Romney May Not Create Exploratory Committee

Sources tell the Boston Herald
that Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney (R) "likely will forgo an
exploratory committee entirely, taking a different approach than fellow
GOP presidential front-runners Arizona Sen. John McCain and former New
York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani by declaring his candidacy outright
sometime after Christmas."





Meanwhile, Roll Call notes Kevin Madden, press secretary for House Majority Leader John Boehner (R-OH), is leaving to join Romney’s staff.Romney May Not Create Exploratory Committee

The '08 Democratic Nomination: Playing the odds

Who stands the best shot at
winning the Democratic nomination? This is the first in a series of
weekly posts that will forecast the odds that each Democratic hopeful
has in winning the nomination.

As the war in Iraq boils over and the Democratic Congress prepares
to assume its leadership position in January, it is probably not a good
idea to become too fixated on the 2008 race for president. I don't
plan to analyze this each day between now and next fall. However, this
winter is a time in which a lot of candidates will start making formal
announcements. In the coming weeks, I will pay close attention to who
is thinking of joining the field.

As General Wesley Clark, a 2004 presidential candidate, said
yesterday, he made a strategic error by getting into the race so late
last time around. When he joined the field in September of 2003, he
hardly had any funds and did not even hire a campaign manager until
November. By that time, he only had two months until the Iowa Caucus.
From watching what happened to Clark in '03, candidates will want to
get in early. Setting up a presidential exploratory committee offers
potential contenders a loophole in the federal elections law that
allows them to raise cash without formally declaring their candidacy.
Since Hillary Clinton already raised tens of millions of dollars,
hardly anyone will be able to compete with her unless they start
setting up exploratory committees immediately.

Without further adieu, here are the odds for each of the possible
Democratic contenders. I base this on potential appeal in early
battleground states, unfavorable rating, potential issues in late-'07
and early-'08, fundraising potential, and net-roots support. This is
more or less my analytical bias, and does not represent any bias for
who I want the Democratic nominee to be (I am undecided, anyway!):

1. Hillary Clinton - 24% chance
2. John Edwards - 17% chance
3. Barack Obama - 16% chance
4. Al Gore - 15% chance
5. Evan Bayh - 7% chance
   
   
6. Bill Richardson - 5% chance
7. Joe Biden - 5% chance
8. Wesley Clark - 5% chance
9. Tom Vilsack - 3% chance
10. John Kerry - 2% chance
11. Chris Dodd - 1% chance

Keep in mind that these numbers will fluctuate over time, especially
when some candidates from this list officially take their names out of
the hat.

Every projection like this requires some kind of analysis. Here is
the way I see it. Hillary Clinton is definitely in the lead right now,
for the most part due to her significant money advantage that would
help mobilize get out the vote efforts and travel in the early primary
states (Iowa, Nevada, New Hampshire and South Carolina). What she has
going against her is her vote for the war and her unpopularity among
Democratic activists.

That brings us to the race to become what I call the "anti-Hillary"
candidate. As of this moment, there is a log-jam between Barack Obama,
John Edwards and Al Gore. Voters who want an alternative besides
Hillary Clinton will likely choose between these three candidates.
John Edwards is very popular in the labor movement, who are more likely
to choose a Washington outsider that has stood against free trade
agreements like NAFTA and CAFTA. Al Gore is also a serious threat to
Hillary Clinton's nomination, and has a strong following in the
Northeast and out West. It still remains to be seen whether Gore's
green themes will catch on in Nevada, Iowa and South Carolina.
However, being that New Hampshire is in the Northeast, and being that
the state has historically respected independent-minded, maverick
candidates, Al Gore might even be the odds on favorite there. Then
there is the wild card: Barack Obama. The Illinois Senator is also a
threat to Hillary Clinton because he will grab a significant portion of
the female vote. Already pledging to announce his candidacy on the
Oprah Winfrey show, should he decide to enter the race, Obama might cut
Hillary's female voting base by a third. Out of the three -- Gore,
Edwards and Obama -- Edwards has a slight advantage because of his
popularity among local politicians in Iowa and Nevada. Edwards travels
to both places more than any other presidential hopeful in both
parties. In January of 2004, the Des Moines Register newspaper
endorsed him. Over the last half year, Edwards has campaigned with
hotel unions in Las Vegas. The Edwards strategy appears center around
winning Iowa and Nevada by getting the support of labor unions, while
conceding New Hampshire and then going after South Carolina, which he
won in 2004.

When you move down the list, New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson,
Senator Joe Biden, and Senator Evan Bayh are still within striking
distance. They don't have a lot of name recognition, especially Evan
Bayh. But of the three, Indiana Senator Evan Bayh definitely has the
advantage. By next fall, those who have never heard of him today will
learn to appreciate him as a very positive, consensus-building leader.
As an opponent of gay marriage and flag burning, it would be difficult
for the Republicans to attack Bayh in the general election. However,
his biggest obstacle might come from the NRA, which has consistently
opposed his strong gun control stances. He voted for the Iraq war and
against partial birth abortion. However, he did vote against a repeal
of the estate tax, in support of investigating the no-bid contracts in
Iraq, and yes on a bill that would have reduced our dependence on
foreign oil (had it passed). He is very much an environmentalist, but
conservative on social issues. Bill Richardson and Joe Biden both have
foreign policy credentials. It is highly probable that they would be
considered as a vice presidential pick.

As far as the remaining candidates are concerned, here is all that
needs to be said. John Kerry would be committing political suicide by
running again, especially after his botched joke. Chris Dodd lacks
publicity. However, if the Connecticut Senator can pass his bill that
would repeal the Military Commissions Act, then he will have helped
himself. Tom Vilsack has declared his intention to run. Keep in mind
though that Vilsack is not even catching on in his home state of Iowa,
which still seems to be split between Edwards and Clinton. Wesley
Clark lacks both attention and money, therefore he would be wise to
enter the race ASAP.

Again, I am going to try and make this a weekly thing. If it
catches on, great. If not, then I will find some other way of
critiquing the field.

The '08 Democratic Nomination: Playing the odds

Eight Rules for Progressive Realpolitik

Eight Rules for Progressive Realpolitik

Frist won't run for president in 2008

Frist won't run for president in 2008

Pelosi looks past Hastings for intelligence chair

Pelosi looks past Hastings for intelligence chair

Wesley Clark's Interview On 2008

Wesley Clark gave an interview in Providence, Rhode Island yesterday but did not indicate if he was thinking of running in 2008.

How likely is it that you'll run for president in 2008?


I haven't said I won't run.





If you do run, how will your campaign differ from your 2004 campaign?


In virtually every respect.

Wesley Clark Talks About 2008

Michael Kinsley Discovers MySpace, Is Suitably Appalled

Michael Kinsley Discovers MySpace, Is Suitably Appalled

Hispanic Voters Abandon GOP

The Houston Chronicle
writes that, per exit polls taken by the William C. Velasquez
Institute, Hispanic voters deserted the GOP on election day more
because of dissatisfaction with the Iraq war and job creation than over
immigration issues. “‘It was really the totality of issues that drove
people to the polls,’ said Michael Bustamante, spokesman for the
Velasquez Institute and the Latino Policy Coalition.” [FirstRead]

Allard to Retire?

According to the Denver Post,
"the buzz in U.S. Senate circles is that" Sen. Wayne Allard (R-CO)
"might honor his pledge to serve just two terms and" not seek
reelection in 2008.




