What if the Republican Powers That Be are trying to throw the election?

[hedgehog]

Think about it - Republican economic theories are total nonsense and most people realize that. Obama is getting things back on track, and everyone, even the 1% will be better off for it. But the Republicans can't admit that! For an entire generation, they have been in a take no prisoners mode. If the leaders compromise, they lose most of the base. If they show any respect for the black man in the White House, they lose the rest.

By putting up a slate of candidates guaranteed to attract the most rabid members of the base and repel anyone else, the PTB are practically guaranteeing Obama's re-election!

[LiberalEsto]

1. I see your point

Maybe they plan to make such a mess of the next four years, that the nation's voters will not accept another Democrat in 2016. This would pave the way for Jeb. I suspect they're hoping that by then everyone will have forgotten what a disaster George W.'s presidency was.

[Bok_Tukalo]

2. That is silly

The next four years represents the best opportunity they have had to dismantle the safety net since it was put in place.

The Boomer Bill has come due. They want to default.

[oldhippydude]

3. i always thought that obstructionism would backfire..

with the recovery getting feet.. their policies look crazy.. i really think that the want us to purge their tea party for them..(ie we take back the house those crazy folks like alan west drop into obscurity).. with citizens united the can let us clean house this election and probably 14 as well.. in that time they can rehab enough to run a perhaps credible candidate..

[Mz Pip]

4. It think for the most part

they are just going through the motions. Certainly there are people who are willing to invest millions in defeating Obama and will back anyone with a pulse who agrees with their policy wants. But I think the GOP on the whole has pretty much conceded the election just given the fact on who is running. Basically there are 3 zealots and one very rich guy who just wants to be president because he thinks it's his turn. And outside of their own very narow circle of supporters people don't really like any of them.

[tech3149]

5. I've been saying that for years

Back in 2008 I asked who in there right mind would want to clean up this shitstorm? The situation isn't much better today.
Grover Norquist just put it out there last week. They know they lost the presidency. Now there focus is strengthen their hold on the congress and senate.
The presidency is the magicians feignt. The real target and should be our focus are the other elected representatives that can and will control what the president can do.

[Voice for Peace]

6. I think they just have always known deep down in their tiny hearts that Obama will be re-elected

no matter what. So they don't want to waste potentially successful
candidates in this year's race.

[Atman]

7. I agree, but for a different reason...EUROPE.

With the European economy tanking, oil prices rising, general chaos going on all over the place (including another war in the ME), the GOP doesn't want to be the ones on watch when it comes down. And it will come down. They expect it all to happen during the next term. If THEY are in power, it will be blamed on them. "Look, GOP back in power, once again the world goes to shit!" But if the black Democrat is still in power, it all gets pegged on him and the Democrats, and they skate back in in 2012.

Your theory is sound, too, though.

.

[HopeHoops]

8. At least at the presidential level. I've said that for a long time now.

They want to empty the clown car. It's going to fuck them up in November though. They're handing Obama a presidential coat with REALLY long coattails.