted twice to repeal [[DADT|Don't Ask, Don't Tell]], which the vast majority of Republican primary voters support; his age (76 in 2012) is used against him; has never won statewide office; his views on the war on drugs and the military also alienate many Republicans. Other candidates have adopted some of his economic ideas. The media in general treated him as a non-contender despite his performance in polls and the early voting.
| + | |Obama says he inherited the crisis from [[Republicans]]. |
| − | |Surprisingly, he won the Values Voter Summit [[straw poll]] in a landslide in Oct. 2011. | + | |The advantage here is Romney's. |
| − | Finished a strong third in Iowa's caucuses and second in New Hampshire, Maine, and Washington. Won a majority of the delegates in state conventions held in Minnesota, Iowa, Maine, and Louisiana. Has suspended his campaign without endorsing Romney.
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| − | |[[Newt Gingrich]] | + | |Leadership |
| − | |The [[pro-life]] candidate most opposed by [[liberal]]s due to his political effectiveness in accomplishing [[conservative]] goals. Newt is the only contender who stands up forcefully to liberals and to the [[lamestream media]]. He had the early backing of Fox News before [[John McCain]] backed [[Mitt Romney]] instead, which caused Fox News to switch sides. Newt has by far the strongest record of achievements of any candidate, including passing [[conservative]] legislation that included welfare reform, [[DOMA]], the [[Solomon Amendment]], and even [[term limits]]. Newt also had the courage to shut down the government. His story of overcoming being orphaned is inspirational. Has been endorsed by conservatives such as [[Fred Thompson]], [[Rick Perry]], [[Michael Reagan]], and [[Herman Cain]]. | + | |Romney was head of [[Bain Capital]], was Governor of [[Massachusetts]] and led the 2002 Olympics. |
| − | |His many decades in public life make him vulnerable to negative political ads. His personal life has been criticized: his first marriage was annulled, and he's been married twice since. Ron Paul is particularly critical of Newt, although many of Dr. Paul's supporters are likely to prefer Newt over Mitt Romney. | + | |Obama took advantage of [[Hurricane Sandy]] to create an impression that he was a competent leader, but, a week after the storm, its effects are still being felt. |
| − | |Newt's rousing debate performances the week of Jan. 17th in South Carolina led to a landslide victory for him in the South Carolina primary. Prior to that, his strong debate performances and the weaknesses of other rivals to Romney had already pushed Gingrich up to #2. His strategy of criticizing the media in the debates was brilliant. However, he carried only Georgia on Super Tuesday and lost Tennessee, Alabama, and Mississippi to Santorum. See: [[Gingrich Administration]] for an analysis of his hypothetical Cabinet. Gingrich withdrew from the race during the first week of May.
| + | |Both candidates have proven leadership skills, but Obama's response to Hurricane Sandy is being celebrated by the liberal press. |
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| − | |[[Jeb Bush]] | + | |Likability |
| − | |Jeb is the most likely to win if there were a deadlock at the national convention. In the general election, Jeb is sure to win Florida, and Obama cannot win reelection without Florida; [[George W. Bush]]'s book sold far better than expectations, making the name an asset again; Jeb is more conservative than his brother [[George W. Bush]]; Jeb has already criticized Palin as a rival candidate might;<ref>In a Newsmax interview in February 2010, Jeb criticized Palin by saying, "my belief is in 2010 and 2012, public leaders need to have intellectual curiosity." [http://www.newser.com/story/81720/jeb-bush-sarah-palin-not-intellectual-enough.html]</ref> Jeb published an editorial on Jan. 3, 2011 taking credit for saving Florida [[public schools]] with vouchers.<ref>http://www.politifact.com/florida/statements/2011/jan/03/jeb-bush/jeb-bush-touts-education-gains-wall-street-journal/</ref> | + | |Romney's likability rating stands at only 31%, and has been lower. |
| − | |Jeb's only chance is if there is a deadlock at the [[Republican National Convention]]. He says he does not intend to run in 2012. He knows that he would be viewed negatively by some as the "third" Bush, but everyone expects him to run at some point and he's not getting any younger. Jeb is disliked by some Tea Partiers, but not as disliked as Romney. Endorsed [[Mitt Romney]] <ref>http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2012/03/21/breaking-jeb-bush-endorses-romney/</ref>. | + | |Obama's likability rating is at 48%. |
| − | |Jeb may be waiting until 2016, expecting Obama to be re-elected. He has endorsed Romney for 2012. | + | |Advantage to Obama. |
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| − | |[[Rick Santorum]] | + | |Debates |
| − | |Stongly conservative across the board, family man, well-received by evangelicals. He has received a 100% rating from the [[National Right to Life Committee]] for his pro-life voting record during his time in the Senate. The [[NRA]] has given him an A+ lifetime rating for protecting 2nd Amendment rights<ref>http://votesmart.org/candidate/evaluations/27054/rick-santorum</ref>. | + | |Romney is a good debater. |
| − | |Almost certainly began as a [[stalking horse]] for [[Mitt Romney]], hoping Mitt will appoint him to a government position, and may now be seeking to be Romney's VP. Rick's all-out support of [[RINO]] and now-Democrat [[Arlen Specter]] prevented [[Pat Toomey]] from defeating him in 2002, although he regretted it at CPAC 2010; Santorum endorsed Romney in 2008 rather than more conservative candidates. Santorum's tax plan has been criticized for adding even more people to the number not required to pay federal income taxes, and he's been criticized for supporting earmarks while in the Senate. | + | |Obama struggles without a teleprompter, but will benefit from liberal moderators. |
| − | |Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine, a former [[U.S. Senator]], switched his endorsement from Romney to Santorum on Feb. 17, helping lift Santorum to a razor-thin loss to Romney in the Ohio primary. Rick is fabulous in debates and television interviews. Won an upset victory in the [[Iowa Caucuses]], but was an also-ran in the New Hampshire, South Carolina, and Florida primaries before rebounding to win primaries in Missouri, Minnesota, Colorado, North Dakota, and most of the Southern states. Ended his campaign and endorsed Romney. | + | |Advantage to Romney. |
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| − | |[[Sarah Palin]] | + | |VPs |
| − | |The second most likely to win if Romney stumbles. Sarah is empathetic, attracts crowds, is personally [[pro-life]], is a fiscal conservative, and has a record of supporting upset victors in primaries; had a popular television series and book tour that emphasized the grassroots rather than the "inside the Beltway" mentality. Relies heavily on [[Facebook]]. | + | |Paul Ryan has youth, energy, and likability, but is part of the Big Government Republican leadership in Congress, which has an ultra-low approval rating; Romney has been criticized for not using Ryan more effectively in the campaign.<ref>{{cite news|title=In GOP recipe, too little Ryan for conservatives' taste|work=Washington Post|page=A1|date=September 25, 2012|author=Felicia Sonmez and David Fahrenthold}}</ref> |
| − | |Her taxation policies were somewhat liberal.<ref>http://community.adn.com/node/112712</ref> Appointed a former [[Planned Parenthood]] board member to the [[Alaska]] Supreme Court and inexplicably resigned early as governor; lagged in fundraising despite publicity, came in a disappointing fifth in the [[Values Voter Summit]] in September 2010 and fared badly at [[CPAC]]. Several of her prominent 2010 candidates (Ken Buck, Joe Miller, Christine O'Donnell) struck out on Nov. 2nd, and many Republicans from [[George W. Bush]] (allegedly) to [[Peggy Noonan]] have been critical of her running for president.<ref>http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Election-2010/Vox-News/2010/1106/Republican-establishment-takes-on-Sarah-Palin</ref> Frequently mocked by the [[liberal media]].
