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Mark McKinnon

Scarborough for President

Article - McKinnon 2012 - Scarborough The Plausible: Why not Joe Scarborough, the former Florida congressman, author, and entertaining host of MSNBC’s Morning Joe? Scarborough is telegenic, has a quick wit, legislative experience, and may have the most important factor of all, though he won’t admit it. Yet. He may have the “want it” factor.

Scarborough could be a strong candidate against Obama. He’s a terrific communicator. He’s media savvy. He has strong conservative credentials especially on fiscal and foreign-policy issues—strong enough to satisfy the base in a general election. But he has evolved and moderated his views on issues important to centrists and independents, such as the environment, immigration, and human rights. He reminds me a bit of George Allen, but more moderate, cosmopolitan, and heterodox. And boy, does the Republican Party need more heterodox. Plus he’s young, 46, iconoclastic, unpredictable, a reformer, plays guitar, and dropped the F-bomb on TV, so he can attract younger voters.

Scarborough left Congress five months into his fourth term because he wanted to spend more time with his children, saying that he’d rather be judged as being a good father than a good politician. And for that alone, he shows he has his priorities in place and deserves some credit and consideration. But now the kids are older, so...

With Palin, Huckabee, Santorum, Gingrich, and others likely stampeding to capture the far right of the Republican primary, there’s a big opening for an attractive moderate. Like someone who’s bringing the morning coffee and driving the political gabfest every day on MSNBC.

2012 Top 10 Contenders:

1. Mitt Romney
2. Tim Pawlenty
3. John Thune
4. Mike Huckabee
5. Sarah Palin
6. Newt Gingrich
7. Haley Barbour
8. Rick Santorum
9. Joe Scarborough
10. Mitch Daniels
(Long shot: Michele Bachmann)

As vice chairman of Public Strategies and president of Maverick Media, Mark McKinnon has helped meet strategic challenges for candidates, corporations and causes, including George W. Bush, John McCain, Governor Ann Richards, Charlie Wilson, Lance Armstrong, and Bono.

For inquiries, please contact The Daily Beast at editorial@thedailybeast.com.

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September 8, 2009 | 11:26pm
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Comments ()

JDK-JDK

I like Joe Scarborough. Seems to me to be like an 'old-tyme' politician... the kind that debates with a guy during the day and has a steak with them at night, and keeps work and personal business seperate.

I could be wrong, though.

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12:44 am, Sep 9, 2009

gak001

I think we could use a little bit of the 'old-tyme' politics in Washington. They should encourage the freshmen class to set up dinner nights again. There may be too many ideologues for that these days, though.

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1:22 am, Sep 9, 2009

ElLamer

I think we should have a lot more fact based political discussions. That is a definite plus for Scarborough.

"...plays guitar, and dropped the F-bomb on TV, so he can attract younger voters."

I may not be representative of my generation, but if thats what you need to attract young voters then I'm ashamed of my peers.

How about: I can't prove he's spewing lies after 5 minutes on the google machine. Thats a good plus for my google-savy generation.

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9:33 am, Sep 9, 2009

gak001

As a member of said generation, I agree completely.

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10:40 am, Sep 9, 2009

nickatdabeach

Talk of anything about Scarborough besides his role as talk show host is bizarre, and I like Scarborough in general. I wonder if he plans to being sidekick resident retard Willard Giste along for the ride? Wow, news hounds desperate to float this trial balloon and if GOP gives any consideration to Joe Scarborough for any national office tells me they are more desperate than I realize.

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2:45 pm, Sep 9, 2009

MatKen

Ahh yes, the good old days of yore that never existed.

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4:02 pm, Sep 9, 2009

wingsabre

What has ruined old time politics is cash and technology. The need to win the next election and raise enough cash for it has created a perpetual political campaign. Technology only gives greater weight to the extremes. There was a time where one can disagree, and not be disagreeable, but now they have to or they'll be attacked by their base. The reduced cost of travel has also made things worst. Politicians used to spend all of the legislative session in DC, and then go back home for the recess. Now they can fly back and forth during weekends and even in the middle of the week. Plus a week is not even a week in DC, with Fridays essentially off due to all those cocktail parties being held on Fridays.

