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

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.

challenger to trump.

He better find something to do until 2024.

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

Romney and Flake.

Flake and Kavanaugh

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

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.

...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.

to at least show some daylight between him and Trump.

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

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.

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.

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.

He's weak.

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.

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