In the wake of the summer of political turmoil that is the GOP presidential candidate field, I wondered what would the fictional political genius Olivia Pope do to help prepare the wide array of GOP candidates for the fast approaching Presidential GOP Primary Debate scheduled to be covered by Fox News on August 6, 2015. Due to the unnaturally large GOP field, the first debate will be split into two parts. The field of 17 candidates will be ranked based on an average of five national polls. The candidates ranking in the Top 10 will participate in a two hour prime time debate, while the bottom seven will be a part of a shorter debate at 5:00 EST. The official rankings for the first debate will not be released by Fox News until August 4, but here are some of the frontrunners.
Donald Trump
No one, not even Ms. Pope, could have predicted that at this point in the 2016 GOP Primary that the Trump, would be a front runner as we approach the very first of many Presidential debates.
So WWOPD? Trump is an icon, so name recognition among potential supporters isn't really something he needs to be concerned about. While the rest of the candidates waste time prepping to insure their unique platforms are heard and remembered, Trump knows that no matter what he says will be broadcasted over and over in the days following the debate. So, Pope would be focusing on controlling the self-destructing machine that is the Trump Campaign because almost everyday there is a new headline with another outrageous soundbite from Donald Trump. Pope would remind him that this is his moment to show Americans that he is more than a loudmouthed celebrity, more than just another headline or offensive twitter account.
Scott Walker
Governor of Wisconsin, Scott Walker, is basically a textbook Republican candidate. He's a pastor's son, Eagle Scout, and family man. Sounds like a perfect candidate, right?
So WWOPD? Walker is in a pretty good position right now. Unless there are some skeletons in his closet waiting to be found Pope wouldn't have much to do. He has experience with campaigns, yet can still distance himself from the career politicians of Washington that disgust many voters. His weakness, lack of foreign policy experience, could be easily spun by any of Pope's associates. He just needs to remember the wise words of Olivia Pope, "Take a breath. Keep your head still, maintain eye contact. Just answer what was asked of you; if you go off on a tangent it will look unreliable."
Jeb Bush
Although two members of his family have already served in the highest office of the land, Jeb Bush does not call on his family name for support (probably because the last name "Bush" does not sit very well with many Americans right now.)
So WWOPD? I think Pope would commend Jeb on his decision to distance himself from his family name in the majority of his campaign as well as his inclusion of a Spanish version of his campaign website that is easily accessed. Jeb is making himself relatable to the people and likable to potential minority voters that the GOP desperately needs in order to win the general election in 2016. He has a great story of spirit and love and finding his own success separately from the Bush name. Pope would help him emphasize this nice, hard working American appeal, encourage him to "give the media a nice clean narrative, then let them do the work for us," and try to get his last name removed from the ballot.
Marco Rubio
Senator Rubio is another prime GOP candidate with strong conservative values and a beautiful family.
So WWOPD? Senator Rubio already has strong support throughout the nation and a picture-perfect potential first family, but if he isn't careful his core conservative values could be overshadowed by the bigger personalities participating in the upcoming debate.
Mike Huckabee
Like Trump, Huckabee has that celebrity draw. The Huckabee Show of Fox News has garnished much of his support in the past; however, as history shows this support will not be enough to win Huckabee the primaries.
So WWOPD? I think Pope would recommend Huckabee get in touch with some of the younger voters. As one of the older candidates, Huckabee's ability to connect with voters of all ages could be very influential to a successful run for a presidential bid.
Ben Carson
Like Trump, Carson has not held a public office. However, that's where their similarities end. Ben Carson, the neurosurgeon, is proof that the American Dream is still alive.
So WWOPD? Carson has a lot of potential. He is not a apart of the Washington career politicians, and he could take the Republican Party in the new direction it has been searching for since 2008. Pope would focus on getting Carson's selfless achievements and road to success to the forefront of his campaign to allow people to fall in love with his story, so they can get behind his policies.
Rand Paul
Like Carson, Rand Paul has some strong grassroot support, but still has a long way to go if he hopes to win the GOP Presidential nomination.
So WWOPD? A strong family man, Paul resembles a more libertarian version of Scott Walker. Calling for a smaller national government and more individual freedoms, Paul separates himself from the rest of GOP field. Pope would encourage this separation to a degree, but she would be concerned that too much libertarian spin could potentially isolate many voters.
Ted Cruz
Senator Cruz labels himself as a "Courageous Conservative" and has been the leader of many fights in Congress over ObamaCare and any issues he deems are in violation with The Bill of Rights.
So WWOPD? Like Trump, Cruz does not back down or compromise any of his beliefs. While Pope would appreciate his strong dedication to his personal values, she would advise him that some of these values could alienate many voters.
The other candidates for the GOP Presidential Nomination include:
Rick Perry
So WWOPD? These candidates are not out of the running yet, but they have a long way to go to catch up with the rest of the very crowded GOP field. Pope would help them find their individual voice and platform and plan a way to create more public attention and support.
Because:
