Let's be clear; No one in the GOP Clown Car expects to be elected.

[Atman]

It's been decided for us already. It will be Jeb v. Hillary. The media and the money men are just raking it in until they tell which of the two we're required to vote for. Neither of them are much different. But the other 15 or so, they're just the stuff to amuse us for the next several months while everything is put in place for the next Clinton/Bush presidency. All the other GOP clowns are only in it for speaking fees, book sales, and Fox "News" appearances. None of them have any real expectation of winning anything, but the race will be good for their bottom line.

Go Bernie.

[BainsBane]

1. It is not going to be Jeb

The base doesn't like him.

[H2O Man]

2. Respectfully disagree.

I believe that you are accurate, in that the republican machine (party elders) anointed Jeb, well before he even announced. But I believe that their apple cart has been over-turned.

While I am convinced that Mr. Trump's original intention was to knee-cap Jeb -- he definitely favored Ms. Clinton early on -- he has changed the dynamics to an extent that makes it impossible for the machine to fully negate. Obviously, they will attempt to elect Jeb -- or substitute Scott Walker. But it has created openings for the 3rd, 4th, and 5th tier republican candidates.

[RKP5637]

3. Yep! $$$$$'s that's what it's all about for most of them. They don't really give

a F about the country and especially not the majority of citizens. For most of them it's another revenue stream. It's disgusting how a supposed democracy works in the US. The revenue from ghost writers for their inane books, speeches, better branding their name and image. Ugh! I wonder how many Americans really get what goes on. I bet the majority are clueless.

[flamingdem]

7. Their mercenary motives should be better

exposed. As a country we're being trolled by that lot.

[jeff47]

4. No, Cruz does. He believes he is fulfilling a prophecy.

And Walker is trying to out-JEB! JEB!. He took the space JEB! was supposed to occupy, leaving little room for JEB! to fit into the race.

The rest are either working on their "personal brand", or having a dream while running for VP.

As for the "money men", JEB! doesn't have a billionaire lined up. Walker does - the Koch brothers.

[Generic Other]

5. It is a fundraising racket and stupid voters fall for it

Every damn time.

[Atman]

6. The cable stations make money, the candidates make money, everyone makes money...except...

...except you and me. We help pay for this absurd charade.

[quaker bill]

8. The crowd dynamic is fascinating

Trump has shown that being outrageous is the path to being heard. Some in the clown car are attempting to avoid it, but in the final analysis, most of those who care to be relevant will join in. Bush will stand aside.

The bottom line is that the party will become even more repugnant to most, and JEB will inherit a mess.