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2012 Candidates - Possible Republican Presidential Candidates

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Now that Barack Obama is president and he will have at least four years ahead of him, many people wonder who the GOP will pick as their presidential candidate for the 2012 elections. Gallup has already held polls asking that question.

The list is a short one and not all candidates have even said that they plan on a run for the White House.

I have the 10 people that Gallup placed in their poll.

The obviously possible presidential candidates for many Republicans in 2012 have been Sarah Palin, Mike Huckabee, and Mitt Romney. They received the highest amount of votes on the Gallup Poll of the politicians Republicans would most like to see make a run.

Who else made the Gallup Poll of possible Republican presidential candidates?


Possible Republican Presidential Candidate for 2012 #1 - Sarah Palin

The hazel eyed governor of Alaska, as we all know was John McCains running mate in 2008. She fought some hard battles in her state that have involved her taking on members of her own party.

She was not only Alaska's first female governor, but is also the youngest person to be elected governor of Alaska.

Palin broke with her party endorsing a bid to unseat representative Don Young & challenged Ted Stevens to come clean on an investigation into his financial dealings.


Books on Sarah Palin

Going Rogue: An American Life Going Rogue: An American Life
Price: $9.00
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Trailblazer: An Intimate Biography of Sarah Palin Trailblazer: An Intimate Biography of Sarah Palin
Price: $3.48
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Sarah from Alaska: The Sudden Rise and Brutal Education of a New Conservative Superstar Sarah from Alaska: The Sudden Rise and Brutal Education of a New Conservative Superstar
Price: $13.00
List Price: $26.95

Possible Republican Presidential Candidate for 2012 #2 - Mitt Romney

This former governor from Massachusetts made a run for the White House in 2008. Let's see what his plans are for 2012.

Mitt Romney was CEO of a management consulting firm called Bain & Company. Then going on to be The 70th governor of Massachusetts.

He entered office with a 3 Billion dollar deficit, but through spending cuts and removal of corporate tax loopholes had a $700 million surplus and was able to cut taxes.


Books on Mitt Romney

Mitt Romney: The Man, His Values and His Vision Mitt Romney: The Man, His Values and His Vision
Price: $4.33
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No Apology: The Case for American Greatness No Apology: The Case for American Greatness
Price: $17.15
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A Different God?: Mitt Romney, the Religious Right, and the Mormon Question A Different God?: Mitt Romney, the Religious Right, and the Mormon Question
Price: $17.24
List Price: $24.95

Possible Republican Presidential Candidate for 2012 #3 - Mike Huckabee

Mike Huckabee is the former governor of Arkansas, who also found himself after the 2008 republican nomination. Finishing second to John McCain in the republican primaries. Since then he has found a home on The Fox News Channel.

He has also had a great preaching career. That has included working with James Robinson.

Huckabee is a prime example of what the GOP should stand for. He stood up against racism and anti-Semitism. He opposes gun control laws and believes in the right to carry a concealed weapon.

After the 2008 loss to McCain he was quoted saying "I'm not ruling anything out for the future, but I'm not making any specific plans".



Possible Republican Presidential Candidate for 2012 #4 - David Petraeus

General David Petraeus is a highly decorated serviceman of the United States Army and a graduate of West Point. He unlike the other three on the list has yet to through in his bid for The White House.

Petraeus has been involved in military actions since the 70's. He has authored many journals and reviews of military movements since 1983.

He has seen huge involvement in the war in Iraq. Although being one of the first foreseeing major difficulties following the fall of Baghdad. One of the Generals biggest achievements in Iraq would have to be the restoration and re-opening of the University of Mosul.



Possible Republican Presidential Candidate for 2012 #5 - Rudy Giuliani

Giuliani is a lawyer, businessman, and former Mayor of New York, who while in office experienced one of the worse things you could ever expect to happen during his stint as mayor. On September 11th 2001 the World Trade Center was struck by two planes piloted by terrorist.

Giuliani stepped right in, like any fine American citizen should.

Since then Giuliani has went on to run for the nomination for the Republican parties nominee for President of The United States, in the 2008.


Books on Rudy Giuliani

Leadership Leadership
Price: $1.99
List Price: $15.95
Rudy Giuliani: Emperor of the City Rudy Giuliani: Emperor of the City
Price: $1.60
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Rudy - The Rudy Giuliani Story Rudy - The Rudy Giuliani Story
Price: $7.00
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Possible Republican Presidential Candidate for 2012 #6 - Newt Gingrich

Former Speaker of the United States House of Representatives and author, Newt Gingrich is another favorite in Republican circles. He has had an extensive political career, but has also acted as a college professor at the University of West Georgia.