Candidates seeking to replace Allard on the Republican side may include
Rep. Tom Tancredo (R-CO), former Reps. Scott McInnis (R-CO) and Bob
Schaffer (R-CO), or Gov. Bill Owens (R). Rep. Mark Udall (D-CO) appears
to have the initial edge on the Democratic side, and with $1.2 million
currently in the bank, "will make a formal announcement sometime next
year." Allard to Retire?

Huckabee Gets a 3 on the Gipper Meter

Doug Patton of GOPUSA asks "Is there another Ronald Reagan on the horizon for 2008, a leader who can rally the ... He proceeds to examine (in alphabetical order) some of the most frequently mentioned Republican presidential candidates. ...Huckabee Gets a 3 on the Gipper Meter

WSJ Runs Article on CD-23 [Burnt Orange Report]

WSJ Runs Article on CD-23 [Burnt Orange Report]

Obama Getting "Lay of the Land" in Iowa

Obama Getting "Lay of the Land" in Iowa

Democrat Pledges Array of Investigations

Democrat Pledges Array of Investigations

Talk Of Schwarzenegger Running Against Boxer In 2010

Talk Of Schwarzenegger Running Against Boxer In 2010

How Did Bush v. Gore Matter?

How Did Bush v. Gore Matter?

How Did Bush v. Gore Matter?

How Did Bush v. Gore Matter?

How Did Bush v. Gore Matter?

How Did Bush v. Gore Matter?

"Can Romney endure the media exposure that awaits him?

"Can Romney endure the media exposure that awaits him?

Campaign ‘08 Preview: Podcasting Politicians

Campaign ‘08 Preview: Podcasting Politicians

Elliott Abrams is the last neocon standing

Elliott Abrams is the last neocon standing

Looking ahead at 2008 for the Dems

By Chris Lykins The Gazette-Enterprise

Published November 26, 2006

One election ends, and we barely get to catch our
breath before we begin talking about the next — the biggie — the
presidential election in 2008.



The Democrats will have to find a new whipping boy — and a new message — as president George W. Bush can’t run again.



That
becomes a little bit easier by virtue of them picking up the House and
Senate after the GOP gift wrapped them with a series of scandals,
errors in judgement and its own wedge issues.



Immigration anyone?



Those
pickups allow the Democrats to try and set the agenda for the nation,
and when their reforms fall short — or are vetoed by Bush — they can
play the obstructionist card.



The Democrats, even if they have a message, will still have to try and find a candidate that can win.



Two
have already come out and said they are going to make a dash for 1600
Pennsylvania Avenue — Iowa governor Tom Vilsack and Mike Gravel, former
senator from the frozen wasteland of Alaska.



That pair
certainly aren’t the headliners, but given the Democrats’ recent
history of sometimes nominating someone coming out of nowhere, it’s
hard to count either of them out.



Of course, given the fact that
Gravel would only be able to, maybe, deliver Alaska and its whopping
three electoral votes — he’s less appealing than someone who could
bring a state on board that would make a difference.



Vilsack’s
big leg up is the chance to win early because his home state of Iowa
opens the primary/caucus season and could provide momentum going
forward. The flip side is that a loss in your home state almost
assuredly ensures a quick and graceful exit from the race altogether.



It’s expected that John Kerry could make another run at the White House, as could his vice presidential candidate John Edwards.



Kerry’s
biggest advantage is that he has already been through the wringer and
will know what to expect. His biggest liability is that he’s already
lost and tends to say the worst thing at the worst possible time. He’s
just not very likeable.



Edwards’ biggest advantage is that he’s
not from the northeast and has good looks and charm. His liabilities
include that he was a personal injury lawyer. Americans like lawyers
even less than they like politicians. He can’t be branded a loser
because he can blame the 2004 failure on the guy at the head of the
ticket — Kerry.



You also have retired General Wesley Clark — who
picked up the coveted Madonna endorsement in 2004, and New Mexico
governor Bill Richardson along with a host of other well-known names
like Tom Daschle, Joe Biden and Christopher Dodd. You also can’t rule
out the return of Al Gore — which would be an inconvenient problem for
many of the Democrats.



Of course, any conversation about the Democrats and their presidential aspirations has to begin with Hillary Clinton.



On
the positive side, she has phenomenal name recognition and is the type
of charismatic, dynamic personality that the party could use to
energize its base.



On the negative side, she has phenomenal name
recognition and is the type of charismatic, dynamic personality that
the party could use to energize its base — the Republican base.



While
many people would come out to vote for Hillary Clinton, an equal or
greater number would likely seize the chance to vote against her.



You
also can’t overstate the possibility of Clinton-Bush fatigue. By the
time the election is held, the last two decades will have had one or
the other in power. That’s a little too imperial for most Americans’
taste.



The wild card is Barak Obama — a dynamo who seems to gain
stature with every speech. He seems to have the type of charisma that
can cross party lines.



He’s also become a media darling, but that doesn’t always translate into wins.



Just ask Howard “Screaming” Dean.



Next week, a look at just where the GOP goes in the post-Bush era.



Looking ahead at 2008 for the Dems

Looking ahead at 2008 for the Dems

By Chris Lykins The Gazette-Enterprise

Published November 26, 2006

One election ends, and we barely get to catch our
breath before we begin talking about the next — the biggie — the
presidential election in 2008.



The Democrats will have to find a new whipping boy — and a new message — as president George W. Bush can’t run again.



That
becomes a little bit easier by virtue of them picking up the House and
Senate after the GOP gift wrapped them with a series of scandals,
errors in judgement and its own wedge issues.



Immigration anyone?



Those
pickups allow the Democrats to try and set the agenda for the nation,
and when their reforms fall short — or are vetoed by Bush — they can
play the obstructionist card.



The Democrats, even if they have a message, will still have to try and find a candidate that can win.



Two
have already come out and said they are going to make a dash for 1600
Pennsylvania Avenue — Iowa governor Tom Vilsack and Mike Gravel, former
senator from the frozen wasteland of Alaska.



That pair
certainly aren’t the headliners, but given the Democrats’ recent
history of sometimes nominating someone coming out of nowhere, it’s
hard to count either of them out.



Of course, given the fact that
Gravel would only be able to, maybe, deliver Alaska and its whopping
three electoral votes — he’s less appealing than someone who could
bring a state on board that would make a difference.



Vilsack’s
big leg up is the chance to win early because his home state of Iowa
opens the primary/caucus season and could provide momentum going
forward. The flip side is that a loss in your home state almost
assuredly ensures a quick and graceful exit from the race altogether.



It’s expected that John Kerry could make another run at the White House, as could his vice presidential candidate John Edwards.



Kerry’s
biggest advantage is that he has already been through the wringer and
will know what to expect. His biggest liability is that he’s already
lost and tends to say the worst thing at the worst possible time. He’s
just not very likeable.



Edwards’ biggest advantage is that he’s
not from the northeast and has good looks and charm. His liabilities
include that he was a personal injury lawyer. Americans like lawyers
even less than they like politicians. He can’t be branded a loser
because he can blame the 2004 failure on the guy at the head of the
ticket — Kerry.



You also have retired General Wesley Clark — who
picked up the coveted Madonna endorsement in 2004, and New Mexico
governor Bill Richardson along with a host of other well-known names
like Tom Daschle, Joe Biden and Christopher Dodd. You also can’t rule
out the return of Al Gore — which would be an inconvenient problem for
many of the Democrats.



