Okay then. Who would you like see run for President in 2008?

[elperromagico]

Name your personal favorite.

I have none, which might explain my curiosity.

[Shrek]

1. Al Gore n/t

[elperromagico]

2. A strong possibility.

[THUNDER HANDS]

6. my girlfriend and i agree

She loves Al Gore. Especially after his performance as Glen Wonka, Willie Wonka's brother on SNL. :)

[Wat_Tyler]

8. Not Gore. His time has passed.

Someone out of the following - Hillary, Barack, Wes, Howard or Dennis.

[THUNDER HANDS]

11. lets see

the most hated woman in politics

or

a guy who isn't even in the senate yet

or

a guy who has no political experience

or

a guy who couldn't win a primary outside his home state

or

Dennis Kucinich.

But NOT, most definately NOT, the guy who got the most popular votes four years ago.

I see your logic.

[Wat_Tyler]

33. I'm sorry. Gore has approximately zero charisma.

Nice guy, smart guy, but absoultely no charm.
And if you want to talk about political wives, and I've seen you bitch and whine about Theresa, Tipper is far, far worse. Recall the PMRC?

[THUNDER HANDS]

45. Tipper is not worse than Theresa

Tipper is rather bland. But I'd take someone who's bland over someone who turns people off.

[Wat_Tyler]

47. Well, do you remember the PMRC?

Do you remember the House Committees on obscene music?
Worrying Authoritarian tendencies.

[liberalpragmatist]

3. Ideally, Jennifer Granholm

Unfortunately, she's ineligible.

I suppose I like Wesley Clark or John Edwards. But who knows, maybe I'll end up being impressed by somebody else.

Hell, at this point 4 years ago, I was for Lieberman!

[kerry2win]

4. kerry 2nd term

once fraud is proved

[killbotfactory]

5. Bill Richardson?

We would take florida, NM, and possibly CO as well as all the others.

[Eagle_Eye]

7. HILLARY CLINTON

We need to quit trying to be on both sides. We need a straight progressive/liberal/democratic candidate.

[THUNDER HANDS]

13. so why choose her?

She's been running as a hawkish, moderate Democrat since she stepped into the senate. She's like the female Lieberman.

[Eagle_Eye]

15. The right wing hates her

They hate her because she can beat them in a head to head race. They throw sh*t at her every chance they get to keep her from running. There has to be a reason the right hates Hillary so much, and it not because of Bill.

[THUNDER HANDS]

19. the left wing ain't too crazy about her either

And if this election proves anything, its that we should try to come up with ways to NOT motivate the GOP base.

With George and the god squad gone in 2008, the fundies might be tempted to sit out the next election. Nominating hillary would be a perfect reason for them not to do that.

[Eagle_Eye]

20. She would wrap up the women's vote from the time she announcec

[aldian159]

23. We thought Ferrarro would do that in 1984.

How did that turn out?

[tritsofme]

24. Just like Geraldine Ferraro?

I don't know if I'd count on it.

[in_cog_ni_to]

9. Wes Clark n/t

[FrenchieCat]

10. General Wes Clark....

Because,
War on Terra will not have been won by 2008:

He is:
Charismatic
Intelligent/Rhode Scholar/author/teacher/leader
Southern and perceived as moderate
A man's man - one you'd want to have a beer with
Pro-guns without being NRA poster boy
A true public servant
Humble roots
An outsider without a voting record
has planned, led and won a war
has negotiated peace/Dayton Peace Accord
married for 35 years
values orientated
articulate
wartime hero....with no skeletons or protests in his past/wounded w/t 4 bullets......stayed in a rebuilt the army after Vietnam
attractive to Republicans - based on having voted for some of them
a diplomatic attack dog
a positive reputation in with the world community- Testified at the Hague against Molosovich.
National Security creds up the yang-yang
A uniter....not a divider - Non partisan for a great portion of his life
Understands Media Bias and crooked Voting machines
speaks the language of the Nascar Dads....and the Security Moms...and the values language.
Was always against the Iraq War....proof contained in Senate and House testimonies.

Republicans are scared of him. He Persuaded Richard Clarke and Sy Hersch to speak out bring us "plan of Attack" and Abru Grahi
Has great instincts......foresaw the real problems in Falluhah and clearly listed the errors made in Iraq prior to them being problems.