After leaving the house in 1998, Gingrich stayed within the realm of politics. Working as a political analyst as well as a Fox News contributor.

Gingrich had considered a run in the 2008 elections, but turned away after finding he would have to stop serving as chairman of American Solutions. He is now considering running in 2012.


Books on Newt Gingrich

Newt Gingrich: Speaker to America Newt Gingrich: Speaker to America
Price: $4.10
List Price: $5.99
Lessons Learned the Hard Way: A Personal Report Lessons Learned the Hard Way: A Personal Report
Price: $0.99
List Price: $25.00

Possible Republican Presidential Candidate for 2012 #7 - Bobby Jindal

Bobby Jindal is the current governor of Louisiana. Jindal is the first non-white governor to serve in Louisiana since P.B.S Pinchback during reconstruction and the first Indian American to serve in state wide office in U.S. history.

Jindal may have been looked at by John McCain as a possible running mate in the 2008 election.

During hurricane Gustav Jindal instated one of the largest evacuations in U.S. history. He ordered that the sick, poor, and elderly be bused out of town before landfall. His quick action was accredited as the reason Gustav only claimed 16 lives in the United States.



Possible Republican Presidential Candidate for 2012 #8 - Jeb Bush

Jeb Bush was the 43rd governor of Florida and the younger brother of former President George W. Bush. He not only had experience in politics, but also found himself in the fields of banking and real estate.

Bush has had vast experience in charitable work. He volunteered his time to United Way and helped form think tanks on furthering education policies.

In his administration Bush held up core values that true conservatives feel are essential. He also employed many highly qualified women, African Americans and minorities to top level positions more often than any other previous governor of Florida.


2008 Fox SC Republican Debate (Part 1)


Possible Republican Presidential Candidate for 2012 #9 - Charlie Crist

Charlie Crist is the current governor of Florida and Florida's former Attorney General. He obtained the office of Attorney General with support from people such as John Walsh host of "America's Most Wanted".

During 2007 Crist hosted his first climate change summit in Florida. At the summit Crist signed executive orders to reduce greenhouse emissions by 80 percent by 2050.

Crist is a supporter of low income families living at a locked in rate so that they may be able to downsize their living space or move into larger homes. He also supports the counting of all paper ballots in elections following allegations that votes were being undercounted in black communities by computerized voting machines.


2008 Fox SC Republican Debate (Part 2)


Possible Republican Presidential Candidate for 2012 #10 - Lindsey Graham

Lindsey Graham is a senator from the state of South Carolina. Graham is the only U.S. Senator to have served in both the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts as a military attorney and advisor.

Graham was a graduate of the University of South Carolina graduating with a B.A. in psychology and also served in United States Air Force.

He often votes conservatively, but has often criticized the party line and is more independent minded than his colleague Jim DeMint. Graham votes as a conservative 90 percent of the time.

Graham supported John McCain's presidential bid in 2000, and served as national co-chairman of McCain's 2008 presidential bid.

 


2008 Fox SC Republican Debate (Part 3)

Gallup Poll

The above order is the order in which Conservative Republicans have voted for each possible candidate in a Gallup Poll as of November 2008. We may or may not actually see the people listed above as the 2012 Presidential candidate.

Below is a some what similar poll. Just to see how each of us outside the Gallup Poll feels about the possible 2012 Presidential candidates.

As a Republican, Democrat, or Independent who would you vote for based on what you know or have learned about the people listed above?

  • Sarah Palin
  • Mitt Romney
  • Mike Huckabee
  • David Petraeus
  • Rudy Giuliani
  • Newt Gingrich
  • Bobby Jindal
  • Jeb Bush
  • Charlie Crist
  • Lindsey Graham
See results without voting

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jdnyc profile image

jdnyc  says:
10 months ago

Although there are many people who would say this is too early to start talking about, I do think listing some potential names now can be useful. It gives some focus on people who may have something to say about current issues that aren't necessarily hands-on in Washington, but might have some experience and knowledge to share.

To me, Bobby Jinda seems the most interesting. Many of the others seem like we are digging in the past to find a candidate, but then again, in three years who knows what things will look like! We may want someone who has lots of experience in Washington government (Gingrich), or someone who knows how to run things (Romney).

