Quote:1 - I respectfully disagree that McCain or Romney wasn't "tough enough".  McCain had an uphill battle, and though I know you like Sarah, her selection did not make McCain's path easier.  Romney might not have been the toughest looking or sounding candidate, but I disagree that it was his calm, respectful, confident demeanor that did him in.

 

2 - Newt was a weak candidate, and certainly weaker than Romney.  His affairs would not have made him popular with women of either party, and I doubt he would have debated Obama any better than Romney did.  Romney won both debates in 2012 and still couldn't take POTUS 44 down.  Gingrich is smart, speaks well, and gives off an arrogant aura that is often confused with strength.

 

3 - I agree with the first half of your final paragraph.  Conservative Republicans are certainly desperate for  a non-pansy nominee, and many think that looks like Donald.  If you think Cruz can be that candidate, fine, and I think he'd govern better than Donald.  There are better candidates in this field for a moderate like me.  I heard a pundit say it over the weekend:  if Trump can't handle being put on the hot spot by Meghan, how do you think he's going to handle Putin?