If we want old-tyme politicians back, the most direct solution is to take away the money. Set an established amount of hours on televisions available for political advertisement, and same goes for radio. Have incumbents and their opponent have equal time, so there won't be a bunch of seat warmers. Also, limit political donations to $1000 a person, and apply that limit to politicians and PAC.

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3:34 am, Sep 9, 2009

anghiari

wingsabre...what ruined old time politics is an undereducated electorate, who gave their brains over to their political parties and the spin doctors of those various parties. Americans now genuflect based on their political party....period.

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9:14 am, Sep 9, 2009

ThinkAgain

The undereducated?! The smarty pants in the best think tanks and colleges in this country have given over their brains to their party. It's incestuous. They think whatever the whoever is cool today in their little insular world of "the only important people" are thinking.

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12:39 pm, Sep 9, 2009

anghiari

Thinkagain...The Rethuglicans have been exemplary in getting their base to vote against their own self-interest time and time again. Then they toss up SarahBarbie Palin as a viable candidate for Vice President? Please...get your head out of the culture wars spin...We have bitched and moan for years about this country's poor educational system...we see the fruition of those who passed through that system...SarahBarbie is their gal and Joe is their man...ugh!

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2:26 pm, Sep 10, 2009

allonfla

Yes, that's exactly what we need. Old time politics that included back room deals and total ignorance about the true character of your elected official.

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8:10 am, Sep 9, 2009

newswoman

Typical republican paranoia, allonfla. One Never knows about the true character of our politicians. Have you forgotten "Wide Stance" Craig, Gov. Sanford and others too numerous to mention. (Dems, too). Politics is the art of compromise and many compromises were done in the back rooms, some good and some bad, but they COMPROMISED.

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8:57 am, Sep 9, 2009

sophia5

They all "compromise" otherwise known as sell-out (Repubs and Dems) based on the highest bidders. Just follow the money.

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2:04 pm, Sep 9, 2009

allonfla

wait, did you just call me a republican? - Don't you ever.........ever............in your life......... And I ain't talkin' about compromise. I'm talking straight up corruption that would without a doubt send them to prison - not just get them to resign.

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6:25 pm, Sep 9, 2009

diamonded

I doubt Scarebourough could hold up to a "Chappaquiddick" style investigation into the mysterious death of one of his intern's in his office around the time he resigned and dropped out of public view. He has a short temper and their are questions as to why he told the press that the woman had medical problems, as did his advisor. The lady's parents said she had no physical impairments and Scarebourough never took any questions on the matter. In these right-wing induced "swift-boat" style times I doubt with his temper that he would be able to hold his mud. If you ever watch his show, you'll notice his hair catches on fire anytime anyone disagrees with him.

Who was Lori Klausutis, and how did this staffer to then-Congressman Joe Scarborough come to DIE in his Florida OFFICE in July, 2001? And that's not even the weird part.

(JS announced his early retirement from Congress in May 2001, effective September 2001, the announcement coming six months after being re-elected to a fourth term.

The Medical Examiner had already been run out of two states for incompetence, and was later run out of this job too, but not before ruling the death -- involving a hairline skull fracture --resulted from an "accidental" fall as a result of a "heart condition" that didn't exist.

Only One Newspaper In The Entire United States Covered This Drama

http://www.allhatnocattle.net/congressman_joe_scarborough.htm

http://www.americanpolitics.com/20010808Klausutis.html

http://www.whoseflorida.com/lori_klausutis.htm

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9:59 pm, Sep 9, 2009

anghiari

JDK-JDK...have seen three interviews and Joe has calmed down and is selling himself hard...as presidential timber...he is being the genial, charming, smart Republican, whil eschewing partisanship, and craziness. He is positioning himself as the alternative to Palin, Bachman and all the other Repug crazies. The guy even moved to the upper west side of NYC...he is in the hunt...if we can leave him alone in NYC for two more years, we may have a sane Republican.

