Design the Republican candidate who would be Hillary's worst nightmare

[Bull Moose Base]

David James Anderson, Jr. (born May 7, 1956) is an American businessman and politician who served as the 45th Governor of Pennsylvania, from January 2003 until January 2011. With a net worth of $43.5 billion, he is the 3rd-richest person in the United States, and president and former CEO of RCA.

Born in Scranton, Pennsylvania to the owner of a department store and a daughter of the Marquess of Wexford, Anderson attended Yale University, where he was Phi Beta Kappa and earned a Rhodes Scholarship to attend the University of Oxford, later going on to attend the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton Business School. From 1979 to 1989, and then from 1990 to 1991, he served in the United States Navy as one of its most decorated officers, coming to national attention in 1981 due to an incident on the USS Nimitz in which he saved a number of lives. In 1985 he married Lauren Stroud. Anderson served as Chief of Staff to Senator John Heinz from 1989 until the latter's death in 1991.In 1991 he joined Westinghouse as an executive. When the corporation split in 1997, Anderson, who had been expected to become CEO of the new Westinghouse, was dismissed.He would later found the Altes Electronic Group, which in 1999 was renamed RCA after its acquisition of the latter

On May 7, 1956, David James Anderson, Jr. was born to David J. Anderson, Sr. and Julia Anderson at at the Mercy Hospital in Scranton, Pennsylvania. David J. Anderson Sr., (b. 1929) was at the time the manager at the Globe Department Store in downtown Scranton. He was born to Harold Anderson (formerly Harald Andersson), a the son of a Norwegian immigrant, and Elizabeth Anderson (nee Whitfield), whose family had lived in the area since the early 1800's. In 1962 Anderson would come into the ownership of the company. Julia Anderson (nee Houghton-Turnbull) (born 1932) . The youngest of six children, her father was Geoffrey Houghton-Turnbull, 5th Marquess of Wexford, members of the Protestant Ascendancy who came to the US in 1922. Once wealthy and owning a country manor and a Wexford townhouse, they came almost destitute, most of their possessions either having been repossessed or stolen.

The young Anderson was characterized by family friends and acquaintances as "extremely gifted" and "very intelligent". The young boy attends the George Bancroft Elementary and West Scranton Intermediate Schools, having started kindergarten a year early. He was sent to Lawrenceville School for high school; at the school, Anderson excels, with one former teacher remarking that he "could probably correct Virgil on his grammar". Anderson develops something of a reputation as a polyglot, being fluent in Latin, French, and Ancient Greek. He graduated as valedictorian and was accepted into the University of Pennsylvania, Harvard University, Princeton University, and Yale University, and while he had been expected to attend Princeton he ultimately chose to attend Yale.

Rather portentously, he observes that Yale is the stuff "future leaders are made out of". Anderson, again, manages to excel at Yale, eventually to the point that he graduates a year early. Taking up residence at Branford College, Anderson finds his niche at the Yale Political Union, eventually rising to become one of the Party Chairmans. Before graduating, he is eulogized by the YPU President for "leaving too soon". But he, in his own words, is "moving up"... Anderson also takes the time to join the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps. Contrary to popular belief, Anderson was not a member of the Skull and Bones secret society.

Anderson is accepted as an Rhodes Scholar, and studies at Christ Church College for two years, eventually receiving an D.Phil in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics for his troubles. His reputation precedes him, and when he joins the Oxford Conservative Association he is welcomed with a standing ovation. He participates in the Oxford and Cambridge Regatta in 1978 and 1979, which Oxford both won. A bit less prestigious, Anderson develops a bit of a reputation as a ladies man. Benazir Bhutto, a contemporary, would describe him as a "serial philanderer".

In 1979, Anderson enters active duty in the navy, as an Ensign. He quickly makes a good impression on his superiors, and is assigned to a senior role usually reserved for higher officers on the carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower. Unfortunately for him, he winds up at sea on that ship for 152 days, notably commenting that a grand total of two beers had been consumed for that period. His affable demeanor and keen sense of observation lead to him becoming a rather popular person in the dull environment at sea. He, in a rather cliched manner, is able to return to Scranton on Christmas Day 1980. Surprisingly, he speaks glowingly of his service.

