Will I want Hillary to win the Nomination? Geez, that Depends...

[cthulu2016]

If, in January 2016, it appears that Democrats have an easy path to retaining the White House I am likely to favor someone to the left of Hillary. Economic populist or Euro-style Democratic-socialist leaning... and deep down, not just someone staking out that primary niche or just somebody from a liberal district. It's easy to appear liberal to the core when that's what your voters want.

If, on the other hand, if it appears difficult/unlikely for Dems to retain the WH I may view a Clinton candidacy favorably, if she were still among the most admired Americans and in good health, etc.. (And if Democratic defeat appears certain Hillary would definitely be my choice. The McGovern election made the liberal wing persona non grata for 20 years.)

The determinants will be the economy and Obamacare and what happens in 2014 and a gazillion unforeseen developments. It is hard to say where the people will be in 2016, and harder still because we haven't seen 2014 yet (!)

For instance, if Republicans take the Senate in 2014 there is no telling what insane bullshit will happen, and how it will play out. On the other hand, if everything stays the same it is not certain how people will react to the ongoing paralysis. (People are kind of crazy and do not always have the views they ought to.)


I don't think I have ever had a primary choice who wasn't the person I believed would get the most votes in the general election because I view each presidential election as a national game of Russian Roulette. (A game that lends itself to pragmatic analysis.)

That does not necessarily mean the most "centrist" candidate. The national situation in 2016 may be such that a more liberal candidate could appear likely to do best in the general election.


I am quite comfortable separating what I like from what is popular. I do not assume that everyone agrees with me and is merely misunderstood on the point.

For instance, I would be tickled to see an avowedly atheist candidate. I do not, however, hope that our Party runs an avowedly atheist candidate in 2016.

[jberryhill]

2. Odd capitalization in the headline