Here's a depressing poll (sort of)

[WI_DEM]

That is if you're a progressive. There are several "centrist" democrats considering a run in '08 which of those who are either running or considering a run would be the most acceptable to you? please don't say "none of them" lets assume one of them is the Democratic nominee--which would be the most acceptable and why?

[Aviation Pro]

1. Russ Feingold

eom

[WI_DEM]

2. I thought he was a progressive.

[FSogol]

3. Warner. Winning the Kerry/Gore states + Virginia = Democratic Win

Plus he's the sort of person who wins the race: Former Governor from a Southern State that appeals to moderates.

[WI_DEM]

4. I would have to agree with you.

[NoPasaran]

5. Hillary

She strikes terror into the hearts of mine enemies.

[jojo54]

6. Warner.

The more I hear about him, the more I like him.

[WI_DEM]

7. Looks like Biden has "Joementum"

[Bucky]

28. I'll tell you why I voted for Biden.

I was about to click on Warner, but he had all the votes he needed. Biden is a thoughtful, unideological, pragmatic scholar of international affairs. He'd be a good secretary of state and he deserves more respect around here. I think he's too "inside" to be a viable presidential candidate, but teh fact that we have to trash as "conservative" every we disagree with.

[TygrBright]

8. Martin O'Malley

Baltimore Mayor. The man has got charisma that puts Kennedys to shame and he is so very good at making GOPpies look stupid he's a pleasure to watch.

wishfully,
Bright

[FSogol]

25. Plus he plays guitar. n/t

[Minnesota Libra]

9. Other - -whoever the Dem candidate turns out to be but my first choice....

....would be Gore/Feingold :grouphug:

[TheFarseer]

10. I'm not sure you can lump Warner in with the DLCers

I think he is actually a moderate democrat (they do exist) and they are sincere in their beliefs, although it's quite possible I am just uninformed and naive when it comes to Mr. Warner

[WI_DEM]

13. I think he belongs to the DLC but he isn't a Washington dem like

the others--he is probably very close ideologically with Bill Clinton. I happen to think he is the dark horse for '08 and may support him myself. (well, Vilsack isn't a Washington Dem either, but he just doesn't appeal much to me).

[TheFarseer]

17. Vilsack has all the appeal of a sack of potatoes

I live just across the river from his state and I never hear anything positive about him, or anything at all for that matter. I think Warner has a good chance to win by uniting people around the things most of us can agree we want for America and that is probably the most appealing thing about him. You certainly won't get everything you want, but we can all get a few things out of a Mark Warner presidency. That's how I feel anyway.

[jackpan1260]

11. If Feingold doesn't get the nomination, I want Warner.

[SteppingRazor]

12. Gotta go Warner...

Ruling out senators, who traditionally do poorly in presidential elections, leaves us with Vilsack and Warner. We can probably depend on Vilsack's Iowa anyway in the 2008 election, whereas Virginia could go GOP. Warner ensures an extra pickup, and also puts other southern states in play.

[skipos]

14. I like Warner.

It isn't depressing to me at all.

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

15. Where are the "moderates"? All I see on the list are conservatives.

Al Gore is a "moderate" that I could vote for. Those listed can look for their votes in the red states.

[WI_DEM]

16. really?

I think of Gore as a progressive. And if you examine the overall records of most of those on the list most would probably be considered either centrists or left of center. By the way, I hope any Democratic nominee we have will look for votes in "red" states, because we need to start winning some.

[Bucky]

20. Good answer!

The use of "left" and "right" is often shorthand for cultural comfort levels or perceptions of character, not policy specifics. A good example is how the combative but moderate Dean was better recieved among DUers than the mainstream, accomodationist but liberal Kerry. Dean's favoring of a 50 state strategy (despite being almost an oxymoron) is culturally anathema to the DC time-servers who still think the country is neatly gerrymandered into blue and red states.

[Clarkansas]

18. That's pretty funny!

You are really off the map with most of America and I have no problem with that, but hopefully you realize it. You are free to believe what you want, but more Americans think Hillary is "liberal" than "moderate."

[ripple]

21. The "liberal" image for Hillary comes from

the Republican spin machine. They would probably paint Lieberman in the same light in a presidential election (an we all know how liberal HE is). Republican have successfully convinced their followers(and plenty of swing voters) that "liberal" is interchangable with "socialist". Another use of the fear card.

[Clarkansas]

24. I agree, however

on the spectrum of current politicians, from your Kucinichs and Feingolds to your Santorums and Sessions, it would be erroneous to call Clinton "conservative." If you want to call her a conservative democrat or "too conservative for my tastes" that's fine.

[Clarkansas]

19. Another vote for Warner.

[Recursion]

22. DON'T NOMINATE A SENATOR!!!

Senators don't win presidential elections. Governors do. Warner, or Vilsack, from that list.

And don't remember whoever the GOP nominates will spend the year preceding the election absolutely distancing himself from W, so we probably won't be able to run against W.

EDIT: misspelled Vilsack's name

[Armstead]

23. None of them.......Sorry, but at this point it's true

If it comes down to a bad Corp
However, it's still a long way off, and none of your listed choices is what we need. We should not fall for the perpetual "inevitability" crap that the Beltway Establishment keeps shoving down our throats.

For once, we ought to reject early on the mantra that anyone who is even slightly left of center is going to have to "hold their nose" and vote for the "lesser of evils" next time around.

[TahitiNut]

26. Maybe it's time for those 'centrists' to hold THEIR noses?

I think it's time for someone to represent the interests of working PEOPLE and not those who confiscate 2/3rds of the value of their labor.

[skipos]

27. That's what the primaries are for. nt

[GoneOffShore]

29. Can't vote in this poll.

I'd hold my nose and pull the lever, but I wouldn't be happy.

The stench of corporate money and too much time too close to the Beltway make them all suspect.