Of course, any conversation about the Democrats and their presidential aspirations has to begin with Hillary Clinton.



On
the positive side, she has phenomenal name recognition and is the type
of charismatic, dynamic personality that the party could use to
energize its base.



On the negative side, she has phenomenal name
recognition and is the type of charismatic, dynamic personality that
the party could use to energize its base — the Republican base.



While
many people would come out to vote for Hillary Clinton, an equal or
greater number would likely seize the chance to vote against her.



You
also can’t overstate the possibility of Clinton-Bush fatigue. By the
time the election is held, the last two decades will have had one or
the other in power. That’s a little too imperial for most Americans’
taste.



The wild card is Barak Obama — a dynamo who seems to gain
stature with every speech. He seems to have the type of charisma that
can cross party lines.



He’s also become a media darling, but that doesn’t always translate into wins.



Just ask Howard “Screaming” Dean.



Next week, a look at just where the GOP goes in the post-Bush era.



Looking ahead at 2008 for the Dems

2008, The Republican Contenders

The ink was not even dry on the results of the 2006 midterms before
exploritory committies were formed by potential candidates in the 2008
Presidential Race. 2008, The Republican Contenders

Judge Roy Moore Hints That Religious Right Could Run A Third Party Candidate In 2008

Frederick Clarkson has an excellent piece on Talk2Action today which explores the possibility that the religious right might break away from the GOP in 2008 and run a third party candidate. Clarkson mentions the possible signal given by Judge Roy Moore in a November 23rd op-ed in the Washington Times. Judge Roy Moore Hints That Religious Right Could Run A Third Party Candidate In 2008

Presidential Candidates Court Activists In NH And Iowa

He does not come armed with posies and poetry, but when it comes to
courting Democratic activists, John Edwards is a determined suitor.



The
former North Carolina senator and 2004 presidential running mate never
fails to propose when he calls Jim Demers _ and he calls often.



"I
don't think there's ever been a time I've talked to him when he hasn't
concluded by point-blank asking if I'll sign on to his team," said
Demers, a Democratic activist in New Hampshire.



Even before the
votes were cold in the November election, the ritual courting between
potential presidential candidates and Democratic and Republican
activists in early primary and caucus states was well under way in
anticipation of the 2008 presidential election.



Presidential Candidates Court Activists

Jim Gilmore May Enter 2008 GOP Race

Jim Gilmore, former governor of Virginia and Republican National
chairman, is quietly building an organization to get back into elective
politics -- perhaps as a candidate for president.

Gilmore might be looking to fill the mainstream conservative vacuum
created when fellow Virginian George Allen's defeat for re-election to
the Senate ended his presidential ambitions. Other options for Gilmore
could be running for the Senate in 2008 if Republican John Warner does
not seek another term at age 81, or running for governor in 2009.

The last Republican governor of Virginia, Gilmore also is the last
major Republican candidate to carry populous northern Virginia -- the
key to victory in the state. Open

McCain Getting Ready for Iowa Caucuses in 2008

Sen. John McCain's political advisers say it is now certain that he
will enter presidential caucuses in Iowa, the state he bypassed in 2000
on his way to nearly taking the Republican nomination from George W. Bush.





McCain Getting Ready for Iowa Caucuses in 2008

Energy Firms Preparing For Global Warming Legislation From Dem-Led Congress...

Energy Firms Preparing For Global Warming Legislation From Dem-Led Congress...

Bill, Land Transfer to Aid in DC’s Redevelopment

Bill, Land Transfer to Aid in DC’s Redevelopment

Retiring Rep. Boehlert Takes Job in DC

Retiring Rep. Boehlert Takes Job in DC

Hatch is confident of stem cell bill passage

Hatch is confident of stem cell bill passage

College Republican Group Offers Scholarship For Whites Only...

College Republican Group Offers Scholarship For Whites Only...

Post-Election Polls: Men Were Angry At Bush, Women Wanted Change

Post-Election Polls: Men Were Angry At Bush, Women Wanted Change

Giuliani Moves Nearer to White House Run

Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani filed paperwork with the Federal Election Commission this week that takes him one step closer to running for president. Giuliani Moves Nearer to White House Run

Obamamania!

For those looking forward to the respite in all things political from the lead-up to this month’s elections, you’re in for a rude 24 months. Indeed, the campaign checks from 2006’s gubernatorials have yet to be cashed and the race for the White House has already begun. This may seem anachronistic to some, but for all those involved, if you’re not sprinting now, you’re not winning in 2008.

Why? It’s simple. 2008 will be the most contested Presidential race in recent history. With a vice president not running and no spectacular names in mix (e.g. Eisenhower), it’s as good a chance as any for relocating to the Oval Office.

And I, like those now campaigning, am already working the crowd of Presidential hopefuls. Whose got my vote you ask? Barack Obama.

The Des Moines Register Obamamania!

Al Sharpton May Run Again In 2008

The Rev. Al Sharpton said yesterday he is “considering” a presidential
run in 2008.Al Sharpton May Run Again In 2008

If Al Gore Challenges Hillary Clinton...

It has become very difficult for someone who does not have a machine to beat a candidate who does. Senator Obama makes an attractive talking point as a possible candidate, but he would have to beat both these powerful machines. It is true that Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter won the Presidency from the limited base of a Southern Governor, but Hillary in 2008 will have an infinitely better, bigger and wealthier machine than her husband had in 1992. Hillary Clinton versus Al Gore

Al Gore Has Highest Unfavorable Rating Of Potential Democratic Candidates

Al Gore Has Highest Unfavorable Rating Of Potential Democratic Candidates

Hastert Prepares for New Role

Hastert Prepares for New Role [Taegan Goddard's Political Wire]

McCain/Lieberman In 2008?

Lieberman In ‘08?

Giuliani Moves Nearer to White House Run

WASHINGTON (AP) -
Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani filed paperwork with the
Federal Election Commission this week that takes him one step closer to
running for president. A filing on behalf of the man once dubbed
"America's mayor" was hand-delivered to the commission on Monday, an
FEC...Giuliani Moves Nearer to White House Run

Romney Understands McCain And Giuliani

Eager to position himself as the most conservative GOP presidential hopeful, Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney accused Sen. John McCain Monday of being “disingenuous” on gay marriage.

In an interview with The Examiner, Romney described himself as more conservative than Republican rivals McCain, R-Ariz., and former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani on a variety of issues. “We’re in a different place on immigration; we’re in a different place on campaign reform; we’re in a different place on same–sex marriage; we’re in a different place on the president’s policy on interrogation of detainees,” Romney said.

“I’m a conservative Republican, there’s no question about that,” he said. “I’m at a different place than the other two.” Romney Understands McCain And Giuliani

Tancredo: McCain, Giuliani would be disastrous for GOP

Tancredo: McCain, Giuliani would be disastrous for GOP

John Edwards Looking Strong for 2008

John Edwards Looking Strong for 2008

Committees Prepare for Change

Committees Prepare for Change

Top public colleges getting 'whiter, richer'

Top public colleges getting 'whiter, richer'

Newt has plan to become president ‘almost by magic.’

Newt has plan to become president ‘almost by magic.’

