Give us your first 4 choices in order for 08.

[saltpoint]

Don't have to if you don't want to, but don't give only 1.

Give four, in order, including any ties. Announced or unannounced ok.

:dem: :dem: :dem: :dem:

I'll throw in after others have had a turn.

[MNDemNY]

1. Here

Clem Kadidelhopper
Joan of Arc
"Itch Balls" Baufield...(My h.s. gym teacher)
Phil Spector

[grytpype]

3. I can't support Kadidelhopper because of his position on asparagus.

[MNDemNY]

4. He' backed off that, of late.

[saltpoint]

7. Joan's centuries-ago death might be a disqualifying factor.

And with the recent discourse involving torture of detainees etc., I'm disinclined to go with Phil Spector. He seems to play a little too rough for me.

I like Clem, mind you, but he's fictional, which means his vote totals will be fictional, and so his odds are too long. Voters have gone for a fake cowboy who was a real person but so far not a fake person who is fictional.

That leaves "Itch Balls" Baufield. How does he stand on NAFTA?

[MNDemNY]

12. As long as

you wear you jock-strap and try, he's fine with it. But showers are mandatory.

[saltpoint]

15. LOL!

You know what? I've never met Itch Balls Baufield. But I think I'd vote him before I'd vote for any of the Republican field generally and Tom Tancredo especially.

[MNDemNY]

17. I think you should reconsider Phil, he has not been convicted.

He's just misunderstood.

[saltpoint]

19. Well, he does have impressive hair-dos of late.

[MNDemNY]

20. Of course he did spend $400 on that cut.

[saltpoint]

21. Don't try to persuade me away from Itch Balls Baufield. I'm standing

behind my candidate, dammit.

[MNDemNY]

23. I can respect that.

IBB (as we know him) has always been a hard worker.

[saltpoint]

24. I don't doubt it for a minute. And for the anticipated groundswell for IBB,

is there a campaign store?

I want a bumpersticker that says: "Itch Balls Baufield / 2008" as soon as possible.

[janx]

140. Some of his SUPPORTERS affectionately call him

Itchy.

[saltpoint]

164. I'm thinkin' bio-pic.

Who plays IBB -- Gene Hackman? Schwartzenegger?

And a brass-heavy John Williams soundtrack.

[Clintonista2]

2. Mine:

Hillary Clinton
John Edwards
Joe Biden
Chris Dodd

[MNDemNY]

5. Who are they?

[Kelly Rupert]

6. In order: Richardson, Edwards, Biden, Clinton,

Obama, Dodd, Kucinich, Gravel.

[saltpoint]

9. Thank you.

I really didn't want "Itch Balls" Baufield to be our next president (upthread post).

[ecstatic]

8. Kucinich (would be number 1 but too unrealistic a choice)

So therefore: Obama, Clinton, Richardson, Edwards

[glowing]

10. Kucinich, Edwards, Gravel, Obama

[PurityOfEssence]

11. Edwards, Obama, Biden, Dodd

then Kucinich, then all other eligible U.S.-born citizens above the age of 35, then Mike Gravel and THEN Hillary Clinton.

[slick8790]

13. Edwards, Obama, Biden, Richardson

Dodd, Clinton, Kucinich, Gravel

[NoPasaran]

14. Okalley Dokelley

Clinton
Biden
Richardson
Obama

[hedgehog]

70. Who is Okalley Dokelley?

[NoPasaran]

145. "OK" in Ned Flanders-speak

[IndianaJones]

16. Clinton, Edwards, Obama, Biden. nt.

[Mass]

18. Kucinich, Dodd, Obama, Biden

(That would be among those who are running - I still would prefer Gore, Kerry, Feingold, Clark, or Gary Hart to run ...).

[Dawgs]

22. Gore, Obama, Edwards, Hillary

[saltpoint]

25. I was wondering when the tall Tennessean would appear in the responses.

This next 2 weeks could be real interesting in U.S. politics.

[saltpoint]

26. In a world more of my making, I'd want

Mario Cuomo, RFK JR, Gary Hart, and Barbara Boxer, in that order.

For the present election options, it's

Edwards

Biden

Obama

Gore / Dodd (tie)

--and the differential in the first 3 is teensy. Very close divisions.

[ginchinchili]

27. Biden, Dodd, Edwards, Obama

[saltpoint]

28. We share some same names on our respective lists, ginchinchili.

I think this next 2 or 3 months will be one of the most interesting and exciting ones ever in U.S. politics.

