Payoff?

gee, that may happen.

Its all a good ole boys network. Mitt is just one example of how a well qualified candidate from the private sector has no chance against the political establishment--whether it be Republican or Democrat. McCain had his cronies pitch hit for him at the last minute, but they'll be expecting pay back. Funny that this has been one of Mitt's focuses: Washington is broken with so many favors being owed, etc. Too bad.

Its all a good ole boys network. Mitt is just one example of how a well qualified candidate from the private sector has no chance against the political establishment--whether it be Republican or Democrat. McCain had his cronies pitch hit for him at the last minute, but they'll be expecting pay back. Funny that this has been one of Mitt's focuses: Washington is broken with so many favors being owed, etc. Too bad.

So would you say that McCain's elevation to Repub. # 1 is due to back room pay backs and favors by the "Establishment", and not due to the liberal media manipulating the process in his favor?

So would you say that McCain's elevation to Repub. # 1 is due to back room pay backs and favors by the "Establishment", and not due to the liberal media manipulating the process in his favor?

I'd say its both. Romney was leading in FL until the last minute Crist endorsement, which I think was very strategic. Arnold will help McCain in California, etc. and the Guiliani endorsement is a slap in Romney's face since they are both considered to be fiscally conservative.

In spite of Obama's big Kennedy endorsements, I think the Clintons still have the Democratic establishment on their side, IF Bill can keep his mouth shut.

I really believe that those in power don't want to let go of it. I'm sure not too many politicians are thrilled with Romney's "change Washington" theme.

I bet Rudy was offered a bunch of something, money or promises, to drop out today.

Winning by 5 % in a five way race is not a squeaker.
McCain Rocked.
Never really thought of him as the "Establishment Candidate" either.
Especially considering how all of the Ultra conservatives on talk radio bash him.
He is the consummate Maverick who has made lots of enemies by working together with the Dems. trying to tip D.C. off center.
Rudy is toast.
Look for Mitt as VP.
Politics makes strange bedfellows.

Winning by 5 % in a five way race is not a squeaker.
McCain Rocked.
Never really thought of him as the "Establishment Candidate" either.
Especially considering how all of the Ultra conservatives on talk radio bash him.
He is the consummate Maverick who has made lots of enemies by working together with the Dems. trying to tip D.C. off center.
Rudy is toast.
Look for Mitt as VP.
Politics makes strange bedfellows.

take Crist's endorsement away, and what would be the outcome?

I bet Rudy was offered a bunch of something, money or promises, to drop out today.

The man makes millions from his law/lobbying firms and speeches.
Cabinet members earn what about $186K a year?
Frankly I don't think Rudy ever thought he could win in the primaries. He may have been gunning for a position. I would like to see him in a position where he consults on border security since that does not conflict with his law/ lobby firm as much. My understanding is that they do consult on security issues now, but more of it is energy lobby related.
As long as none of his buddies get large security contracts, I say let him at it.

Winning by 5 % in a five way race is not a squeaker.
McCain Rocked.
Never really thought of him as the "Establishment Candidate" either.
Especially considering how all of the Ultra conservatives on talk radio bash him.
He is the consummate Maverick who has made lots of enemies by working together with the Dems. trying to tip D.C. off center.
Rudy is toast.
Look for Mitt as VP.
Politics makes strange bedfellows.

Winning 36% of the vote is also losing 64% of the vote.

The man makes millions from his law/lobbying firms and speeches.
Cabinet members earn what about $186K a year?
Frankly I don't think Rudy ever thought he could win in the primaries. He may have been gunning for a position. I would like to see him in a position where he consults on border security since that does not conflict with his law/ lobby firm as much. My understanding is that they do consult on security issues now, but more of it is energy lobby related.
As long as none of his buddies get large security contracts, I say let him at it.

So glad Guiliani had such a dizzying free-fall - his campaign was a joke! I love that line Joe Biden had anout Rudy, "All his sentences has but 3 words, a noun, a verb, and 911!"

I really believe that those in power don't want to let go of it.

In "Fear and Loathing on the Campaign Trail", Hunter S. Thompson maintained that Muskie, I think, was addicted to a drug called Ibogaine, which made you want power. It's a shame he gave up and left us. He could have had a field day with both sides of this contest.

Its all a good ole boys network. Mitt is just one example of how a well qualified candidate from the private sector has no chance against the political establishment--whether it be Republican or Democrat.

i don't think mitt would even be there if he did'nt have the money to finance his campaign himself. what makes him well qualified ? also flip flopping on issues hurt him. he seems like another rich guy that wants to be president, but does he have enough money to but the nomination ?