Art Levine: Common-sense populists: the real winners in November

Art Levine: Common-sense populists: the real winners in November

The Online Beat: A New Congressman Says 'No' to the President

Most freshman Democratic members of the House of Representatives
attended last week's reception at the White House with President Bush,
Vice President Cheney, White House political czar Karl Rove and others
who had just finished plotting and executing unrelenting attacks
campaigns on the newcomers. But the target of some of the campaign
season's crudest attacks, Minnesota's Keith Ellison, had better things
to do. The Online Beat: A New Congressman Says 'No' to the President

Yes, That Was A Wave - Charlie Cook, National Journal

Yes, That Was A Wave - Charlie Cook, National Journal

Gingrich '08: The Stealth Candidate

Gingrich '08: The Stealth Candidate

McCain Staffer Joins Lieberman

McCain Staffer Joins Lieberman

Giuliani Creates Federal Committee

Giuliani Creates Federal Committee

Tammy Duckworth named head of Veterans Affairs for Illinois

Tammy Duckworth named head of Veterans Affairs for Illinois

Senate Race Updates: TX, OR and ID

Senate Race Updates: TX, OR and ID

Is It 2008 Yet?

jessiqua

Revealed: The top ten 'GOP dirty deeds' of 2006

Revealed: The top ten 'GOP dirty deeds' of 2006

How Many Others Will Flip?

More proof that New England Republicans are in danger of taking up permanent residence at the margins comes this morning when a member of the Connecticut House of Representatives switches from Republican to Democrat. North Stonington Republican Diana Urban, elected to a fourth term two weeks ago, often voted with Democrats in the legislature. Her departure from the ranks of the GOP reduces their number to 44 of 151.

Urban enjoyed a flurry of attention last summer when she launched a quixotic bid to run for the United States Senate as a petitioning candidate. She failed to collect the number of signatures required.

Why Urban waited until two weeks after the election to tell the voters of her district that she would no longer be a Republican is a question members of the GOP will be posing to Urban. [KEVIN F. RENNIE] How Many Others Will Flip?

Romney Set to Announce in January

Romney Set to Announce in January

Domino Theory Redux

Domino Theory Redux

Third Parties Fight for American Democracy

Third Parties Fight for American Democracy

CBS Poll Favors Obama, Clinton, and McCain

A newly released CBS Poll asked voters their impressions of potential 2008 Presidential Candidates from their home states. Senators Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton and John McCain recieved strong support, while over half New York voters did not think Rudolph Giuliani would make a good President. CBS Poll Favors Obama, Clinton, and McCain

Clark's Iraq Plan

General Wesley Clark, and 2004 presidential candidate, had an op-ed piece in
today's USA Today. The article is entitled, "The Next Move." In it, Clark lays
out his plan for Iraq. Clark's Chess Match

USAToday's "Gallup Guru" Blog by Frank Newport

USAToday's "Gallup Guru" Blog by Frank Newport

Republicans Are Lucky They Did Not Lose More Seats

Republicans Are Lucky They Did Not Lose More Seats

Dems Working On Major Ethics Bill: "Most Significant Ethics And Lobbying Reform That Congress Has Ever Voted On"...

Dems Working On Major Ethics Bill: "Most Significant Ethics And Lobbying Reform That Congress Has Ever Voted On"...

Blue Dogs Urge Pelosi to Keep Harman as Intelligence Chair

Blue Dogs Urge Pelosi to Keep Harman as Intelligence Chair

Can Romney Win?

David Berstein says Mitt Romney's (R) chances to win the Republican presidential nomination depend on becoming the consensus alternative to frontrunner Sen. John McCain (R-AZ). According to polls, however, the person mouting the biggest challenge to McCain is Rudy Giuliani (R), not Romney.

"But some analysts and Republican insiders doubt that Giuliani is really planning to run for president. He’s just not that stupid: he does not imagine that Republican primaries can be won by a pro-choice, pro-gun-control New Yorker who moved in with a gay couple when his wife kicked him out of the mayor’s residence for having an extra-marital affair.

"Giuliani’s exploratory committee likely has a more short-term, pragmatic purpose: replacing his Solutions America political-action committee as the vehicle that pays him and his staff to travel around the country, speaking and raising money for himself and others. And, to maintain his A-list national profile."

As a result, all of Romney's actions in the last few months have been to ensure that he's seen as the viable conservative alternative to McCain -- someone who can speak to religious conservatives as well as business conservatives.

Can Romney Win?

Sanders Says He Will Be a Voice for the Rest of Us in the Senate

Sanders Says He Will Be a Voice for the Rest of Us in the Senate

Bill Clinton On Ellen DeGeneres Show

Ellen DeGeneres welcomes former President Bill Clinton, center, and Jon Bon Jovi on Monday, Nov. 20, 2006 during a week of shows from New York City. This episode airs on Nov. 21, 2006.

♥ (chelsea_energy) wrote in clinton_love,
@ 2006-11-20 23:14:00

Final Returns Give Rep. Wilson a Slim Lead in New Mexico’s 1st

Final Returns Give Rep. Wilson a Slim Lead in New Mexico’s 1st

The Dems In The West

The Dems In The West

The Lessons of Vietnam: Keith Olbermann's Special Comment

The Lessons of Vietnam: Keith Olbermann's Special Comment

Rick Warren’s pulpit — and Barack Obama’s invitation

Rick Warren’s pulpit — and Barack Obama’s invitation -

Rick Warren’s pulpit — and Barack Obama’s invitation

Rick Warren’s pulpit — and Barack Obama’s invitation -

Why Not Hillary?

Why Not Hillary?

LA-02: Why This Race Matters

LA-02: Why This Race Matters

Neocon Smear Redux: Dems are Wimps on Iraq

Neocon Smear Redux: Dems are Wimps on Iraq

Cheney Wants Iran Strike As If Iraq Debacle Didn't Exist

Cheney Wants Iran Strike As If Iraq Debacle Didn't Exist

Calling All Donors

Calling All Donors

Schwarzenegger Wants 2008 Role

Schwarzenegger Wants 2008 Role

VandeHei, Harris Leave Washington Post To Start New, Multimedia News Venture

VandeHei, Harris Leave Washington Post To Start New, Multimedia News Venture

William Upski Wimsatt: Youth Vote Did it for Dems

William Upski Wimsatt: Youth Vote Did it for Dems

Kerry says botched war joke won't hurt his presidential chances

Kerry says botched war joke won't hurt his presidential chances

Many Trying To Get Mark Warner To Rejoin 2008 Race

Former Gov. Mark Warner (D-VA) still has many clamoring for him to rejoin the presidential '08 race, Notes the Roanoke Times. LINK

Big DC Media Shake-Up/Announcement Planned For Monday Morning...

Big DC Media Shake-Up/Announcement Planned For Monday Morning...

Conservative Bloggers Seek To Draft Lou Dobbs For 2008

A conservative site mentions an effort by conservative bloggers to draft Lou Dobbs for 2008...

Lou Dobbs, who is being drafted by conservative bloggers, would make an excellent president. He is a life-long conservative, anti-free trade, and vehemently opposes the third-world invasion of America. He also could steal votes from the Democrats.