[PghTiny]

29. Kucinich, Gore, Richardson, Edwards

Order goes from most preferred on down

[More Than A Feeling]

30. 1. Edwards 2. Dodd 3. Obama 4. ?

[ljm2002]

31. Here's mine:

1 - Kucinich
2 - Kucinich
3 - Kucinich
4 - Kucinich

Kucinich is the only one who represents my views overall. ALL of the other candidates have fatal flaws from my point of view, and by flaws I mean wrong policy positions. Clinton, Obama and Edwards all want to force us all to buy health insurance, rather than dealing with the core issue and providing universal single payer health care; the same 3 "top tier" candidates won't commit to us being out of Iraq by 2013, 6 years from now (!); Clinton voted to label part of Iraq's standing army a "terrorist organization", and Obama opted to skip the vote entirely; Edwards has changed positions too often to seem trustworthy as someone who will stand up for his convictions when push comes to shove. Gravel is to weird, although I enjoy him and am glad he is part of the debates -- he gets in an occasional well-deserved zinger. Dodd is starting to make the right sounds, but still seems lackluster. Richardson has a lot of good ideas but also seems to lack energy and charisma. Biden is very knowledgeable, especially on foreign policy, but is also in the pocket of the big corporations -- not surprising since Delaware is the state of choice for most big corporations to file their incorporation papers.

Kucinich has demonstrated the gumption to go against Big Business and win, even when it meant losing office when he was Mayor of Cleveland. The only question is his support of choice for women, but he has addressed his change of position, and I believe him, because he has earned trust based on his record.

I am still planning to vote Dem regardless of who wins the nomination. But I am sorely, sorely disappointed in the front runners for various reasons: Clinton for her vote on IWR that she has never apologized for, her vote on Iran, and her health insurance plan; Obama for his health insurance plan and for his failure to show up for various votes and debates, and for his "Kumbaya" style that will get us nowhere with the rabid right wing neocons; and Edwards for his health insurance plan and for his vote on IWR -- sure he has apologized for it, and that is a good thing, but he has been less than forceful in saying how he will disengage us from this epic blunder.

[saltpoint]

32. Rules violation (LOUD BUZZER SOUND) XXXXXXXXXX

GIVE 4.

[ljm2002]

57. Okay, okay, you're right...

...I wasn't playing by the rules, and it's your thread so you get to make the rules on it.

1 - Kucinich (surprise :-) ), for all the reasons I mentioned in my first reply
2 - Edwards, who is addressing poverty and the shrinking middle class
3 - Richardson, who has lots of good ideas that get drowned out, partly due to his low key style
4 - Dodd, who at least is right on Iraq

[saltpoint]

80. Thank you. And your list is a good one, IMO.

I think a strong case could be made for any of the four you chose and that none of those four would abandon your sense of citizenship in supporting them.

If you prefer your no. 1 choice there, by god vote for him. He's a good man.

[ljm2002]

102. I'm in a caucus state...

...so I will find out what that mysterious process consists of, and yes, I'll support Kucinich at that time.

Thanks for accepting my do-over! :-)

[saltpoint]

104. We're totally cool, and I say good steps to you and your cohorts in the

service of campaigning for Dennis Kucinich.

I predict you'll feel that it was time and energy extraordinarily well-spent, and very likely with many like-minded people.

[Skittles]

183. I agree with ljm2002

absolutely....the fact that I voted for Dennis last time and have never regretted it tells me something

[DemocratSinceBirth]

33. Obama, Edwards, Clinton, Biden

But the difference in my affection for the first three is almost insignificant...

[emilyg]

34. clinton, biden, richardson, edwards

[otohara]

35. After The Top 3 Said We'd Be in Iraq Until 2013

Gore, Richardson, Kucinich, Dodd.

[Auntie Bush]

143. They DID NOT say we'd be in Iraq until 2013. You're regurgitating

Tim Russet, the media and the GOP propaganda.

They simply said they wouldn't PLEDGE NOT to be there by 2013!

Why the hell should any of our candidates have to take a pledge not to do something 5 years from now? Who the hell does he think he is? Why aren't more people outraged about this misinformation? Why are we feeding the trolls by repeating this?

[flvegan]

36. Mine

Kucinich
RFK, Jr (hey, he technically COULD announce)
Gore
Flying Spaghetti Monster

I have to admit, Gravel scored some decent points with me that last go 'round, but tbh, I don't know enough about his other stances on the issues.

