The Fight for the Soul of the GOP.

http://www.politico.com/story/2015/04/tom-cotton-prepares-for-patriot-act-battle-117306.html?hp=t1_r

This is a serious ideological dispute. I would think that people interested in politics would be discussing it.

If I had to bet my money would be on the Security State Hawks to win over the Small Government Libertarians.

Small Government Libertarians want to keep their money. Security State Hawks (which may become my next Madden team name) want to spend it on drones, tanks, cameras and fences. The people who spend the money always win.

You used "soul" and "GOP" in the same sentence, which encourages one to disregard what follows.  ;-)

My money (and yours as well) is on the Security State Hawks.  They and the industries that finance them are the reason why every GOP presidential candidate since Reagan has been from their part of the party, even as the Tea Party has generated more noise and attention.

With security state hawks for the Republicans and Hillary for the Democrats--and if she gets the nomination, she will pull the party in that direction--we've got a helluva recipe for dangerous compromise.

Compromise?

SouthernBaron said:

With security state hawks for the Republicans and Hillary for the Democrats--and if she gets the nomination, she will pull the party in that direction--we've got a helluva recipe for dangerous agreement.

And yet could we not imagine Senator Paul doing well in the Iowa Caucus and NH Primary. The latter is, of course, the "Live Free or Die" State and the former dominated by Evangelicals and Tea Party types. (Where Daddy Paul did very well).

Then on to South Carolina which is clearly in the other camp.

LOST said:

Meant to edit and hit "quote" instead.

Meanwhile, we can see the depth of Rand's convictions as he strays from the "12-hour filibuster-in-protest-of-drones" Rand to the "my-condolences-to-the-family" Rand. Some libertarian, Ron's son.

Rand thinks he can become President. I doubt his father had such delusions.

Showing up for work in the Capitol must be pretty rare for rookies Rand, Marco, and Ted. They're much too busy to attend meetings, vote, etc. Marco seems to be a legit longshot but these other two barkers are laughable.

LOST said:

And yet could we not imagine Senator Paul doing well in the Iowa Caucus and NH Primary. The latter is, of course, the "Live Free or Die" State and the former dominated by Evangelicals and Tea Party types. (Where Daddy Paul did very well).

Then on to South Carolina which is clearly in the other camp.

That is possible but not probable.  He may have appeal to some in the rank and file, but I think those who are more party apparatchiks will be tied up by Jeb and Scott who have set up deeper GOP operative organizations in Iowa and New Hampshire.  Rand also has to contend with Ted drawing off some of those who would otherwise support him.  And Christie will probably poll well in New Hampshire with the angry GOP set who want a mouthpiece as opposed to a viable candidate--which, after all, is what Rand is (Ted too).

(eta) I actually think Rand would do better in a general election that he will in the GOP primaries.

Christie may not even get to NH. He may not even be on the radar after Iowa and then all money will dry up. I hardly see him as viable at this point. He is polling way at the back of the pack in low single digits.

In NH, Christie is doing slightly better than I thought.

http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/latest_polls/president/

According to that New Hampshire poll he's a point above Ben Carson.