I don’t subscribe to polls indicating much because they are invalid on their face. But of the small unrepresentative sample that chooses to participate, the results point to Trump.
But there is a more important question here:
Why are Jeb Bush, Carly Fiorina, Rand Paul, John Kasich, Chris Christie, Mike Huckabee and Lindsey Graham still in the race?
Bush has money, connections and a cheater in Rove.
Fiorina has a little money but not enough. She may be getting money from the Bush PACs.
Ditto Paul and Kasich.
Christie likely has NJ money and Bush PAC money behind him.
Huckabee has genuine support among evangelicals. But he should be bowing out at this point unless he’s in it for the continued contributions from these folks.
Graham has no support and no money. He can only stay in the race by Bush support.
The splitter strategy can’t explain all of why these people are still in the race because their support is zero in many cases leaving nothing to split.
So the question remains, why are they still in the race?
So the question remains, why are they still in the race?
1) The consultant class/GOPe is still “fighting the last war”. They are still operating on an outdated model and are telling the candidates to hold steady, Trump and Carson will fail and Cruz is too “extreme” for the party’s good. Somewhere along the line they will begin to look like Baghdad Bob.
2) It’s a state-by-state battle so national polls, while encouraging, don’t really mean much when it comes to primary day. A candidate may lead generally nationally, but may lose a state, and depending on which states, that could mean a lot of delegates.
They will probably all hang around until the first few states to see which way the decisions come in. I would imagine if one candidate is winning the majority of states the chaff will fall off.
3) Why not stay in, as long as you have the $$ to do so? Face/name recognition for future, VP and cabinet appointments.
BECAUSE THEY ARE ALLOWED TO COLLECT A SALARY FOR RUNNING FOR OFFICE.
I wouldn't be surprised to find out they can claim it as tax-free income as well.
So the question remains, why are they still in the race?
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Because The Cheap Labor Express still expects the RNC to deliver the amnesty candidate they have been paid for.
“Why are Jeb Bush, Carly Fiorina, Rand Paul, John Kasich, Chris Christie, Mike Huckabee and Lindsey Graham still in the race?”
Whatever the reasons that they are still in the race, their presence is performing the commendable function of splitting the RINO vote into multiple, tiny fractions. I hope they all stay in the race until the bitter end, as it is a tremendous help for Trump.
My theory, not my only theory on this, but in part they are there in part to prevent Trump from going over 50%.
When they drop out there will be a big realignment in peoples thinking, and more than just the supporters of those losers will reassess their chosen candidate.
50% is a watershed number, all hell will break loose at that point.
So the question remains, why are they still in the race?"
The answer is another question: Why should they drop out?
What else have Goober Graham, George Pataki, Rick Santorum and Jim Gilmore got to do? OK, Goober theoretically has stuff to do in the Senate...but aren't they on Holiday Break until like next May?
Being an official "presidential candidate" is a pretty good gig if you're shameless, love attention and don't have much to do or anywhere to be. You fly around the country on other peoples' money, give a few speeches, do some interviews. People listen to what you say. They act like you're someone important. You get on TV a lot.
Then despite your abject failure, you'll always carry that moniker "former presidential candidate." Of course they'll never mention that you got 500 votes in the Iowa caucuses, .4% in New Hampshire, then dropped out right after finishing right behind Harold Stassen in South Carolina. You'll just be "former presidential candidate Jim Gilmore."
So long as the money holds out...what's not to like?
Hank