[saltpoint]

39. Number of objections I have to RFK Jr's name on your list: 0

[flvegan]

40. We can dream, right?

[saltpoint]

41. Yes. He's a hell of a good man. I'd stand in a very cold rain a very long

time to cast a vote for somebody like that.

[saltpoint]

37. Many responses offer groups of 4 candidates who often

are fought over and battled over on the DU boards.

This is making for some very interesting, brainy considerations.

Way to go, people.

[high density]

38. Dodd, ??????, Biden, Obama

[maximusveritas]

42. Obama and Gore (tie) ... Hillary, Kucinich

There's a big seperation between the first 2 and the last 2.
I'm not a big fan of Hillary, but I recognize she would be a strong candidate. I like Kucinich on most of the issues, but I don't think he's electable or a very compelling figure personally.

[gateley]

43. Biden, Dodd, Gravel, Kucinich

[Sandaasu]

44. Kucinich, Gravel, Obama, Edwards

[democratsin08]

45. easy

clinton biden richardson gravel

[GreenArrow]

46. Kucinich, Gravel, Walt Whitman, Johnny Appleseed

.

[cascadiance]

47. Gore, Edwards, Kucinich, Feingold

I know Feingold won't run, but trying to pick another out of this bunch had my earlier favorite seem a more logical pick...

[emmadoggy]

77. Hey, we match!

Except I didn't throw in Feingold since I know he won't be in. He'd make a great VP candidate though. I put Richardson at #4.

:hi:

[cascadiance]

78. Smart minds think alike!

:D

[ElizabethDC]

48. Clinton, Biden, Edwards, Dodd. n/t

[saltpoint]

123. Hi, ElizabethDC. I count four presidents on your list. They are all

formidable minds with a measurable sense of the extraordinary about them.

[jillan]

49. I can't do this right now - ask me in a month.

Obviously Biden is my #1.
I have major issues with the other candidates. I like Dodd, I just have concerns with his presentation of his ideas.

Guess you can say I am conflicted. I really supported Clinton as my second....and she now below Gravel in my little world.

[saltpoint]

87. Your little world? You appear to me to inhabit quite a large and

complex world, which you manage quite impressively.

I respect your call on your personal list, and as you know, I am a long-standing admirer of Senator Biden.

My guess is a lot of people will be reading whatever you choose to post on these boards between now and the first votes cast on caucus night in Iowa this coming January.

I'll be in that group.

:thumbsup: :hi:

[jillan]

95. Thanks for your kind words.

The reality is that I am having a real hard time right now with all of the candidates....even Biden, altho he still comes closest to what I am looking for in a President.

[saltpoint]

100. We have a more talented field than is sometimes acknowledged on these

boards.

One of my hopes in this thread was to expand the field of consideration so that the virtues and strengths and attributes of our candidates can be viewed through a more collective lens.

If the next president is a Democrat, it's going to be one of our 8 candidates. I don't know who it is yet, of course, but it's very likely the name of someone being mentioned in this thread. I wanted us to maybe reconsider the whole field and weigh and appreciate each candidate's attributes.

[stimbox]

50. Kucinich, Edwards, Gravel, Richardson(?)

But I'll vote for the nominee whoever that may be.

[itsrobert]

51. EDWARDS, KUCINICH, RICHARDSON, OBAMA n/t

thanks

[seasat]

52. Richardson, Obama, Kucinich, Clinton, Biden, Dodd, Edwards, Gravel N/T

[Greyhound]

53. Kucinich, Edwards, Richardson, Biden. n/t

[LWolf]

54. Kucinich, Gore, Boxer, McKinney. n/t

[saltpoint]

90. Unless I'm mistaken, I think this is former Congresswoman McKinney's first

vote in this thread.

But on your first two: it is odd that Gore and Kucinich are resonant ideologically yet Gore is within reach of the Oval Office and Kucinich's climb would be far steeper. It's a comment on the electorate that only depresses me to think about!

As for Barbara Boxer, she is a personal favorite of mine for many, many years. If I were Rip van Winkled and woke up to find her in the Oval Office, I would meet such news with screams of elation.

[LWolf]

105. Barbara Boxer was my senator for many years,

and I support her, and the job she's done. I'd like to see HER as the first woman president, or vice president.