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9:12 am, Sep 9, 2009

mclaubr1

Are you kidding? Joe is just another foaming-at-the-mouth southern conserv in sheep's clothing. Until the first rumor of him as a potential gubernatorial candidate in FLA, he was screaming into the tv camera and railing against the President. Yes, he has "calmed down" but just for convenience. Remember, be careful to pick up the snake, it will bite you anyway.

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10:10 am, Sep 9, 2009

shewolf884

I don't think Joe is actually what he is selling on TV. Like the slick salesman he appears to be shining up the package for a run. But check on his background, something is not exactly right about him. Now I have to say that I am a Liberal and Pro-Choice, so he is not my choice, but be careful, Joe is from the Florida Panhandle and Florida is amazingly racist as is he. I know, I have lived here all my life. Most of Florida has only recently put their "hoods" in the closet. Now I did not say, walked away from them.

Most of the time Joe is kissing up to Pat Buchanon, who we all know is a screeching, mouth-foaming racist or putting down most of the females that come on his program, especially the puppet, Mika.

I just noticed what mclaubr1 said below. "Remember, be careful to pick up the snake, it will bit you anyway". Perfect description of Joe the Snake.

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10:45 am, Sep 9, 2009

JDK-JDK

I do not agree with you. As about a 'middle of the road' guy as you can get, politically, I see him as very refreshing compared to the rest of the GOP of today.

I watch his show about 2 or 3 mornings every week. While he does go against Obama at times, other times he goes against the GOP for their stupidity, which MOST GOP'ers would NEVER do.

He is a voice of sanity in a growingly insane political party.

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10:51 am, Sep 9, 2009

anghiari

JDK...sorry did I sound like I was agreeing you ....oops didn't mean too. I think The SCAR is very dangerous...however didn't know his closet was so full of skeletons...but you know egos get huge...he may think he can jump the shark of his past....given the other Rethuglicans out there...

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2:34 pm, Sep 10, 2009

jimsrule

What planet are you watching from. The sad part is he probably is the best shot the Republicans have which is not to say he is a great candidate but that the Republican, aka right wing nut job party, is that pathetic. Wow, how utterly depressing it must be to be a member of the GOP.

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7:36 pm, Sep 10, 2009

carouzer

Puleeeeeease! Old Joe's recent, relentless "book tour" was clearly an strategy to position Mr. Recently Rational Republican for some office or other. Did your fine strategic hand play a role in this plan, Mark?

True, Scarborough's rhetoric has become much more moderate in recent months, while he continues to expound his love for Republican sacred cows like guns, balanced budgets, etc.

What has not moderated is his obvious disrespect for women--particularly his co-host (who, revoltingly plays along)--and his arrogance. And the fact that he never seems to voice an original idea. WHEN YOU GET BEYOND THE BOILER PLATE POLITICAL RHETORIC, THERE IS NO THERE THERE.

Nevertheless, when you look at the probable Republican field for 2012--Palin, Romney, Pawlenty, Jindal, Gingrich, Bachman (God help us all), etc., Scarborough seems like a brilliant potential choice. And that speaks loudly to the paucity of ideas in the Republican party and its unwillingness and disinterest in broadening it base.

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11:17 am, Sep 9, 2009

easton

On July 20, 2001, Scarborough's constituent services coordinator, Lori Klausutis, age 28, died after hitting her head on a desk when she fainted while alone in Scarborough's Fort Walton Beach, Florida, office.

I seriously doubt he had anything to do with it, but it ruins his chances for the big chair. Would he really want to subject himself over what will be relentless allegations that he murdered her to shut up an affair?