Open

Tradesports 2008 Political Analysis

2008 update

The Real McCain Keeps on Coming Through

The Real McCain Keeps on Coming Through

Democrats serious about tackling global warming

Democrats serious about tackling global warming

The Economist Looks At Clinton vs McCain

THE mid-term elections may have turned Capitol Hill upside down. But
when it comes to the race for the White House they have reinvigorated
the old order. Before the mid-terms the two front-runners—Hillary
Clinton and John McCain—looked as if they might be vulnerable to
challenges. Now they are further ahead than ever. Open

Jon Stewart Thinks Mitt Romney Will Do Well

Jon Stewart Sizes Up '08

Contending With the Netroots

Contending With the Netroots

Clark Says Clinton, Obama, McCain Will Be Strong 2008 Candidates

Clark Says Clinton, Obama, McCain Will Be Strong 2008 Candidates

Riding High, Obama Ponders His Future

Riding High, Obama Ponders His Future

First, Blue Dogs. Now Blue Tigers?

First, Blue Dogs. Now Blue Tigers?

2008 Democrats

2008 Democrats2008 Democrats

Channeling Machiavelli

Channeling Machiavelli

Colorado Town Approves Nation's First Carbon Tax To Reduce Gas Emissions...

Colorado Town Approves Nation's First Carbon Tax To Reduce Gas Emissions...

George Romney 1968 Announcement

George Romney 1968 Announcement

Clinton Would Win Electoral Victory Over Romney

Romney v. Rodham: The Quest for 270

2008 Presidential Preview for the Week

2008 Presidential Preview for the Week

The Notion: McCain's Misguided Policy

The Notion: McCain's Misguided Policy

Romney likely to explore White House bid after holidays

Romney likely to explore White House bid after holidays

Dick Morris Predicts Hillary vs. Gore

Dick Morris Predicts Hillary vs. Gore

McCain Unleashed: Leads Race for 2008 With Key Voter Bloc

McCain Unleashed: Leads Race for 2008 With Key Voter Bloc

Democrats See Improved Electoral Map as 2008 Field Expands

Democrats See Improved Electoral Map as 2008 Field Expands

The Friday Line: A Way Early Look at the '08 Senate Races

The Friday Line: A Way Early Look at the '08 Senate Races

Republicans Choose Ohio Rep. John Boehner To Be Minority Leader

Republicans Choose Ohio Rep. John Boehner To Be Minority Leader

Edwards a Go for 2008?

Edwards a Go for 2008?

Democrats Pick Pelosi, Hoyer as Leaders

Nancy Pelosi was unanimously chosen Thursday by Democrats to be speaker of the House of Representatives, becoming the first woman

Democrats select Pelosi
Hoyer Beats Pelosi’s Pick in Race for No. 2 House Post

Romney Hires Alex Castellanos

Squeaky-clean Mitt Romney hires an attack dog — Alex Castellanos :

"The truest spots, most factual spots, are the negative and comparative," [Castellanos] said. "They inform the voters much more than a bunch of fluffy positives often do."

Widely considered one of the country's more influential Republican image-makers, Castellanos has produced television spots for President Bush, presidential candidate Bob Dole, and former senator Jesse Helms of North Carolina. Romney's move to recruit him sends a strong signal that the governor plans to mount a serious national campaign for 2008, political observers say.

Castellanos has generated controversy and, at times, hiccups for his clients by producing ads later exposed as misleading or factually incorrect.

Malibu Ken's mudslinger

Bob Dornan Running for President

"I can’t stand the thought of my party having as its three front-runners three open adulterers, Newt Gingrich, Giuliani, and McCain,” Dornan said.

B-1 Bob to Run for Prez?

Video: Carville targets Dean again, bashes 'cult of DNC'

Video: Carville targets Dean again, bashes 'cult of DNC'

First May Fare Poorly In Home State Of TN In 2008

If Bill Frist decides to run for president in 2008, his first challenge may be convincing home-state voters in Tennessee.

By a significant margin, the voters who know him best said "no" when asked in Tuesday exit polls for The Associated Press if the retiring Senate majority leader "would make a good president."...

By a 44-37 percent margin, Tennesseans said "no" to a Frist presidency. The remaining 19 percent did not answer.

Open

Speculation TN Gov. Phil Bredesen Might Run In 2008

The name of Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen has been mentioned lately as a possible 2008 Democratic presidential candidate….

Could this be a hint at a 2008 bid for president? The Chief of Staff position is typically first in line to claim the spot as campaign manager in a political bid.

Since he just got re-elected and won't run again, what would be the point in hiring a position that you've done without for 4 years?

Boy oh boy, I hope its true... we need you Bredesen... Open

At the Tennessee Womens Political Caucus convention in Nashville this past weekend Bredesen spoke and was asked if he would run for President in 2008. He tapdanced quickly away from any real answer but my inside source says Bredesen has a campaign button (given to him as a gift) that says "Phil in 08". Since no Democrat has won the Presidency since 1932 unless he (or she) carried at least two or three southern states. Bredesen has to think about this more than he admits. I am are sure this had nothing to do with Bredesen writing an op-ed piece for the New York Times (link - login maybe required) two weeks ago urging that a national campaign about healthcare reform should be the mantra for the Democrats. The Democrats would do well to take his advice.

bredesen on '08?! and who's next?

The 2008 Presidential Candidates

Abramoff Tries To Implicate Harry Reid, Others

As convicted lobbyist Jack Abramoff reported to federal prison today, a
source close to the investigation surrounding his activities told ABC
News that Sen. Harry Reid (D-Nev.) was one of the members of Congress
Abramoff had allegedly implicated in his cooperation with federal
prosecutors. Open

New Gallup 2008 Poll Shows Clinton, Obama, McCain, Giuliani In The Lead

Gallup has released their latest 2008 presidential poll. On the Democratic side

it shows Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton still in the lead with Sen. Baruck Obama in

a strong second place. Former Sen. John Edwards trails in a weak third ...New Gallup 2008 Poll Shows Clinton, Obama, McCain, Giuliani Leading

Trent Lott is back

Trent Lott is back

DeGette Decides Against Whip Bid

DeGette Decides Against Whip Bid

William Rivers Pitt | The Carlyle White House

William Rivers Pitt | The Carlyle White House

Giuliani compares Bush to Churchill

Giuliani compares Bush to Churchill

Giuliani Leads McCain for GOP Nomination

Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani (R) made it official on Monday, filing paperwork to launch a 2008 Presidential campaign.



The action comes as Giuliani is the top choice of Republican voters nationwide earning support from 24% of likely GOP voters. Senator John McCain (R), considered by many insiders to have the early advantage, and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice are close on Giuliani's heels.



In General Election match-ups, Giuliani is tied at 46% support with New York Senator Hillary Clinton (D). However, Giuliani leads when matched against Senator Barack Obama (D) and former Vice President Al Gore (D). Clinton, Obama, and Gore are currently leading the Democratic nomination field.



Open

James Baker Mentioned For VP

James Baker swoops in like the ambitious vampoire he is and takes over.
Condi can rest soundly. Baker has already served as SecState. The
cherry-on-the-top of career as a non-elected "Statesman" is The Veep
position.



And he's already bested the greatest Burocratic infighter since Lucius Aelius Sejanus, namely: Rummy. Next, mark The Corsair's words, is Cheney.