| + | |Joe Biden is a gaffe-prone goofball, but is protected by the [[liberal media]]. |
| − | |Announced on October 5 that she would not be a candidate for president in 2012. Marist poll conducted September 13-14, showed that a large majority of Republicans didn't want her to run. | + | |Toss-up here, or maybe a slight edge to Ryan. |
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| − | |[[Rick Perry]] | + | |Fundraising |
| − | |Announced his candidacy late, on August 13, 2011. He is a conservative-talking governor who has run [[Texas]] for a decade (since [[George W. Bush]] became president); crushed [[RINO]] [[Kay Bailey Hutchison]] in the 2010 primary and then won a landslide in the general election, carrying others to victory on his strong coattails; has an excellent jobs record in his State and which he can contrast with liberal-run states. Strong religious faith that he is not afraid to show. Understands the concept of [[states' rights]]. Is a formidable fundraiser. | + | |Mitt did not turn out to be as strong a fundraiser as expected, nor were the [[Super PAC]]s effective on his side; some of their comments to the press, like [[Karl Rove]] criticizing [[Todd Akin]], were actually hurtful. |
| − | |Pulled out on the eve of the South Carolina primary. He may be more conservative in his rhetoric than his policies; endorsed [[RINO]] [[Rudy Giuliani]] in 2008; tried by executive order to force all schoolgirls (except for parental opt-outs) to receive the [[HPV vaccine]]; raised business taxes while governor; supports exceptions for allowing [[abortion]]; and continues to champion a Texas policy that allows in-state tuition for illegal immigrants. Did poorly in the Values Voter Summit [[straw poll]].
| + | |[[Limousine liberals]] have donated millions to Obama's reelection, and once again the Dems outspend the Republicans. |
| − | |Stumbled in his first major statements on [[abortion]], [[same-sex marriage]], and illegal immigration. Was ahead in national polls after his declaration of candidacy, then fell dramatically following a series of poor debate performances that raised doubts about his [[electability]]. Suspended his campaign on January 19 and endorsed Gingrich.
| + | |Advantage to Obama. |
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| + | |
| − | |[[Michele Bachmann]]
| + | |
| − | |A [[movement conservative]] who "knocked the ball out of the park" with her nationally televised response to Obama's [[State of the Union]] address in January 2011, Bachmann is popular with the [[Tea Party movement]]; she is a strong fundraiser and won a stunning 52-40% landslide in 2010 in a liberal-leaning district in [[Minnesota]]. Did very well at [[CPAC]] in Feb. 2011. Bachmann's beliefs are similar to [[Ron Paul]]'s, but she is more of a conservative than a libertarian and tried to appeal to Ron Paul fans who agree with him on domestic matters but still want a strong military.<ref>http://www.lewrockwell.com/politicaltheatre/2011/06/dont-read-that-dangerous-mises/</ref> Thus, a Bachmann candidacy had the potential to unite Tea Party conservatives.
| + | |
| − | |Stopped her campaign on Jan. 4, 2011. When she was a contender in the polls, [[liberal bias]] was at its worst against her.
| + | |
| − | |Had done extremely well in the debates, particularly the first one, and held #1 in Zogby poll of primary voters at one point. Won the [[Ames Straw Poll]] but was upstaged by Rick Perry's declaration of candidacy on the same day. Slipped badly in the polls thereafter. Tireless campaigning and strong debate performances earned her renewed respect but only small gains in the polls. Bachmann withdrew from the race one day after a poor finish in the Iowa caucuses. Is seeking reelection to the US House of Representatives.
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| − | |[[Jon Huntsman, Jr.]]
| + | |
| − | |Has foreign policy and executive experience. Appealing to moderates, although this is because he holds numerous liberal stances.
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| − | |Quit in mid-January 2012. Other negatives include how he worked in the Obama administration; criticized the [[economic stimulus package]] as not being big enough, favors Comprehensive Immigration Reform, supports civil unions, and is a believer in man-made global warming; the "civility" candidate adored by the media for being more willing to attack his fellow Republicans than the Democrats.
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| − | |Garnered little support nationally, except among the media and multiple Democrats. Bypassing Iowa, Huntsman put his all into the New Hampshire primary and finished third. He announced that his candidacy would continue but dropped out of the race less than a week later. He has not endorsed Romney.
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| − | |[[Herman Cain]]
| + | |
| − | |Seems less scripted than other candidates. A former successful Godfathers Pizza CEO, conservative radio host, Tea Party favorite, tremendous speaker, triumphed over a health problem. Won a stunning landslide victory in the Florida [[straw poll]] on September 24 that led to an October surge. Finished second in the Values Voter Summit in Oct. 2011 and took the lead in several national polls.
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| − | |His 9-9-9 plan for tax reform and economic recovery helped him gain a nationwide following but also drew fire for introducing a new federal tax resembling the tax of the left-wing [[European Union]]. Cain has had few staff and little organization in the early primary and caucus states. Has never held elected office. Stated on CNN that abortion should be a [[Pro-abortion|decision of the family and not the government]].<ref>http://www.mediaite.com/tv/herman-cain-tells-piers-morgan-that-he-is-anti-abortion-yet-pro-choice/</ref>
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| − | |Cain suspended his campaign on December 3, 2011, several days after stating his wife was unaware of gifts and money he had given to a woman who had alleged a 13-year long sexual affair with him. He denied any wrongdoing.<ref>[http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/12/03/herman-cain-suspends-his-presidential-campaign/ Herman Cain Suspends His Presidential Campaign] Susan Saulny and Robbie Brown, December 3, 2011, The Caucus: The Political and Government Blog of the Times, NYTimes.com, retrieved December 3, 2011</ref> His candidacy may have been damaged by inexplicable lapses during televised interviews as well as by charges of sexual impropriety.
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| − | |[[Thad McCotter]]
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| − | |Congressman from Michigan who is sometimes promoted by [[Fox News]], and does not need to read from a [[teleprompter]] to give a speech.
| + | |
| − | |''Thad who?'' Not enough people know who he is. Twice this year voted against ending the preference for union labor in government construction projects. Could have been seeking name recognition rather than the Republican nomination.<ref>http://apps.detnews.com/apps/blogs/watercooler/index.php </ref>
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| − | |Never rose above 1% in polls. Ended his campaign on September 22, 2011. Later announced his resignation from the US House of Representatives.
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| − | |[[Tim Pawlenty]]
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| − | |Young; popular in his home state of [[Minnesota]]; Had a surprisingly good record on immigration.
