A Gem from 2004

[babylonsister]

http://www.anonymousliberal.com/2008/11/gem-from-2004.html

A Gem from 2004
Anonymous Liberal


While searching for something else, I came across this National Review article published July 27, 2004. It's author, Jim Geraghty, points to the Democratic National Convention as evidence of how shallow the Democratic bench is. He leads off the piece by asking: "Who will be leading the Democratic party in 2008?" He then writes:

President Kerry, perhaps. There has been intense speculation that Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton or John Edwards will compete for the presidential nomination if Bush is reelected this year. But beyond the party's White House aspirants, where are the future congressional leaders, the telegenic talking-head stars, the party's spokesmen, and salesmen, and new blood?

Somewhat ironically, he then turns his attention to Barack Obama, suggesting that he's the exception that proves the rule, really the only bright spot the Democrats have going for them.

Looking over the list of speakers at this year's convention, there is little new blood to be found. . . . {B}y and large, the party's speakers are an endless cavalcade of 60-something or 70-something senators, Barbara Mikulski, Ted Kennedy, Bob Graham, Joe Biden, Joe Lieberman. At this moment, the brightest rising star in the Democratic party is 42-year-old Illinois state legislator Barack Obama, who was welcomed to the national political stage with an appearance on Meet the Press Sunday and a glowing profile in the New York Times Monday morning. The Times quoted Kerry's communications director, Stephanie Cutter, as saying "he represents the future of the party."

Geraghty goes on to say:

If he wins, Obama would not face reelection until 2010, in increasingly Democratic-leaning, 22-electoral-vote-possessing Illinois. For real far-off speculation about the future, think about how a second-term Sen. Obama would make a perfect running mate in 2012.

Geraghty ends the article with this thought:

The bad news for Democrats is that so far, Barack Obama doesn't have much competition as his party's leader of the future.

Bad news indeed. Whatever will we do.

[FrenchieCat]

1. Well Geeze, look at what we came up with to answer

the Democratic party problem Jim Geraghty appeared to pinpoint.

We were pretty good at fixing that problem, hey? :rofl:

[saltpoint]

2. Yep -- we're doomed for sure.

Great find, babylonsister.