The Corsair

Leach Mentioned For UN

Moderate Iowa Congressman Jim Leach (R) will be out of a job this January, having been defeated in the Democratic wave that was Election 2006. But if two members of Congress have their way, Leach will have a new job shortly thereafter - as ambassador to the United Nations. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) and Jim Walsh (R-NY) are urging President Bush to name Leach to the position, thus replacing current Ambassador John Bolton, whom Democrats oppose as non-diplomatic and just plain mean. Bolton's recess appointment expires in January, and will likely not be extended by the Democrat-controlled Senate. Link

Clinton May Give Signal By Thanksgiving, Edwards May Announce Tonight

Hotline On Call reports that Hillary Clinton may give the "go" signal to private donors and major supporters by Thanksgiving...

Her top donors have been told to expect a private signal as early as
December. If that timetable is correct – and no one who knows for sure
is talking – Clinton could push "go" over the Thanksgiving holidays.
Long-time allies of the Clintons would expect to see public trial
balloons floated as early as the first week in December.

The noose-tight upper echelon of Clinton’s political team
countenances no speculation about who will serve as campaign manager,
but the first among equals in her next campaign will likely be Patti Solis Doyle. Longtime Clinton associate Maggie Williams is also participating in informal interviews with potential senior staff.

Clinton Gears Up for Presidential Bid



PoliticalWire reports that John Edwards could announce tonight on The Daily Show...




Former Sen. John Edwards is scheduled to appear on The Daily Show tonight. It was on the show in 2003 that Edwards announced his presidential bid.Will Edwards Announce Campaign Tonight?

Hillary and Iowa

.Commenting on the decision by Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack to seek the
Democratic presidential nomination, John Podhoretz says:This decision
is a huge gift to the campaign of Hillary Clinton. With Vilsack in the
race, all other Democratic candidates...Hillary and Iowa

Wolfson to Oversee Hillary's '08 Comms War Room?

Is Hillary Clinton's 2008 campaign comms team already falling into place? Monday's NYT profile of consultant / campaign communications director Howard Wolfson (right) suggests that...Wolfson to Oversee Hillary's '08 Comms War Room?

Clinton To Leave Senate Leadership Position

Hillary Rodham Clinton is stepping down from her Democratic leadership position in the Senate to clear the deck "for her ambitions outside the Senate". Clinton To Leave Senate Leadership Position

Hillary Has 12-Point Lead Among 2008 Democrats

Hillary Rodham Clinton is holding on to first place in the group of
prospective Democratic Party presidential contenders in the United
States, according to a poll by McLaughlin Associates. 31 per cent
of respondents would prefer to have the New York senator as the 2008
nominee.

Illinois senator Barack Obama is second on the list
with 19 per cent, followed by former vice-president Al Gore and 2004
presidential nominee John Kerry with 10 per cent each, and former North
Carolina senator John Edwards with six per cent.

Support is
lower for Delaware senator Joseph Biden, New Mexico governor Bill
Richardson, Indiana senator Evan Bayh, and Wisconsin senator Russ
Feingold. Hillary Has 12-Point Lead Among 2008 Democrats

Bush says immigrants can be held indefinitely, with no access to lawyers

Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed, to me:
I lift my lamp beside the golden door.

No more. Open

Wesley Clark Whispers In New York

Wesley Clark, in support of Ms Gillibrand’s Congressional campaign, was accompanied by whispers to the effect that he is the man who will be Senator Clinton’s first choice for running mate...The Redness of Greene

Romney building Arizona 'network' for possible presidential bid

Romney building Arizona 'network' for possible presidential bid - The Business

Journal of Phoenix:: "Romney also said he doesn't support same-sex marriages or

civil unions and would only extend rights or benefits pertaining to hospital ...Romney building Arizona 'network' for possible presidential bid

Recount starts in the very suspicious 13th CD in Florida

Recount starts in the very suspicious 13th CD in Florida

She Survived Iraq -- Then Shot Herself at Home

She Survived Iraq -- Then Shot Herself at Home

Cheney may go, opening field for 2008

David Nason, New York correspondent

November 13, 2006

WHEN US Vice-President Dick Cheney fired a shotgun into the face of
his buddy Harry Whittington on a hunting trip earlier this year, The
New York Post carried a banner headline that read: "Cheney's got a gun".

The headline explained how the quail shoot had gone wrong, and captured
the sense of foreboding Cheney has always brought to US politics.

Even the revelatory tone seemed to speak to the excessive
secrecy that is a Cheney hallmark - and which was evident in the
attempted cover-up of Whittington's near-death experience.

The shooting was back in February, when Cheney's immense influence over the White House was at its peak.

It was a time when the Iraq policy he had conceived with defence
secretary and lifelong pal Donald Rumsfeld - the policy that has come
to define the careers of both men - was holding up well enough for the
Bush administration to be contemplating troop reductions.

At the White House, Cheney's personal influence was amplified by his
oversight of the cabinet process, a role that gave him a say in every
area of government policy.

Cheney even had the authority to classify documents, something none
of his predecessors could do. In short, Cheney made himself the most
powerful vice-president in US history.

How things have changed. As the dust clears on the mid-term
elections, Rumsfeld is gone, the Iraq strategy is in tatters, the
Democrats control both houses of Congress and the once impregnable
Cheney has been left isolated and discredited.

Rumsfeld's dumping aside - a move Cheney vigorously opposed -
nothing indicated the sidelining of the Vice-President more than George
W. Bush's White House meeting last week with senior house Democrat
leaders Nancy Pelosi and Steny Hoyer. Cheney was present, but when Bush
spoke of the significance of the talks, he forgot to acknowledge the
Vice-President's involvement.

"All three of us recognise the importance of working together to get
things done," Bush told reporters. It was a slip, but a Freudian one.

If Cheney quits, Bush could appoint in his place one of the contenders for the Republican presidential nomination in 2008.

Previously, Mitt Romney and George Pataki, the retiring governors of
Massachusetts and New York respectively, have been mentioned as
possible replacements in the event of a Cheney resignation. So has
George Allen, the ambitious but now defeated senator from Virginia, and
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.

But what if Bush were to ask one of the Republican frontrunners,
either John McCain or Rudy Giuliani, to take the job? Would they accept
on the basis that the vice-presidency is the best place from which to
launch a presidential run, or would they decline for fear of being
tainted by the Bush legacy?

And if Bush were turned down, would he go for someone who is certain
to accept - perhaps his young brother Jeb, the Governor of Florida,
whose term expires in January? Bush has already said his brother would
make a "great president", so why not a vice-president?

The possibilities are many, and the impact on the 2008 presidential
race could be profound, but in the end it all rides on what Cheney
decides to do. At this stage he seems intent on staying put for the
report by the Iraq Study Group chaired by former secretary of state
James Baker.

One thing is for sure: talk of the 2008 US presidential race being a
contest without a vice-president among the candidates is way premature. The Australian

Rumors That Cheney May Be Next To Resign

According to Washington insiders, there are moves afoot to dump Vice President Dick Cheney and replace him with either John McCain or Rudolph Giuliani prior to the 2008 presidential election. Whoever succeeds Cheney will be able to ... Cheney Next on the Chopping Block?

Bush Picks Martinez to Head RNC

Sen. Mel Martinez (R-FL) "has accepted an offer by the White House to become the new chairman of the Republican National Committee," according to CNN.



"Under the arrangement, Martinez will remain in office and serve as the party's lead spokesman as well as take a major role in fundraising and political outreach, while RNC General Counsel Robert (Mike) Duncan will oversee the committee's day-to-day responsibilities. Duncan is serving his fourth term as a RNC committeeman from Kentucky and was also elected the committee's Treasurer in Jan. 2001."