Frankly, I'm not really sure who Gore is. Eight years with BC, working for a DLC administration, how much of that was him, and how much loyalty to his boss? I've watched him since, and he's either shifted somewhat, or he's come into his own. I don't know which it is, but I've felt all along that he was the man to bring the party back together. He is authentic enough to get support from the disenfranchised left, he is mainstream enough to carry the rest.

McKinney, now, I think she got a rough deal. I think her service in Congress was worthy, and I think she "gets" many of the issues the rest don't seem to. People's issues.

Of course, Kucinich has my vote any time he's on my ballot. He's earned it.

[saltpoint]

106. I love the way you express the strangeness to politics generally and the

Gore conundrum especially. Maybe Gore has come into his own not despite the defeat in 2000 -- if it was a defeat, I mean -- but because of it.

He was cheated by a vacuous and flippant snark goblin who has disgraced our country. I think that eats into Al Gore and his speeches in the last 3 or 4 years have been razor-sharp and ferociously wielded.

He really is well-positioned for another run for the White House if he cares to make one.

I'd like it just fine if Barbara Boxer was the first woman president. As far as I'm concerned, she can start tomorrow morning.

Kucinich has earned the respect of his supporters. He has worked for many years to make improvements that are generally required and not to advance his ego or pander to interest groups.

[LWolf]

110. Good points to ponder about Al Gore.

It's unlikely that he'll run, but I think he's the answer the party is looking for. A Gore/Boxer ticket would be incredible.

I support DK because he's working for me, and those like me. I'd love to see him in the WH; if not as president, perhaps in a cabinet post. Even better, I'd love to see him in the most logical position: speaker of the house.

[saltpoint]

112. Kucinich as Speaker of the House. That is in the 'Whoa' category.

You should consider it as a separate post and put it in front of people's consideration. Likely there'd be a wide, wide range of responses from 'Terrific, let's do it right now' to 'Hell no, it would never work.'

Gore - Boxer. You know, the hour is late for Gore as you say, but the Nobel Prizes are announced over the next ten or twelve days, I think. It's not out of the question that Gore would win the Peace Prize for his work on the environment and it would be a persuasive backdrop for an announcement for a presidential run.

If he ran he'd have a good chance at the nomination and would then choose someone he wanted in his administration and wouldn't have to do any odd JFK/LBJ pairings.

I see no reason at all why it couldn't be Barbara Boxer and I would love to vote for that ticket. From an environmentally conscious voter's point of view, it couldn't get much better than that.

[LWolf]

144. The next 10 or 12 days will be interesting, to say the least.

I'll be watching!

[Colobo]

55. Obama, Edwards, Biden, Clinton.

[saltpoint]

86. With you on three of your four, although in different order, not much

difference in those top three. I would honestly be thrilled to death with any of those three, and feel that the three of them together in a new administration -- with one of them in the Oval office and the other two as Cabinet officials and/or close advisors would go a LONG way toward healing the damage Bush has done.

Good list.

[Hippo_Tron]

56. Obama, Edwards, Dodd, Clinton

[Lucinda]

58. Edwards - Clinton - Biden - no 4th yet - and they are fluid

1. Edwards
2. Clinton
3. Biden
I've only got a top three right now...and it's still fluid
But I'm a long-haul kind of voter and I want to see how things shake out a little longer.

[YvonneCa]

59. Gore, Kerry, Biden, Clinton...

...I want experience.

[sandnsea]

76. Well Gore - Kerry, duh

I thought the OP meant those who are running. I also kind of thought we wanted change. The Clintons really are responsible for a lot of the economic problems we're facing, they did not leave working people in a good place at all. Unlike Kerry, who always voted to improve treaties and tried to add environmental amendments to them, Hillary hasn't really admitted the trade deals need to be significantly better. I realize things are pretty good for a lot of people in the country and it's easy to think the working/union stuff is just so much political rhetoric - but it's not. Half the country is really suffering and promises of Clinton tax credits is just not going to do the trick anymore.

[YvonneCa]

113. Words of the...

...OP:

"Give four, in order, including any ties. Announced or unannounced ok."

As to the critique of my choices...they are MY choices...you may choose your own. Is there a particular name I listed that set you off?

[saltpoint]

131. I'll take the blame for being unclear. For the record, I think John Kerry

is the cat's pajamas.

I bet Condoleezza Rice remains fiercely uninterested in being confronted by Senator Kerry on any issue.

She's never been up to snuff on foreign policy and it's one of Kerry's many high-command areas of accomplishment.

