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Latest update: 15/08/2011
- elections - Republicans (USA) - Sarah Palin - US politics
White House 2012: The Republican presidential hopefuls
As President Obama presses ahead with his re-election campaign, a list of possible Republican challengers is emerging - a group of hopefuls testing the mood of the right-wing electorate and determined to make the incumbent a one-term president.
By Jon FROSCH (text)
With the 2012 US presidential vote drawing closer and incumbent Barack Obama sharpening up his re-election campaign, a group of potential Republican challengers is taking shape.
Those eyeing a bid for their party's nomination include previous unsuccessful contenders from the 2008 election; a party veteran whose political experience comes with some personal baggage; and one telegenic, but very polarising former vice presidential candidate from America's coldest state. Here's a closer look at the field.
The early frontrunner
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Mitt Romney: Though he failed to get his party’s nomination in 2008, the former Massachusetts governor, who is of Mormon faith, is widely considered a frontrunner this time. Romney is a successful businessman who says Republicans can beat Obama by focusing on the economy – setting himself up as the logical candidate. But he is also haunted by the inconvenient fact that he created a healthcare plan for Massachusetts that is strikingly similar to “Obamacare”, the reform Republicans loathe most. Will his business credentials and executive experience make up for what some see as an ideologically inconsistent record?
The Tea Party kings and queens
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Ron Paul: A longtime Congressman from Texas, Paul is known for staking out independent political positions. He is the rare Republican to criticise US involvement in foreign wars, and has proposed reducing America’s military presence around the world. But his fiscal conservatism has won him a loyal following in the Tea Party movement, and in a field of Republican candidates that is viewed as rather uninspiring, Paul’s bid for the nomination could gain more traction than it did in 2008.
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Michele Bachmann: This Minnesota Congresswoman is a divisive figure both outside her party and in. Democrats revile her for her hardline conservative positions on issues from abortion to federal spending; establishment Republicans are wary of Bachmann for her tendency to make controversial and factually questionable public statements.
But Bachmann’s emphasis on a strict interpretation of the Constitution and her chipper, outspoken manner has earned a passionate following in the Tea Party movement. She may pitch herself as an alternative to Republican candidates seen as having betrayed small-government principles.
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Rick Perry: This 61-year-old Texan succeeded George W. Bush in 2000 as governor of Texas (a position he still holds), and his southwestern twang and passionate evangelical faith are also reminiscent of the former president. Despite those similarities to an unpopular ex-commander-in-chief, Perry comes to the race with some advantages: he’s known as a fierce fundraiser, Tea Party supporters like him, and he has solid credentials as both a fiscal conservative (he cut education and healthcare spending in his home state rather than raise taxes) and a social conservative (he’s a staunch opponent of abortion). But with Mitt Romney considered the favourite and Michele Bachmann the one with momentum, Perry will have to play catch-up in the early weeks of his campaign. Rivals will also be on the lookout for potentially damaging gaffes – as when, in 2009, Perry publicly entertained the notion of Texas seceding from the union.
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Sarah Palin: The former Alaska governor and vice presidential candidate, current Fox news contributor, and perennial object of left-wing ridicule has been coy about her presidential intentions. She remains a polarising figure disliked by a dangerously high proportion of Americans for someone eyeing the White House (52% of Americans have an unfavourable opinion of Palin, according to a recent Gallup poll). But her supporters adore her brisk, shoot-from-the-hip oratorical style and image as someone unafraid to speak out against powerbrokers and insiders from both parties. Furthermore, in the midterm elections of November 2010, Palin emerged as a major mentor within the Tea Party movement, endorsing several little-known contenders instead of more mainstream Republicans. Democrats are betting that her reputation as a lightweight on the issues – particularly foreign policy – would make Palin easy for Obama to beat. Will Republicans call their bluff?