Bush Picks Martinez to Head RNC

Minnesota Democrats Target Coleman in 2008

"With the wind at their backs, Minnesota
Democrats are quickly making" Sen. Norm Coleman (R-MN) "their next
target," reports the St. Paul Pioneer Press.




Comedian Al Franken "moved back to the state last year to work the
Democratic vineyards and test support for a run, which he sounds likely
to make." Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak has also said he's "not closing
any doors" on a Senate contest. Open

More prognostication II: Democrats

For once, I agree with the CW. Hillary Clinton has a big lead. Unlike
McCain, or Lieberman in 2002, she actually has grassroots support
outside of the Washington chatterati, and she can suck up more money
than anyone else. Plus she's got the party's one true rock star backing
her. On the other hand, a whole lot of people, including me, would
really prefer anyone else.



Barack Obama: Dull as already-dry
paint. I really don't know who it is who hears his contentless bromides
as inspiring rhetoric, and I really don't know who out there outside
the list of bored Washington talk-show bookers is desperate for an
Obama run. I'm sure there's someone...

More prognostication II: Democrats

Flashback

A Bush in the White House, the Democrats in control of the House and Senate, Jimmy Baker, Robert Gates and now Larry Eagleburger making U.S. foreign policy, the neocons in retreat and the Sandinistas back in power in Nicaragua.

I feel like I stepped into a political time warp and came out in 1989. Open

The Netroots

Odds are this is the best article on the netroots you'll ever read.

2008 Candidates: Edwards

Edwards has the Iowa pole position. He will also have very strong union support - they will run his ground game - the same ground game that helped Kerry win the nomination in 2004. He's a trial lawyer - he'll be able to raise more than enough money. He's an economic populist which is actually the position which did best in 2006 (forget right and left and "moderate"), and he has said he was wrong on Iraq, which is the majority position in the country.

If it isn't Clinton, my money is on Edwards. Obama? An empty suit who needs to get knocked around a bit more before I take his chances seriously. Open

McCain, Lieberman call for deployment of more troops

Open

Operation Yellow Elephant Roll Call: Pelosi to Back Murtha

Per Roll Call, via Josh Marshall, presumptive House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is now publicly supporting Jack Murtha for the Majority Leader position (I suspected as much listening to her during a recent conference call with her). As you may remember, I'm not wholeheartedly opposed to Steny Hoyer serving as Majority Leader, particularly because of his success whipping the House Democrats during the first session of the 109th Congress (though I'm not quite as gung ho as I once was on this stance). What are your thoughts? Open

Operation Yellow Elephant

Military recruiters should find plenty of willing recruits at the Capitol and the House/Senate office buildings. Open

DNC: Which McCain Is Running?

"If the reports are correct, we welcome John McCain to the race," said DNC Communications Director Karen Finney. "The question is, which McCain is running: the McCain who called right wing extremists like Jerry Falwell an evil influence, or the McCain who spoke at Liberty University as he attempted ... Open

S.R. Sidarth in the Washington Post: "I Am Macaca"

This past summer, between my third and fourth year of college, I decided to volunteer for the campaign of Democratic Senate candidate Jim Webb in my home state of Virginia. For most of the summer, I worked behind the scenes at the campaign headquarters in Arlington, helping set up field offices stat...Open

Democrats Surge in State Legislatures

Somewhat obscured by the hoopla of the Democrats picking up 6 seats in
the Senate and 29+ seats (at this point) in the House of
Representatives is the deep blue surge by Democrats in state
legislatures around the country.
Democrats Surge in State Legislatures

The end of the southern strategy

As Jim Webb became Senator-elect Webb, it is clear that the Southern strategy is, if not dead, dying.



The
Allen campaign showed this in spades. From macaca to beating on Mike
Stark, Allen showed that the old south had limited appeal to modern
Virginia. Harold Ford lost by three, not 30 points. The race baiting of
the NRSC blew up on them.

The end of the southern strategy

Feingold rules out 2008 run for president

- Sen. Russ Feingold will not seek his party's presidential nomination
in 2008, the Wisconsin Democrat told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel on
Saturday.Feingold rules out 2008 run for president

Democrats chalk up gains in Mountain West

The victories also left Democratic leaders in the region positive that the national party would hold its 2008 convention in ... Democrats chalk up gains in Mountain West

Evangelicals Leave the GOP Flock

A recent poll from Beliefnet showed that U.S. evangelicals have lost
some of their affiliation with the GOP, and that was clearly evident
with the ‘thumpin’ the GOP took in the mid-term elections. Evangelicals Leave the GOP Flock

Gary Leupp: Democrats Can Be NeoCons, Too

Gary Leupp: Democrats Can Be NeoCons, Too

More subpoenas in Menendez probe

Feds seek documents on rental, but senator's office denies contact


More subpoenas in Menendez probe

David Gregory says Gore "wants to get into" the '08 race

On the Tim Russert show this week, Tim and 3 other's including
David Gregory dissected the '06 elections. Lot's of the same stuff we
have been hearing, and then at the end they started talking about the
upcoming race in '08. All agreed that McCain and Billary might have
trouble about their stances on the war. Russert pointed out that in '04
only Howard was against the war, and now Obama is huge due to his
opposition.

Then Tim says, There is one other guy who was against the war who was in the Senate, and served in the White House, Al Gore. As he spoke his face lit up and his eyes twinkled. Open

Blog of the Moderate Left 2008 Rankings

Blog of the Moderate Left has dropped John Kerry's 2008 ranking to below Osama Bin Laden.



Oh, and Osama bin Laden has a better chance at winning than… Infinity. Sen. John Kerry (D-MA) (LR: 280000001). He was politically dead before the botched joke, ...

Blog of the Moderate Left - http://moderateleft.com

Hillary targets the Blue Dog voters

Terry McAuliffe, former chairman of the Democratic national committee, is already preparing for Hillary Clinton’s likely presidential run. ...



Hillary targets the Blue Dog voters

New PoliticalBuzz Ratings For 2008

Hillary Clinton ­ ↑ Hillary, like most Dems, gets an up arrow after
the uber-successful midterms.
John McCain ­↑
McCain has come out of the midterms looking more like the GOP front-runner than ever before.

Updated 2008 Rankings

The Strongest Contender: Hillary!

One of the curiosities of political discourse is the mainstream media's continued
silence over the presidential prospects of Hillary Clinton. Every poll for at
least the last eighteen months has shown her as the leading prospective ...
Red State Impressions - http://red-state.blogspot.com

Mitt Romney’s Evangelical Problem

Salmon lost evangelical votes at the polls even though he enjoyed the ...
Mormons may be considered cult members, but Hillary Clinton is still the bride
of the ... The push-poll script writes itself: “Would you be more or less likely to ...
Thoughts Of A Conservative Christian - http://bsimmons.wordpress.com

GOP Bloggers Favor Gingrich

GOP Bloggers is up with their Nov. straw poll. Currently righty blog reader voting breaks down as follows

Candidate Votes %
Gingrich 1020 24%
Giuliani 927 21.8%
Romney 798 18.7%
McCain 287 6.7%
Tancredo 282 6.6%
Hagel 128 3%
Brownback 102 2.4%
Huckabee 86 2%
Hunter 84 2%
Frist 53 1.2%
Pataki 26 0.6%

New CNN Poll Shows Clinton Ties With McCain Or Giuliani

A CNN/Opinion Research poll shows John McCain leading Hillary Clinton 48%-47% in a WH '08 matchup. McCain also leads Barack Obama 49%-40%, while HRC ties Rudy Giuliani 47%-47% (release). 10:05 AM

Bill Richardson To Decide On 2008 Run By January

NM Gov. Bill Richardson, asked about WH '08: "I'm
going to make a decision in January, but I was encouraged. I got a good
victory -- 69% ... in a red state. We won a majority of governorships.
... I personally invested a lot of time and resources in leading the
Democratic Governors' Association" (FNC, 11/10).