[gorekerrydreamticket]

151. Looks good....n/t

[goodgd_yall]

60. Edwards, Obama, Dodd, Richardson

[ileus]

61. Clinton x4

[saltpoint]

84. RULES VIOLATION (LOUD BUZZER SOUND) XXXXXXXXXX

Jets flying over your domicile. Your family detained. Your pets tortured.

Don't mess with these rules.

We mean business.

[laylah]

62. Alrighty then...

Gore
Edwards
Clinton
Biden

[saltpoint]

83. Hi, laylah. Interesting mix there with your 4. What a fierce atmosphere it

would be if those four happened to come into the convention in Denver, all with substantial delegate counts but none of the four with enough for a first ballot victory.

That would be one wild night or two in Denver, Colorado.

[abq e streeter]

63. Edwards, Kucinich, Dodd, Obama,

Of those actually running; therefore can't list Bruce Springsteen, Al Gore, RFK Jr....

[riona]

64. We FL Dems look forward to having our votes count someday.

But, we have issues. We always have issues. Our state gov't is adding a new layer to our record of creative voter disenfranchisement. See you at the general election........I think

[quinnox]

65. Hillary, Edwards

The rest don't do much for me.

[Milo_Bloom]

66. Gore, Obama, Bloomberg (tied on the last 2) (nt)

[saltpoint]

89. A provocative trio, Milo_Bloom. Gore's stature is not in dispute, IMO, even

among his detractors which I believe are much fewer in number than for his 2000 run. IMO, he is a very strong and convincing example of an evolved, modern thinker. I am proud of Al Gore. And I was a Bill Bradley delegate in 2000.

Obama's rally in New York City this past week was a history-maker. There remains a discernible voltage to his candidacy and I think that plus the bulging kitty propels him into fierce contention.

Bloomberg. I prefer him to his predecessor in that I would obviously prefer St. Francis to Charles Manson. Bloomberg is a former Democrat and as Republicans go, fairly moderate-to-liberal on many social issues and of course has a buck or two stashed away for a rainy day. He lacks he verbal eloquence of a Mario Cuomo or a Bill Moyers perhaps, but he compensates for that with direct common sense.

[rjones2818]

67. Kucinich, Gravel, Gore, Dodd

Dodd's only on there since you asked for four.

Go Dennis! :woohoo:
http://dennis4president.com
Choose Peace!

[rosesaylavee]

68. This will change but right now my list is:

Gore
RFK Jr.
Dodd
Biden

[saltpoint]

128. I endorse your right to change your list as you feel is best, rosesaylavee, but

if it doesn't change at all, you've picked 4 really strong people.

Thank you.

[rosesaylavee]

134. Depending on the day,

I am all for Kucinich and Obama. I don't think I have ever been this undecided. In fact, never had much patience for people were 'undecided'. Must be Karma.

[saltpoint]

173. It seems thoughtful and understandable. If it is karma, maybe it's

a good wave.

[Think82]

69. Biden (solid #1) , Obama, Edwards, Dodd

[Vickers]

71. OK

1. Will Rogers
2. Kurt Vonnegut
3. Mark Twain
4. Dennis Kucinich

I give each an equal chance of winning.

[saltpoint]

94. Very persuaded by your choices 2 through 4; less so for no. 1.

Vonnegut stands mighty, mighty tall in my book, although he's the one with the books, and his books have made my life more interesting and then some. An instinctual genius with a heart of gold.

Twain gave us many stories, not least Huck Finn. Huck is 14 when the novel begins, barely older than the young man who gave the Democratic radio comment yesterday. Talk about not being on the grid -- Huck fills that bill pretty well -- and gives us all an example of how people of different races can face the same dangers and emerge with a true alliance. Twain was way, way ahead of his time.

Dennis Kucinich, from the days as mayor of Cleveland, has fought the good fight. He isn't given the credit he has earned and there are some strategic obstacles in his way that will likely keep him from the Oval Office. But he's a good man, and has been for some time. Long may he wave.

[SimoneIA]

72. Here's my four...

Clinton, Edwards, Obama, Gore.

[saltpoint]

99. Hi to you, SimoneIA, and welcome to DU.

Glad you're here, and glad you're in this thread.

Your four picks looks pretty sound to me, and there's a very strong chance that one of them will be the next President of the United States.

Welcome.

[Catchawave]

73. Edwards, Biden, Richardson, Dodd

:patriot:

[saltpoint]

82. Good list. And I notice you do pretty durn well on picking winners in

elections.

You graciously claim that you were not the sole variable in Jim Webb's success over Cement-Head Allen, but I know better.

[sandnsea]

74. Obama, Dodd, Biden, Richardson

Kucinich is just not realistic enough for me to want him in the White House.

[emmadoggy]

75. 1.Gore 2. Edwards 3. Kucinich 4. Richardson

5. Biden
6. Clinton
7. Dodd
8. Obama
9. Gravel

[demommom]

79. Biden!

2- Dodd
3- Edwards
4- Obama

[saltpoint]

88. I'd be awfully happy with any of those folks, demommom.

Their attributes combined would help out country, and our country needs help after 6-8 years of George W. Bush, Alberto Gonzaless, Don Rumsfeld, and so forth down the list of transgressors.

Some healing is in order and taking your list -- those four for example -- as people willing and ready to lend their strength and talent to the country at large.

[Nimrod2005]

81. Obama, Richardson, Edwards, Hillary

[lander]

85. Edwards, Kucinich, Obama, Biden. n/t

[Canuckistanian]

157. Same as me

Great minds and all that.

[Odin2005]

91. Obama, Edwards, Dodd, Clinton n/t

[trashcanistanista]

92. ok

Kucinich
Edwards
Dodd
Obama

oops!

[kad7777]

93. BIDEN, Kerry, Dodd, Edwards

[saltpoint]

97. Stop! Don't leave the boards, kad7777. I'd tried on a couple of occasions

to say welcome to DU but you keep slipping out the back.

WELCOME.

And thanks for throwing in on this thread. As for Biden specificall, I think he's being discounted still, but the early signs of a resurgent campaign are beginning to register in Iowa.

And on DU, too.

Good list.

[kad7777]

107. Thank you!!

It's nice to be here. Though I must say, some people can get pretty belligerent on this site. I wish more would keep an open mind, and not get so maniacal. It's fun. I try not to let my emotions get the better of me.

[saltpoint]

109. Clearly from your posts so far you are more than managing to navigate

through the ferocity.

I agree with you that it's a real palpable thing, too.

I'll look forward to reading what you have to say on the Biden campaign -- I think his star is on the rise -- and on other topics as well.

[PatSeg]

124. It can get belligerent at times

but other boards are far worse. I've learned to just move along when people get emotional or confrontational. No point in trying to discuss anything with people who have closed their minds.

Biden, Gore (if he runs), Dodd, and Edwards.

[saltpoint]

127. Howdy, Pat, and a happy October comin' right up.

Agree with your assessment on the boards and I like your list, too.

The response Joe Biden is receiving right now is demonstrably greater (and more positive) than what he was getting a month or two ago.

I would love to hear more posts from Iowa to see what's going on in some of those small towns.

[PatSeg]

130. Howdy!

At least now a lot of people know who he is. That kind of helps. This is a positive sign and I don't take the few negatives too seriously. That is bound to happen with any candidate. If he didn't have any adverse reactions, that would mean he was essentially invisible. Recognition has its costs.

[saltpoint]

133. That's true. Still, the upward trend is encouraging. I think part of it may be

the clear need for therapeutic deliverance for our foreign policy. What a mess Bush has made in the Middle East. Logistically and financially and not least, in terms of the emotional impact on human beings -- Iraqis and all others.

Biden's foreign policy chops are pretty much indisputable. I pity the fool of a Republican who would ever have to debate Joe Biden on international affairs. They've got no one -- at all -- anywhere near his league.

[PatSeg]

135. What an awful lineup of candidates!

Is that the best they can do? If so, they really have a problem. McCain is the only one with extensive experience and he's gone a little nutty lately. You can be sure the republican candidate is going to limit the number of debates in the general, especially if the Democrat is one with strong foreign policy credentials.

As for Biden, getting more press will bring criticism as well, but that is the price of being a viable candidate. I think he can handle it though. He's been through his fair share of adversity the past 34 years and he takes it on directly. Should be fun to watch.

[femmocrat]

96. Gore, Clark, Edwards, Obama.

[bigwillq]

98. DK, Gore, Edwards, Obama

DK and Gore are locks!

I like Edwards the best of the "Top 3" and I guess I like Obama the next best of all the rest.

[saltpoint]

115. Good list, bigwillq, and thank ou for throwing in for this thread.

What's your take on Al Gore? Is he going to enter the race this fall, do you think?