Is not a politician.....but a truthful public servant.

Great at fundraising

Now....has campaign experience. And no matter what the media said, was great on the stump.

Will pull in Arkansas....and New Mexico. Had the Native Americans that Kerry couldn't pull in.

Not meek or mild. Will not roll over and let the Republicans define him.

If they run Jeb Bush/McCain....we will need a strong ticket. Wes Clark is the Warrior we will need!

Clark/Obama
Clark/Warner

[aldian159]

25. Clark/Warner

What a combo! We will kick ass and take names with that duo!

[Zynx]

32. That would kick some ass.

[HootieMcBoob]

41. Absolutely Wes Clark

I agree one million percent. He's the perfect candidate.

[Freddie Stubbs]

12. Not a big concern right now

Who will run for city council next year? Who will run for Governor, Senator, and Congress in two years? Those are the important questions right now.

[faithfulcitizen]

14. Wes Clark, possibly Bayh nt

[tjdee]

18. Who remembers why I don't like Bayh?

Feeling sort of braindead at this instant, but I don't think I liked Bayh. Can't remember why though--anyone else not care for Bayh's politics?

[faithfulcitizen]

29. he's conservative, but that's the point to me nt

[tjdee]

16. My personal fave is Edwards, but I'd take Gore, Clark, unnamed Democrat...

I'm pretty open actually.

[DaveinMD]

17. Gov. Mark Warner

of Virginia.

[PSU84]

21. Ed Rendell, Mark Warner, Bill Richardson

All governors, all moderates, and none from New England.

[FrenchieCat]

28. Charismatically Challenged

Democrats need not apply.

Perception is 1/2 of everything with the Sheeples.

Rendell and Richardson- NO

Warner - OK

Wes Clark - Swoon for this Man's man.....and ladies Dream. The Warrior we need when we start the War for the 2008 Election.

[PSU84]

36. He's not interested.

I am a veteran of the Draft Clark movement. I think he'd make a fine President. He was totally turned off by his brief experience as a political candidate. He wants to makes some money and start a charitable foundation. I wish him the best of luck.

[FrenchieCat]

44. That's not what I got out of his last letter......

Did you see it?


Dear Catherine,

I can’t thank you enough for all you've done. You worked so hard and cared so much. You gave me a voice, and you amplified it far beyond anything I could have expected. I am so grateful for all your support, contributions, letters, visits, emails, and continuing commitment. And for your determination to move our country forward.

We made a difference, and I think the country and the Democratic Party are better for all we did together. We moved the debate forward. We offered a powerful critique of the Bush-Cheney go-it-alone policy in Iraq. We laid out real solutions for waging a smarter war on terrorism. And we provided significant financial support to House and Senate candidates who share our views.

We didn't win on Tuesday, but we’re not giving up.

This is a difficult week for all who believe in our vision of America. Like so many of you, I worked hard for John Kerry. Like so many, I believed John Kerry would win. And I believed John would be a good president. Thank you for supporting him. I very much regret that he won't be there in the White House for us.

Much will be written about this election. People will analyze the nominees, their platforms, and the processes. There will be detailed looks at the electorate. I'm sure our party will look hard at itself -- its ideas, policies, and approaches.

We'll likely be very tough on ourselves and each other -- but I hope not too tough. We want to strengthen our party and our ability to compete in the next election and the one after that. So we need to show each other some appreciation, too, to keep it all in perspective. We did a lot of good, and we have to build on that.

I'll be listening to their views -- and to yours. It will take time, effort, and honesty to sort out the lessons. But I hope you'll be there as we do so. And participate. I look forward to reading your ideas and hearing from you in the coming days.

As for me, well, I'm continuing with efforts in the private sector. But I haven't lost my love for this country nor my concern for her welfare. So I’m not going anywhere. Through WesPAC, I'll continue to speak out and fight for the issues we care about and the values we stand for. We must bridge the partisan divide in America, but we’ve also got to keep fighting for what we know is right.