The next year, Anderson is posted to the USS Nimitz, where he continued to serve honorably, if not unremarkable. Unremarkably, that is, until May 26, when an Prowler crashed on to the flight deck. Anderson, completely disregarding any concept of personal safety, rushes to raise a barrier in order to shelter those on the deck from the blast. Anderson's actions manage to save a number of lives- five died in the incident, while over fifty were injured- but much of Anderson's left leg is blown away in the blast. He is rushed to to a military hospital in Sicily, and while his leg is saved, his foot is not- Anderson will be forced to use a prosthetic for the rest of his life, a fact that was known by few.

His gallantry, however, does not go unnoticed. For his extreme bravery, Anderson is awarded the Legion of Merit, the Purple Heart, and the Bronze Star. An investigation into the crash reveals that the pilot and many others on the ship were under the influence of marijuana at the time, and the ensuing furor brings David Anderson to center stage. Anderson is called to testify to a to the House Armed Services Committee, and while he is not accused of any wrongdoing, he revives a grilling from Charles Price, the chair. The harsh interrogation is widely considered unjustified and contributed to Price not running for re-election in 1982.

Anderson is able to return to the Navy in 1982, now having been promoted to Junior Lieutenant at the end of the previous year. He is assigned to the USS Callaghan, where he serves on the staff. This goes without incident. In late 1983, Anderson is once again promoted to Lieutenant, and is made the executive officer of the USS Coontz. Here, he is able to participate in the invasion of Grenada, where the Coontz is part of the Independence Task Group. He once again earns a name for himself, and is awarded the Navy Cross.

As it was for almost any Oxonian, attending the Oxford-Cambridge Boat Race was an annual tradition. It was fate, however, that Professor Paul Klemperer felt it prudent to introduce Lauren Stroud “to an old student”.

Regardless of the historical significance of the attraction the two felt for one another, David Anderson had proposed by the day after Lauren Stroud had graduated. The Andersons were beside themselves, particularly the Houghton-Turnbulls, who were elated to see one of their own marry into “esteemed” blood. The Strouds, on the other hand, had their initial misgivings, but were soon reconciled, and not shortly after pleased, with their daughter’s choice of a husband, and were comforted by his prestigious scholarly and military record.

The couple was married in the spring of the next year, in Christ Church Cathedral, by Richard Harries, who not long after became Bishop of Oxford. The reception was not far away, in the Hall of Christ Church College (one may see pictures of the event in the Anderson Foundation Archives). They spent their honeymoon in the Gheralta in Ethiopia’s Tigray Province, a decision that frightened many of their relatives- the civil war there had ended not a half-year before. Lauren gave birth to twins in the May of 1986, David III and Rebecca.

Anderson returned to the Navy not shortly after his wedding, and continued to serve with distinction, being promoted to Commander in 1989. Increasingly, close friends say, Anderson felt a sense of boredom with the Navy- there were no wars, the Cold War was ending, and the 600-ship Navy was quickly becoming a fiction. Anderson quickly decided to leave the Navy, despite the appeals of those same friends, who assured Anderson “he could become an admiral”, including William McRaven, who himself became an admiral. Regardless, on June 6, 1989, David Anderson was honorably discharged from the United States Navy.

Now, the 33-year old David Anderson wondered what to do with himself. Sources close to him say he seriously contemplated running for Congress, but neither seat in Lackawanna County looked particularly competitive- the 10th district was held by a man who had held that seat since the 1960s, and the 11th district by one who had won in 1988 with a 41 percent majority. Nor did the thought of moving to another part of the state to run in an open district appeal to him much. Anderson spent the summer as a staffer for senator H. John Heinz III. He would spend the next two years there as his Chief of Staff.

Jesus. Anderson sounds way too crazy to put in charge of the Armed Forces. Not to mention his family sounds like a bunch of real a-holes. Still ready for Hillary.

[Bull Moose Base]

Simple. 

Senator Tim Scott (R-SC), but turn him into a female, give him the union-busting/economic accomplishments of Scott Walker, the popularity of Ryan Sandoval, the savvy of Jeb Bush, the libertarianism of Rand Paul, and some of the sensibilities of Jon Huntsman. 

Unbeatable.

On one hand, you made an error because you were thinking of Brian Sandoval. On the other hand, you're accidentally correct because this fictional person would more realistically end up as popular as some unknown person named Ryan Sandoval, assuming they're as conservative as Tim Scott. Or when you say turn Tim Scott into a female, did you just mean, a black woman? Or you just feel Tim Scott is a woman born in a man's body and you want everything to be right in the world?

Let me clarify, I mean a female version of Tim Scott.  I do not think Tim Scott is secretly a female. 

