2008: Pros and Cons

[Dave Sund]

I know many of you are saying it's way too early to discuss 2008. But it is a discussion board, and mulling over potential candidates is a good thing as long as we're not losing focus.

Here's the thing: I hear the arguments for all the candidates, and I don't take the same reaction as most. I'm looking at a field of potential candidates that I would support, and each has his or her positives and negatives. I know a LOT of you already are pushing your candidates, and I'm hearing a lot of the positives from your side. The negatives are coming from the people supporting other candidates.

Sen. Hillary Clinton
Pros: High name recognition, large support base, massive fundraising capabilities. No surprises.
Cons: Her enemies are numerous and dedicated, and will not likely be persuaded. Would likely only win against a weak GOP candidate. Opens up old wounds of Clinton White House.

Former Sen. John Edwards
Pros: High favorability, can run as an outsider, from a red state, optimistic message.
Cons: 2004 loss, "trial lawyer," inexperienced, out of the limelight.

Sen. John Kerry
Pros: "Told ya so" candidate, base of supporters and fundraising capabilities.
Cons: Could be seen as "damaged goods," still seen as a "flip-flopper," perceived as weak on defense.

Former Vice President Al Gore
Pros: Unscathed by the Bush Administration, another "Told ya so" candidate, support among the base.
Cons: Association with MoveOn could turn off voters, might not even consider running.

General Wesley Clark
Pros: Strong on defense, southerner, progressive views.
Cons: Inexperienced in politics, ran a flawed 2004 campaign.

Sen. Russ Feingold
Pros: "Maverick," viewed as a moderate because of his association with McCain on Campaign Finance. Is the only Senator who can talk with conviction about the Patriot Act.
Cons: Open to attacks on Defense.

Sen. Evan Bayh
Pros: Red State Democrat, moderate, popular in his state;
Cons: DLCer, not very charismatic.

Gov. Mark Warner
Pros: Southern Governor, popular.
Cons: Inexperienced, may run for Senate in 2006.

I hope this is balanced enough. I don't think we should stifle discussion about 2008, but I don't think it should dominate discussion here, either. I want real discussion, and I know others do, too. Pushing your candidate down people's throats won't help your candidate. Arguing for him or her might persuade people. Present your case for your candidate. There's no need to tear others down. That's not to say that we shouldn't criticize... Constructive criticism is good. I just think it should be civil disagreement. I think we need to remember who our friends are. We're going to have 3 more years until the primaries.

[bookman]

1. Governors

Tend to be our best candidates. I see only Warner on your list. I have to admit I don't know much about him. I've always like Clark, but the experience factor may hurt.

Perhaps someone will come out of the woodwork. Do we have a Matt Santos in the real world?

[Dave Sund]

3. Well, I don't know of any other governors

Looking at a run for President. I'm sure there will be more, but haven't heard a whole lot of speculation, yet.

[ellenfl]

9. yes you do! jeb bush! eom

[mb7588a]

2. Russ isn't open to attack on anything!

Take it back! You meanie. :P

I think an examination of the other side would be even more interesting.

Bill Frist is my early pick.
Guilliani is up there,
so is McCain,
so is Romney ("I'm a Massachusettes...CONSERVATIVE!" Oh my word.).

Though we all think Frist is a douchebag and a half, he's not too terribly well known throughout the roots of the Repbulican parties. He has a boyish feel about him, much like Edwards, and he can really get an audience to connect to him. He will only have to lose his boring senate speaking style and he'll be a very credible and potent force in the primaries.

[ProgressiveDepot.com]

4. I'd Actually Like to see Gore Run

I don't know that it seems like a strong field. Just can't see Hillary winning in a general election.

Mark Warner is interesting to me, even though I don't know much about him either. Saw him on a local PBS here in Ohio with our horrible governor -- can't remember why they were together, it was an odd pairing, they were talking to high schoolers I think -- and I liked what I saw of him. He'd also be good for caricaturists -- he's sort of good looking but also has sort of outsized features, big mouth, a little wild-eyed. (He's better than that sounds, but you know how cartoonists look for anything they can blow up into a crazy physical characteristic.)

[Dave Sund]

5. A look at the other side

"Pros" and "Cons" are from the POV of typical GOP voters.

Former NYC Mayor Rudolph Guiliani
Pros: "America's mayor," 9/11 reaction, high name recognition.
Cons: pro-choice, pro-gay rights, pro-gun control. That's death for any GOP nominee. If he somehow managed to win the nomination, the far right would elevate a third party candidate.

Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist
Pros: Conservative ally of George Bush, powerful Republican in Washington
Cons: Rather, uh, boring.

Governor Mitt Romney
Pros: Blue State conservative.
Cons: Up for re-election before 2008.

Senator John McCain
Pros: Large appeal to American voters.
Cons: Alienated much of the GOP base.

[ProgressiveDepot.com]

6. Nothing could be better than to have a far-right third-party candidate

It certainly has helped in recent history.

[ellenfl]

10. there ya go . . . forgetting the frontrunner again!

governor jeb bush

pros: part of the dynasty, erstwhile savior of terri schiavo, married to a latina (who lied to customs) and has a drop-dead gorgeous son (to get the latin vote)
cons: part of the dynasty, erstwhile savior of terri schiavo, married a latina (who lied to customs) and has a drop-dead gorgeous son (to get the latin vote)

btw, senator mccain has alienated plenty of non-righties as well. i USED to admire him.

ellen fl

[Dave Sund]

12. Has also said numerous times

that he is not interested in running. He's as likely a candidate as Cheney or Rice, imo.

[Clarkie1]

7. He isn't inexperienced anymore.

Clark's a quick study.

[Massacure]

8. Clark should run in 2008.

He can always borrow a Bushism:

"Fool me once, shame on your! Fool me twice, uh, we can't get fooled again!" :evilgrin:

[Clarkie1]

11. In the sprit of this thread...

I suggest that supporters of potential candidates, or even people leaning towards a particular potential candidate, refute the "cons" of their candidate without reference to any other candidates.