Why can't Hillary run in 2012?

[bluestateguy]

All the conventional wisdom says that Hillary Clinton would have to run for president--as I'm sure she plans to do someday--in either 2004 or 2008 (and as the incumbent in 2012, of course). This seems to be the reason for all the Hillary in '04 talk, as if her goose would be cooked if a Democrat were elected in 2004.

I do not share this calculus. If a Democratic president were elected in 2004, and either reeelcted or defeated in 2008, Hillary Clinton could very well run for president as a credible and serious candidate in 2012. She would be 65 years old, which is really not all that old nowadays anymore. The excitement of the first heavyweight female candidate for president would dilute any lingering questions of her age. In 2012 she would be at the exact end of her 2nd term in the Senate, allowing her more time to compile a record of political experience in her own right, and avoiding any scenario where a Senate seat would fall into the appointive hands of a (possibly) Republican governor in New York.

The election of a Democratic president in 2004 would not represent the end of Hillary's presidential ambitions. I hope her people realize that.

[diplomats]

1. I don't think 2012 is too late, either

Maybe when she's 65 and possibly a grandmother she'll be harder to demonize. Who knows? :)

[Cappurr]

2. I agree....

She could run in 12. I just don't think she can run this season. She needs more time in the Senate. I love her to death, but I dont think she is a viable candidate today. And I think she knows that.

[diplomats]

3. I agree with you

It doesn't matter what the RW, the media or even certain Dems say - she's not running in '04 for many reasons, some of which you cited.

[Loyal]

4. She'd be 65, in 2012,

like someone said. Shades of Reagan - maybe a little bit too old. If unfortunately Bush is re-elected(which I highly doubt he will be), count on her to run in 2008.

[Toucano]

5. 65 ain't what it was 20 years ago. n/t

[Vikingking66]

6. well, she'd have to deal with the VP

Especially if the VP is a youngish Southernor building up some experience before the main deal- i.e Edwards or Clark.

That wouldn't mean she couldn't run, but it wouldnt be an
easy race. The VP would have incumbency on their side, and
the strength/alliegence of the old Clinton crowd would be
diminished by the 12 years out of the limelight.

If the VP was an older statesman, and thus unlikely to run
under his own steam - i.e Graham - then it would be easier.
But an open race would still draw in strong challengers who
might not feel obligated to drop out in favor of her.

Also, Hillary's made more than a few enemies within the party,
especially on the liberal wing who were very upset with her
post-election triangulation. She'd have to contend with them
too.

[wuushew]

7. If you want a Clinton in the Whitehouse run Chelsea in 2016

she would be 37 in 2016

[MinnFats]

8. Of course, by that time elections may be suspended indefinitely....

...Bush, Ashcroft, citing continuing terror attacks and instability...."We must suspend the democratic process in order to save it."

[Hippo_Tron]

9. Her Senate seat is up in 2012 n/t