Yeah but if the GOP really wants to re-brand and convince young voters they're not a party of bigots, a black woman isn't as persuasive as a black transexual. Is Ru Paul the answer to this riddle?!

[Mister Mets]

Susanna Martinez comes close. She's a popular swing state Governor from a region where Hillary is weak, and she would represent a bigger milestone. She'd be slightly stronger if she had kids, and took stands on civil liberties similar to Rand Paul.

I'm not sure a woman is actually the best answer to Hillary. Hillary's had so much time to build her brand among female voters, and there's still the bad memories of Sarah Palin that might make some women voters leery of a Republican woman candidate.

I think the best way to counter Hillary is with a male candidate, likely a minority, who can energize male voters while not giving the Dems any way to play the war on women card that will help Hillary. Essentially, you can't beat Hillary at her own game. You have to find a way around it.

I think a woman's a stronger opponent because it takes "It's time for a female President" off the table. There's no other milestone that's as significant, at least in terms of what will energize voters. A woman who would also be the first Hispanic President is the only thing that would be bigger than just the first female President. And it would complicate the campaign for the Democrats. They can't rely on accusing the Republican campaign of sexism, and there's the possibility that someone will say something stupid to offend Hispanic voters.

Another option would be someone who is accomplished, widely known and admired by the public. That type could run an outsider campaign. Think Bill Gates without the atheism.

[Chancellor Tanterterg]

While a Sandoval/Walker ticket could cause her serious problems, it is far from the only potential nightmare ticket from her perspective.  Rubio/Portman would be pretty rough for her too.

[IceSpear]

While a Sandoval/Walker ticket could cause her serious problems, it is far from the only potential nightmare ticket from her perspective.  Rubio/Portman would be pretty rough for her too.

Rubio wouldn't be a tough candidate for anyone, much less Hillary.

[Mister Mets]

While a Sandoval/Walker ticket could cause her serious problems, it is far from the only potential nightmare ticket from her perspective.  Rubio/Portman would be pretty rough for her too.

Rubio wouldn't be a tough candidate for anyone, much less Hillary.

Because she does so well against 40-something freshman minority senators from big states.

[IceSpear]

While a Sandoval/Walker ticket could cause her serious problems, it is far from the only potential nightmare ticket from her perspective.  Rubio/Portman would be pretty rough for her too.

Rubio wouldn't be a tough candidate for anyone, much less Hillary.

Because she does so well against 40-something freshman minority senators from big states.

Yes, clearly Ted Cruz would demolish her.

[Maxwell]

While a Sandoval/Walker ticket could cause her serious problems, it is far from the only potential nightmare ticket from her perspective.  Rubio/Portman would be pretty rough for her too.

Rubio is as light as a feather. Hillary would stomp him.

[Never]

Rand Paul/Scott Walker could cause nightmares for Hillary given the right circumstances, but that ticket isn't likely.

Considering that the election is still 2 years out, it is possible that a Republican could pop up that would demolish Hillary, just like Barack Obama did. That doesn't seem particularly conceivable, but it isn't impossible.

The ideal nightmare Republican would be a woman from a non-Southern state who has been a governor, yet has experience in federal office. She is a nominal social conservative, but she puts her focus on economic issues. During her term as governor, she eliminated her state's income tax, endearing herself to the Republican base. One of her passions is education reform.

[Simfan34]

Jesus. Anderson sounds way too crazy to put in charge of the Armed Forces. Not to mention his family sounds like a bunch of real a-holes. Still ready for Hillary.

Don't take that too seriously.

[HagridOfTheDeep]

A former female Hispanic governor who acquired real stature as the secretary of state for a popular Republican president.

This person doesn't exist.

[DrScholl]

Unfortunately for the GOP, they can't run a made up, fictional character, because this is real life.

[DC Al Fine]

While a Sandoval/Walker ticket could cause her serious problems, it is far from the only potential nightmare ticket from her perspective.  Rubio/Portman would be pretty rough for her too.

Rubio wouldn't be a tough candidate for anyone, much less Hillary.

Because she does so well against 40-something freshman minority senators from big states.

LOL!

[SWE]

While a Sandoval/Walker ticket could cause her serious problems, it is far from the only potential nightmare ticket from her perspective.  Rubio/Portman would be pretty rough for her too.

Rubio is as light as a feather. Hillary would stomp him.

^

Any Democratic nominee would crush Rubio especially Hillary

[Potus]

Condoleezza Rice but if she ran for Governor of California in 2010 and won. Re-elected with 55% of the vote and a national Republican hero. She'll have executive experience, she was a better Secretary of State, she'll be a better candidate, she'll be better at talking about herself, she'll have a chance to secure a record, she woul have own office in the Democrat's electoral cornerstone.

