Is Ben Carson is electable

[Holmes]

If Carson and Cruz split the vote too much in Iowa, Trump can squeak on through to a win, especially if Rubio underperforms, which he might.

[Holmes]

If Carson and Cruz split the vote too much in Iowa, Trump can squeak on through to a win, especially if Rubio underperforms, which he might.

Unfortunately this could happen. I hope it doesn't

In 2008 and 2012, the evangelical candidates were able to get 40% of the vote combined in Iowa. Huckabee won with 34%, a decisive victory, but got crushed in New Hampshire afterword, and then Nevada, and then it was over by Super Tuesday. In 2012 Santorum got around 25%, only a couple of points over Romney, and it wasn't enough. If Carson and Cruz can split that 40%, Trump can win with the numbers he has right now in the polls. Carson would need to appeal to more than just the evangelicals in Iowa to carry the state and so far he isn't.

[Holmes]

If Carson and Cruz split the vote too much in Iowa, Trump can squeak on through to a win, especially if Rubio underperforms, which he might.

Unfortunately this could happen. I hope it doesn't

In 2008 and 2012, the evangelical candidates were able to get 40% of the vote combined in Iowa. Huckabee won with 34%, a decisive victory, but got crushed in New Hampshire afterword, and then Nevada, and then it was over by Super Tuesday. In 2012 Santorum got around 25%, only a couple of points over Romney, and it wasn't enough. If Carson and Cruz can split that 40%, Trump can win with the numbers he has right now in the polls. Carson would need to appeal to more than just the evangelicals in Iowa to carry the state and so far he isn't.

Carson can appeal to moderates too. That appeal has recently taken a hit due to MSM witch hunt and Trump jumping on the bandwagon.

Optics is important, though. If some negative press is enough to shave off support, then his votes weren't strongly in his camp in the first place. Trump's also been hammered by the media and pundits over these past four months and no big drop in the polls. His support is strong. That's the difference.

[Holmes]

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Only because Republicans lately have a bias against reality.

Still, it's always nice to be introduced to a quintessential low-information voter who somehow manages to overcome the intellectual hurdles involved with operating a profile on an internet forum. It's a bit like going to the zoo!

Eh, go easy on him.