Why Do Republicans Hate America Their Candidates?

AP, via Cincy Enquirer, reports that support for the leading GOP presidential would-bees is softer than Dick Cheney's muscle tone:

Giuliani's support is at 21 percent, compared with 27 percent in June and 35 percent in March. The former New York mayor is running virtually even with Thompson, who has become a threat without even officially entering the race. The actor and former Tennessee senator has essentially stayed steady at 19 percent. McCain, the Arizona senator who is revamping his nearly broke campaign, clocked in a bit lower at 15 percent, while Romney, the former Massachusetts governor, remained at 11 percent.

Twenty-three percent "can't or won't" say who they're backing, up from 14 percent in June.

More here.

Comments

Gabriel | July 18, 2007, 9:36am | #

Maybe the "can't or won't" numbers are so high because Ron Paul was not offered as an option in the poll.

Warren | July 18, 2007, 9:39am | #

RON PAUL! RON PAUL! RON PAUL!

PAUL in '08

Michael Pack | July 18, 2007, 9:41am | #

To me all the leading candidates in both parties seem to believe being Pres.gives them the right to micro-manage our lives.Am I wrong?

David | July 18, 2007, 9:43am | #

Thompson's popularity should come across to Republican leadership as a Monte Brewster moment. It's a large number of people telling them that they'd rather vote "none of the above".

John | July 18, 2007, 9:44am | #

Is it possible that the next president hasn't been decided yet? As much as I would like to believe that Ron Paul is goung to snatch up all those undecided, I doubt they will pay him much attention as he's left out by the news media.

Dan T. | July 18, 2007, 9:45am | #

It's really odd to say but I think Fred Thompson is going to be the GOP nominee.

He may well usher in a future when all Presidential nominees are actors, with the real decision makers working behind the scenes.

Actually, I guess Ronald Reagan ushered in that era, with Dubya following it. Too bad Dubya is not a professionally trained actor.

Stephen the Goldberger | July 18, 2007, 9:49am | #

The nom's certainly Thompson's if he wants it.

P Brooks | July 18, 2007, 9:51am | #

"Why Do Republicans Hate America Their Candidates?"

Ummm- because they all SUCK?

----------

"Too bad Dubya is not a professionally trained actor."

Yes, Dan- that is exactly what I have been thinking, all these years.

Pro Libertate | July 18, 2007, 9:51am | #

Too bad Dubya is not a professionally trained actor.

Truly :)

I hope the Democrats are similarly disenchanted with their potential nominees. The only candidate they have that may not entirely suck is Bill Richardson, and he may suck, too.

Ron Paul, baby. Ron Paul.

brian | July 18, 2007, 10:01am | #

Oh my god--people are agreeing with Dan T.!

I'll go check and see if hell has frozen over.

Eric Atkinson | July 18, 2007, 10:01am | #

I hope "ron paul" ends up as Ralph Nader's VP candidate. Ha,HA.

P Brooks | July 18, 2007, 10:03am | #

I hold my vote in abeyance until the arrival on the scene of the philosophical heir of Calvin Coolidge.

brian | July 18, 2007, 10:03am | #

John

As much as I would like to believe that Ron Paul is goung to snatch up all those undecided, I doubt they will pay him much attention as he's left out by the news media.

Yeah, I wish the news media would give Ron Paul equal air time. Maybe the FCC could create some type of "doctrine" to make the MSM do this? Since it's all about giving different candidate "fair" coverage, we could call it, I dunno, maybe the "Fairness Doctrine"?

//just messing with ya ;)

Rattlesnake Jake | July 18, 2007, 10:04am | #

"Actually, I guess Ronald Reagan ushered in that era, with Dubya following it. Too bad Dubya is not a professionally trained actor."

You're forgetting the greatest actors of them all, the Clintons. Bill pretending to be wiping a tear from his eye after the Ron Brown funeral when he noticed a camera on him and Hillary's fake black accent when speaking to blacks.

Dan T. | July 18, 2007, 10:07am | #

One more general observation - I've noticed during the last few Presidential elections, the conventional wisdom is that nobody has been that enthralled with any of the candidates on either side.

