Romney to speak TH on "state of the 2016 presidential race"

[JumpinJack]

Ruh-roh. They're calling out the big guns.

Mitt Romney has announced that he will speak on 'state of the 2016 presidential race' Thursday mornming, the same day that the remaining GOP candidates are scheduled to do another debate.

I assume it's going to be an anti-Trump speech, admonishing voters about voting for Trump, and extolling the virtues of Rubio and/or Cruz.

Mitt Romney to speak on 'state of the 2016 presidential race' Thursday - CNNPolitics.com

So I guess this means that Romney is the head of the Republican Party, or at least carries a lot of weight?

 

[Helix]

i truly doubt that any of the Trump supporting delusionists give **** one about what Mitt Romney thinks.

 

[DaveFagan]

I think the GOP establishment is trolling to get Romney on the ballot. A screw the Trump first step. Too little, too late.

 

[OrphanSlug]

"Another source close to Romney told CNN that he is "going after Trump" in the speech"... assuming that is true, then I think it speaks volumes for the disarray of the party. The divide is set and not going anywhere throughout this campaign. The convention will be a popcorn ready moment.

 

[reinoe]

i truly doubt that any of the Trump supporting delusionists give **** one about what Mitt Romney thinks.

True, but you don't have to support Trump to give 0 ****s about what that guy thinks.

 

[Helix]

True, but you don't have to support Trump to give 0 ****s about what that guy thinks.

yeah, that's fairly bipartisan.

 

[AlbqOwl]

Ruh-roh. They're calling out the big guns.

Mitt Romney has announced that he will speak on 'state of the 2016 presidential race' Thursday mornming, the same day that the remaining GOP candidates are scheduled to do another debate.

I assume it's going to be an anti-Trump speech, admonishing voters about voting for Trump, and extolling the virtues of Rubio and/or Cruz.

Mitt Romney to speak on 'state of the 2016 presidential race' Thursday - CNNPolitics.com

So I guess this means that Romney is the head of the Republican Party, or at least carries a lot of weight?

There have been strong rumors going around that the GOP establishment is ready to force a brokered convention so they can push Romney forward as their candidate of choice. Of course they have to get him on the ballots everywhere first, so if we start seeing that happening, then we know that they intend an almost unprecedented thumb in the eye to the people who voted for Trump. And personally I think that would guarantee a Clinton victory in November.

I think they fear Cruz almost as much as they fear Trump but would take him as a last resort. It has been obvious that Rubio was the anointed one to get the nomination and it must be no end of frustration to the GOP party leaders that he has been so ineffective.

The thing is I don't personally think they give a damn about the economy or illegal immigration or Supreme Court nominations. They just don't want their power disturbed as they figure to get theirs and be long gone before anything seriously hits the fan. And the Democrats are no better.

 

[JumpinJack]

There have been strong rumors going around that the GOP establishment is ready to force a brokered convention so they can push Romney forward as their candidate of choice. Of course they have to get him on the ballots everywhere first, so if we start seeing that happening, then we know that they intend an almost unprecedented thumb in the eye to the people who voted for Trump. And personally I think that would guarantee a Clinton victory in November.

I think they fear Cruz almost as much as they fear Trump but would take him as a last resort. It has been obvious that Rubio was the anointed one to get the nomination and it must be no end of frustration to the GOP party leaders that he has been so ineffective.

The thing is I don't personally think they give a damn about the economy or illegal immigration or Supreme Court nominations. They just don't want their power disturbed as they figure to get theirs and be long gone before anything seriously hits the fan. And the Democrats are no better.

Very interesting.

I agree with your last statement, too...except that I do think they are very concerned about the S.Ct. nomination. It has far reaching consequences that could hurt their party, their standing with their base, and financially.

 

[AlbqOwl]

Very interesting.

I agree with your last statement, too...except that I do think they are very concerned about the S.Ct. nomination. It has far reaching consequences that could hurt their party, their standing with their base, and financially.

Possible. But they don't show it when it looks like they are doing their damndest to give Hillary the election.

 

[Abbazorkzog]

I'd take Trump over Romney any day.

 

[OpportunityCost]

Its too late for Romney to pull a Reagan a la 76-80.

 

[Jack Fabulous]

Ruh-roh. They're calling out the big guns.

Mitt Romney has announced that he will speak on 'state of the 2016 presidential race' Thursday mornming, the same day that the remaining GOP candidates are scheduled to do another debate.

I assume it's going to be an anti-Trump speech, admonishing voters about voting for Trump, and extolling the virtues of Rubio and/or Cruz.

Mitt Romney to speak on 'state of the 2016 presidential race' Thursday - CNNPolitics.com

So I guess this means that Romney is the head of the Republican Party, or at least carries a lot of weight?

It would be poetic justice if nobody showed up to cover the event.

 

[Lutherf]

There have been strong rumors going around that the GOP establishment is ready to force a brokered convention so they can push Romney forward as their candidate of choice. Of course they have to get him on the ballots everywhere first, so if we start seeing that happening, then we know that they intend an almost unprecedented thumb in the eye to the people who voted for Trump. And personally I think that would guarantee a Clinton victory in November.