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| − | |Still not well known outside of Minnesota; signed $893 million in meddlesome fees/taxes including a "health fee" for cigarette smokers (which was ruled unconstitutional), a harvest fee for farmers, a 9-1-1 fee on all telephone lines, a fee for traditional marriage, and large increase in parking fees; supported the liberal [[cap and trade]]; accepted stimulus funds after arguing against them; lacks a socially conservative base; arranged a meeting with a liberal medical society in 2003 in order to cave into the pro-[[abortion]] side by downplaying medical harm caused by abortion,<ref>http://www.lifenews.com/2003/12/30/state-281/</ref> despite hard-fought passage of the Woman's Right to Know Act mandating disclosure. Came off as drab and uncompelling. He endorsed Mitt Romney after he ended his own bid.<ref>http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2011/09/12/pawlenty-endorses-romney-for-president/</ref>
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| − | |Lost ground after a perception of underachieving in the first debate June 13; then his criticism of Michele Bachmann seemed to backfire with her rebuttal in the second debate. Pawlenty finished third in the Iowa Straw Poll and quickly announced that he was ending his bid for the nomination. He was considered to be a finalist for the Vice-Presidential nomination before Romney tapped Rep. Paul Ryan.
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| − | |[[Marco Rubio]]
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| − | |A [[movement conservative]] who could unite the Party, he is the most charismatic speaker in politics today; in the general election he would pull [[Florida]] and many Hispanic voters away from the Democrats. Both of his parents were Cuban exiles at the time of his birth in Miami, making his an inspiring, uniquely American success story. Many Republican voters think he would be the ideal candidate for Vice President.
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| − | |Could face the liberal [[double standard]] on three fronts: inexperience, his parents being non-citizens at the time of his birth, and Rubio's restatement of the exact year in which his parents arrived in the USA. Endorsed and has campaigned for Mitt Romney <ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2012/03/28/rubio-endorses-romney-saying-hes-earned-it/ Rubio endorses Romney, saying he's 'earned' it] March 28th FoxNews.com</ref> <br />
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| − | |Declared on October 5 that he will not be a candidate for Vice President. Won the 2012 CPAC straw poll for Vice President anyway.
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| − | |[[Mike Huckabee]]
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| − | |Pro-life in rhetoric, pro-Second Amendment and pro-Bible; strong in polling, particularly among evangelicals
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| − | |Announced on May 14th that he's not running; was stuck at 20-30%; as governor raised taxes and state spending; released man who later killed officers; disliked by [[CPAC]]-types and by [[Club for Growth]]; supported the cave-in by the Republican leadership to continue funding [[Planned Parenthood]] (the nation's largest [[abortion]] provider) as part of the budget deal in April 2011. Has ruled himself out of contention.<ref>http://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/2011-05-15-republican-huckabee-president_n.htm</ref>
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| − | |Losing relevancy
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| − | |[[Rand Paul]]
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| − | |Could be the next [[Ronald Reagan]]; is the heir-apparent to massive support for [[Ron Paul]]; won the [[U.S. Senate]] seat by a 56-44% landslide in 2010, despite an intense effort by [[liberals]] to smear and defeat him; is 100% [[pro-life]]. Failure of Congress to cut spending enhances likelihood that voters will turn to someone strong on reducing government.
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| − | |Rand, immensely popular after his landslide victory for Senate, showed no interest in a run for the Presidential nomination.
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| − | |Supporting his dad's run for President but did express support for Romney after his nomination seemed secure.
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| − | |[[Allen West]]
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| − | |'America First' conservative patriot, Lt. Col West knows leadership from experience. He won the Florida [[U.S. House of Representatives]] seat in the [[2010 Midterm Elections]], and kept a high profile ever since. Sports a crew cut, usually rises above petty [[inside the Beltway]] bickering, and carries a camouflage bag rather than a briefcase
| + | |
| − | |New to national politics, not well known and maybe a future presidential candidate beyond 2012.
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| − | |A terrific congressman who said he would welcome being nominated as Vice President
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| − | |[[Jim DeMint]]
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| − | |Strong support by social conservatives, libertarians,<ref>Jim Demint has the best favorable-unfavorable rating of anyone at CPAC 2010.</ref> Tea Party, and evangelicals; a tenacious advocate willing to criticize Obama
| + | |
| − | |Stated at a conservative conference in July 2010 that he was not running for president. Later showed hints that he might reconsider, but announced in late March 2011 that he was not running.
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| − | |Definitely a future prospect.
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| − | |[[Ken Cuccinelli]]
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| − | |Has won statewide office. Leader in challenging [[ObamaCare]], advancing [[pro-life]] principles, and opposing the [[global warming]] hoax, including investigating Liberal [[University of Virginia]]'s involvement in the [[Climategate]] scandal. Wants to stop the homosexual agenda prevalent at the University of Virginia and other Virginia universities.
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| − | |Only 42 years old, he'll probably become governor of Virginia before running for president. Not as frequent a speaker at Tea Party events as others, such as Steve King and Michele Bachmann. Also, Cuccinelli may be more influential on domestic policy in his current position than a president is.
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| − | |Running for governor in 2013.<ref>http://www.politico.com/blogs/davidcatanese/1211/Cuccinelli_I_have_decided_to_run_for_governor.html</ref>
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| − | |[[Bobby Jindal]]
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| − | |Conservative Governor of [[Louisiana]], strong critic of [[Obama]]'s handling of the [[Gulf oil spill]] in the summer of 2010.
| + | |
| − | |Says he's not running for president or vice-president, but was called one of the top half-dozen Vice-Presidential possibilities.
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| − | |Made a good statement on birth certificate issue
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| − | |[[Mitch Daniels]]
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| − | |Signed a law that defunds [[Planned Parenthood]], has been an effective [[Rust Belt]] governor and critic of the Obama administration, promoted heavily by [[neoconservatives]]
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| − | |Stated in May 2011 that he's not running for president. Sided with [[Democrats]] in 2011 in opposing [[right-to-work laws|right-to-work legislation]], is little known nationally, was criticized when he tried to downplay significance of social issues, is not telegenic, lacks a socially conservative base, and his state budget relies heavily on [[gambling]] revenue. Has chastised conservatives for calling Obama a [[socialist]].
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| − | |Although not a candidate for President, he declined to rule out accepting the nomination for Vice President.