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1:32 pm, Sep 9, 2009

anghiari

Easton, don't be so naive...used to work for a State legislature, the shenanighans by all those idiot state legislators were amazing. What did she look like? These men cannot get over having all these young nubile women working for them. They do not understand look but don't touch. How many opportunities does one get to fall and kill themselves on the carpeted floors of legislative offices? Really diffcult to slip and fall. But unusual circumstances occuring as young women attempt to wrestle out of an unwanted frontal attack by a legislator getting too fresh or feisty is not an unusual scenario.

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2:44 pm, Sep 10, 2009

JCapozz

I will be the right on board with this candidate!!! Finally, a Republican I can support.

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3:08 pm, Sep 9, 2009

retired-army-1SG

I agree. he does seem to be level headed, can string more than two sentences together without ranting. His writings are thoughtful and well researched. Is it possible he is what so many wish we could see? A true moderate conservative who gives a shit? I'll be watching close.

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5:35 pm, Sep 9, 2009

Donatella

Yes, old-tyme Republican indeed!

Joe Scarborough is a shallow loud-mouth know-it-all. If that's the best the Republicans can do then I would welcome his candidacy.

It's an odd coincidence that he was divorced soon after the mysterious death of one of his campaign staff, Lori Klausutis.

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6:36 pm, Sep 9, 2009

Southpaw

I'll add thin-skinned and angry.

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8:09 am, Sep 10, 2009

getkicksonrte66

you are so wrong

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7:26 pm, Sep 9, 2009

donnybrkgr

I cannot stand Joe Scarborough

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9:31 pm, Sep 9, 2009

Southpaw

Ditto.

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8:51 am, Sep 10, 2009

ittybittykitty

separate

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1:50 am, Sep 10, 2009

momofvegasgirls

Um, does anybody think the d.e.a.d chick in his office while he was in the Senate will be trotted out? I'm not so sure his personl life would pass the initial smell test.This is just my personal opinion, not based on anything else. I just have a hunch....

http://open.salon.com/blog/chantal_laurent/2009/09/07/joe_scarboroughs_ dead_political_career_the_scar_wont_heal

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7:28 pm, Sep 10, 2009

glenndale

If these are the list of GOP candidates for 2012, I would be feeling very at ease, if I were Obama.

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12:44 am, Sep 9, 2009

Lilli917

Especially with Scarborough and Bachmann. Please, GOP, nominate either of these two!

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9:20 am, Sep 9, 2009

shewolf884

Bachmann (hoping for the female vote) with Scarborough as VP. Wait he would not take that, only the reverse. Oh, please GOP, what a perfect pair. Only ones better would be Cheney with Palin as VP

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10:47 am, Sep 9, 2009

EdmondDantes

I heard Pee Wee Herman is gunning for a comeback. Is he targeting 2012? No less improbable than Sarah Palin as running mate.

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1:16 am, Sep 9, 2009

NYUKULELE

I might vote for PeeWee. I certainly won't ever vote for a Democrat again. Scarborough's okay but the Republicans across the board are too loony for me. I'll vote for the Green candidate, or write in Porky Pig.

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10:27 am, Sep 9, 2009

JDK-JDK

If only the Greens didn't have such fringe beliefs and adherents.

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10:52 am, Sep 9, 2009

spotted

Porky Pig may have a problem picking up the Jewish and Muslim vote.

Even so, he's less of a fringe candidate than Palin.

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12:09 pm, Sep 10, 2009

politicalpam

There is no opening for a moderate candidate in the GOP. It is controlled by the far right now. Joe Scarborough is not a birther, teabagger, religious fanatic or gun nut. He regularly condemns the antics of the base on his show. I think the most probably scenario for 2012 is that should a moderate somehow win enough votes to get the GOP nomination the base would leave the party and run their own candidate (Sarah Palin).

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1:16 am, Sep 9, 2009

masher

I see your point. But once we got Obama to the dance he left us at the punch bowl. 2012 is the GOPs to lose.

Scarborough would win. I really don't see any difference between Bush and Obama so Scarborough would just have to prove he is less of a radical corporatist than Bush/Obama to get my vote. Scarborough couldn't be worse than Obama.