The moderate
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Jon Huntsman: A former governor of Utah and ambassador to China for President Obama since 2009, Huntsman enters the race as a moderate Republican hoping to attract independents, centrists and disillusioned Democrats. He is considered a fiscal conservative and a staunch pro-life advocate. But will his cordial ties to the Obama administration and his avowed “respect” for the president – along with his support for same-sex civil unions, caps on fossil fuel emissions and Obama’s 2009 stimulus plan – turn off the Republican base he needs to win the nomination?
The veteran
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Newt Gingrich: Former House Speaker Gingrich is one of the most seasoned potential Republican candidates, having overseen his party’s takeover of Congress in 1994 while Bill Clinton was president. But Gingrich’s political experience comes with a fair amount of baggage. A series of ethics scandals forced Gingrich to step down in 1998, and revelations of an extramarital affair shortly after further tarnished his image. Still, he has managed to stay in the game by speaking and writing regularly on politics since resigning from office.
The dark horses
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Herman Cain: He has no experience as an elected official, but this successful African-American businessman has other things going for him, particularly in the eyes of Tea Partiers: a compelling American-dream-come-true life story (he grew up poor but eventually became the CEO of fast-food chain Godfather’s Pizza) and an agenda that emphasises strict fiscal conservatism. While party insiders like Karl Rove have expressed scepticism toward Cain’s credentials, polls show higher enthusiasm for him than for any other Republican contender. Still, Cain’s debate performances have suggested a shaky grasp of foreign policy and a tendency to make controversial statements (he has said he would not be comfortable appointing a Muslim to his cabinet) – drawbacks in a race for the nomination that may boil down to who looks most “presidential”.
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Rick Santorum: A former Republican senator – and George W. Bush ally -- from Pennsylvania, Santorum has a reputation for being a staunch, across-the-board conservative, from his hawkish foreign policy statements to his stances on social issues like gay marriage and abortion. But Santorum is a lesser-known, lower-profile politician in a field of headline-grabbing contenders, and he has still not addressed in any significant detail what will surely be the defining issue of the campaign: the economy.
Main photo: Gage Skidmore/Flickr, Andrew Feinberg/Flickr.
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Comments (30)
state wrongfully removed my son
how can three social workers under false pretense come into a parents dwelling and remove there son because they could not get information that is protected by the hippa law and why would they destroy a family that is functioning no child abuse or anything like or listen to Joann warner or anyone who just has a problem with me sticking up for my kids. The stockbridge ems worker when my son got burned never had a permitt onsite and also the dansville fire department was in florida at disney world when my son Jaycen allen Glynn got burned and no report was filled out.
wats chris christie doin
wats chris christie doin 'bout her political career
Palin should run for
Palin should run for President. She's just as good on policy as any other candidate. What sets her apart from the others is she's got the highest confidence, positivity, and people skills. Those traits are the key to predicting the winner of Presedential elections. If she runs, she'll win.
PALIN
THE ARTICLE ABOVE IS VERY MISLEADING. SARAH IS AS OF TODAY WITHIN 2% MARGIN OF OBAMA IN SEVERAL POLLS, AND WE KNOW HOW THE LEFT LOVES IT'S POLLS. THE TRUTH IS SARA IS A FORCE TO CONTEND WITH, AND OBAMA IS VERY CONCERNED ABOUT HER AS WELL AS A VERY STRONG AND INFORMED REPUBLICAN CHOICE. LOOK OUT LEFTY...
Draft Sarah for President
Draft Sarah for President
Bachmanns SELFISH Ego
I liked Mechelle Bachmann, until the debate. Sorry SELFISH Mechelle. Once Rick Perry entered the race, he put you OUT. 10 years as a chief excutive for the largest state which is doing better than any other state, DISPITE Obama. Your selfishness causes you to be Obama's helpful BITCH. Perry will be the canadate. Your efforts to take him down only helps the enemy, which you fully know. Yet your burning selfishness forces you to help Obama by giving him ammo against Perry for President. Dumb, Selfish Ass. Get the hell out of the way, knowing you will NEVER WIN.
