The campaign for the 2012 presidential election stepped into a higher gear this week. At this point, it seems likely that President Barack Obama will not face a challenge in the democratic primaries; that the republican party will have a divisive primary season, with their “party elders” advocating for a candidate such as Governor Timothy James Pawlenty, while the Tea Partiers insist upon a spokesperson from their radical fringe; and a growing possibility of a third-party candidate/ticket besides the routine marginal ones.
By design, the Democratic Underground is intended to support both democratic principles and Democratic candidates. This is, I believe, as it should be. Yet there is room for thoughtful disagreement with specific politicians and candidates on important issues. Just as small doors often open into large rooms, we find a significant number of posts on this forum that voice discontent with the President; note an unwillingness to invest in his re-election campaign; and even state that he may be defeated in 2012.
Now, this is speculation on my part …. but I do not believe that President Obama is either assured of victory or defeat in the upcoming election. Nor do I believe in either the “it makes no difference,” or the “if you don't support him, you are helping Sarah Palin” schools of thought. A republican victory would not only slam shut the door that is already nearly closed, but would lock out any potential of democratic change in America in the near future. It is Barack Obama, and not the democratic left, who is entirely responsible for the level of support he gets from all of the factions of the party's base. Yet, while he owns the problem, we face the consequences of a failed presidency.
The following questions are offered sincerely. Please answer any or all of them. There are no “wrong” answers. My goal is not to create quarrels and fights; rather, I am hoping to get a range of serious responses that illustrate the spectrum of perspective among forum participants. While we might not all agree, we can have a civil, serious discussion.
Thanks.
{1} Do you believe that President Obama may face a difficult contest in the 2012 election?
{2} Can you identify any group of states (for example, Florida, Ohio, and Pennsylvania) that could create difficulties in the context of electoral votes for President Obama?
{3} Which republican candidate/ticket do you think would be most difficult for President Obama and VP Biden in 2012?
{4} What issues will cause the biggest problems for the Democratic ticket?
{5} Can you think of a third-party candidate/ticket that would cause problems for the Democrats? For the republicans?