Charles   says:
10 months ago

Jindal is the future of the GOP his experience in the economy, healthcare, and energy are at the top of the level. His leadership qualities have been proven in Gustav. Romney I do believe is a very smart man and I believe he would make a good president, but I just don't find him that likable for some odd reason. Gingrich well I think he's a genius, but he has had a countless amount of problems. Also Gingrich cost us republicans a chance to take Clinton out with his affair, but still a genius. There's one ticket which I'm shocked no one's talking about Kay Bailey Hutchinson with Jindal. This is the dream 2012 ticket Jindal as president, Hutchinson for vice, Mccain Secretary of State if he's still alive, Secretary of Treasury Mitt Romney, and give Gingrich some big wig position. And we'll kick obama off his throne.

bgamall profile image

bgamall  says:
9 months ago

Jeb Bush was a member of PNAC, an organization of neocons who stated that they wanted a pearl harbor event one full year prior to 9/11. Some say it was a coincidence. I don't.

Sarah Palin believes in dominionism, a view that the government of the United States is holy and must by force make other nations throughout the world Christian. I am a Christian who follows Christ who said his kingdom was not of this world.

Sarah Palin also gains support from the neocons, who historically have used religion as a controlling force. They are using Palin in order to build the American Empire.

Pat Buchanan, a true historical conservative, views the neocons as being a dangerous war party who are reckless in their provoking of Russia. You want ww3, then vote for a neocon in 4 years. I hope you don't.

goldentoad profile image

goldentoad  says:
9 months ago

Jindal is the last hope for the Republicans. Hope he never gets a chance.

jeremy  says:
8 months ago

What about Bob Riley gov of alabama. Talk about economy, a guy who turned a state defict of $675M to a $1billion surplus in 3 years. Also a guy who added 75000 new jobs to Alabama. Sounds like the guy we need right now.

johnb0127 profile image

johnb0127  says:
7 months ago

I think as long as we get a Republican in the White House, we are good :)

Charles   says:
7 months ago

If Palin gets the nomination than Patreus would make a perfect vp. Simple because he's never been to Washington, he's loved by everyone, and he's really experienced.

Also Bob Riley not mentioned because he's kind of old.

Huckapedia  says:
6 months ago

Mike Huckabee 2012 Fans are growing at a phenomenal speed.

They already have 50 States of Fans and 275 counties (that's nearly 10% of all the counties in America). The Republican nomination will go to Huckabee, his fans are so pumped up, they keep raising the bar everyday. The "Mike Huckabee 2012 Fan Club" has a map that is charting their phenomenal growth throught America and the World.

Poll numbers don't tell the real story. Take a look at Guilani prior to the Republican nomination. He was soaring with huge poll numbers, but yet he barely registered in the voting booth. Only dedicated fans like Huckabee will be going out to all parts of the world to spread the word. No hill is too high for a Huckabee Fan to climb.

Charles   says:
6 months ago

Well if Patreus,Gingrich,Graham, or Hutchinson get the nomination the best possible pick for them would be Giuiliani. Simple because by 2012 he'll be governor of NY, he brings a lot of experience, he'll win NY because he's governor now, they stand a pretty good chance at PA, and because he's pro-choice they'll get those liberals who will hate obama by 2012.

The Shark profile image

The Shark  says:
5 months ago

We may end up drafting Newt if he dosen't run. He's an intelectual with a clear concise vision fo the Party and America. He demonstrated great political savy when he out manuevered Clinton's attempt to push every liberal program he could with going to the people, remember "The Contract With America." DRAFT NEWT

The Shark

The Shark profile image

The Shark  says:
5 months ago

I would do everything and anything to get Newt into the race. He is the only one that is true to the conservative cause, and has a clear vision of what that should be, (See my OPEN LETTER TO NEWT GINGRICH), Romney is another RINO Republican, just look at the total record he left in MA.  How about a law  mandating all citizens to carry health insurance or face a fine on their income tax of $1500. MA  companies are now forced to offer

group health insurance. If they do not or can not afford it they are taxed through the "Fair Share" tax that charges the company based on the number of employee hours.

I would go as far as a draft to get Newt into the race. I would rather lose the election attemping to get a real conservative elected than win with a Republican that is just a Trojan Horse. In the word of Mcain---reaching across the aisle to my "friends"--please. We see what our current group of "friends" in the White House are doing to our country.