2 PROGRAMS
CONGRESS MICHELE BACHMANN. I HAVE TWO PROGRAMS THAT YOU COULD PUT
INTO EFFECT RIGHT NOW. ONE,ON GETTING WORKERS TO WORK IN THE NEXT 90 DAYS WITH OUT GOV.INTERFERENCE.TWO, GETTING CONGRESS TO PAY THEIR SHARE. I NEED A FAX NUMBER.
election
i want to know about the election in U.S.
Sarah Palin
I do not mean to be disrespectful at all; however, I do not think Sarah Palin has the dignity and inteligence that we need
in the White House. I know she is a smart lady, but when she
speaks she screams in a shrill voice that I don't think we need
to be coming from the White House. She needs to save her money,
remain in Alaska and take care of her family.
Sarah Palin
I do not mean to be disrespectful at all; however, I do not think Sarah Palin has the dignity and inteligence that we need
in the White House. I know she is a smart lady, but when she
speaks she screams in a shrill voice that I don't think we need
to be coming from the White House. She needs to save her money,
remain in Alaska and take care of her family.
Documentaries not Reality TV
The series on Alaska is a Documentary and a very good one at that. The new movie Undefeated is a Documentary which Sarah did not do, a Producer, Bannan did it and is being sued for naming it the same as 2 ovies. He will have to change the title of his documentary about Palins life. As far as I know she is not doing any reality TV?
JOBS Economy
Lets get some solutions on the table that will work. 1- Repeal NAFTA it dont work for the american people. 2- Change the work week to 4days on 4 days off on the jobs we can this would put millions back to work. Once people go back to work they need goods and services. 3- Stop obama care period. 4- fix SSI by taking the powerball and megamillions combine them when they reach 500 million draw 60 3million dollar winners 50% age 60plus 25% age 40-60 25% age 20-40 then place that money in a secure principle frozen account and let those people retire on the interest, its very probable that 500 miilion could be reached every week in time. Those accounts once the people passaway the next in line could retire on these. Also set up accounts like these within the SSI system in time we could have retirement for all working americans plus for the disabled and mentally disturbed. 5- Cut more gov. spending.
BANKS BETTING ON BANK Goldmen
BANKS BETTING ON BANK
Goldmen Sachs CDO'S Rating
Average annual retirement benefits for Mississippi public employee: 18,750
Average annual compensation of a Goldman Sach employee: 600,000
Hank paulson's compensation in 2005: $31,000,000
Lets talk about CDO Ratings (GSAMP)- Trust in 2006
AAA High Grade Ratings BBB Junk Ratings Written Off D Ratings
Henery Paulson BUSH elected in May 30 2006 no taxes for Henery Paulson
Why? Banks betting on Banks Why? Should the middle class front the bills for Billion Air who got us in this mess.
Why? should the middle class pay higher taxes and the billion Airs pay nothing.
Why put our money in the banks when the banks the ones who broke the American people.
Banks and Brokers had !1st knowledge of its deteriorating loan quality. They didn't share there opions with the American People. Thx Billion Airs
INDEPENDENT 4 LIFE
Sarah Palin in the white
Sarah Palin in the white house? YES I can see it, And I feel she could do much better job then Obama, But just think about this! she will be taking over all the nations problems,No money, no jobs,all the problems Obama gave us!
