Where the Democrats have two high profile candidates (Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders), three if Joe Biden runs. The Republicans have 10+ candidates. I consider someone a high profile candidate if he or she has been a) a well know politician like (former) VP, senator, governor or b) is a nation wide known figure.

There have been articles written about why this is. Short answer: The GOP doesn’t have a clear favourite like the Democrats have (Clinton) and many Democrats believe they can’t beat her. Second reason is that the democrats have a more agreed upon ideology, thought Sanders is taking on the current status quo with a more socialistic approach. The GOP has many groups under one banner: libertarians, social conservatives, tea party activists and moderate conservatives .

One question isn’t answered:

Why do conservative candidates without a supporters base or backing by poll results run?

If we look at the GOP polls from the past elections from August to February (the time that the GOP candidate run is in full swing) we see that:

In 2012 Romney always had 20+ support in the polls.

In 2008 McCain with the exception of just 1 poll always had at least 10+ or more in the polls.

In 2004 Bush had no serious challenger.

In 2000 Bush had over 60% or more in the polls at all times.

This makes you wonder why candidates like Graham (0.5%), Fiorina, Jindal (1.3%), Santorum (1.5%), Perry (1.8%) and Christie (3.5%) even run. Don’t they have the same stats that I just showed? Do they really think they can climb to 10%, 20% or 30%? All they do is frustrate the race. Without them the debates would only have 8 contenders:

Trump Bush Walker Huckabee Carson Cruz Rubio Paul

Having 8 people at the primaries would make the GOP look a lot more serious then having 14 (or more). All they do now is giving their supports and financial backers false hope. Is it just a ego thing to run for presidents knowing full well you don’t stand a change? Or do they profit from the attention and money they get when they run?

I don’t know the answer, but it sure is a interesting question. Maybe FOX should ask this questions in tonight debates. But I doubt that’ll happen.