As for Obama...

[ButterflyBlood]

in 2008, the guy won't have even been a senator for 4 years. That's even less experienced than * in 2000.

I like him as much as everyone else, but let's GIVE HIM TIME. He's a young guy, he's got plenty of time. It'd be great to see him on the ticket sometime in the future. But 2008 is simply too soon.

[Placebo]

1. Yeah I agree, and started a thread saying almost the exact same thing...

as you, a few days ago.

Maybe 2012 at the earliest, but even that might be too soon, likely 2016 or 2020.

[JohnKleeb]

10. yeah I agree with you guys totally on that

[RafterMan]

2. I'll give him time

If, in three years time he's a high-profile political superstar who makes people want to vote for him, would you at least give him a shot at the bottom of the ticket?

Give him three years before you write him off.

[ButterflyBlood]

3. Remember how they blasted Edwards for lack of experience

It'd be even worse here.

I just don't like putting someone who hasn't even finished 2/3 of a full term on the ticket, especially when they're young and have plenty of opportunities in the future.

[dogman]

8. Obama will have more experience than Edwards at that point.

He has been a state senator and GOTV activist. He has admitted he will not be ready at that point though. This is a good sign, he has more sense than Edwards.

[JohnKleeb]

11. no he'll have less experience than Edwards

Edwards was elected in '98 and had six years experience and Obama will only have had four.

[dogman]

13. You are ignoring what I wrote.

Obama has been a state senator and GOTV organizer. He has more political experience in total. He also recognizes his limitations which gives him an advantage in the common sense category.

[Placebo]

4. no, No, NO.

It isn't that we're "writing him off", it is just TOO SOON. Period. End of story. His time will come, but it ain't 2008.

[LiberteToujours]

5. Agreed

We need to think long-term with him. He's going to be big.

[ButterflyBlood]

6. yes, he'd be much more effective later

a much better candidate after being a national superstar for a decade or so rather than a freshman senator.

[RafterMan]

7. But you ARE writing him off

You've already decided. I agree that in three years, your point of view will probably be correct.

But I'm not ruling him out until I've seen him in action. Especially as VP.

[joanski01]

9. I saw Obama on Meet the Press

this morning. Tim asked him about 2008. Obama said he thought that talk was way overblown. He said he didn't even know where the restrooms were yet, he had to learn how to work the phones, and how to answer constituent mail.

Obama answered Tim's questions very intelligently and very understandable. I was impressed, again. He let's you know exactly where he stands.

[JohnKleeb]

12. I agree with what you and thenation are saying

He really needs to build up his name if we want to see a Presidential Candidiate Obama.