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2:45 am, Sep 9, 2009

Grimmace

And the Democrats are any better? We have a President that was the MOST liberal member of the Senate along with a VP that was the 3rd most liberal. The Republicans, much to my dismay, ran one of their most moderate members of the Senate for the Presidency. Seems to me that it is the Democrats that have no openings for a moderate candidate. And judging by the many lib posters around this site, not too many Democrats seem to have a lot of love for the Blue Dogs and moderates of their party.

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7:48 am, Sep 9, 2009

newswoman

You Reps still like to lampoon "liberals". We wanted a liberal president, that's why we voted for Obama. If we had wanted a moderate Rep, we would have voted for McCain. Get it in your heads, LIBERAL is a good word as opposed to Conservative, which to us means status quo, fear, dislike of government. Who would want that?

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9:05 am, Sep 9, 2009

Grimmace

Ahh newswoman, I was replying to the stated idea that there is no opening for a moderate candidate in the GOP. I merely pointed out that in the last election -- held less than a year ago -- we had a candidate from the Democratic party that represented the far left extreme of this party and a Republican candidate that represented the moderate center of this party. This is not based on my opinion, but rather through Senate scoring of their voting records. In this instance I'm not lampooning liberals, just pointing out some facts that counter the idea that there is no room for a moderate candidate in the GOP.



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10:10 am, Sep 9, 2009

dana64

MODERATION does not mean anything............and besides OBAMA has shown himself to be very conservative and not liberal at all ith his health care plan.
who says he is a liberal ??? Not true.

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12:32 am, Sep 11, 2009

newswoman

I agree. Joe is the most moderate Rep today and even if I don't agree with him most of the time, I like his way of doing things. That's why Morning Joe is such a good program. They have moderates, conservatives, writers, publishers, journalists and all kinds on the show and they are treated with respect. But the nuts on the right like a Sarah Palin type, a No-Nothing. God help us.

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9:01 am, Sep 9, 2009

anghiari

newswoman...think back when Joe changed...he is in the hunt for positioning himself as a real Presidential candidate...he thinks he can appeal to moderate repugs and conservative democrats...

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9:16 am, Sep 9, 2009

jpelhamtn

Sarah Palin is a unique talented and accomplished woman. Can you name a single 'female' on Morning Joe who has done half of what she has in life?

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4:22 pm, Sep 9, 2009

getkicksonrte66

Morning Joe sucks the big one pal ---he's as phoney as a 3 dollar bill.

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7:23 pm, Sep 9, 2009

Southpaw

Morning Joe does have some excellent guests but they have a hard time getting a word in edgewise without yackety-yak Scarborough's interference.

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8:19 am, Sep 10, 2009

dana64

MODERATION has become meaningless now............what is important is if you have SOLUTIONS for the problems we have.
And he has none because he does not believe in GOV

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12:21 am, Sep 11, 2009

ByGloPete

Joe is really not recptive to other's ideas. He is truly a "Know It All". I watch the whole show daily but mainly to hear the great array of guests on the program. Even with them, hewill interrupt them with his own ideas in a very loud way. I can imagine what his cabinet meetings would be like!!

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12:25 pm, Sep 9, 2009

scottiex2

Scarborough is a psychopath. His anger and control issues are really frightening. He would not make it through a week of campaigning before
he imploded.

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10:14 pm, Sep 10, 2009

Nuld001

Joe Scarborough makes a lot of sense for the reasons mentioned. Is he interested or not?

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2:40 am, Sep 9, 2009

Ritarita

He's nursing
A scandal.

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7:35 am, Sep 9, 2009

jpelhamtn

He's also nursing zero credibility.

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4:22 pm, Sep 9, 2009

pattyann1

"A lot of sense"?? Have you heard his tirade on why torturing is good for America, how the contractors in Kabul were only "boys being boys" and shouldn't be investigate? (Not too moderate to be defending Dick Cheney.) Have you seen the spanking Mika's Dad gave him about his knowledge of Israeli-Palestinian relations and the bombings in Gaza calling him "stunningly superficial" and "embarrassing to watch"?.....OUCH! Those are just a few of what would make great campaign commercials against him!