The Shark---taking a bite out of liberalism

Madame X profile image

Madame X  says:
5 months ago

Sarah scares the crap out of the left because she actually lives what she says - so they dump on her as hard as they can. And, she's an excellent role model for women, something that has been sorely lacking. She's real. I don't agree with all of what she stands for, just most of it. And no, I don't see her shoving her religious leanings on everyone. But I respect her right to hold those beliefs for herself.

Charles   says:
5 months ago

Shark:

You seem like a great conservative like me, but no Newt. He's very conservative and I agree with him on a lot of issues. Yet think of it like this he's liberal o energy and in 2012 with obama screwing up rapidly we need a driller. I agree with you on Romney he's just in it to be president, but I do like his healthcare idea to a point. Now the big problem with the GOP is we keep on letting these old guys run the party. You see it's hard to look like the party of change when you have old guys with the same idea's running the party. That's why we should nominate someone like Huckabee who supports the Fair Tax. I also think we should nominate someone who wants to get rid of the Department of Education,Commerce,Transportation,Energy,Labor,EPA, replace Social Security with some sort of private accounts where you put the money in energy,make medicare a loan, and turn welfare into a loan for two years. This will save us hundreds of billions maybe even trillions a year. Also I think we should build a wall across the borders,impose a balanced budget amendment, the line item veto would be good,eliminate all restrictions by the Fed on anything not border related, and finally start drilling for oil and natural gas. Now I now these ideas sound radical, but there what we need.

Dink96 profile image

Dink96  says:
4 months ago

We need a bluesman in the White House. I would go with Huckabee. (If hell froze over in the next four years and I had to consider a Republican.) I sorta like the sound of "President Franken" myself...... LOL

Danno  says:
4 months ago

Who I would like to see win the Republican nomination:

Jindal - Has solid conservative credentials but his lackluster response to Obama's SOU speech leaves me doubtful of his oratory skills. I hope he is intensive training for public/video speaking right now.

Paul Ryan - Articulate, intelligent, and a good speaker. He knows the economic issues better than anyone on the list and would wipe the floor with Obama in a debate on fiscal policy. However, he is a complete unknown. He needs to start now and get a good organization behind him.

Who has the best shot of winning the nomination:

Huckabee - Policy-wise he is too similar to Bush I & II, Dole, etc. He is a big government Republican, but is the best public speaker and best at connecting with an audience out of all of them. Plus, he can dish it back to the MSM without sounding like an angry old man.

Romney - Can't win in a general election (Mormon + Rich guy). Also, he looks like a stealth big government Republican who wouldn't move at warp speed to dismantle the Obama legislative legacy.

Pawlenty - Again, another Republican is the mold of the Bushs and Dole. Compromiser, big government Republican, no vision.

Those who don't have a snowball's chance in hell:

Palin - Has successfully become a charicature of herself. Blank slate policy-wise and an annoying speaking style. Too cute, too clever, too much.

Barbour - Solid credentials, old foiggy/deep south persona. Would be a good president though, but unelectable.

Guiliani, Sanford, Gingrich, Bush - Put a fork in them. Their negatives are unsurmountable.

Crist or Graham = McCain 2.0 - sorry, the base won't support either with good reason.

Petraus = If he had any interest in the position I would be shocked. Also, he has zero economic credo, which is what we really need right now.

Paul - Had a shot in '08 but wasted by his constant harping on the Irag war. His only shot is to focus 100% on economic issues and keep mum about his issolationist foriegn policy views.

charles  says:
4 months ago

Well I would really like to see Gary Johnson former governor of New Mexico take the stage and become president.

Pamela Laird profile image

Pamela Laird  says:
3 months ago

For some reason, I don't think Sarah Palin will run for President in 2012.

Victor Manevich  says:
2 months ago

--Danno

Ron Paul does not have isolationist foreign policy views!! Where did you dig up that garbage from the mainstream media?? well I guess they did their job. Ron Paul is a non- interventionist!!! The real isolationist are those who place embargoes and tariffs on people across the globe and who choose to use force over seas to promote democracy a counterproductive approach that actually leads the U.S.A to be more hated and more isolated in the world. This is why I don't associate myself with the Republican Party anymore. The Republican Party historically has always been a party of peace and now it has adopted the Liberal Foreign Policy. How about having an anti war Republican run against Obama since he clearly isn't planning on ending any wars. This poll didn't include Ron Paul a doctor for 20 years who served in Vietnam who has been in congress for 20 years but they mention a dim wit like Palin and a bunch of career politicians like Roomney, Huckabee and Guliani and Graham?? Pathetic!!!!! The Republican Party has lost it's traditional and historical perspective and that is why the chances of Obama being reelected are high. Shame on all of you!!! in this poll and this comment blog for not taking the time to carefully understand the issues and shame on you for ignoring a candidate who speaks the truth. Who are the True Patriots??? Those who conform? or Those who protest against wars without merit?? I choose to protest I choose RON PAUL!!!!