[bigwillq]

158. Don't think he's going to enter

but he still hasn't officially said no so I am still holding out hope

[saltpoint]

165. Al knows the political landscape and how to navigate it. Probably better

than anybody at this point, after being cheated of the presidency.

We're 9 days away from the Nobel announcement. I'm tuned in.

[DemExpat]

101. Gore, Clark, Clinton, Edwards

DemEx

[Dj13Francis]

103. My picks are:

Kucinich, Richardson, Obama, Edwards.

I place Hillary about three spots behind Gravel.

[cobalt1999]

108. Gore, Hillary, Obama, Edwards n/t

[saltpoint]

111. Hi, cobalt1999. IMO, your list is the list of a

problem-solver.

Very nice.

[cobalt1999]

118. Someone has to get this country out of this ditch

Boy, do we need some problem solvers now, because we've got a bunch of problems to deal with.
:hi:

[saltpoint]

120. A very gracious response. Mr. Bush and Mr. Cheney have dumped us all

in a deep ditch -- agreed.

There's going to have to be a pulling-together to get us out -- agreed.

It's work worth doing and I hope the candidates who are not on our ticket will nevertheless throw in and help with the relief effort.

As you say, there are a bunch of problems to deal with, and we can use all hands on deck.

[illinoisprogressive]

114. Obama, Edwards, Richardson and Biden

[Naturyl]

116. Kucinich, Gore, Gravel, Edwards (N/T)

[zulchzulu]

117. Obama Edwards Dodd Biden

Jackson Browne should run too!

[saltpoint]

126. Jackson Browne WAS going to run, zulchzulu, but he heard Kucinich doing

"Sixteen Tons" and he backed off. Dennis put some serious pipes to that number and Browne knew when he was licked.

I'm a Jackson Browne fan from quite a ways back, and his political compositions against Reagan's spirit-crushing war in Central America stay with me.

I like your list. You've been out there on the front lines for Senator Obama and I hope his people can appreciate the commitment and contribution you've made to their effort. John, Chris and Joe are on your list too and I feel really good about them, too.

We're going to win this thing in 08, and in the process, we're going to force the GOP to re-examine its scurrilous investments in horrible policies and candidates.

[Hawaii Hiker]

119. Edwards, Obama, Clinton, Kucinich...But I will

absolutely vote for HRC if she is the nominee, no question....This country can't afford another Re-thug in 2008!....

And also Hillary haters, HRC did not say she was going to win 2 terms last night, that was Amy Poehler from SNL playing her - just so there's no confusion - LOL!!

[Naturyl]

121. And if it were possible, BERNIE SANDERS!!!

Bernie would be at the top of my wish list.

[saltpoint]

122. Hi, Naturyl. I have a friend in Vermont who does not like politics generally

and hates politicians in particular.

There's an exception. He loves his junior senator, Bernie Sanders.

So do I.

[Naturyl]

125. Who wouldn't?

Bernie Sanders is what American politics ought to be.

[saltpoint]

129. There it is.

Also I love the signature quotation you have by Hegel.

No wonder you like Senator Sanders.

[PatSeg]

136. There aren't too many like him anymore

Patrick Leahy is another gem.

[surfermaw]

132. Edwards...Biden...Gore ..Hillary

[Pushed To The Left]

137. Obama, Edwards, Kucinich, Gravel

I will proudly vote for and volunteer for the Democratic candidate in 2008, no matter who it is!

[Raffi Ella]

138. Biden,Clinton,Richardson,Obama

But I will gladly vote for any of our candidates. :dem:

[DurShar]

139. Kucinich, Edwards, Obama, Gravel

n/t

[Moderate Dem]

141. Biden, Hillary, Obama...that's all I've got

[harun]

142. Edwards, Kucinich, Obama, Richardson (n/t)

[saltpoint]

169. My hunch is that supporters of these four candidates -- just to take the

4 you've chosen -- would be of very similar minds around a large pizza and a pitcher of beer.

I've test-driven that hunch already, last week, and we had us a great time. Many disparaging remarks were heard regarding the Bush administration, and it proved to be a great launching pad for our individual candidates' attributes and our collective one-mindedness about the need for reform.

Good list.

