You just described my dog. Maybe the derogatory phrase "going to the dogs" should now be classified as complimentary.

"Better" has little to do with electability. The outsider's novelty will wear off by Spring and the politicians will be back in favor. Rubio is young, well-spoken, and just different enough to set him aside from the "old school" pols. As a contrast to Hillary -- no contest.

Friend, you speak my mind!

As was with the old Whig party, out of the ashes will arise the Phoenix of a new and revitalized party. Truth be told!

So tell me why Rubio is better than the others in the crowded field....

"Compassionate Conservatism" is one of the prime reasons that the Republican party is in turmoil now! It is as bogus as the term "Social Justice"!

What both parties need to do is stop spouting "feel good" giveaway rhetoric and start treating Americans as adults simply saying that it is time to start standing on your own two legs, for a change!

Speaking "Power to the Truth" will ultimately go much further than simply blathering inane platitudes such as Compassionate Conservatism or Social Justice. The country has had way to much of that garbage and it is time it wakes up and realizes that fact.

For what its worth!

This is a very good thing because it is forcing the party to take a very close and critical look at itself. The party has been moribund now for decades and many believe it has lost its reason to exist.

It is a very healthy thing when such a structure is forced to reinvent (or redefine) itself. A change of leadership with fresh perspectives and a renewed sense of purpose is required from time to time. Now is that time for the Republican Party.

Incidentally, it is high time that Democrats look at their co-opted party as well. The Establishments of both are way past their prime and in need dire need of soul searching and renewal!

Either those polls are faked, or the Marching Morons have already taken over.

Could not have said it better except for the observable fact that it is gOVERNMENT! and everyone in it, that are the main 'Takers of value; otherwise it couldn't exist.

"This brings us to the faction found in the Republican Liberty Caucus. Libertarians and Constitutionalists—many also social conservatives—understand that America itself is in a civil war between makers who live by producing goods and services to trade with their fellows, and takers who use government to steal from productive individuals. In our corrupt, crony system, political power—not free markets or merit—determines who gets what. In the end, the system that punishes achievers will run out of victims and collapse. To prevent this, radical change is needed."

the "me too" party (the Republicans) are looking for a new identity...who can or will pick up the pieces...

It's good to meet another foremost authority.

You are correct. Further, Kasich will be the VP nominee. Further yet, this combo will carry Florida and Ohio in the general election.

OK everyone -- mark this down. Today, 10/10/15 I predict that Trump, Carson, and others will fade and Rubio will be the candidate. Further, that the kerfuffle over the Speaker will look not like a war but a triumph. How can I be so sure, you might ask. I am the Estelle Getty of the Gulch.

I am saddened both Paul and Cruz are not polling well

The GOP needs to channel the late Jack Kemp, the original "compassionate conservative." He was a solid believer in a real free market, and capitalism as the strongest tool for upward mobility, if unshackled from excess government oversight.

You remind me why we have so many Southern Baptist churches and dry counties in Alabama.
For those of you who do not know what a dry county is, remember the failure called Prohibition?
I lived in a dry county for 7 years.
There was this joke I kept hearing: "Only Baptists and bootleggers vote dry."

I have always felt that the GOP, while discussing how important values are, usually capitulate when being confronted. If they would actually STAND UP for their values, they could win the argument of ideas, yet, the GOP wants to be "liked" and that will never happen. If your parents are doing their job, you won't "like" what they have to do, but if they ARE doing their job, you will respect them for doing what they say they are going to do.

especially young people have some fear about theocracy. The religionists on the right have done nothing politically to dispel those legitimate fears

"Others believe deep down that radical change would be best, but think that it is politically impossible. Yet it is impossible in part because they refuse to take a stand against the system."
This is the unvarnished truth about the GOP and those who vote for the GOP.

If they really did this, I would become a Republican.
"To win future elections and to save the country, the GOP must unite behind a consistent freedom agenda. It must reach out especially to the young tech entrepreneurs who value achievement and prosperity, love their work, are socially liberal, and will sooner or later run afoul of government regulators. The GOP must become a modernist party, offering a positive vision of a future as it can be and should be, if only individuals can be free!"
This is saying they should reach out to the CircuitGuys of America.