If Flake has 2020 ambitions, is he screwed no matter how he votes on Kanenaugh?

[Flaleftist]

If he votes no, that should piss off a lot of Republicans. If he votes yes, that should piss of a lot of independents and motivate Democrats. If he is only thinking politically , what would be in his best interest?

[Marie Marie]

1. No way would he win either way.

He would, of course, run as a Republican and they would never vote for him. The Dems won't either - they have their own better candidates. Independents wouldn't have the votes for a win. He should just do the right thing and get on with his life - out of politics.

[brush]

16. Flake's timing is off and he's fooling himself if he thinks the repugs will welcome a primary...

challenger to trump.

He better find something to do until 2024.

[marylandblue]

2. He had no chance before, he has no chance now

But he thinks what he does might make a difference. But I have no idea which meaningless choice he thinks is better for him.

[Wellstone ruled]

3. Try this

Romney and Flake.

[rurallib]

6. Two Mormons? Probably should have another religion, like a Catholic

Flake and Kavanaugh

[Wellstone ruled]

10. The White Knight theory.

Romney will surface and start his campaign next year after the Mid Terms and he is seated in his Senate Seat.

[Taraman]

4. Like Mitt Romney, he thinks he'll be the one to ride in on a white horse

and save the country and party. I honestly don't know, at this point, what will become of either of those, but if he's honestly trying, I'll accept any help we can get.

[Anon-C]

5. Not if he votes for Kavanaugh, if he tosses his goodwill even for these so called leftists women

...then why run?

His attractiveness as a GOP primary candidate would be as an alternative to an increasingly radioactive Trump. His chief selling point would be his pull with independents and women Trump alienates - so what would he gain by voting yes?

If he votes yes, he's not running for president.

[msongs]

7. he seems to be a man whose morals are dependant on the benefit to himself nt

[rurallib]

8. Flake is screwed either way - but his best chance would be to vote no

to at least show some daylight between him and Trump.

BUT ...... I bet Kasich is loving it.

[ooky]

9. He's a politician without a party, so

yes, he is screwed no matter how he votes on Kavanaugh.

Unpopular in his own state, the party of Trump is not going to vote for him, and there is no home in the democratic party for his conservative views or voting record. Its hard to see him being on any ticket that has a realistic shot at the presidency.

[grantcart]

11. Flake is dead man walking

He has no constituency. No large group of Republicans are invested in him. No Democrats consider his actions to match his statements.

He tried to be too clever by half.

If he was going to go against Trump he should have gone full blast, never Trump and denouncing him frequently and voting against him, even leaving the Republican caucus.

[dogman]

12. Kasich expressed support for his position.

Kasich-Flake might be a ticket to oppose T-Rump. Kasich has been opposing him for a while. They wont win, it's the party of trump now.

[cynatnite]

13. He had to be shamed into doing somewhat the right thing...

He's weak.

[Stuckinthebush]

14. If he plays this right, then he can work it

If he votes yes then he gets the applause from the GOP but the Trumpian base will never forgive him. He wouldn’t survive a primary.

If he votes no he pisses of the gop and the Trump voters are apoplectic. He will get more death threats and idiots in red hats screaming at him.

But a no vote after a very public conflicted Flake talks longingly of a softer time will give him independents and centrists Dems. He won’t be a presidential candidate but could be part of a combo ticket with a liberal Dem. It is a long shot but a better shot than a yes vote.

[Awsi Dooger]

15. He's like the Republican version of Terry McAuliffe

Kidding himself. Absolutely no chance given current priorities of his party at presidential nominating level