America's future
If anyone reading this is concerned about balancing the Federal budget so our great country does not fall into default, then only one candidate is the logical choice like him or not, Mitt Romney.
private jet charter quotes
one year left untill we actually see what s going to happen, first time i hear about Rick Santorum though
2012 Presidental Race
To the honorable Michelle Bachmann.....I am writing to you as a strong candidate for President of the united states of america.I have read a lot about you and what you stand for and i like what i see.I will not stand for 4 more years of nobama progressive liberal policies.I will support you 100% in this race.You are a strong women and that is what this country needs a women that will stand tall and wink an eye at the other candidates.I f their is anything that i can do to help you win this very important election please write me and i will be there for you.I believe that issues that are important are good health care for people to have choices and not socialized medicine that our president is trying to jam down our throats.I will not have that and his failed policies that has put our coutry further into debt.We need good policies like keeping our budget in line with taxes and spending programs.I myself and my brother and sister-in-law need good health care(MENTAL HEALTH ALSO) LOWER TAXES TO STIMULATE JOB GROWTH,GOOD EDUCATION FOR OUR CHILDREN,AND MORE.I will pray that you are the one that will be elected to the presidency of the united states of america and turn this country around.Many blessings to you and your family and i will support you 100% as i said earlier.
Sincerely,
Alvan G. Burman>email>abur53@yahoo.com
Ron Paul for President
it annoys me that Ron Paul gets no publicity while we can't help but see Pallin everywhere!! I think Mr. Paul makes the most sense out of all the candidates. He is consistent with what he said, and has been saying over the years. Having him as a president will be a major turning point.
Ron Paul for President
it annoys me that Ron Paul gets no publicity while we can't help but see Pallin everywhere!! I think Mr. Paul makes the most sense out of all the candidates. He is consistent with what he said, and has been saying over the years. Having him as a president will be a major turning point.
dedication
Mr Obama will remaind in power 2014
Palin
She isn't running. I'm sure the newspapers and media outlets would love it if she did because, for some insane reason, people want to read about her. I can't understand it. The fact is that she didn't even finish a single term in a small state. Her quitting early in Alaska as governor makes it almost impossible for her to gain traction with the sort of high-profile Republicans one needs on their side to be taken seriously. She's out. Her film, TV appearances and everything else are just her trying to gain attention in order to generate personal wealth and maybe try to influence a handful of issues. Please don't give her any attention as a "presidential contender" unless she takes a formal step, such as filing the necessary paperwork, indicating an intent to run.
Prseidential Elections
The old slogan shoud be rehashed a little and given to the current incumbent. It reads, "Stupid, it's still the economy"
sarkozi
sir
while obama is a great power leader , sarkozi is turning up to be an effective global leader for democratic change.
will he side with us the arabs??
lets see the courage and the man.
OBAMA
SIR,
USA being the center of gravity in global politics is naieve in her local one.
obama is already a historical figure yet the his impact is diminished due to misperceived local notions.
a great tragedy, and greater loss to us all.
Please, Not Palin!
I have seen smart men turn dumb watching Palin, while tuning out her babbling. The other woman has a chance, due to her gender. We have seen the need to prove our forward thinking policies, and how better than by putting a woman in office after the black person?
Others
Several candidates were left out.
1) Herman Cain, a distinguished businessman from Georgia. He has never held political office but is surging in polls.
2) Rick Perry, the current governor of Texas, who is serving his third term in the governor's mansion. He not officially declared but speculation is growing.
3) Gary Johnson, the former governor of New Mexico. Often labeled the pro-drugs candidate, he is more socially liberal than the others and considers himself to be a Libertarian, but has used the veto pen more times than any other sitting governor.
4) Jon Huntsman, former governor of Utah and ambassador to China. He is seen as the less damaged Mitt Romney.
5) Rick Santorum is a former senator from Pennsylvania. He is known for his strong social conservative views.
