Chris Blattman

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The dark horse in the Republican race?

David Brooks v. Gail Collins.

David: By the way, just because I said Gingrich has a 25 percent chance of getting the nomination doesn’t mean I think Romney has a 75 percent chance. I put him about 50. I’d give the other 25 percent to some unnamed senior party figure, like Jeb Bush.

Gail: Ah yes, the Senior Party Figure fantasy. There’s a reason these people are S.P.F.s and not presidential nominees. It’s because they don’t actually have the capacity to win primaries. They’re boring or not hungry enough or too cluttered with baggage. They look good in theory. But Rick Perry looked good in theory.

I remember being in Florida for the Republican primary in in 2000 when Jeb Bush was campaigning for his brother. He had a look on his face that made me imagine Jimmy Carter being forced to introduce his brother Billy as the next president of the United States. But W. was the better candidate. Which should make you rethink Jeb.

Interesting throughout.

One Response

  1. I think Huntsman is the dark horse. Gingrich is offensive to most people who hear him talk. Huntsman is only offensive to people who read his plans for the US economy (more tax breaks for the rich, no plans to pay down debt, almost certain bankruptcy). Most people DON’T read Huntsman’s plans, like on his website, which means a dangerous guy could get the nomination.

    He’ll never become president of course, but he could get the nomination.

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