Thanks again for standing beside me over the many months. We may have lost the first battle in the fight for our nation’s future, but it’s far from the last one. We've got a lot left to do, and I promise to continue the effort to assure a safe and just nation.

Sincerely,

[gauguin57]

51. Old rumors of bimbo eruptions with Fast Eddie Rendell.

Who knows whether they're true ... don't know whether there's fire, but there used to be a lotta smoke here in PA. If there's any truth, Rove (who will be shepherding whatever Repug comes after B/C) will sniff it out and exploit it to the max.

It would be cool to have a president whose wife (Marjorie "Midge" Rendell) is a federal judge (though if she kept her job, ethics rules wouldn't allow her to campaign with him. She did not campaign for him for governor).

Here's Ed and Midge:



Ed's one HELL of a politician. I saw him at two PA Kerry rallies, and his speech made me CRY at the second one!

[PSU84]

61. He's a very effective campaigner.

He's also very highly respected by other Democrats for his toughness and tenacity. He is - and will remain - a force to be reckoned with.

No more Senators. No more New Englanders. We need a swing state/red state governor in '08 if we want to win,.

[earthenleft]

22. Al Gore

Gore would be the best bet. He is experienced, independent minded, and best of all, he has already won the presidency.

I have a strong feeling that in 4 years America will be so sick of right-wing bull, that it will buy anything the Democrats are selling.

Just imagine a Gore - Dean ticket! WOW!

[newyawker99]

34. Hi earthenleft!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[TeacherCreature]

26. Dean. Dean. Dean.

I also still like Gore quiet a bit.

Wish he had run this time.

[Leilani]

27. Wes Clark

He talked about the values issue before it was on the radar screen.

[calico1]

30. I want someone who is

intelligent, charismatic, appeals to both men and women, both Northerners, Southerners and Midwesterners. Someone who can speak in simple terms so that he or she connects with people who don't have much formal education and are intimidated by too intellectual types. But this person must also not spesk so simply as to not appeal to the intellectual, deep thinkers. Oh, and this person can't have a lot of skeltons in the closet that the GOP can use against them. So far I am stumped. I think maybe Wes Clark comes the closest, but I don't know if there is any dirt on him. Plus he has no experience holding political office. Not that that prevented Eisenhower from becoming President.

[gauguin57]

57. There are rumors of skeletons in Ed Rendell's closet, but if they aren't

really there, he's your man. I think he'd appeal to everyone -- he's a guy you'd like to go to an Eagles game and have a beer with. And he is a hell of a politician. I've watched him work in person a few times, and MAN OH MAN ... he's got "it"!

Read this story about him and his federal-judge wife from 2002...

http://www.post-gazette.com/election/20021110midge1110p5.asp

They've got a great story.

[AntiCoup2K4]

31. Howard Dean

or maybe Dr. Howard Dean MD.

possibly Governor Howard Dean

I'd even be OK with Howard Brush Dean III.

YEEEEEEEAAAAAAARRRRRGGGGHHHHH!!!!

[pdxmike]

38. No Wonks!

Look. I liked Kerry. But in retrospect, he had a flawed campaign.

After the 1988 race, Atwater was asked when it was he knew Bush v1.0 was going to win. He said it was after Dukakis gave his "competence vs ideology" acceptance speech in the convention(and this was w/ the Duke being 18 pts up). His point was that you don't win elections w/o ideology. You have to charge up the faithful, and inspire your supporters.

Mondale, Dukakis, Gore, and alas, Kerry didn't get this. Kerry's mantra was that he would "do a better job". Wrong message! The Demos refusal to play the populist card completely baffles me. You don't have to sound like a socialist to smack the GOP. Will they call it class warfare? Of course they will. But as Warren Buffet said-"of course it's class warfare, and my class is winning"(He and Soros are my heroes).
That is why the Edwards's "two Americas" rhetoric is so powerful. It's optimistic populism with a touch of class resentment. Very effective. It also helps that it's being delivered by a truly gifted speaker. I didn't support the man during the primaries, but I could spot talent.

Don't give me another competent, well meaning pol. We need a guy who can fire people up.

[A-Schwarzenegger]

35. Nobody for Edwards?

Seems like he's up near the top of any reasonable list.