[sniffa]

146. kucinich, dodd, richardson, edwards

[Mother Of Four]

147. Edwards, Obama, Biden, Gravel

eom

[Raiden]

148. Obama... Edwards... Clinton... Richardson

I'm praying for an Obama upset in Iowa :)

[Alizaryn]

149. Gore Obama Edwards

[itsrobert]

150. EDWARDS, KUCINICH, RICHARDSON, OBAMA n/T

THANKS

[Froward69]

152. Biden, Edwards, Obama,Dodd

[rinsd]

153. Hillary, Obama, Richardson, Edwards. (nt)

[SaveElmer]

154. Hillary, Biden, Dodd, Obama...nt

[saltpoint]

172. Hi, SaveElmer. As you know I'm not in Sen. Clinton's camp as a first-choicer.

But if Democrats in caucuses and primaries nominate Senator Clinton, Senator Clinton has my vote.

We hit it right-on and dead-center on your other 3 choices, though, and as for HClinton, I'll take her judicial picks over ANY Republican, no matter what. That alone is a motivating factor. Our great-grandchildren and THEIR great-grandchidlren are owed a better Supreme Court than you and I have right now.

[ripple]

155. Obama, Biden, Edwards, Dodd

I would have snuck Gore in there, but I'll take him at his word for now.

[Canuckistanian]

156. Edwards, Kucinich, Obama, Biden

[shimmergal]

159. Gore, Edwards, Richardson, Pelosi

Actually I want Pelosi to get there BEFORE 2009, by resignation or impeachment of the two top thugs in office now.

Whether she'd want to stay for a full term after she sees the dimensions of the mess they've left is unknown. So presumably I can still put in a fourth choice for a candidate? Um--Clark, though I actually think his endorsement of Hillary takes him out as a candidate.

[saltpoint]

170. I like your idea of Pelosi in the Oval Office before the election is held, since

it means a Mr. Bush would be relieved of duties by the Congress.

:thumbsup:

[Apollo11]

160. Gore, Edwards, Obama, Biden

If Gore gets in, he has my full support.

If not then I will have to decide between Edwards and Obama. Right now Edwards would be my pick.

www.algore.com :patriot:
www.algore.org
www.draftgore.com
www.americaforgore.org

[Apollo11]

182. Better make that: Gore, Obama, Edwards, Biden

Barack Obama won me over with his speech in Chicago on Tuesday.

It was the best speech of the campaign (by any candidate) until now.

:kick:

[elizm]

161. Obama, Gore, Edwards, Kucinich

[Steve_in_California]

162. Biden, Biden, Biden, Nader

[saltpoint]

167. Hi, Steve. Gotta say I prefer your first 3 picks to your 4th.

I understand where you're coming from but ol Ralph ain't doin' for me.

[Steve_in_California]

178. Nader was for effect.

But you got the idea.

[RFKHumphreyObama]

163. You always post interesting threads Old_Crusoe -I enjoy reading your posts

My choices
Gore
Edwards
Richardson
Obama

[saltpoint]

166. Hi, socialdemocrat1981, and thank you for the kind words, and also

may the gods and goddesses bless the woman in your avatar.

Four good choices you've made. I'd be real happy with any of them in the Oval Office.

And would volunteer time and energy to them, too. Just those 4 combined represent an enormous upgrade in public service from the current administration.

[Byronic]

168. Biden, Edwards, Dodd, Obama

[saltpoint]

171. I got no problem wit dose guys, Byronic.

Let me wake up soon to one of those candidates' administrations, one of those candidates' judicial picks, one of those candidates' Inaugural or State-of-the-Union addresses.

I'd be a real happy camper.

Your first choice -- Joe Biden -- is picking up the pace and I sense it's taking hold out in Iowa. The frost is on the pumpkin soon and Joe Biden is going to be enjoying more attentive audiences.

[racaulk]

174. Gore, Kucinich, RFK Jr., Feingold

:dem:

[saltpoint]

180. Nice.

[Carrieyazel]

175. Richardson, Kucinich, Biden

The "frontrunners" have major vulnerabilites and I didn't like their baffling refusal to commit to ending the Iraq War. The debate last week was quite telling.

[Hell Hath No Fury]

176. Kucinich...

Gore
Edwards
Feingold

[Ninga]

177. Edwards, Obama, Richardson, Dodd.....edited to change my mind.

[lojasmo]

179. Gore, Finegold, Kennedy, Obama. EOM

[CalebHayes]

181. Obama, Edwards, Dodd, Richardson

[Clark2008]

184. Clark, Gore, Feingold and Don't Know.

Not a very rousing choice since none of them are running, is it? :(