I bet Rudy was offered a bunch of something, money or promises, to drop out today.

Highly doubtful. I think Rudy was relieved that the agony and microscopic examination ended. I am sure it was extremely painful to him regarding the scruitiny his then "mistress" and now wife, received. Politics is extremely low and no one or nothing is immune to the personal attacks. I think Rudy would make a great AG or an advisor of some sort. He certainly doesn't need money.

take Crist's endorsement away, and what would be the outcome?

If my grandmother had b-lls she'd be my grandfather. If If's and but's were candy and nuts....it would be Xmas everyday.

i don't think mitt would even be there if he did'nt have the money to finance his campaign himself. what makes him well qualified ? also flip flopping on issues hurt him. he seems like another rich guy that wants to be president, but does he have enough money to but the nomination ?

And McCain HASN'T flip flopped? What a joke. Romney changed positions before the campaign and has explained why. All of the other candidates did so during the campaign and even adopted Romney's positions.

You have proved my point. Even with money, a normal citizen has little chance of getting elected because he/she is not part of the political establishment. Why is it so wrong for someone with money to run for President? Obviously it is imperative for candidates to have money. If Romney wants to spend 1/4 of his fortune on this campaign then good for him.

If my grandmother had b-lls she'd be my grandfather. If If's and but's were candy and nuts....it would be Xmas everyday.

As a registered Republican. I would rather vote the Democratic ticket than give my vote to another version of GW. The intractable situation in Iraq, and the non-action on immigration are 2 huge positions McCain is completely out of step with the American public. I'll bet McCain thinks Vietnam was worth the effort as well, because it gave him a new career.

And McCain HASN'T flip flopped? What a joke. Romney changed positions before the campaign and has explained why. All of the other candidates did so during the campaign and even adopted Romney's positions.

You have proved my point. Even with money, a normal citizen has little chance of getting elected because he/she is not part of the political establishment. Why is it so wrong for someone with money to run for President? Obviously it is imperative for candidates to have money. If Romney wants to spend 1/4 of his fortune on this campaign then good for him.

mitt seems to be the choice of the republican establishment the choices of the bush family and the people that brought w to us, more so than mccain. this seems to hurt him also. you seem to be mad about your candidate losing in florida,but remember that is all part of the game and the game is not over. mitt is against the immigration bill but was ok with using illegals for working on his landscaping ?

As a registered Republican. I would rather vote the Democratic ticket than give my vote to another version of GW.

thank goodness, i hope there are more like you. you mentioned mccain but isn't mitt supported by the same people that gave us w?

thank goodness, i hope there are more like you. you mentioned mccain but isn't mitt supported by the same people that gave us w?

he has to pander to the neanderthal right to become elected. I don't see him starting wars as President , rather I see Romney as a hard-nosed problem solver with high IQ. I've had a good long look at McCain, and, while I believe he's smart enough to marry a beautiful, well off woman, he's got more in common with GW than Romney.

As a registered Republican. I would rather vote the Democratic ticket than give my vote to another version of GW. The intractable situation in Iraq, and the non-action on immigration are 2 huge positions McCain is completely out of step with the American public. I'll bet McCain thinks Vietnam was worth the effort as well, because it gave him a new career.

DO you honestly believe the comment about Vietnam ??

he has to pander to the neanderthal right to become elected. I don't see him starting wars as President , rather I see Romney as a hard-nosed problem solver with high IQ. I've had a good long look at McCain, and, while I believe he's smart enough to marry a beautiful, well off woman, he's got more in common with GW than Romney.

BOB, you have a great gift for hyperbole.

he has to pander to the neanderthal right to become elected. I don't see him starting wars as President , rather I see Romney as a hard-nosed problem solver with high IQ. I've had a good long look at McCain, and, while I believe he's smart enough to marry a beautiful, well off woman, he's got more in common with GW than Romney.

I agree with you on Mitt. He seems to be the only one qualified in either party. Not having been in the senate for 3 terms and subsequently corrupt as hell(Keating 5) is not necessarily a bad thing. Aside from no federal government experience, Mitt is a pretty accomplished man. I just can't seem to picture any of the other candidates in the oval office.

BOB, you have a great gift for hyperbole.

hyperbole maybe, but I believe what I say, and am open to you changing my mind. Convince me that McCain is a better choice.

hyperbole maybe, but I believe what I say, and am open to you changing my mind. Convince me that McCain is a better choice.

when mccain wins the nomination who are all of the mitt supporters here going to vote for in the general election?