I think they fear Cruz almost as much as they fear Trump but would take him as a last resort. It has been obvious that Rubio was the anointed one to get the nomination and it must be no end of frustration to the GOP party leaders that he has been so ineffective.

The thing is I don't personally think they give a damn about the economy or illegal immigration or Supreme Court nominations. They just don't want their power disturbed as they figure to get theirs and be long gone before anything seriously hits the fan. And the Democrats are no better.

The political class is rallying up the troops and preparing to ride. They've sent out their scouts. They know where the enemy is. They aren't worried because it's really just a few rabble rousers that are upset.

If Trump wins the primary as decisively as he has been winning and the GOP goes after him they may find that those few rabble rousers are supported by Crazy Horse, Sitting Bull and a whole bunch of folks they weren't counting on.

Frankly, as much as I dislike Trump I'd gladly support an outright rebellion against the GOP if it meant clearing these bastards out of DC.

 

[Abbazorkzog]

The political class is rallying up the troops and preparing to ride. They've sent out their scouts. They know where the enemy is. They aren't worried because it's really just a few rabble rousers that are upset.

If Trump wins the primary as decisively as he has been winning and the GOP goes after him they may find that those few rabble rousers are supported by Crazy Horse, Sitting Bull and a whole bunch of folks they weren't counting on.

Frankly, as much as I dislike Trump I'd gladly support an outright rebellion against the GOP if it meant clearing these bastards out of DC.

Indeed, and that may allow the Libertarians and Greens to fill the vacuum.
Still on the fence about Trump, though.

 

[AlbqOwl]

Its too late for Romney to pull a Reagan a la 76-80.

No it isn't. We aren't talking about 76 or 80. We're talking 1966 and Goldwater. It only requires the establishment to quietly qualify him for the general election and then if the wrong person (make that Trump) wins the nomination, they change the rules to force a brokered convention and make Romney the nominee. He wouldn't have to campaign even until the general election campaign begins.

 

[OpportunityCost]

No it isn't. We aren't talking about 76 or 80. We're talking 1966 and Goldwater. It only requires the establishment to quietly qualify him for the general election and then if the wrong person (make that Trump) wins the nomination, they change the rules to force a brokered convention and make Romney the nominee. He wouldn't have to campaign even until the general election campaign begins.

He isn't even qualified on the ballot without winning 8 states. That's part of why Rubio is in trouble.

 

[OrphanSlug]

No it isn't. We aren't talking about 76 or 80. We're talking 1966 and Goldwater. It only requires the establishment to quietly qualify him for the general election and then if the wrong person (make that Trump) wins the nomination, they change the rules to force a brokered convention and make Romney the nominee. He wouldn't have to campaign even until the general election campaign begins.

Following that thought to conclusion then means the end of the Republican Party as we know it. Without a doubt.

Assuming that Trump walks into the convention at or near the required delegate count, and the GOP turns around through rules change or broker (or both) just to hand this off to Romney or some other candidate suggests that Establishment would be going to the nth degree to ensure Establishment wants outweigh the voter. It would then be foolish to rule out the voter responding as such and going 3rd party or staying home. That sort of decision would impact Congressional seat races as well, the upset voter pool would respond.

It would be a last act of lunacy proving the GOP has self-destructed.

 

[AlbqOwl]

He isn't even qualified on the ballot without winning 8 states. That's part of why Rubio is in trouble.

That's according to existing rules which they can change in a heartbeat with a straight up vote.

 

[AlbqOwl]

Following that thought to conclusion then means the end of the Republican Party as we know it. Without a doubt.

Assuming that Trump walks into the convention at or near the required delegate count, and the GOP turns around through rules change or broker (or both) just to hand this off to Romney or some other candidate suggests that Establishment would be going to the nth degree to ensure Establishment wants outweigh the voter. It would then be foolish to rule out the voter responding as such and going 3rd party or staying home. That sort of decision would impact Congressional seat races as well, the upset voter pool would respond.

It would be a last act of lunacy proving the GOP has self-destructed.

Maybe. But if they figure the GOP leadership loses all its influence and power if Trump is elected, they could very well take the risk. They would be banking that Trump's wins (and approval ratings) remain under 50% and those who don't like Trump are aren't strongly committed to him will save the day.

 

[NonoBadDog]

Ruh-roh. They're calling out the big guns.

Mitt Romney has announced that he will speak on 'state of the 2016 presidential race' Thursday mornming, the same day that the remaining GOP candidates are scheduled to do another debate.

I assume it's going to be an anti-Trump speech, admonishing voters about voting for Trump, and extolling the virtues of Rubio and/or Cruz.

Mitt Romney to speak on 'state of the 2016 presidential race' Thursday - CNNPolitics.com

So I guess this means that Romney is the head of the Republican Party, or at least carries a lot of weight?

It means the party wishes that he carried a lot of weight. Right now the "party" isn't very high on the influence chart with voters and they are freaking out that the voters might elect an uncontrollable candidate. Romney blew his chance. No reason to put any stock in what he has to say at this point.

