Thursday, January 18, 2007

Handicapping 2008

Here's my first look at the prospects for the 2008 Democratic Presidential Nomination. Remember, this is just my analysis of each candidate's prospects, not my opinion on their merits as potential Presidents.

Hillary Clinton

Pros: Huge campaign fund, Bill, strong organizational infrastructure, last name is Clinton, brains, charm, articulate, political experience and savvy, did I mention she's married to Bill Clinton? From a big state with lots of delegates.

Cons: The right wing has successfully caricatured her (quite unfairly I add) as a sneaky, manipulative, cold hearted extremist. Was for the Iraq war. Pandered to the right-wing occasionally as a Senator (remember that we are talking about Democratic primaries here). Senate Voting Record. Sexism could hurt her.

Barak Obama

Pros: Fresh new face, Charm, rock star charisma, articulate, smart, liberal, against the war, Presidential bearing. From a big state with lots of delegates.

Cons: Racism will hurt him. Lack of Experience. Has a Senate voting record to defend. Late start in fund raising and organization building.

John Edwards

Pros: Charm, charisma, articulate, smart, liberal, against the war, proven winner in the south, a strong message and theme. Experienced and skilled campaigner. Doesn't face sexism or racism.

Cons: Behind in fund raising, how strong is his organization? Has a Senate voting record to defend. From a mid-sized state. Ran and lost last time. Associated with Kerry's weak effort?

The rest:

Cons: They are already significantly behind and they are presently lumped together as "the rest" in the public's and the media's mind.

Pros: Remember how Howard Dean came out of nowhere to become a serious contender?

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