WI: Anybody but Bush or McCain, 2000

Alternatively: Powell's views on abortion circa 2000 aren't much different than George H.W. Bush's circa 1978 -- and are clearly to the right of Mitt Romney's circa 2004. One could easily imagine him "modifying" his views if he truly wanted to win the nomination.

That seems like the exact reason why Powell wouldn't want to run. He wouldn't want to "modify". The problem with being known as the independent man of principle is that "modifying" isn't in your playbook when it comes to issues like that.
 
Continuing the trend of "Anybody but..." threads, who could have won the Republican nomination in 2000 if neither GWB nor McCain nabbed it?

I have limited time to make a post right now, but just to throw my hat in the ring...

Forbes/Quayle, or maybye reverse that, so Quayle/Forbes.
 
It would have to be a conservative. No moderate had a chance. Once Bush JR proved he was not a moderate like his Dad he was in. So who was most beloved by the right wingers who had a realistic chance? Kemp, too moderate. Buchanan too nutty. It may sound crazy, it might be a Quayle- Dole (Libby) ticket.
 
It would have to be a conservative. No moderate had a chance. Once Bush JR proved he was not a moderate like his Dad he was in. So who was most beloved by the right wingers who had a realistic chance? Kemp, too moderate. Buchanan too nutty. It may sound crazy, it might be a Quayle- Dole (Libby) ticket.

Quayle had the advantage of having been Vice-President and thus having White House experience, and he opposed G. W. Bush for the nomination in OTL.

Dole would have been a good way to get support from Moderate Republicans.

Not bad.
 
Top