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| − | |[[Steve King]]
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| − | |A conservative Iowa congressman who could win the [[Iowa caucuses]]; resonates well with independents; recommended by Bachmann<ref name="Bachmann">http://www.siouxcityjournal.com/app/blogs/politically_speaking/?p=1205</ref>
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| − | |Not well known yet; has never won statewide office.
| + | |
| − | |Once thought likely to endorse Michele Bachmann, he has declined to endorse anyone. Will stay in the House.
| + | |
| − | |-
| + | |
| − | |[[Mike Pence]]
| + | |
| − | |Communicates a very strong conservative message: "a Christian, a conservative and a Republican, in that order." Won straw poll held at the [[Values Voter Summit]] in September 2010. On Nov. 3rd, gave up his House leadership position. Has since announced a run for Governor of Indiana in 2012.
| + | |
| − | |Announced on Jan. 27, 2011 that he's not running for president; previously he unsuccessfully proposed a "comprehensive" immigration plan that was widely criticized by conservatives; lacks legislative achievements; not well-known and has never won statewide office.
| + | |
| − | |Focusing on the Indiana governorship
| + | |
| − | |-
| + | |
| − | |[[Todd Akin]]
| + | |
| − | |A [[movement conservative]] from Missouri, which he serves as a congressman
| + | |
| − | |Running to win a [[U.S. Senate]] seat from a [[liberal]] instead
| + | |
| − | |Gaining in ability to defeat an incumbent liberal senator
| + | |
| − | |-
| + | |
| − | |[[Bob McDonnell]] | + | |
| − | |Won landslide election as [[Virginia]] governor; has Obama's height
| + | |
| − | |Not widely known yet, but gave Republican response to State of the Union in 2010; seemed more conservative as a candidate than as governor
| + | |
| − | |Seemed to be courting the Vice Presidential nomination using Virginia's importance as a swing state that Obama won in 2008.
| + | |
| − | |-
| + | |
| − | |[[Rudy Giuliani]]
| + | |
| − | |Widely respected for his post-9/11 leadership in New York City
| + | |
| − | |Struck out completely as a candidate in 2008; very weak on important social issues; cross-dressing for comedic purposes when it suited him
| + | |
| − | |A throwback to an era and issues that matter less now
| + | |
| − | |-
| + | |
| − | |[[Dick Cheney]]
| + | |
| − | |Prominent and consistent opposition to Obama
| + | |
| − | |Of dubious health; has explicitly disavowed interest in running
| + | |
| − | |Not running
| + | |
| − | |-
| + | |
| − | |[[John Bolton]]
| + | |
| − | |Expert on foreign policy and national security issues <ref>[http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=D9I4TTT82&show_article=1 POLITICAL INSIDER: John Bolton weighs a WH run, Breitbart, September 10, 2010]</ref>
| + | |
| − | |Polarizing figure that Democrats refused to appoint to permanent UN position
| + | |
| − | |Has ruled out running.
| + | |
| − | |-
| + | |
| − | |[[Fred Thompson]]
| + | |
| − | |Former Republican Senator from [[Tennessee]], former presidential candidate, has a loyal following
| + | |
| − | |Hollywood type, sided with McCain in campaign finance laws that the Supreme Court overturned.
| + | |
| − | |Not running
| + | |
| − | |-
| + | |
| − | |[[Scott Brown]]
| + | |
| − | |Proven ability to appeal to moderate voters even in a blue state
| + | |
| − | |Inexperience; already voting with the Democrats in the Senate; voted to repeal [[DADT]], will not repeal [[Obamacare]].
| + | |
| − | |Is running for re-election to the Senate
| + | |
| − | |-
| + | |
| − | |[[Haley Barbour]]
| + | |
| − | |Rose in ranking based on the victory of his choice as the new [[RNC]] chairman;<ref>http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2011/jan/14/barbour-defeats-boehner-proxy-battle-control-rnc-s/</ref> has a [[conservative]] record as governor of [[Mississippi]] but is rarely seen at conservative conferences. He was a consummate lobbyist and could raise many tens of millions for a campaign.
| + | |
| − | |A [[Deep South]] Republican, Barbour seemed unable to attract independent voters. He announced in late April 2011 that he is not running.
| + | |
| − | |Isn't running
| + | |
| − | |-
| + | |
| − | |[[John Thune]]
| + | |
| − | |Defeated [[Tom Daschle]], relatively conservative voting record for a senator; also taller than Obama, and enjoys broad support
| + | |
| − | |Announced on Feb. 22, 2011 that he's not running; may lack an essential "fire in the belly";<ref>http://voices.washingtonpost.com/thefix/eye-on-2012/assessing-john-thunes-2012-cha.html?referrer=emaillink</ref> voted for TARP financial bailout<ref>http://hoghouseblog.com/2009/09/01/thune-wants-to-end-bailout-he-voted-for/</ref> and McCain-Feingold campaign finance; no-show at some conservative events; hasn't effectively criticized Obama; could simply become a stalking horse candidate for Gingrich, brought 100 million worth of earmarks in a spending bill, then awkwardly claimed he backed the projects but opposed the bill.
| + | |
| − | |Not running, but was thought by some to be among Romney's finalists for Vice-President. | + | |
| − | |-
| + | |
| − | |[[Jan Brewer]]
| + | |
| − | |In 2010, stood up to [[Hillary Clinton]] and [[Barack Obama]] on issue of [[illegal aliens]]
| + | |
| − | |Caved in to the [[liberals]] in vetoing legislation requiring a birth certificate to get on the presidential ballot for Arizona in 2012; if Brewer ever was conservative, she seems increasingly less so
| + | |
| − | |Not even conservatives support her after all her vetoes of good bills this year. Has endorsed Mitt Romney.
| + | |
| − | |-
| + | |
| − | |[[George Pataki]]
| + | |
| − | |Well known former 3-term Gov. of New York. Has a track record of tax cuts
| + | |
| − | |[[RINO]] candidate, [[Pro-abortion]], had health issues in the past, not very compelling
| + | |
| − | |Not running
| + | |
| − | |-
| + | |
| − | |[[Peter King]]
| + | |
| − | |Conservative congressman from New York that supports [[Pro-life]], energy independence, free trade, expand border fence, battles Muslim extremists in the USA by Homeland Security position.
| + | |
| − | |Fiscal conservatism lacking: voted for TARP, Cash for Clunkers, CHIP. He is also a co-sponsor of [[SOPA]]. King tends to support bills that enable the federal government to become larger and more intrusive.
| + | |
| − | |Seems more focused on his Homeland Security position in the House than any Presidential aspirations
| + | |
| | |- | | |- |
| | + | |Gaffes/staying on message |
| | + | |[[Romney's 47 percent comment|47% of American don't pay income tax and won't vote for me]]<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.csmonitor.com/USA/DC-Decoder/Decoder-Wire/2012/0920/Are-Romney-s-47-percent-comments-beginning-to-move-the-polls-video|title=Are Romney's '47 percent' comments beginning to move the polls?|work=Christian Science Monitor|accessdate=September 25, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Elections/President/2011/1212/Mitt-Romney-gaffes-11-times-the-button-down-candidate-should-have-buttoned-up/My-job-is-not-to-worry-about-those-people|title=Mitt Romney gaffes: 11 times the button-down candidate should have buttoned up|work=Christian Science Monitor|author= Linda Feldmann|accessdate=September 25, 2012}}</ref>/London Olympics not ready comment<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.cnn.com/2012/07/27/politics/romney-london-troubles/index.html|title=Romney trip begins in shambles|work=CNN|author=[[Jim Acosta]]|date=July 27, 2012|accessdate=September 25, 2012}}</ref> |
| | + | |"[[You didn't build that]]" |
| | + | |Obama has a media covering up his gaffes any way they can, but Romney has better control of his message. Advantage to Romney. |
| | |} | | |} |
| | | | |
| − | === The Chess Game for the Republican Party ===
| + | Following the [[2012 Republican Primaries]] the [[Republican National Convention]] nominated the [[RINO]] [[Mitt Romney]] for president and [[Paul Ryan]] for vice president, and their strategy appears to be to duck and avoid social issues as much as possible. The selection and Paul Ryan as VP and polling during the first half of the convention showed only a slight bounce in voter support for Romney. |
| | | | |
| − | ====Short form==== | + | == History == |
| | | | |
| − | The short form analysis is this: it probably requires a minimum of $25 million in campaign funds to win the nomination, and more if the candidate lacks a strong [[conservative]] base. Many of the candidates are probably looking to big fundraisers for support, but they are unsure of whom to back. Karl Rove, with all of his contacts from the Bush years, may be able to raise $20 million for a candidate; Haley Barbour might be able to raise even more. Fox News and its allies can raise eight figures also, as they helped reelect [[John McCain]] as senator in 2010.