12:12 PM

KDJ's 2008 Rankings

Saturday, November 11, 2006

2008 RANKINGS



Here
is my first installment of 2008 rankings for the Democratic nomination.
I'm not going to include the candidates are just in it to be in it. My
rankings will only include those who I believe can truly be competitive.



1.
Hillary Clinton, Senator from New York- Has the money, has the name,
and has the infrastructure. The only thing she doesn't have is support
of the blogosphere and support of indepedent voters. The latter may
come with time should she win the nomination, but I think it is going
to be hard for her to win without help from some within the progressive
community. They clearly flexed their muscle in the Democratic Primary
in Connecticut, showing that they have sway.



2. Barack Obama,
Senator from Illinois- Obama was built for the presidential stage, and
truly the only problem he is going to have in securing the nomination
is trying to outbest Hillary Clinton. If he can do it, he gives
Democrats their best chance of taking the White House.



3. John
Edwards, former Senator from North Carolina- He was the talk of the
town a few months ago in the Democratic community, but after the
showing that his campaign staff put up in the Florida Governor's race,
is anyone still believing that he can get it done down the stretch?



4.
Evan Bayh, Senator from Indiana- He has a personality that will work
well early on the circuit, especially in Iowa. He's spent a lot of time
in the primary states the past two years, and with a sizeable campaign
fund, I think he has a chance to win the nomination if he can seperate
himself from the field in ideology. Unfortunately for him,
centrist-thinkers like Vilsack and Edwards are going to throw their
hats into the ring.



5. Wesley Clark, former NATO Supreme
Commander- Clark was way too green in 2004, so I have to believe that
he's learned from his mistakes. However, I don't know if there is a
yearning for a military-minded candidate in this election, given that
Democrats are not having to run against a war president and that Iraq
is likely to be in need of a political solution, not a military one.



6.
Joe Biden, Senator from Delaware- This guy has a worse case of
hoof-in-mouth than John Kerry, but that can make him loveable in some
circles. I've long said that Biden is my darkhorse in the field, and
with more and more people coming around to his partition plan in Iraq,
it looks like he is going to run strong.



7. Tom Vilsack,
Governor of Iowa- He was the first candidate to announce his
presidential bid, but I don't think there is clear evidence out there
that that will help him in fundraising. He does not have any name
recognition outside of Iowa, which means he is going to have to work
hard in NH, SC, and NV in order to just get his foot in the door.
Unfortunately, it may already be closed given how much money Clinton
and Obama are likely to raise.



2008 RANKINGS Here is my first installment of 2008 rankings for ...

The smearing of Conyers begins

"Glad to see that widely heralded bipartisanship lasted so long." Open

Surprise surprise, they knew about Pastor Ted all along

In a remarkably candid interview with The Jewish Week
Rev. Louis Sheldon admitted that he and "a lot" of other people had
known about Ted Haggard's homosexuality for "a while" before the story
broke:

Clinton To Keep Campaign Offices Open In DC And NYC

Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton’s re-election race may be over, but she is hardly closing up her campaign shop or worrying about deep debts.

Advisers to Mrs. Clinton say she has more than $10 million left in her political bank account, not to mention a priceless reservoir of speeches, issue research, and financial networks nationally for any future use.

Her advisers also say that she does not intend to disassemble her campaign apparatus and staff, as many candidates do when an election ends, nor does she plan to immediately close her New York City and Washington campaign offices.

Indeed, the Clinton camp has spent months building a re-election team that could easily shift into gear for a 2008 presidential bid. Fresh from her landslide victory, and with a fistful of I.O.U.’s from winning Democratic candidates nationally, Mrs. Clinton is comfortably positioned as she prepares to enter an important period of strategy talks, reading and reflection while deciding whether to run...

“Even as she campaigned for her own re-election, Hillary headlined 131 events in 57 different cities on behalf of other Democrats,” Ms. Solis Doyle wrote, underscoring Senator Clinton’s national profile as well.

“President Clinton had made 97 campaign stops by last weekend, and has probably done another 10 since then.”

Open

Seth Abramson's Look At 2008 Candidates

The 13 Democratic Contenders (with their likelihood of being the
nominee, as I see it, in parentheses; the lower the number, the more
likely he/she is to be the nominee):



Sen. Hillary Clinton [NY] (1)

Sen. Barack Obama [IL] (2)

Former Sen. John Edwards [NC] (3)

Sen. Evan Bayh [IN] (4)

Former Sen. and Vice President Al Gore [TN] (5)

Sen. Chris Dodd [CT] (6)

Sen. Russ Feingold [WI] (7)

Sen. John Kerry [MA] (8)

Sen. Joe Biden [DE] (9)

Gov. Bill Richardson [NM] (10)

Gen. Wesley Clark [AR] (11)

Former Sen. Tom Daschle [SD] (12)

Gov. Tom Vilsack [IA] (13)



(7 "red-staters").



The
13 Republican Contenders (with their likelihood of being the nominee,
as I see it, in parentheses; the lower the number, the more likely
he/she is to be the nominee):



Sen. John McCain [AZ] (1)

Sec. of State Condoleeza Rice [?] (2)

Sen. Chuck Hagel [NE] (3)

Former Mayor Rudy Giuliani [NY] (4)

Former Gov. Mitt Romney [MA] (5)

Gov. Mike Huckabee [AR] (6)

Former Rep. Newt Gingrich [GA] (7)

Former. Gov. George Pataki [NY] (8)

Rep. Duncan Hunter [CA] (9)

Sen. Sam Brownback [KS] (10)

Rep. Tom Tancredo [CO] (11)

Former Sen. Bill Frist [TN] (12)

Former Sen. George Allen [VA] (13)



(8 "red-staters").



Open

Krugman: The coming downfall of 'movement conservatism'

Krugman: The coming downfall of 'movement conservatism'

MSNBC Poll Shows Voters Favor Impeachment

Online Voters, MSNBC Not So Conciliatory

Harold Ford, Jr. Being Floated As Replacement For Howard Dean

From PoliticalWire...

Ryan Lizza says some "big name Democrats want to oust DNC Chairman
Howard Dean, arguing that his stubborn commitment to the 50-state
strategy and his stinginess with funds for House races cost the
Democrats several pickup opportunities."

One of the names being floated to replace Dean is Harold Ford.

http://robwire.com/?q=node/1364

Newt Gingrich

Newt Gingrich "emerges as top conservative prospect for Republican 2008 field," according to Washington Wire. Open

Governing From The Center

That's
the phrase coming out of the mouths of all good Washington pundits
right now, that the Democrats must govern from the center. Open

World Welcomes Change of Power in US

World Welcomes Change of Power in US

Salon: The vindication of Howard Dean's 'crazy' strategy

Salon: The vindication of Howard Dean's 'crazy' strategy