I don't think Cruz can. He is just not charismatic and comes with too much baggage that the moderates don't like. Rubio has a chance, but has to start outlining actual plans for America that move towards the conservative roots, but clearly explained as to how it would benefit the people of America. That would mean more actual policy and less attack plans. You know, make an argument for why somebody in the middle should actually vote for them other than- "I'm not Hillary and I want to fix Obama's mess."

A certain amount of the electorate will vote Democrat no matter what, just as a certain amount will vote Republican no matter what. This is why you shouldn't waste too much time talking to these people. The GOP candidate should focus on the folks that really don't make any party affiliations and convince them that Republican is the way to go. A sales pitch for the future, not a whiny bitch fest about Obama and the Democrats.

In fact they should avoid Obama's name and Hillary's name in speeches. They should refer to the Democrats as "the opposition". They should avoid talking about the dogmatic social issues of the GOP, like abortion, gay marriage, school prayers and also gun rights. Of course the Democrats will try to force these issues to debate, but I would deflect to the issues that I think moderates are more concerned about.

They should hammer on these points-

• The Economy and how to fix it.
• The National debt, why it's bad and how to fix it.
• National security and the plan for America around the globe.
• Immigration, both south of the border, but also the Syrian and Muslim immigrants
• How to fix, or replace Obamacare. Simply saying "repeal" is not enough. Solutions are needed.
• How to address racial tensions and inner city unrest. Again with solutions.

Keep hammering on these. To address the other issues that are important and will likely come up, I would have a very comprehensive and detailed website that covers those things and then hand out the URL like candy. When the opposition, or the media wants to corner the candidate on say gay marriage, say as little as possible, reference the URL and get back to the list above.

Above all, be a polished, likable salesman for the GOP product. Nobody likes a harsh, complaining whiner. Let Hillary fill that role. Obama won both times in part because he was more "likable" and at ease with the cameras. Dogmatic shrews and loudmouths turn people off. Do this stuff and the GOP has a chance. Do as they always do and we get Hillary, or Bernie.

Lucifer.  Who are you from AOPA/POA days?

Sorry. Unfavorable ratings goes to electability. Your candidate isn't electable.

We can do this all day.

So how does Trump overcome his 57.8% unfavorable rating (Real Clear Politics average)?

Cruz' unfavorable is 40%. Rubio is 38%.

Clinton's is only 51.4%!  Sanders is 38.2.  And Obama is only 48.4%.

How is Trump going to appeal to the people who have an unfavorable opinion of him?  He is more disliked than Obama. Now THAT'S a winning formula for the GOP, isn't it?

This thread has been very entertaining.  Thank you Lucifer and Jeff. 


Sent from my iPhone . Squirrel!!

I am concerned that the Bible Salesman sycophants will go "scorched earth" if their boy doesn't win, and give the election to Hitlary or the Socialist.

I'm curious, which thing that Cruz did has you most upset?