| + | No incumbent has won reelection in the past 70 years with unemployment above 7.2%; reported unemployment is at 7.9% (and real unemployment much higher).<ref>The [[economy]] grew less than predicted in the first quarter, and "the last time the economy was this slow was in the last year of President [[George H.W. Bush]]’s one term in office" - '''''who then lost reelection'''''. [https://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Elections/President/2012/0427/GDP-report-puts-Obama-in-economic-gray-zone.-Will-Republicans-profit] The September 7 labor report observed, "Just 63.5% of the working-age population was either employed or actively looking for work -- '''''a 30-year low'''''." [https://money.cnn.com/2012/09/07/news/economy/august-jobs-report/index.html]</ref> |
| | | | |
| − | The fundraising obstacle is no problem for Mitt Romney. Ron Paul could sustain his campaign as he did in 2008, relying heavily on the internet. Rick Perry has some fundraising strength. Newt Gingrich is able to raise funds if promoted by the [[Fox News Channel]]. But others lacking a strong base have little chance unless they can obtain the support of either the Bush/Rove group, or Barbour's network, or Fox News and its allies.
| + | ==Campaign strategy== |
| | + | Both campaigns have focused on key [[Swing state|battleground state]]s: Florida, Ohio, Virginia.<ref name=cnnpoll>{{cite news|url=http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2012/10/03/new-polls-in-crucial-battlegrounds/?iref=allsearch|title=New polls in crucial battlegrounds|first=Paul |last=Steinhauser|date=October 3, 2012|accessdate=October 4, 2012}}</ref> A CNN summary of poll of likely voters taken just before the first debate had Obama leading Romney in Florida, 47% to 46%, in Virginia 48% to 46% and in Ohio 52% to 43%.<ref name=cnnpoll/> |
| | | | |
| − | ====Long form==== | + | Romney made a last-minute effort in [[Pennsylvania]], including both ads and personal appearances, but Obama ultimately won Pennsylvania's electoral votes. The October 25 Rasmussen poll in Pennsylania had the state 51% for Obama and 46% for Romney, but the last minute effort did not move enough voters to change the outcome.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/elections/election_2012/election_2012_presidential_election/pennsylvania/election_2012_pennsylvania_president|title=Election 2012: Pennsylvania President|accessdate=November 8, 2012}}</ref> |
| | | | |
| − | There are three key steps to the Republican nomination: Iowa, New Hampshire, and South Carolina. Mitt Romney won both the Iowa caucus (although Rick Santorum nearly tied him) and the New Hampshire primary. Newt Gingrich won the South Carolina primary.
| + | ==Fundraising== |
| − | | + | The Associated Press reports that the following people are the top donors to Mitt Romney's campaign and his "Restore Our Future" SuperPAC:<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/money-men-top-5-donors-romney-article-1.1187517|title=Money men: Who are the biggest donors to Mitt Romney's presidential campaign?|date=October 19, 2012|accessdate=November 6, 2012|work=New York Daily News}}</ref> |
| − | There are four basic components of the Republican Party. '''To win the nomination, a candidate needs to obtain the support of at least two out of four''':<ref>Traditionally commentators have referred to the three legs of the Republican Party: the values voters, the small businessmen, and the national security supporters. While that model still has support, it fails to account for recent shifts (such as the Tea Party Movement) and the impact of new media (such as FoxNews).</ref>
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | #social conservatives (pro-life, pro-marriage, pro-Republican Party platform)
| + | |
| − | #libertarians (lower taxes, less government, pro-market, anti-union)
| + | |
| − | #religious voters (Baptists, Presbyterians, Catholics, evangelicals, Mormons)
| + | |
| − | #neoconservatives (foreign intervention, "better" government)
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | In 2008, John McCain won the nomination by capturing the support of 1 and 4 above. Ron Paul had the support of 2. Mitt Romney enjoyed support by 2 and part of 3. Mike Huckabee had support of 1 and part of 3. The division of 3 by Romney and Huckabee caused them to block each other: Huckabee blocked Romney in Iowa, and Romney returned the favor in New Hampshire. This dynamic prevented either from winning the nomination.
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | In 2000, George Bush won with the support of 1 and 3. But John McCain enjoyed the support from 2 and 4 and this enabled him to win the New Hampshire and Michigan primaries, giving Bush a close contest. Some felt McCain mishandled his victory in Michigan.
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | In 1980, Ronald Reagan had the support of 1 and 2.
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | == Potential Democratic Candidates == | + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | While shortly after the [[2010 Midterm elections]] a McClatchy-Marist survey revealed 46% of Democrats and Democratic leaning independent voters said they don't want President Obama to face a Democratic primary challenge, with 45% saying they do want such a challenge to occur, no serious challenge has emerged. As of early 2012, it is too late for another Democrat to launch a campaign for the Presidency. Nevertheless, 40% of Democrats and independents who lean towards the Democrats say they prefer a more conservative challenger, while 39% say they want a challenger who is more liberal.
