Looking Ahead: 2008 Presidential Campaign

It’s way too far in advance to get an accurate read on the next Presidential election. But considering many Democrats are already calling Bush a lame-duck President, I thought Id look around the field to see who might be potential nominees in both parties.

Republican

With Vice President Dick Cheney already saying he has no aspirations for higher office, and health conditions confirming that path, the field is wide open.

Mitt Romney - Mitt is the Republican governor of Massachusetts, an island in a sea of Democratic politicians from this state including former Presidential nominee, John Kerry, and super-liberal icon Sen. Ted Kennedy. Mitt comes from a business background and brings to the table fiscal conservatism as demonstrated by his position as the chairman of the Salt Lake City Winter Olympic committee, where he erased millions of dollars in deficits run up by the previous chairman. He has also staked his governorship on the opposition of the Massachusetts Supreme Court, who passed a landmark decision legalizing gay marriage in Massachusetts. It is also widely accepted that Governors have the easiest path to the White House because of their role as Chief Executive, whereas legislators often deal with years of voting records.

Rudy Giuliani - Giuliani was a wildly popular former mayor of New York City- well he left office wildly popular with the city weighing whether to amend their laws to allow for a third term for governor if Mayor Giuliani so wanted to position. He was the mayor during the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center and his leadership helped manage a wounded city’s crisis during a critical time in history. Since leaving office, he has written a book on leadership and has been a highly called upon speaker regarding the subject. He is a moderate Republican and pro-choice, which appeals to the liberal women vote. Giuliani’s path would be doable, but a Senatorial challenge to Hillary Clinton in New York would establish him more as a national figure, place him in a better position to run, and might even kick off the presidential campaign early if Hillary were also to run for president.

Condoleeza Rice - Condi would be the face of the incumbent administration, if Dick Cheney indeed does not run (as he is widely expected not to). A war hawk that would be expected to continue in the paths of the Bush administration, she has a huge amount of experience in international politics. Her nomination would eliminate the “female” aspect should Hillary run for the Dems. In addition, she would become the first African-American nominee from a major party which might giver her a greater portion of the African-American vote.

John McCain - Senator McCain was very coy during this past election. He seemed to play both sides of the fence, which might be an indication of where his aspirations lie. He may be a candidate that draws crossover votes. McCain is a war vet with good foreign policy history. He could be a factor.

Democrat

Hillary Clinton - Hillary is widely presumed to be running in 2008 and would likely be the Democratic nominee, should she run. It is unclear, at this point, if her position as a polarizing figure on the left would help or hurt her in a head to head. If elected, she would become the first female President in U.S. history. Hillary has alot of skeletons in her closet and it is unclear how well she could weather the scrutiny of a Presidential race.

John Kerry - He’ll be back. There’s rumor already, but I think it should be classified more as “unconfirmed fact”. Kerry has had only one political objective in his lifetime, and that is to become President of the United States. It’s difficult to be an effective candidate after running and losing, though. Ask Ralph Nader or Ross Perot.

Evan Bayh - Mr. Bayh is a fiscal conservative with a social moderate agenda. Should make some libertarians happy. He has a good history as Governor of Indiana. History proves that moderates fare better in elections, which could give a young Senator/former governor a leg up on the competition.

Joe Biden - Senator Biden was a rare Democratic hawk on the war in Iraq and on terror in general. He is known to be a tough anti-crime, anti-drug Senator with a voting record to prove it. His nomination would likely secure the “security mom” vote - the group of women that cropped up post-9/11 that is concerned about family and personal protection from terrorism.