6) Thaddeus McCotter is a congressman from Michigan. He is skilled in foreign policy and has a devoted following.
republican hopefuls? for trash talking, maybe
there isn't a chance in hell for a republican to win the u.s. presidency, this election cycle- because there still is no viable candidate. if you like crazy, there's a plate full.
there is really a disappointment with obama over guantanamo, the failure fo universal health coverage, the endless wars, and the continuing failure of the economy to help the poor find work.
the republicans have totally failed the poor, and assisted the rich in paying the lowest taxes in history, on the backs of the shrinking middle and working class poor. senseless, as it is tragically immoral.
obama is seen as bush-lite, as being in bed with the republicans, rather than a fighter for the democratic plank he was nominated for, and assumed by many dems, to be fighting for. he has handed bailouts to the wealthy, and detroit, and banks, three times at the expense of working family programs, or people in housing crisis- that the banks caused to begin with.
universal healthcare was a bogus deal for the poor. thousands across the american landscape, waiting in line to see doctors set up for one day clinics in parking lots, continue to be underserved by any government assistance. there is no assistance. he broke his word to those who voted for him, and apparently is surrounded with syncophants, that can't seem to take the lead in the headlines from the republicans.
only nancy pelosi seems to be advocating like a junkyard dog against the policy failures of the whitehouse.
don't look to the republicans to solve anything. they suck the economy dry for the benefit of the wealthy, period, as they don't believe in big government, only in the largesse for their constituency at home, and their next election.
the last budget fight, over a miniscule amount in reality, was actually a war on women's rights to their health, and shutting down the aarp, a democratic helpmeet of retired working men and women who built the nation, and will soon be abandoned by the republicans as they attempt to end medicare, medicaid, and social security. that's the plate of crazy here in the republican side of neverland.
remember that congress keeps their full salary in retirement, they do not participate in any of the health care programs that were passed, but in their own healthcare plan, a fabulous full coverage not be found for any one in any program so touted in all our change and participatory democracy. it was all smoke and mirrors, a plan written by the industry, for the industry.
so much for change.
so much for your vote counting.
so much for civility, it's all out class war. with the stupids and their cousins the creationists in charge.
i can't wait for obama to lose the primary. maybe dean, maybe mrs. clinto-, there aren't that many dems that can be considered, either. but at least their camp, taken at face value, is all about service to the poor, helping american families cope in a tough economy, and jobs.
no one has gone to jail for causing the economy to collapse yet, and that ain't gonna happen. washington is still a game, using the poor as pawns for votes- then abandoning them, gay or straight, for another four years.
the banks continue to make trillions on the educational pursuits of the youth, who will be strapped for years in mounting debt. republicans gutted the pell grants this year, to make political points, but not help the economy, or the youth.
the journo class has totally failed in their duty to the public to do due diligence, address what is really going on, at whose ultimate cost and sacrifice. it remains clear it will be the poor who will pay, and the rich who will continue to use the backs of the working poor to pay for their vacations, as they have always used them to maintain their villas.
america continues to be a two-tier society, a democracy with a terrible beauty.
Election reporting
Who is the uninformed person who writes such slanted views?
You include only some of the
You include only some of the undeclared but possible candidates, missing Mr Herman Cain, an American from Georgia I believe... can't ignore him as you have included others that aren't declared yet. C'est vraiement que de l'oublie?
Some 'misses' in your article
You forgot: 1. Mitt Romney social flip flop, flip flops. 2a. Huckabee is not a preacher - he WAS a preacher. He hasn't been one for about 2 decades 2b. Whoop-de-doo he said Kenya instead of Indonesia. That was the ONLY thing he mis-said and they corrected. Otherwise literally EVERY WORD was correct. You're excited about one word that could be easily missaid because Kenya and Obama are constantly linked whether true or not? 2c. Next, he was simply asked about N.P. Huckabee didn't bring it up and threw in 'or anyone' so as not to just focus on her. Everyone is just getting lazy in reporting. 3. Paul has a lot of negatives, most of which is lacking in support for our friend and democracy Israel. That matters a lot here in the USA. 4. Bachmann said a couple things that weren't just right? (Never mind Obama and his 57 states or whatever, right? I bet you let that pass...) Egads no!! God forbid she not remember exactly where some battle started over 200 years ago. Now I care about history, but SO WHAT? People who have cameras on them a lot who speak a lot will be 'caught' misspeaking. You never mix up words? That said, good job on the rest. It's accurate enough.
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