Quote:   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.   

 

I can agree with you on your first point.  I threw Lindsey Graham out there simply because he is an "establishment" candidate that some probably support.  He's probably the one that I would say is more to the center than the right.

 

I do also agree that once debates begin, the field will start thinning and the "real" candidates will start emerging.

 

I believe that Trump could be the down fall of republicans this election cycle, unless he bows out of the race and supports a candidate.  With him threatening to be a third party candidate, I see him being another Ross Perot.  He'll take votes away from the eventual republican candidate, whoever that might be.  I can't honestly see him as earning the republican nomination.  I do commend him for speaking clearly and firmly regarding certain topics, but I don't necessarily agree with his delivery.  I personally think that he would be a bad choice to be President.  If he does stick with being a nominee in the republican party, I would think that he loses.

 

Regarding Elizabeth Warren, I don't think that she will enter the race, unless there is a devastating issue with Hillary.  After all, it's not "her turn".  Even then, I can't see her rising up to the top of the crop of democrat candidates.  There are quite a few on the far left that really likes her, but most sane people would not support her.

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