2016 Campaign Watch

August is the month when GOP candidates who have struggled to gain traction often begin to drop out. The Iowa Straw Poll has frequently been the trigger causing candidates to reconsider.

In 2000 former Tennessee Gov. Lamar Alexander dropped out after a poor showing; former Wisconsin Gov. Tommy Thompson ended his bid after finishing in sixth place in 2008; and in 2012 former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty did the same.

There’s no Iowa Straw Poll this cycle, but it seems likely that one ...
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A number of news stories from a variety of outlets all broke the same news over the weekend: Vice President Joe Biden is seriously considering running for the 2016 Democratic nomination. Here, for example, is The New York Times:

Joe Biden Said to Be Taking New Look at Presidential Run

Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr. and his associates have begun to actively explore a possible presidential campaign, which would upend the Democratic field and deliver a direct threat to Hillary Rodham ...

As several GOP candidates jockey for late bumps in national polls that might put them on the debate stage next week in Cleveland, the candidates who are certain to make the cut are preparing for the event and hoping to at least meet and hopefully exceed expectations. The Politico Caucus has some advice for one frontrunner, former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, on how to deal with the candidate currently leading in the polls, businessman Donald Trump:

Insiders warn Jeb: Don’t engage ...