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8:57 am, Sep 9, 2009

dana64

a regular joe is not what AMERICA needs..........he is too simplstic and has no ideas whatsoever................and i stopped watching the morning because he jumps like a vulture to prove his point and also interrupts people

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12:14 am, Sep 11, 2009

anghiari

NuldOO1...you can't be that blind...he's been running since he wrote his latest book...that book was really his declaration that he's running. Obama's win has made that run seem possible for many who would never have considered it.

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9:18 am, Sep 9, 2009

sarareid

Joe Scarborough is about the only true conservative left, & even I - a Democrat - would be willing to give him a second look in 2018. I think 2012 is a little too soon, & it is going to be so ugly, Scarborough shouldn't waste his time & money. I usually watch his morning show on MSNBC. I think if he sticks with that for another 4 years - being the Republican voice of sanity & reality - continuing to knock down all those bizarre accusations & stunts of the nuts on the right - I think he'd have a good chance.

disque dur externe

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3:31 am, Sep 9, 2009

MurrayAbraham

Scarborough debunked this himself. He would never make it past the primaries.

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3:55 am, Sep 9, 2009

Glenda1976

I agree.

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6:57 am, Sep 9, 2009

BasPos

He knows that he's the GnOP's Teddy. His "de-bunk" would last a NY second.

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8:50 am, Sep 9, 2009

jpelhamtn

I agree...it's laughable.

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4:23 pm, Sep 9, 2009

wingsabre

Joe could be a good choice. And he just had a kid, so that could be a viable photo-opp moment. He's also watched by liberals, moderates, and conservatives, so he could get some crossovers. Plus he's from Florida, so that can help lock in a few much needed electoral points. He was also one of the lone fiscal conservatives that opposed the different actions of Bush. Being part of MSNBC gave him that ability, when he most likely would have been smothered.

The problem however is in the time since he's left office he's more urban and moderate. that's good for the public, but it's not good for the primaries. That daily dose of Starbucks can come back and bite him. Conservatives may see him as a conservative as much as liberals see Colmes as a liberal. In other words, he may look like a token conservative, even though his bonafidies are quite established. Look at McCain, in 2000, if he were able to win the nomination he would most likely have beaten Gore, but in 2008 he had to back track on a lot of issues in order to win the nomination. Creating a paper tiger is not a good way to start. However, if he does run, he'll probably have to swing hard right and then swing back to the center like most other candidates do. With the state of the GOP right now, he might die from the political whiplash.

Plus he also has some shadows in his closet. He's been divorced, and in politics bad things happen in 3. If Newt runs, and another sex scandal erupts, he could really be in trouble. Campaigning is also very stressful, where he'll have to sit down and drink rye with the commoners like all politicians do. His alcoholism could lead to an
Thomas Egleton moment in the middle of the campaign, or it could be a godsend like it was for George W. Bush. Either way, good plausible choice for a game of who's who, but it's doubtful that it will ever occur. Joe has matured well, and is both comfortable with who he is and what he's doing. He has a good and comfortable job in the mornings where he can show up late and not be hounded on because no one really wakes up that early, and he can go back home and be with his family. When I look at Joe Scarborough for president, I think of Chris Matthews for senator. Good on paper, but in the end, they'll realize how good they have it now, and will choose to stay where they are.

By the way. Sarah Palin? Seriously? That ship sank a while ago. She may excite the base, but like Howard Dean, the party elders will race to fine a viable anti-Sarah. She's the antithesis of traditional conservatism. Reaganism, and conservatism promotes the rewarding of those who work hard for things, and prides those who don't quit and persevere. She hasn't done any of that. If she quit due to pressure from the "media" and some mediocre legislatures, then she's not going to survive foreign politics, let alone the first rounds of GOP debates. However if she does win the GOP nomination, and then succeed to be president, I do find solace that 2012 is supposed to be the end of the world, and there's nothing wrong with going out in a bang.