 

[OrphanSlug]

Maybe. But if they figure the GOP leadership loses all its influence and power if Trump is elected, they could very well take the risk. They would be banking that Trump's wins (and approval ratings) remain under 50% and those who don't like Trump are aren't strongly committed to him will save the day.

I am fairly confident we can rule out the maybe part, there would be a voter response to their choice losing in some brokered / altered rule convention.

The risk is what is usually is for Establishment wants vs. voter turn out wants. Assuming we have a three horse race between Trump, Cruz and Rubio headed into the convention then there is only so much that Establishment can do besides a brokered convention. Trump may have slightly less than 50% of the support but more than Cruz or Rubio putting added pressure on the convention. It would take a real rules change and almost complete autonomy (over and above what they have now) for unbound delegates to do whatever they wish with respect to bringing in Romney to "save the day." I still strongly suspect that Romney could not win even if the GOP somehow got partial unification inside the party.

What I see as more plausible but still very dangerous for Establishment Republicans is brokering some deal between Cruz, Rubio, and the delegates from other candidates that have already dropped out or soon will. Mainly the deal would have to be between Cruz and Rubio just to obtain enough delegates before adding in unbound delegates just to pass Trump. Forcing Trump to get so upset as to go third party regardless of the "agreement."

Either way, the risk would be enormous to Establishment Republicans no matter how many wealthy donors they got to support either idea. At this point I think Establishment Republicans have already screwed this up to the point that whatever Romney says tomorrow will be too little and too late. It very well may continue to aid in the backlash which made Trump plausible in the first place.

 

[NonoBadDog]

No it isn't. We aren't talking about 76 or 80. We're talking 1966 and Goldwater. It only requires the establishment to quietly qualify him for the general election and then if the wrong person (make that Trump) wins the nomination, they change the rules to force a brokered convention and make Romney the nominee. He wouldn't have to campaign even until the general election campaign begins.

They would have a full blown revolt on their hands that would have repercussions for at least a decade.

 

[polgara]

The political class is rallying up the troops and preparing to ride. They've sent out their scouts. They know where the enemy is. They aren't worried because it's really just a few rabble rousers that are upset.

If Trump wins the primary as decisively as he has been winning and the GOP goes after him they may find that those few rabble rousers are supported by Crazy Horse, Sitting Bull and a whole bunch of folks they weren't counting on.

Frankly, as much as I dislike Trump I'd gladly support an outright rebellion against the GOP if it meant clearing these bastards out of DC.

Well stated, Lutherf. :thumbs: If they honestly believe that all the folks that voted for Trump are going to say "okay, whatever you think best," they need to join the real world! As angry as the populous has been lately about so many things, this would be the final straw, IMO! To basically be told that your vote doesn't count - although many people already suspect that's the case - it sure doesn't help to see it confirmed!

Now I have just read on Yahoo that the Utah legislature is working on a bill to nullify the 17th Amendment so the State can go back to appointing Senators instead of having people vote for them! Can any State do this? I thought it was a joke, but apparently they're serious!

And Kansas is working on a bill that will require cities and towns to send traffic fine money to the State to help pay off the State debt! Like the politicians that run municipalities are by nature altruistic! :cuckoo:

YOU CAN'T MAKE THIS STUFF UP, LUTHER!

 

[AlbqOwl]

I am fairly confident we can rule out the maybe part, there would be a voter response to their choice losing in some brokered / altered rule convention.

The risk is what is usually is for Establishment wants vs. voter turn out wants. Assuming we have a three horse race between Trump, Cruz and Rubio headed into the convention then there is only so much that Establishment can do besides a brokered convention. Trump may have slightly less than 50% of the support but more than Cruz or Rubio putting added pressure on the convention. It would take a real rules change and almost complete autonomy (over and above what they have now) for unbound delegates to do whatever they wish with respect to bringing in Romney to "save the day." I still strongly suspect that Romney could not win even if the GOP somehow got partial unification inside the party.

What I see as more plausible but still very dangerous for Establishment Republicans is brokering some deal between Cruz, Rubio, and the delegates from other candidates that have already dropped out or soon will. Mainly the deal would have to be between Cruz and Rubio just to obtain enough delegates before adding in unbound delegates just to pass Trump. Forcing Trump to get so upset as to go third party regardless of the "agreement."

Either way, the risk would be enormous to Establishment Republicans no matter how many wealthy donors they got to support either idea. At this point I think Establishment Republicans have already screwed this up to the point that whatever Romney says tomorrow will be too little and too late. It very well may continue to aid in the backlash which made Trump plausible in the first place.

What the establishments needs to do is to see how hypocritical they look in wanting the GOP to be a big tent party, but now that Trump is actually accomplishing that, they are in a state of apoplexy. And I agree they are really slow learners. The more the establishment attacks Trump, the more appealing he is to millions of people who no longer trust or even like the establishment.

 

[AlbqOwl]

They would have a full blown revolt on their hands that would have repercussions for at least a decade.

As I mentioned to another member, they seem to be really slow learners though. The more the establishment attacks Trump, they don't seem to notice that he becomes even more appealing to the millions out there who are sick and tired of being lied to, disappointed by, or shafted by the establishment.