She kind of runs on a California miracle campaign. As governor, she signed a very robust education reform bill that made the unions HATE her but won her support in conservative and straighttalk circles. She signed a bill taking a conservative, market-oriented approach to reducing poverty that was approved of by a slim majority. She embarked on a massive budget clash and won accolades from taxpayers and conservatives for her resolve in the conflict. Every step of the way, she talked about bipartisan leadership(think Christie). She built a solid majority in California that support her.

She doesn't try to run to the right and wins a primary consisting of a strange coalition of Bush folks, the Romney/electability crowd, the neocons like Adelson, and the average Somewhat Conservative that thinks she's likable and agrees with her on a lot of issues. She wins the nomination handily.

She goes on a tour of urban areas in swing states and threatens to break the Democratic stranglehold on the black vote while effectively minimizing the gender gap. She'd do great among "Presidential Voters" that vote on strength of leadership and character.


Hillary pulls out Iraq on the debate stage.


Hillary: You managed the most mismanaged war in the history of the United States. Secretary Rice, you were Bush's go-to employee on how to bungle Iraq. Americans don't want another 4 years of George W. Bush's failed foreign policy.
Condi: Thank you, Secretary Clinton. *looks straight into the camera* My fellow Americans, I served my country. When the President of the United States called on me, I answered the call. Answering the call, though, led to a time of great uncertainty and showed me the constant struggle America faces. We do not elect the president to make easy choices. Because the choices are never easy. We elect a President we can trust, and a President that can lead. I promise to you that as commander in chief, I will never shy away from the tough choices. I'll need change my position on our role in the world, despite what the polls say. Because the presidency isn't about politics. It's about patriotism.



After that, Hillary looked petty and unlikable like always and Condi jumps in the polls nationally even though she essentially said she was proud of the Bush Administration.

[I Will Not Be Wrong]

Jon Huntsman. Good luck getting him nominated, though.

[Chancellor Tanterterg]

Condoleezza Rice but if she ran for Governor of California in 2010 and won. Re-elected with 55% of the vote and a national Republican hero. She'll have executive experience, she was a better Secretary of State, she'll be a better candidate, she'll be better at talking about herself, she'll have a chance to secure a record, she woul have own office in the Democrat's electoral cornerstone.

She kind of runs on a California miracle campaign. As governor, she signed a very robust education reform bill that made the unions HATE her but won her support in conservative and straighttalk circles. She signed a bill taking a conservative, market-oriented approach to reducing poverty that was approved of by a slim majority. She embarked on a massive budget clash and won accolades from taxpayers and conservatives for her resolve in the conflict. Every step of the way, she talked about bipartisan leadership(think Christie). She built a solid majority in California that support her.

She doesn't try to run to the right and wins a primary consisting of a strange coalition of Bush folks, the Romney/electability crowd, the neocons like Adelson, and the average Somewhat Conservative that thinks she's likable and agrees with her on a lot of issues. She wins the nomination handily.

She goes on a tour of urban areas in swing states and threatens to break the Democratic stranglehold on the black vote while effectively minimizing the gender gap. She'd do great among "Presidential Voters" that vote on strength of leadership and character.


Hillary pulls out Iraq on the debate stage.


Hillary: You managed the most mismanaged war in the history of the United States. Secretary Rice, you were Bush's go-to employee on how to bungle Iraq. Americans don't want another 4 years of George W. Bush's failed foreign policy.
Condi: Thank you, Secretary Clinton. *looks straight into the camera* My fellow Americans, I served my country. When the President of the United States called on me, I answered the call. Answering the call, though, led to a time of great uncertainty and showed me the constant struggle America faces. We do not elect the president to make easy choices. Because the choices are never easy. We elect a President we can trust, and a President that can lead. I promise to you that as commander in chief, I will never shy away from the tough choices. I'll need change my position on our role in the world, despite what the polls say. Because the presidency isn't about politics. It's about patriotism.



After that, Hillary looked petty and unlikable like always and Condi jumps in the polls nationally even though she essentially said she was proud of the Bush Administration.

NewYorkExpress has made timelines that are more realistic than the scenario described in this post.

[Simfan34]

I like Anderson.

[Potus]

At least it didn't involve Hillary getting elected chieftain of a Somali tribe in a narrow 49.7%-48.3% race.