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4:11 am, Sep 9, 2009

allonfla

He wouldn't get any Liberals - they only watch him so they can challenge him on twitter. Trust me, they think he's a moron half the time.

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8:11 am, Sep 9, 2009

newswoman

Absolutely, not so. He's a thinking Rep which is a rarity these days and he stands out because of it. He condemns the 'Bithers", the "Death Panelists", the healthcare meeting disrupters and the rightwing crazies in general. Yes, he gets flack some times from the rigid thinkers on the left, but in general, he is liked.

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9:15 am, Sep 9, 2009

jpelhamtn

He's a moron 100% of the time.

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4:23 pm, Sep 9, 2009

allonfla

@newswoman: sigh! he is the class clown in the Liberal classroom. And please, his moments of fairness don't fool me. They all do it, the GOP. McCain, Newt, etc. They'll say something reasonable and then in the next sentence tell a flat out lie. And it's not the Left that's rigid in their thinking.

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6:29 pm, Sep 9, 2009

newswoman

I agree that neither Joe Scarborough nor Sarah Palin will run again for political office. Who needs that hassle? They've been there and done that. He has a great job, as you say, and she can speak to groups and make plenty of money.

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9:10 am, Sep 9, 2009

sritchey

Exactly

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12:26 pm, Sep 9, 2009

ukeman

With that list IMO liberals can sleep easy at night.
'nuff said.

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4:18 am, Sep 9, 2009

elldeen

I think that the "decline" of Barack Obama is greatly exaggerated. Clinton had poll numbers in the 40's sometime before he was re-elected, and Obama is still in the high 50's range. This goes to show that polls are not so reliable, and the only poll that matters is the one at the ballot box.

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8:37 am, Sep 9, 2009

Barbara416

I enjoy Morning Joe. I find Scarbourough fair and even for the most part. But, really he has no new ideas what so ever.

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4:51 am, Sep 9, 2009

Ritarita

And the ones
He does have
Are very hard to find.

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7:34 am, Sep 9, 2009

jpelhamtn

Well said Ritarita!

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4:24 pm, Sep 9, 2009

getkicksonrte66

You need to get out more sweetie -- Joe has you hoodwinked.............
His show is garbage............

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7:24 pm, Sep 9, 2009

dana64

nothing new..............that is what conservatism is .............which is a liking for status quo while we hear in AMERICA that CHANGE is the only CONSTANT................the only thing that does not seem to change is the POWER of the REPUBLICAN party to RULE even if they have lost the election.
I DETEST JOE

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12:03 am, Sep 11, 2009

roninkannushi

Fellow Beasts,

Joe Scarborough left Congress five months into his fourth term to spend more time with his children. Hmm...does that sound familiar?

Yep, Joe Scarborough abruptly resigned his Congressional seat amidst allegations of an affair, with his intern.

So much for objective journalism from Mark McKinnon. Overall, I did think he wrote a good article, though. Excuses nor lies work for me. One deceptive paragraph ruined a good read.

It be it,
Ronin Kannushi.

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5:55 am, Sep 9, 2009

nightlybeast

It's far worse than that. Scarborough abruptly resigned his Congressional seat amidst allegations of an affair, with his intern, WHO WAS FOUND DEAD IN HIS OFFICE ON ONE OF SCARBOROUGH'S LAST DAYS IN THE SEAT, during the Gary Condit/Chandra Leavey affair.

It was ruled an accident.

But wow, talk about a reason not to run...no, Joe has a comfortable gig at MSNBC that he can enjoy without ever having to go through a re-investigation of that whole matter. It's probably nice to have people flatter you with suggestions that you run, so I'm sure he enjoys that, but he's not stupid enough to ever go back into electoral politics where his own background would be looked into.

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6:40 am, Sep 9, 2009

TavernWench

And... the intern turned up dead, at the same time the nation was obsessed with Gary Condit's alleged affair with an intern who also turned up dead.