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | The most likely thing that would remove Obama from the 2012 ticket would a court ruling ineligibility due to not being a natural born citizen. However, as Obama will use all his political power to delay this as long as possible, it is unlikely such a decision would come before the November election. Depending on the timing of this, it is likely he would automatically be replaced by his successor, Vice President Joe Biden. | + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | ===Popularity of Obama===
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | A Quinnipiac University survey released after the [[2010 Midterm elections]] indicated that a plurality of Americans don't think Obama deserves to be re-elected to a second term, and an Associated Press-GfK survey in the same time span indicates that 54% believe Obama should be voted out of office in 2012.<ref>http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2010/11/24/poll-democrats-split-on-2012-obama-primary-challenge/</ref> Former DNC chairman [[Ed Rendell]] suggested on [[MSNBC]], liberal anger over Obama's escalation of the war in Afghanistan could lead to a primary challenge.<ref>http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-20011923-503544.html</ref>
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | More recent polls showed Obama running close to even with his most likely opponents. <ref>[http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/obama_administration/daily_presidential_tracking_poll]</ref>
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | The ''[[New York Times]]'' reported many [[liberal]]s are so upset over recommendations by the Deficit Reduction Commission which President Obama himself created after the Democratic controlled Congress voted the idea down,<ref>http://peoplesworld.org/senate-defeats-deficit-commission/</ref> "if Mr. Obama were to embrace its major parts, he would invite a primary challenge in 2012."<ref>http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/12/us/politics/12fiscal.html</ref> Clarence B. Jones, who was a personal advisor, legal counsel, and close friend of Dr. [[Martin Luther King, Jr.]], has called for a primary challenge to President Obama.<ref>http://crooksandliars.com/susie-madrak/former-mlk-advisor-calls-primary-chal</ref>
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | Also, Obama's [[Libya#Libyan_uprising_2011|Libyan intervention]] has raised the ire of many prominent leftists who question the [[wisdom]] and [[legal]]ity of the president's actions.<ref>http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0311/51595.html</ref>
| + | |
| | {| class="wikitable" | | {| class="wikitable" |
| | + | !Donor!!Amount |
| | |- | | |- |
| − | !Candidate
| + | |Sheldon Adelson, 79, owner of the Las Vegas Sands casino empire. |
| − | !Pros
| + | |$34.2 million |
| − | !Cons
| + | |
| − | ![[MSNBC]] exposure
| + | |
| | |- | | |- |
| − | |[[Barack Obama]] | + | | Harold Simmons, 81, owner of Contran Corp. |
| − | |Ability to compromise and act in a spirit of bi-partisanship when his back's against the wall and career on the line; he's not Hillary Clinton, and he receives enduring support from the media. Has the historical benefit of being the incumbent.
| + | |$16 million |
| − | |He depends on a teleprompter to speak, and has run the nation into the ground. Numerous broken<ref>http://politifact.com/truth-o-meter/promises/rulings/promise-broken/</ref> and unfulfilled<ref>http://politifact.com/truth-o-meter/promises/rulings/stalled/</ref> campaign promises, implementation of socialist [[Obamacare]] program. Maybe uphill without help from [[ACORN]].
| + | |
| − | |Heavily promoted on MSNBC. | + | |
| | |- | | |- |
| − | |[[Randall Terry]] | + | | Bob J. Perry, 80, a Houston real estate investor |
| − | |Pro-life, and ardently so, unlike most Democrats. Has made this issue, which most Americans agree with, the cornerstone of his campaign. Is a conservative, and argued in favor of Terri Schavio's family in the case to allow her to live.
| + | | $15.3 million |
| − | |Only recently joined the Democrats, in order to run against Obama in the primary; largely seen as a 'joke' candidate by most people; no media attention. | + | |
| − | |Disfavored on MSNBC, on the rare occasions he's mentioned.
| + | |
| − | |}
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | ===Others who might have run, but have decided not to===
| + | |
| − | {| class="wikitable"
| + | |
| − | |-
| + | |
| − | !Candidate
| + | |
| − | !Pros
| + | |
| − | !Cons
| + | |
| − | ![[MSNBC]] exposure
| + | |
| − | |-
| + | |
| − | |[[Hillary Clinton]]
| + | |
| − | |Her criticism of Obama's massive deficits hinted at a possible run against him in 2012, and [[Ted Kennedy]] cannot interfere with her nomination this time; moreover, waiting until 2016 is unattractive because she will be 71 then. A recent Bloomberg poll shows she has a 64% approval rating, higher than any other national political figure.<ref>[http://yourjewishnews.com/11198.aspx Hillary Clinton approval rating jumps to 64%.], September 17, 2011. October 1, 2011.</ref> Tested the waters with Bill backing a challenger to Obama's Colorado Senate candidate (who then lost), and by Hillary saying she won't serve a second term as Obama's Secretary of State. The chances of Hillary running and winning the nomination increased with every decline in Obama's approval ratings.
| + | |
| − | |Has stated numerous times that she will not seek an elected position once she leaves her current position as Secretary of State. Her [[feminism]] is disliked by conservatives, but is popular with liberal women. She'd lose the general election as [[Martha Coakley]] did.
| + | |
| − | |Disfavored on MSNBC.
| + | |
| − | |-
| + | |
| − | |[[Russ Feingold]]
| + | |
| − | |His dedication to [[progressive]] causes rivals that of Obama, Feingold now has the time to run since his defeat in the 2010 midterms.<ref>http://usforruss.com/?p=55</ref>
| + | |
| − | |Considered a maverick and [[reform]]er within the Democratic party.
| + | |
| − | |Disfavored on MSNBC.
| + | |
| − | |-
| + | |
| − | |[[Howard Dean]]
| + | |
| − | |Liberal media personality, politician with physician's license and a former Vermont governor. Opposed [[Obamacare]] in its current form, and declared that government cannot force people to buy health insurance.
| + | |
| − | |Progressive/Socialist/Marxist philosophy combined with numerous public gaffes. Dean ran in the 2004 presidential elections.
| + | |
| − | |Heavily promoted on MSNBC.
| + | |
| − | |-
| + | |
| − | |[[Bernie Sanders]]
| + | |
| − | |Has pledged to "do whatever I can" to thwart compromise and thinks the President's legislative proposals are "an absolute disaster and an insult to the vast majority of the American people."
| + | |
| − | |Genuine out-of-the-closet [[Socialist]], will need to formally register as a Democrat.
| + | |
| − | |Has appeared on MSNBC.<ref>http://www.thestatecolumn.com/blog/2010/12/sen-bernie-sanders-issues-a-challenge-to-president-obama/</ref>
| + | |
| − | |-
| + | |
| − | |[[Evan Bayh]]
| + | |
| − | |Democratic base sees Bayh's retirement from the Senate as "a symbol of what's wrong with the party" as moderates are increasingly marginalized. <ref>[http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/02/15/evan-bayh-for-president-s_n_463202.html?view=screen Evan Bayh For President? Senator May Be Eyeing White House Run,] Ryan Grim, ''Huffington Post'', 02-15-10.</ref>
| + | |
| − | |Lags behind Obama in fundraising. [http://www.opensecrets.org/politicians/summary.php?cid=N00003762&cycle=2010]
| + | |
| − | |Has appeared on MSNBC.
| + | |
| | |- | | |- |
| − | |[[Dennis Kucinich]] | + | | Robert Rowling, 58, head of Dallas-based TRT Holdings |
| − | |Outspoken critic of Obama's escalation of the War in Afghanistan, sellout of the public option and tax cuts for the rich.
| + | | $4.1 million |
| − | |Perennial favorite of special interests, particularly [[AFSCME]], lacks popular support and a wider appeal.