It makes me wonder if it's possible to be likable given the 24/7 news environment that we live in.

Regarding Ron Paul, perhaps the reason he's gained a bit of a cult following is because the mainstream media has largely ignored him? I'd bet if they wanted to they'd have no problem making him seem like just another politican.

Rattlesnake Jake | July 18, 2007, 10:07am | #

"I hold my vote in abeyance until the arrival on the scene of the philosophical heir of Calvin Coolidge."

Coolidge was a great underrated President. So was Grover Cleveland.

Energized Democrat *snark* | July 18, 2007, 10:08am | #

Pro Lib -
I don't think us Dems are disenchanted with our candidates at all. I think we're finally energized and organized and we’re finally going to beat the evil Republicans, no matter who we have to vote for to do it! We’ll vote for whomever will make America the most like Europe, because Europe is so wonderful and Europeans are SOOOO much smarter than Americans. I have such contempt for my fellow country people because they just don't get it like the Europeans do.

Dan T. | July 18, 2007, 10:09am | #

You're forgetting the greatest actors of them all, the Clintons. Bill pretending to be wiping a tear from his eye after the Ron Brown funeral when he noticed a camera on him and Hillary's fake black accent when speaking to blacks.

I agree - I can't help but think that Bill's metoric rise from nobody governor of a lousy state to President is because the true powers that be in the Democratic party recognized his charisma and willingness to play the game.

Taktix® | July 18, 2007, 10:10am | #

He may well usher in a future when all Presidential nominees are actors, with the real decision makers working behind the scenes.

I thought that was coming when they were talking about a reality show to pick a President a few years back: "American President Idol" or some tripe.

As far as Paul not being on the radar, good for now. The front-runners are catching all the headwind; being exposed for the totalitarian assholes they are.

Also, please discriminate between Fred Thompson and Tommy Thompson until the latter officially drops out. I read it as Tommy Thompson had support on par with Guiliani. I almost shit my pants, and I'm wearing my good suit today.

brian | July 18, 2007, 10:13am | #

Rattlesnake Jake
You're forgetting the greatest actors of them all, the Clintons. Bill pretending to be wiping a tear from his eye after the Ron Brown funeral when he noticed a camera on him and Hillary's fake black accent when speaking to blacks.

I don't know if you saw Hillary's campaign video with Bill that mimicked the Sopranos episode(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BfkRjvAYuOc), but seeing it gave me immensely more confidence in the Clintons.

Their acting was horrible--I even heard the actor from the sopranos complain to the media about how many takes that scene took since both Clintons kept messing up their lines.

However, the fact that both Clintons are horrible actors on film makes me think that they are bad actors in the political sphere, which is a good thing from my view.

Still, I don't like Hilllary. I'd vote for Bill again though!

brian | July 18, 2007, 10:14am | #

Energized Democrat *snark*

Pro Lib -
I don't think us Dems are disenchanted with our candidates at all. I think we're finally energized and organized and we’re finally going to beat the evil Republicans, no matter who we have to vote for to do it! We’ll vote for whomever will make America the most like Europe, because Europe is so wonderful and Europeans are SOOOO much smarter than Americans. I have such contempt for my fellow country people because they just don't get it like the Europeans do.

lol @ reinmoose

Gray Ghost | July 18, 2007, 10:29am | #

Still, I don't like Hilllary. I'd vote for Bill again though!

That's a very interesting point. Two questions for all of you: If Bill could run again, how do you think he'd do among everybody else? And how many of us here would vote for him instead of the current crop of candidates? (leave out Ron Paul, and maybe Richardson too...)

I have to admit that I'd vote for Bill, if I couldn't vote for Paul or Richardson.

Pro Libertate | July 18, 2007, 10:38am | #

Um, I don't like Bill Clinton, either. Or Chelsea. Can we move to a third family, please?

kwais | July 18, 2007, 10:39am | #

This is great news

Ron Paul in 08

SugarFree | July 18, 2007, 10:46am | #

[conspiracy]Maybe the "bad acting" by the Clintons was really a great acting job of convincing people they are bad actors so no one will think they are good actors![/conspiracy]

Taktix® | July 18, 2007, 10:48am | #

Can we move to a third family, please?

