David Brooks Says “Republican Party” Won’t Nominate Newt Gingrich; Believes Jeb Bush Candidacy Still Possible – Audio 12/16/11

Here is audio of columnist David Brooks on NPR saying he thinks there is “a remotely possibility” that former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush will enter the 2012 GOP Presidential race – particularly if Newt Gingrich emerges from the early primaries as the frontrunner.

Brooks said he does not believe the Republican Party will nominate Gingrich:

“I do think the Republican Party is not going to nominate Newt Gingrich. If he emerges from the primaries, the early primaries as the front-runner, someone’s going to step in.”

Brooks and E.J. Dionne disagreed on the chances that Jon Huntsman could win in New Hampshire. Dionne thinks he could emerge strong there, while Brooks said Huntsman is just not a good campaigner – that he is always “awkward.” I have to agree with Brooks on that.

Brooks did not elaborate on how he thinks Jeb Bush or someone else could even enter the race now. Many of the filing dates to get on the ballot for the primaries has already passed. I think it is a pipedream to believe that someone could enter this race now and win. I suppose if you have a deadlocked convention – with no candidate winning a majority of delegates, you could then have a consensus candidate emerge. But that is a real longshot.

Via Daily Caller