Who's next? Possible contenders for 2008

[emad]

David Teather, New York
Friday January 21, 2005
The Guardian

There may be four more years yet, but that has not stopped pundits wondering who will take over when the Bush era draws to a close in 2008. Early frontrunners include:

Republicans:

Rudolph Giuliani
The former New York mayor, famous for his "zero tolerance" policies for cleaning up the city. His leadership after the September 11 attacks took his fame to a new level. Now one of the most visible party members, he could be hobbled by his liberal views on abortion and homosexuality

Jeb Bush
Barbara Bush dismissed the idea of a continuing dynasty, but the Florida governor, who has made millions in real estate, may have other ideas. The Bush family once viewed him as the heir. When he was chosen to lead the US tsunami-relief mission notions developed that he was being groomed for a higher job

John McCain
John Kerry was believed to have sounded out the popular Republican Arizona senator to run with him on a bipartisan ticket. McCain, a former Vietnam POW, is a fiscal Tory, from a distinguished military family, characteristics likely to be in demand in four years' time.But he would be 72 by the time he was sworn in

Arnold Schwarzenegger
A former Hollywood star, so could get into the White House, but first needs to overturn laws barring naturalised Americans from holding the highest office. Arnie won the California governor's race in a contest that attracted some bizarre candidates last year.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/usa/story/0,12271,1395405,00.html

CONDI being persoanlly groomed by Dumbo?????

[shoelace414]

1. Moderates won't make it through the primary.

[Wisc Badger]

2. More is the pity

:shrug:

[saltpoint]

3. George Allen is also a possibility for the GOP.

Unfortunately.

[underpants]

4. Santorum is their newest golden boy-did you notice him right behind W?

when W took the oath Santorum was right over his right shoulder. I doubt that was an accident. Allen was their up and comer when he was first elected but it seems that that had waned a bit. At least it seems like that to me. I pray Mark Warner runs against him and we can get rid of that stain for good.

[saltpoint]

9. I held a media black-out yesterday and listened to music instead.

So I missed the shot of Santorum right behind Dubya. But I share your alarm about his rise in the party. There's a ruthlessness to Santorum that's very close to nihilism, I think. He scares the hell out of me.

Maybe Rove is already at work setting up a Frist-Santorum ticket?

[NewYorkerfromMass]

5. McCain will beat anyone the Dems nominate

I am almost 100% sure of it.

[RafterMan]

7. At age 72?

I don't know about that.

[NewYorkerfromMass]

8. Yes his health might be factor

FWIW Reagan was oldest ever elected at 69.

[janx]

6. This article mentions Kerry, but I don't know how well

he would do if he ran again in this next election. All of the Swiftboat garbage would simply resurface again.

[liberalpragmatist]

10. It's waaaay to early to handicap anyone

I like Kerry a lot and I'd give him a serious look if he ran again in '08 but I'm not reserving my support for him. He'll have to earn it, like any other candidate will.

Personally, I think the impact of the SBVT might be dulled - they've already spilled their stuff and it's unlikely to be the media sensation it was four years ago. People have short memories and outside of Republican partisans it'll likely be forgotten. If Kerry were to sue them for libel (as his friends said he's considering) that could go a long way towards rehabilitating him.

But there's also a lot of good reasons why he'd be the wrong candidate in '08. We'll see how things work out. Let's focus on stopping the Republican agenda first.

[FrenchieCat]

11. What about that Massachussets Governor....

Mitt Romney(sp?)....looks like he is getting "groomed" on the sidelines.

What do y'all think about him. His strength...his weaknesses?

He seems to have the type of appeal that republicans would like.....charismatic, inaudible rethoric, Gov of a Blue state, Got the "Olympic" experience that the GOP is so "Breathless" about.

Is he a Mormon?

[RUMPLEMINTZ]

13. I think Romney

is pro choice so he won't make it out of the primaries.

[Hippo_Tron]

12. I'd be willing to bet on Frist

Santorum will hopefully loose his senate seat in '06.