Why don't we just start calling all the presidents Caesar? Then it doesn't matter what family they are from, as they will all be part of the same oligarchy.

Oh wait, they already are all part of the same oligarchy...

Damn!

Rattlesnake Jake | July 18, 2007, 10:48am | #

I'm more interested in the prospect of Al Gore entering the race and knocking the socks off Hillary. I'm no fan of Gore, but I'm less of a fan of Hillary. I'm for ABC, anybody but Clinton. A new poll shows that if Gore were to enter the race, he would win the New Hampshire primary against Hillary 32 to 26.

Rattlesnake Jake | July 18, 2007, 10:50am | #

"Oh wait, they already are all part of the same oligarchy..."

That would be the welfare/warfare oligarchy?

Michael Boldin | July 18, 2007, 10:50am | #

It never ceases to amaze me. The war lovers out there (whether republican or democrat) like to lambast those who oppose the actions of the state as "Helping the enemy" "With the Terrorists," or as said here - they supposedly hate america.

Standing up for liberty, peace and prosperity is hating America these days - well according to the politicians and pundits.

But, as most readers here know, the truth is quite the opposite. It's these war mongers that are acting with complete hatred for everything this country is supposed to stand for. They're willing to throw it all away to quench their thirst for power, profits and war....

That's my rant. Some further reading on this:

"The America-Haters Strike Again" - click here

Taktix® | July 18, 2007, 10:59am | #

Michael Boldin,

Are you related to the singer?

SugarFree | July 18, 2007, 10:59am | #

President Gore? When GOPers threaten to move out of the country if he's elected, what country will they choose?

Oh, and the obligatory President Gore lyric reference:

"California Uber Alles"

I am Governor Jerry Brown
My aura smiles
And never frowns
Soon I will be president...

Carter Power will soon go away
I will be Fuhrer one day
I will command all of you
Your kids will meditate in school
Your kids will meditate in school!

[Chorus:]
California Uber Alles
California Uber Alles
Uber Alles California
Uber Alles California

Zen fascists will control you
100% natural
You will jog for the master race
And always wear the happy face

Close your eyes, can't happen here
Big Bro' on white horse is near
The hippies won't come back you say
Mellow out or you will pay
Mellow out or you will pay!

[Chorus]

Now it is 1984
Knock-knock at your front door
It's the suede/denim secret police
They have come for your uncool niece

Come quietly to the camp
You'd look nice as a drawstring lamp
Don't you worry, it's only a shower
For your clothes here's a pretty flower.

DIE on organic poison gas
Serpent's egg's already hatched
You will croak, you little clown
When you mess with President Brown
When you mess with President Brown

Rattlesnake Jake | July 18, 2007, 11:03am | #

"Standing up for liberty, peace and prosperity is hating America these days - well according to the politicians and pundits."

I always say that I'm the one who's patriotic because I believe in the principles that this country was founded on.

mediageek | July 18, 2007, 11:08am | #

The AP going "Oh noes! Republicans don't like Guiliani or McCain! Whateverz will they dooo?!" is just proof that they've been hitting their own Kool-Aid just a bit too heavily. No Republican in their right mind is supporting either of those two.

The only thing I find surprising is that the MSM actually got around to reporting this story this early in the game. Of course, they're still about six months late.

Dan T. | July 18, 2007, 11:11am | #

Who are these Republicans in the their right mind of which you speak?

Edward | July 18, 2007, 11:13am | #

A more important question: why won't well-healed Libertarian Ron Paul supporters send the old kook any money? Nothing personal, Nick.

Morat | July 18, 2007, 11:24am | #

Thompson's support is soft -- he's basically a projection candidate at this point, full of all the virtues the others are missing. He's a blank slate and people are projecting their desires in a candidate on to him.