I thought McKinnon's overall article was good, too, but I have to admit I LOL'd at his "left mid-term to spend more time with his children" line.

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9:08 am, Sep 9, 2009

politicalpam

At this time the base IS the GOP. There are no party elders and the base is ignorant of GOP conservative history. Their candidate in 2011 will be Sarah Palin. One should remember that anyone who was inclined to vote for Sarah Palin did so in 2008. She lost that election and has only continued to discredit herself amongst moderates and democrats. The GOP has no ideas and no leadership and seems to be afraid to challenge even the most extreme of its party. One need look no further than the silence from the party leaders to today's attacks by Limbaugh and Beck on President Obama's school speech to understand this.

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6:22 am, Sep 9, 2009

byersl

Joe is a right wing ideologue who is pretending to be a moderate for tv ratings and to possibly set himself up to run. But get him going on something, and his true colors come out. Also, the dead secretary incident, however innocent, the drinking, and the alleged affair with his intern, is just too big a hurdle in my opinion.

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6:37 am, Sep 9, 2009

dana64

ByersL You are right ...........he just acts moderate because that is how that show wants to advertise itself..............but all his positioning and comments show his true colors.
No , i really really dislike him...............

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12:28 am, Sep 11, 2009

Ritarita

Is there
No ridiculous topic
Mark McKinnon
Won't write about?

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7:33 am, Sep 9, 2009

jpelhamtn

Ridiculous articles spawn from people with no convictions...of which McKinnon holds a place near the front of the line.

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4:25 pm, Sep 9, 2009

dana64

he is paid to do trial ballons ...............ridiculous to be so personalty driven.
we need Democratic POLICIES ......not jokers

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11:57 pm, Sep 10, 2009

connie47

Joe's top economic advisor would be Jim Cramer, the guy who told us all to buy Bear Sterans, the guy who runs his TV show on the stock market like the Howdy Doody show, only not as smart. Joe thinks Cramer is some sort of market God. Thanks, but no thanks.

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7:42 am, Sep 9, 2009

Grimmace

BTW Connie,

Cramer's a Democrat -- voted for and supports the Messiah.

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8:25 am, Sep 9, 2009

connie47

And your point is? Why would I care how he's registered? Is that supposed to make me change my mind about him? What a tool you are, Grimmace.

By the way, I'm a registered Independent and always have been. I support the Messiah, too, His name is and was Yeshua Ha'Machiach. The President's name is Barack Obama. I used to support both Republicans and Democrats, until the Republicans became what they are today, starting about 8 years ago.

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10:06 am, Sep 9, 2009

Grimmace

My point is that the financial guy you have so little respect for (Jim Cramer) is also a supporter of your party and President. You were trying to invoke guilt through association for Joe Scarborough based on his supposed affliation with Jim Cramer, so why is it irrelevant to rightly point out that Cramer is more closely alligned with your Messiah -- jyou know the one that isn't the Yeshua dude.

Why don't you register for the Democratic Party if you haven't supported one Republican in the last 8 years and you now support the most liberal President since at least Carter.

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10:56 am, Sep 9, 2009

connie47

Grimmace,

Typical Republican. This is still a free country and I'll register for the party of my choice or none at all. I suspect you're a very young and immature person. I've got a news flash for you - eight years is not a very long time.

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10:59 am, Sep 9, 2009

Grimmace

So who are the Republicans on the horizon that you could potentially see yourself voting for? I suspect few if any based on your previous tidbits of wisdom.

Whether you want to call yourself an independent or sign up as a Democrat you are clearly not now a Republican.

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12:10 pm, Sep 9, 2009

connie47

Grimmace,

There's no point in conversing with the stupidity you're posting. You have no clue what you're talking about. You're trying to respond to me, when it's obvious you dont' understand a think I've said either, in spite of my avoiding big words.

Now put up your nasty little attempted barb and have the last word. You're a troll and, as I said before, I suspect a very young and immature one.

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12:39 pm, Sep 9, 2009
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Scarborough for President

by Mark McKinnon

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