| + | |
| − | |Promoted on MSNBC. | + | |
| | |- | | |- |
| − | |[[Alan Grayson]] | + | |William Koch, 72, an industrialist whose family owns an energy and mining conglomerate |
| − | |Could do well to rally the progressive base in the anti-war early primary and caucus states of Iowa and New Hampshire.<ref>[http://www.politicsdaily.com/2010/12/28/an-anti-war-challenge-to-obama-in-2012-the-case-for-alan-grayso/ "An Anti-War Challenge to Obama in 2012: The Case for Alan Grayson"], ''Politics Daily'', 12-28-2010.</ref>
| + | |$3 million |
| − | |Ethical concerns over his 2010 failed reelection bid for the House.
| + | |
| − | |Heavily favored on MSNBC. | + | |
| | |} | | |} |
| | | | |
| − | == Independent Candidacies -- Mike Bloomberg or Donald Trump == | + | ==Debates== |
| | + | The [[Commission on Presidential Debates]] is sponsoring four debates.<ref name="announce2012">[http://www.debates.org/index.php?page=2012-2 "Commission on Presidential Debates Announces Sites, Dates, and Candidate Selection Criteria for 2012 General Election"], [[Commission on Presidential Debates]].</ref> Although many candidates will appear on the ballot in some states, the Commission is limiting participation in the debates to just candidates that appear on enough states to be mathematically eligible to win the presidency. Candidates also must gain at least 15% support in five national polls as of the date of determination, to be some time after [[Labor Day]] 2012.<ref>[http://www.debates.org/index.php?page=candidate-selection-process "2012 Candidate Selection Criteria"], Commission on Presidential Debates.</ref> The debates are: |
| | | | |
| − | The man who spent $185 per vote to garner 51% of the vote to remain as Mayor of [[New York City]] in 2009, [[Mike Bloomberg]], looked for a time like an independent, self-funded candidate for president in 2012. | + | *Wednesday October 3: The first presidential debate took place at the [[University of Denver]] in [[Denver|Denver, Colorado]],<ref name="debates">{{cite web |url=http://decoded.nationaljournal.com/2011/10/fall-2012-presidential-debates.php |title=Fall 2012 Presidential Debates Set |work=National Journal |first=Kathy |last=Kiely |date=October 31, 2011| accessdate=October 12, 2012}}</ref> moderated by [[Jim Lehrer]]<ref name="moderators">Blake, Aaron (August 13, 2012) [https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-fix/post/presidential-debate-moderators-announced-crowley-is-first-woman-in-20-years/2012/08/13/0e327af6-e553-11e1-8f62-58260e3940a0_blog.html "Presidential debate moderators announced: Crowley is first woman in 20 years"], ''[[The Washington Post]]''. Retrieved October 12, 2012.</ref> |
| | + | *Thursday October 11: The vice-presidential debate took place at [[Centre College]] in [[Danville, Kentucky]],<ref name="debates" /> moderated by [[Martha Raddatz]] of [[ABC News]]<ref name="moderators"/> |
| | + | *Tuesday October 16: The second presidential debate (with a town-hall meeting format) took place at [[Hofstra University]] in [[Hempstead (village), New York|Hempstead, New York]].<ref name="debates" /> moderated by [[Candy Crowley]] of [[CNN]].<ref name="moderators"/><ref>Little, Morgan (July 25, 2012) [https://www.latimes.com/news/politics/la-pn-presidential-debate-formats-announced-feature-town-hall-20120725,0,7862238.story "Presidential debate formats announced, feature town hall"], ''[[Los Angeles Times]]''. Retrieved October 12, 2012.</ref> |
| | + | *Monday October 22: The third and final presidential debate on foreign policy took place at [[Lynn University]] in [[Boca Raton, Florida]],<ref name="debates" /> moderated by [[Bob Schieffer]] of [[CBS News]].<ref name="moderators"/> |
| | | | |
| − | $185 per vote times 50 million voters equals $9.25 billion, which Bloomberg can easily afford as one of the richest men in the world. The catch is that 50 million Americans are not as likely to be persuaded by self-funded campaign ads as 51% of New Yorkers were. Also, it is possible that money is becoming ''less influential'' in campaigns, not more so. The most likely result from a Bloomberg candidacy would be to split the [[pro-abortion]], pro-[[homosexual agenda]] vote with the [[Democratic]] nominee, facilitating election of the Republican nominee.
| + | An independent presidential debate, sponsored by the [[Free and Equal Elections Foundation]] and moderated by former CNN host [[Larry King]], took place on October 23, 2012, at the Hilton Hotel in Chicago, Illinois. President Obama and Governor Romney declined invitations, while Johnson, Goode, Stein and Anderson participated.<ref>[https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/she-the-people/wp/2012/10/24/third-party-candidates-finally-get-their-own-presidential-debate/ Third-party candidates finally get their on presidential debate] washingtonpost.com, Groer, Annie</ref> A second independent debate took place on October 30 in Washington, D.C.<ref>[https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/election-2012/wp/2012/10/24/another-third-party-debate-in-the-works/ Another third-party debate in the works] washingtonpost.com, Hicks, Josh</ref> |
| | | | |
| − | Donald Trump has also considered an independent bid for president, particularly after he changed his party affiliation in December 2011 to "unaffiliated". What a difference a few months make. In April 2011, Trump was tied for first in the [[Gallup Poll]] among Republican contenders.<ref>As of April 22, 2011.</ref> He forced Obama to take seriously voters' concerns over his birth certificate, and was willing to criticize liberal media; he has business savvy and resources as a billionaire and is well-known.<ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2010/10/05/trump-seriously-considering-presidential-bid/?test=latestnews Trump 'Seriously Considering' 2012 Presidential Bid, FOXNews, October 5, 2010]</ref> His unscripted, abrasive and arrogant style may be just what voters want, and not being a career politician helps his cause. But he is rightly criticized for his ego and has never held elected office. He would need to explain his previous support of liberal policies such as socialized medicine,<ref>http://www.slate.com/id/2291263/</ref> as well as donating to various Democrats including [[Harry Reid]] in the past.