I sincerly suspect his numbers will plummet once he actually, you know, runs.

The GOP base seems dissatisfied with all the major candidates.

As for the Democratic field -- Democrats seem pretty happy with the top three or four candidates.

That, plus the ongoing war with Iraq, is a toxic combination for 2008. If Dick gets his way on Iran, I wouldn't want to have an "R" after my name if I was up for election.

highnumber | July 18, 2007, 11:34am | #

SugarFree,

Do you remember the follow-up to "California Uber Alles"?

"We've Got A Bigger Problem Now"

I am Emperor Ronald Reagan
Born again with fascist cravings
Still, you made me president
...
You closed your eyes, can't happen here
Alexander Haig is near
Vietnam won't come back you say
Join the army or you will pay
...
Welcome to 1984
Are you ready for the third world war?!?
You too will meet the secret police
They'll draft you and they'll jail your niece

And on...

MTguy | July 18, 2007, 11:47am | #

There's one obvious dem ticket:
Gore/Clinton

The old gang's back.
Think about the possibilities.

Mr. Nice Guy | July 18, 2007, 11:47am | #

Am I wrong in thinking that the GOP apparatus in most states is basically a religious right thing? That would explain these numbers. I can't stand their type but it is understandable why they are not excited by most of the GOP candidates, what with Guliani's personal life and stance on gays/abortion, McCain's past fencing with Falwell/Robertson, Romney's heathenism, and Thompsons mild social conservative record. Are they waiting for Newt (who ironically has a worse personal life than Guliania, but hey, when have these guys ever been rational?)? On the Dem side they seem to have the worst ever candidates enjoying universal Democratic support. Not only is it foolhardy to nominate a woman or a minority (I wish it were otherwise but that starts you with a chunk of the electorate who will not vote for you) but they have a frontrunner with crazy high disapprovals who voted for this unpopular war and a second place runner with less than a decade of experience at the federal level. I agree with Jake, like him or not Gore is a much more substantial candidate, but I seriously doubt he runs against Madame Hillary...

Rattlesnake Jake | July 18, 2007, 11:56am | #

"If Dick gets his way on Iran, I wouldn't want to have an "R" after my name if I was up for election."

The problem is, the Democrats are also beating the drums for war in Iran.

Slightly More Ignorant Energized Democrat *snark* | July 18, 2007, 11:58am | #

u all think that ron paul is different but just you wait and see he is just like all the other republicans he will give lots of $$ to major companies and they will pollute and cheat hard working americans and he hates minorities and poor children but i guess that's ok for you cause your all conservatives and just want more $$ for yourselfs

Rattlesnake Jake | July 18, 2007, 12:00pm | #

"There's one obvious dem ticket:
Gore/Clinton"

Would Hillary take second spot to Gore? Maybe she would and then have him bumped off.

SugarFree | July 18, 2007, 12:09pm | #

highnumber,

Sadly, I am old enough. Also, "Bomb Iran" to the tune of "Barbara Ann." McCain brought 5th grade screaming back.

Rattlesnake Jake | July 18, 2007, 12:12pm | #

"Bomb Iran" to the tune of "Barbara Ann."

My Iranian wife's brother said he hates the Beach Boys. He thought they were actually singing "Bomb, bomb, bombard Iran".

Tacos mmm... | July 18, 2007, 12:19pm | #

You're forgetting the greatest actors of them all, the Clintons. Bill pretending to be wiping a tear from his eye after the Ron Brown funeral when he noticed a camera on him and Hillary's fake black accent when speaking to blacks.

In Hillary's defense, I'm an expatriot southerner, and my accent when I'm out of the southest is barely noticable. When I'm around other southerner's, though, it comes back strongly. It's all completely unconcious.

crimethink | July 18, 2007, 12:23pm | #

Uh, you want the MSM to take Ron Paul seriously?

Let's see what happens to his electoral chances when they "expose" the fact that in 1988 he ran on a platform that supported legalization of marijuana, cocaine, and all the rest.

miche | July 18, 2007, 12:31pm | #

In Hillary's defense, I'm an expatriot southerner, and my accent when I'm out of the southest is barely noticable. When I'm around other southerner's, though, it comes back strongly. It's all completely unconcious.

