Quote:It's early in the cycle.  Out of the 20 republican candidates, I would think that it will eventually "weed down" to 5 or 6 "real" candidates that have a chance of winning.  In no particular order of who I think will be "finalists" here's my guess.

 

Jeb Bush

Marco Rubio

Scott Walker

Ted Cruz

Rick Santorum

Lindsey Graham

 

I've already stated plenty of times who my favorite is. I don't necessarily disagree with the candidates not on the list, I'm just looking at a "realistic" possibility.

 

On the democrat side, I see a battle between Hillary and Bernie Sanders.  Most people that I know that are democrats are not really enthused with either one.  I see that as an indicator that they either vote on the other side (depending on the republican nominee), they vote third party or don't go to the polls at all.

 

To stay on topic, quite a few that I know that have conservative leanings likes what Trump is doing, but they would never vote for him in a primary.  I believe that Donald Trump is "saying what many believe" and is forcing candidates to "not play politics" and actually talk about the issues.

 

I do think that he's being a bit "over the top" with his remarks regarding Senator McCain and Senator Graham.  I also think that he is a narcissist and is enjoying the publicity that he's getting in the media.  However, think about this a bit.  The left news media is talking about him and giving exposure to candidates that he's running against in the republican party.  That's essentially "free advertising".  How many reports are out there getting statements from Hillary, Bernie Sanders or anyone else running on the democrat side?

 

   Of the 6 candidates you mentioned,  the one that I think has the greatest uphill battle is Lindsey Graham.   I don't think Graham appeals to any segment of the Republican Party on enough key issues.   In other words,  why part of the Republican voting segments will support Graham on an issue here and there,  they will be against Graham on as many,  if not more issues.    The other 5 candidates you mentioned have much more defined voting segments that they appeal to.

 

   Until some of the debates take place,  it's much more difficult to predict which Republican candidates will have a realistic chance.  It's interesting to discuss it now but like we have seen so many times,  things often change.

 

   While Donald Trump's history of supporting left wing candidates could easily catch up to him,   the combination of the free publicity he's getting and the unlimited bank account he has makes him a wildcard.   Many people that I have met recently currently plan on voting for Trump in the primary season.    But along the lines you mentioned,   the fact that he's bringing up topics that needs to be discussed in the race is something that appeals to me.    It's evident that some of the candidates on the Republican side are very reluctant to discuss uncomfortable questions/ issues.   

 

  Because so many people correctly think Hillary is disingenuous,  it's clearly hurting her even in the Democrat Party.   The question becomes if this continues,  will someone like Elizabeth Warren enter the race?    I don't think any of the Democrats currently in the field have a realistic shot at the nomination.   However,  I believe Warren would appeal to a large segment of the Democrat Party.  

 

  If a Republican had the baggage that Hillary has,  the media would go non stop in trying to get as much on the table as possible.   

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