Ken R. Abell profile image

Ken R. Abell  says:
4 weeks ago

Good information. I kind of like Bobby Jindal, but at this early juncture, who knows? It surely ought to be an exciting primary season for the GOP in 2012.

Chef Jeff profile image

Chef Jeff  says:
3 weeks ago

I think people dump on Palin because they really expected more from her in 2008 and she wasn't able to deliver her message in a way that resonated outside her core group. She is still popular with die-hard Conservatives, but not with many outside that core group. In order for any Republican to win in 2012 the GOP needs to remember that it must have the Great Middle to win. Bush managed that quite handily in 2004. The Democrats managed that in 2008 with Obama, while McCain also had some Independents, he did not garner enough support from that important sector of the electorate to win. Palin, rightly or wrongly, scared off many Independents. I remember when I first heard of her I expected a highly articulate, well-versed governor who had battled long and hard to win her seat. What I saw was a unsure, easily intimidated candidate who did not live up to her hype.

I like Mitt Romney because of his business like approach to government, but I do believe that his religion and his being a Moderate would cause many farther to the right to work against him. I like Crist but it's the same problem, and Jeb Bush would have to overcome the tiredness the country has with Bush names.

Jindal could be a good choice but he will have to start building a nation-wide recognition. He seems a little too geekish right now.

But before any Republican can feel good about the chances in 2012, the move to the far Right will need to be solved in such as way as to not scare off the Independents. It's great if the Republcan Party wants to purify itself ideologically into a strictly moral and financially Conservative party, but the understanding has to be there that not all people Right of Center believe that strongly in such drastic methods as some are proposing these days, and those who are Moderates are frankly confused and sometimes scared of those same folks.

In other words, a lot of the stuff that fires up the "base" turns off many who are outside the base. The same thing happens when the far Left predominates the Dems.

It will be interesting to see who gets the GOP nod next time and just how Obama holds up in this first term.

Cheers!

Chef Jeff

Ralph Deeds profile image

Ralph Deeds  says:
2 weeks ago

Nice summary of the possible candidates.

juniper  says:
2 weeks ago

Sarah scares from obama polices . Sarah is not fine governor

Guy  says:
2 days ago

Two words: Ron Paul Ron Paul Ron Paul Ron Paul Ron Paul Ron Paul Ron Paul Ron Paul Ron Paul Ron Paul Ron Paul Ron Paul Ron Paul Ron Paul Ron Paul Ron Paul Ron Paul Ron Paul Ron Paul Ron Paul Ron Paul Ron Paul Ron Paul Ron Paul Ron Paul Ron Paul Ron Paul Ron Paul Ron Paul Ron Paul Ron Paul Ron Paul Ron Paul Ron Paul Ron Paul Ron Paul Ron Paul Ron Paul Ron Paul

Raymond  says:
2 days ago

where is Ron Paul? Media blocking him again?

RJ  says:
2 days ago

Ron Paul..

neoCONslayer  says:
2 days ago

I second that.

Ron Paul Ron Paul Ron Paul Ron Paul Ron Paul Ron Paul Ron Paul Ron Paul Ron Paul Ron Paul Ron Paul Ron Paul Ron Paul Ron Paul Ron Paul Ron Paul Ron Paul Ron Paul Ron Paul Ron Paul Ron Paul Ron Paul Ron Paul Ron Paul Ron Paul Ron Paul Ron Paul Ron Paul Ron Paul Ron Paul Ron Paul Ron Paul Ron Paul Ron Paul Ron Paul Ron Paul Ron Paul Ron Paul Ron Paul

EMANUEL GOLDSTEIN  says:
2 days ago

The new party we form should be Jeffersonian (strict-constructionist), and Jacksonian (in its view of the bank).

I would suggest "The American Party", The quicker we break away from these Globalist TRAITORS the better.

MT  says:
35 hours ago

Where is RON PAUL????????? Our family votes him in!

PAFreedom  says:
30 hours ago

Ron Paul should have been on the list. He still holds records for money raised, his Campaign For Liberty is very active, and his support continues to grow with energy and even young people.

There should be at least one person who faithfully follows the Constitution on any list worthwhile.

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