I agree. I'm from New Orleans and that accent comes back everytime I'm with family or childhood friends. Wine Commonsewer has described it best as Brooklyn on quaaludes.

SugarFree | July 18, 2007, 12:39pm | #

Rattlesnake Jake,

I spent a week in the 80s flirting with a visiting Iranian pen pal of a friend. She loved "Yo! MTV Raps" and only had three fingers on her right hand. Kept promising to cook for me, but never did. She taught me quite a few dirty words, but I forgot them all.

I'm dying of nostalgia poisoning.

Pro Libertate | July 18, 2007, 1:35pm | #

Hillary reverts to the black, Southern speech patterns of her youth in Illinois? Curious. They have something for everyone in the Chicago suburbs, don't they?

Rattlesnake Jake | July 18, 2007, 1:46pm | #

"In Hillary's defense, I'm an expatriot southerner, and my accent when I'm out of the southest is barely noticable. When I'm around other southerner's, though, it comes back strongly. It's all completely unconcious."

But Hillary is from Illinois and not known for having a Southern accent even when she was in Arkansas.

Rattlesnake Jake | July 18, 2007, 1:48pm | #

"Let's see what happens to his electoral chances when they "expose" the fact that in 1988 he ran on a platform that supported legalization of marijuana, cocaine, and all the rest."

That will generate more support for him, especially if he's given the chance to explain his position.

Rattlesnake Jake | July 18, 2007, 1:52pm | #

"She taught me quite a few dirty words, but I forgot them all."

Words like cus, keer, coon? If that's the right spelling.

Rattlesnake Jake | July 18, 2007, 1:55pm | #

Former New York Congressman John LeBoutillier has a favorable article on Ron Paul at Newsmax.com. He even said Ron Paul was good baseball player during Congressional baseball games.

SugarFree | July 18, 2007, 1:59pm | #

The only one I sort of remember sounded like "koosh kesh." "Whore" I believe.

But it hurts too much to remember her. Oh, Rattlesnake Jake, remove your fangs from my tender heart...

Brandybuck | July 18, 2007, 2:03pm | #

Dear GOP Rank and File,

You're a bunch of godamm traitors! You'll vote for who we tell you to vote, or by Dubya we'll put another Dole on the ticket!

Sincerely,

GOP Leadership.

Pro Libertate | July 18, 2007, 2:21pm | #

He even said Ron Paul was good baseball player during Congressional baseball games.

Another reason to vote for Paul. Finally, a president who can throw a strike on his opening day pitch.

Stevo Darkly | July 18, 2007, 2:49pm | #

Who are these Republicans in the their right mind of which you speak?

MG was obviously speaking hypothetically.

Well, maybe P.J. O'Rourke.

Randolph Carter | July 18, 2007, 3:46pm | #

I don't know, most of the "ball" games we played when I was an intern down there were softball. Drunken softball at that.

One time a DHS guy tried to commandeer our field on the mall.

Xmmmm | July 18, 2007, 7:47pm | #

"Am I wrong in thinking that the GOP apparatus in most states is basically a religious right thing? That would explain these numbers. I can't stand their type but it is understandable why they are not excited by most of the GOP candidates, what with Guliani's personal life and stance on gays/abortion, McCain's past fencing with Falwell/Robertson, Romney's heathenism, and Thompsons mild social conservative record."

I'm afraid you may be right on Republican voters being far more motivated and energized by Religious Right screeds to the tune of "liberal war on religion!", "sinful gay lifestyle threatening family values!", "Darwinism the catalyst for Antichrist One World Government!" and so on. After all, the 50% of Americans who believe that "human life started with Adam and Even some 10.000 years ago" have to come from somewhere.

I'm not sure, however, whether McCain has lost all hope of support from this group, seeing how he's gone out of his way to pander to them lately.

poor reader | July 18, 2007, 10:36pm | #

What an awkward title!