| + | == Minor parties == |
| | | | |
| − | == Minor Parties ==
| + | With record-low support for either major party candidate, this could be a year when minor parties do unusually well. |
| | | | |
| | {| class="wikitable" | | {| class="wikitable" |
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| | |- | | |- |
| | |[[Constitution Party]]<ref>http://constitutionparty.com/</ref> | | |[[Constitution Party]]<ref>http://constitutionparty.com/</ref> |
| − | |Virgil Goode<ref>http://www.goodeforpresident2012.com/index.html</ref> | + | |[[Virgil Goode]]<ref>http://www.goodeforpresident2012.com/index.html</ref> |
| | |Popular ex-Congressman from Virginia who had previously won election as a Democrat, Independent, and Republican. Joined the Constitution Party in 2010. Opposes illegal immigration and calls for a reduction in legal immigration as well. Won the Constitution Party nomination for president in April on the first ballot. | | |Popular ex-Congressman from Virginia who had previously won election as a Democrat, Independent, and Republican. Joined the Constitution Party in 2010. Opposes illegal immigration and calls for a reduction in legal immigration as well. Won the Constitution Party nomination for president in April on the first ballot. |
| | |- | | |- |
| | |[[Green Party]]<ref>http://www.gp.org/index.php</ref> | | |[[Green Party]]<ref>http://www.gp.org/index.php</ref> |
| − | |Jill Stein<ref>http://www.jillstein.org/</ref> | + | |[[Jill Stein]]<ref>http://www.jillstein.org/</ref> |
| − | |Defeated Rosanne Barr for the Green Party nomination. Criticizes Obama for allegedly perpetuating the policies of the Bush administration. Supports the Occupy Wall Street protests. Was previously the Green Party candidate in a series of elections in Massachusetts including a Gubernatorial Election against Mitt Romney (among others). | + | |Defeated [[Roseanne Barr]] for the Green Party nomination. Criticizes Obama for allegedly perpetuating the policies of the Bush administration. Supports the Occupy Wall Street protests. Was previously the Green Party candidate in a series of elections in Massachusetts including a Gubernatorial Election against Mitt Romney (among others). |
| | |- | | |- |
| | |Justice Party<ref>http://www.justicepartyusa.org/</ref> | | |Justice Party<ref>http://www.justicepartyusa.org/</ref> |
| − | |Rocky Anderson<ref>http://www.goodeforpresident2012.com/index.html</ref> | + | |[[Rocky Anderson]]<ref>http://www.voterocky.org/</ref> |
| − | |Former mayor of [[Salt Lake City]], [[Utah]] (2000-08) | + | |Former mayor of [[Salt Lake City]], [[Utah]] (2000–08) |
| | |- | | |- |
| | ||[[Libertarian Party]]<ref>http://www.lp.org/</ref> | | ||[[Libertarian Party]]<ref>http://www.lp.org/</ref> |
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| | |The former [[Republican]] two-term governor of [[New Mexico]], Johnson favors the fair tax, ending American military actions overseas, legalizing marijuana, expanding legal [[immigration]] and allowing same-sex marriage. Given Ron Paul's libertarian campaign for the Republican nomination and the exclusion of Johnson from most of the debates, there was little room for Johnson as a Republican this election cycle. He won the Libertarian Party nomination on May 5, 2012. | | |The former [[Republican]] two-term governor of [[New Mexico]], Johnson favors the fair tax, ending American military actions overseas, legalizing marijuana, expanding legal [[immigration]] and allowing same-sex marriage. Given Ron Paul's libertarian campaign for the Republican nomination and the exclusion of Johnson from most of the debates, there was little room for Johnson as a Republican this election cycle. He won the Libertarian Party nomination on May 5, 2012. |
| | |- | | |- |
| − | |Peace and Freedom Party | + | |Peace and Freedom Party<ref>http://www.peaceandfreedom.org/home/</ref> |
| | |[[Roseanne Barr]]<ref>http://www.roseanneforpresident2012.org/</ref> | | |[[Roseanne Barr]]<ref>http://www.roseanneforpresident2012.org/</ref> |
| − | |Comedian and TV actress | + | |Comedienne and former TV actress |
| | |- | | |- |
| | |Party for Socialism and Liberation<ref>http://www.pslweb.org/</ref> | | |Party for Socialism and Liberation<ref>http://www.pslweb.org/</ref> |
| | |Peta Lindsay | | |Peta Lindsay |
| − | |Student and activist (not constitutionally qualified to serve as president - less than 35 years of age) | + | |Student and anti-war activist (not even constitutionally qualified to serve as president - less than 35 years of age) |
| | |- | | |- |
| − | |America's Party | + | |America's Party<ref>http://www.selfgovernment.us/</ref> |
| − | |Tom Hoefling | + | |[[Tom Hoefling]]<ref>http://www.tomhoefling.com/</ref> |
| | | | | | |
| | |- | | |- |
| − | |[[Objectivist]] Party | + | |[[Objectivist]] Party<ref>http://www.objectivistparty.us/</ref> |
| | |Tom Stevens | | |Tom Stevens |
| | | | | | |
| | |- | | |- |
| − | |Socialist Workers Party | + | |[[Socialist Workers Party]]<ref>http://www.themilitant.com/index.shtml</ref> |
| − | |James Harris | + | |[[James Harris]] |
| | | | | | |
| | |- | | |- |
| − | |Socialist Party USA | + | |Socialist Party USA<ref>http://vote-socialist.org/</ref> |
| − | |Stewart Alexander | + | |Stewart Alexander<ref>http://www.stewartalexandercares.com/</ref> |
| | | | | | |
| | |- | | |- |
| − | |American Third Position Party | + | |American Third Position Party<ref>http://american3rdposition.com/</ref> |
| − | |Merlin Miller | + | |Merlin Miller<ref>http://merlinmiller2012.com/</ref> |
| − | | | + | |White Nationalist Party |
| | |- | | |- |
| − | |Grass Roots Party | + | |Grass Roots Party<ref>http://www.ballot-access.org/2012/07/07/grassroots-party-nominates-a-presidential-ticket/</ref> |
| | |Jim Carlson | | |Jim Carlson |
| | | | | | |
| | |- | | |- |
| − | | + | |Freedom Socialist Party<ref name="socialism.com">http://www.socialism.com/drupal-6.8/</ref> |
| − | | + | |Stephen Durham |
| | + | | |
| | + | |- |
| | + | |[[Prohibition Party]]<ref name="socialism.com"/> |
| | + | |[[Jack Fellure]] |
| | + | | |
| | + | |- |
| | + | |Socialist Equality Party<ref>http://www.socialequality.com/</ref> |
| | + | |Jerry White |
| | + | | |
| | + | |- |
| | |} | | |} |
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| | *[[Endorsements 2012]] | | *[[Endorsements 2012]] |
| | *[[Swing States 2012]] | | *[[Swing States 2012]] |
| − | *[[Presidential Election 2012 (disambiguation)]]'' for other presidential elections | + | *[[Presidential Election 2012 (disambiguation)]], for other presidential elections |
| − | *[[Gubernatorial elections 2010]]
| + | |
| | *[[Senate Elections 2012]] | | *[[Senate Elections 2012]] |
| | + | *[[Republican governors]] |
| | + | *[[Gingrich's campaign mistakes 2012]] |
| | + | *[[Frank White, Jr.]] |
| | + | |
| | | | |
| − | [[Category: United States]]
| + | {{DEFAULTSORT:2012, United States presidential election,}} |
| − | [[Category: United States Presidential Elections]] | + | [[Category:United States Presidential Elections]] |
| − | [[Category: United States Presidential Election, 2012]] | + | [[Category:United States Presidential Election, 2012]] |
Obama was leading in the polls by a substantial margin until the first presidential debate, which Romney won by the widest margin ever recorded by Gallup polling. Afterward Romney surpassed Obama and was leading by 49-48% in both the Rasmussen and Gallup polls on Election Day.
No incumbent has won reelection in the past 70 years with unemployment above 7.2%; reported unemployment is at 7.9% (and real unemployment much higher).[5]
The Associated Press reports that the following people are the top donors to Mitt Romney's campaign and his "Restore Our Future" SuperPAC:[8]
With record-low support for either major party candidate, this could be a year when minor parties do unusually well.