[tjdee]

54. I say Edwards.

I think me, AP, PurityofEssence (if still around!)....another couple of folks were all for Edwards back in the day.

I still say he had the best shot, and I very much hope that he stays in the political area. But a lot can change in four years.

[hatrack]

37. Too early to say

It's just too damned early.

[ibegurpard]

39. I don't care

My efforts go local.

[Adelante]

40. Wes Clark

A candidate who will hold fast. No more fighters who don't fight. Enough already.

[Kosmos Mariner]

42. Clark - Obama

:dem:

[Lenape85]

43. Gore/Dean

Yep

[the Princess]

46. I have several I like

Al Gore (PLEASE)

Hillary Clinton

John Dean

John Edwards

I think a Gore/Clinton ticket could win Gore President - Hillary Vice

I also think a Dean/Edwards ticket could win - with either way working.

[gauguin57]

58. Gore and Big Dog don't speak to each other anymore, so I wouldn't

go playing matchmaker between Hillary and him!

[kerry-is-my-prez]

48. Wesley Clark - and I think he wants to run again......

n/t

[Placebo]

49. Evan Bayh, of Indiana.

Former 2 term governor, on his second term in the senate, extremely well-liked by democrats as well as republicans, comes from a red state, no personal problems, etc...

[Julien Sorel]

50. It isn't about the person.

It's about organization. We have to start rebuilding from the ground up, working to win state legislatures and governorships. The political system we have in place outsizes the rewards to states, and so every Democrat starts off with a disadvantage in the presidential election. Any passably conservative Republican candidate starts off with a floor of about 240 EC votes. That means the race is at best going to come down to four or five states that the Democrats must win in order to win the presidency. If someone who is reasonably conservative comes from a big blue state, we will likely get crushed. If Arnold, for example, were able to run, he'd flip California and we'd be on the wrong end of a landslide. (And don't think he wouldn't make himself over to be conservative enough, because he would. His entire life has been about ambition and whoring himself out to achieve those ambitions.)

Moreover, we also start with a big deficit of senators and of course, because of redistricting, a deficit in the House. All because we lost control over local politics. All these changes really began happening, mind you, while we owned the White House, and while we continue to collect about 50% of the vote nationwide. Yet to look at the composition of the nation's political institutions, you'd think we were getting 45% of the vote nationally.

Until we fix this, until we make Democrats competitive locally across the nation, winning the presidency is going to be a bandaid, a rear guard action simply meant to hold off growing Republican control. That's even if we manage to win at all.

[Nicole]

52. Wes Clark n/t

[gauguin57]

55. I wish I could see the appeal of Wes Clark. I really do.

He became a Democrat only about five minutes ago, and I find him extremely dull. Seems like a bright and talented guy, but he has never lit my fire.

[FrenchieCat]

63. Good....

That means Republicans and Moderates will vote for him and not feel bad about it.

Doh!

[Obviousman]

53. Dick Durbin

I know senators don't make the best of candidates, but i admire this guy so much.

[Guaranteed]

56. People like Dean. Even the Republicans I talk to give him a lot of

credit. And I constantly hear Democrats, after bad-mouthing Kerry, talk about how much they like Dean.

[Doomsayer13]

59. Mark Warner

[hippiechick]

60. Ask me again in 06 ....

How the hell are we supposed to know now what will be left of this country in 3 years, let alone what the issues facing us - and who has stepped up to address those issues - might be ?

:shrug:


:hippie:

[Moderate Dem]

62. I voted for Edwards in the Virginia Primary

But I'm sorry to say that I think he blew it in the debates.

Not by thing he said, but I was rooting for him, and honestly, Cheney (who I can't STAND) made him look young and ineffectual. Again, I am not saying that he WAS ineffectual, but that's what people will think whenever they see him for awhile.

Maybe he can do something in the next four years to get some of that "gravitas".

[SCRUBDASHRUB]

64. My suggestions

Mark Warner (Virginia)
Wes Clark (Arkansas)
John Kerry (Mass.)
John Edwards (NC)

[Dying Eagle]

65. Any Dem who can....

Beat Rudy G. or McCain

[Lydia Leftcoast]

66. Too early to talk about that

Let's worry about taking back some House and Senate seats in 2006.