Run Dick Run - the 2008 question

[slamdunkpro]

I know it’s only 2005 but time’s a wastin! Who do you think is going to try for the presidential nomination from both parties? Get out your crystal balls – I’ll archive this thread and pull it back out in 2008.

Please just party and name – no explanations more than a few words or flames of other posters.

I’ll start:

Democrats

Joe Biden
Hillary Clinton – Makes the ticket
Mark Warner – Makes the ticket
John Edwards
Howard Dean
John Kerry
Al Gore

Republicans

George Allen – Makes the ticket
Condi Rice – Makes the ticket
Tom Ridge
John McCain
Jeb Bush

[Zeno]

New American Party: The Andy Fox/Zeno Ticket wins going away.

We declare a New American Empire and rule jointly, like the Consuls of Roman during the Republic.

WW III starts soon after. We are swiftly victorious and quickly deified by the public. Peace and prosperity are ushered in and the New Millennium dawns fresh and bold over the entire planet. After our joint illustrious rule of 1,000 years we ascend to the heavens via a fiery chariot pulled by twelve Pegasus-like chargers. We sit at the right hand of God, on gold –plated thrones, sardonically puffing on divine cigars, basking in glory, and conversing with Mark Twain - Who is an infinitely more pleasurable conversationalist than the Holy One.

-Zeno

[andyfox]

Few things are harder to put up with than the annoyance of a good example.

[JackWhite]

Hillary vs. Bill Owens

[player24]

I woldn't mind seeing Clinton versus McCain. I would prefer McCain, but I could live with either of them as President - because they are each smart on the issues and politically pragmatic.

[jj_frap]

Russ Feingold/Bernie Sanders

Otherwise, America will continue to suck.

[Greg J]

Interesting predictions. You seem to actually know something about politics.

Predictions subject to change.

Likelihood of nomination in order:

Democrats:
1) Mark Warner
2) John Edwards
3) Bill Richardson*
4) Wes Clark*
5) Hillary Clinton
6) Joe Biden
7) Al Sharpton
Darkhorse VP Candidate:
Mike Moore (former Mississippi AG)

Republicans:
1) Bill Frist
2) George Allen*
3) John McCain
4) Dick Cheney (call it a feeling)
5) Bill Weld*
Likely VP choices not running:
Rudy Gulioni
Jeb Bush
Darkhorse VP cand:
Bobby Jindhal (LA congressman -- remember I said it first!)

* Likely VP candidate

[slamdunkpro]

I forgot about Al Sharpton. He may actually make a big enough dent in the primaries for the Democrats to actuall have to pay attention to him.

I'm curious though, why isn't Howard Dean on your list?

Do you really think Frist has presidential asperations? I considered him but didn't think he would give up his Senate post.

[Greg J]

First I think this is a great thread b/c it represents a level of higher discourse -- more than just the partisan shouting match that happens here too often. Kudos SDP. And *BUMP* [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

To yr inquiry. I don't think Howard Dean thinks he can win, and I think he likes his current job. I could easily be wrong. I also don't really think Hillary wants to run -- I think she likes where she is too, but she is being pressured to run from many different directions in her own party.

MArk Warner is my guy. He is moderate -- "on this issues" actually ranks him moderate right. He only has one term as governor under his belt, not much of a record, which is good. It makes him the Democrat most likely to win a general election.

Frist is, as far as I know, retiring in 06. I suspect he wants to run for President. Personally (as a Dem) I hope he gets the nomination, since he has one HELL of a record to attack and will probably get creamed in a general election. Examples: he was one of those "I will only serve one term" 1994 Contract with America guys, his unpopular actions re: Shiavo, today's abrupt reversal re: Bolton's floor vote, and just being a Senator. Senators usually don't do well in general elections, while governors do very well (more of a legislative record to attack).

Again, cool thread. Even BGC chimed in with some objectivity. Nice!

Oh, and I love Al Sharpton, but he won't be taken that seriously.

Other notes... Watch out for Bobby Jindhal. He is the Republican's Barak Obama -- young, super smart, a minority, and VERY charismatic. He came within an eyelash of winning the Governorship of Louisiana. I only wish he was a Democrat. (He is the guy that came up with the purple finger idea at the State of the Union -- good idea!)

[slamdunkpro]

It will be interesting to pull this out in 2008.

I think Howard Dean really believes he deserves to be president. At the very lease he’ll do New Hampshire and Iowa.

Hillary will run – no question, that’s what all this has been leading up to. The only fly in the ointment is that Howard Dean replaced Terry McCaliuf. The only question I have is will she unload Bill before or after.

I live in Virginia – Mark Warner is no “moderate”; he’s a true tax and spend Democrat liberal. I hope he doesn’t run because I agree he’ll be tough to beat.

I just don’t see Bill Frist throwing his hat in the ring – I think he wants to retire and go back to practice while he’s still fairly young. But don’t be surprised to see him try for another term.

I really think Al Sharpton will garner the votes to force the Dems to take him seriously, or at least give him some major party juice.