No, I'm not ready to endorse anyone for President in 2008 yet. But it's not too early to start sizing up the potential candidates. As I've said before, I'm "wide open" and willing to consider almost all of the major Democratic names being mentioned.
There's lots of talk about Barrack Obama, John Kerry, Indiana Senator Evan Bayh, General Wesley Clark, N.C. Senator John Edwards, Wisconsin Senator Russ Feingold, of course, Hillary, and our own Tina's favorite, Delaware Senator Joe Biden. There are others as well. But I think the eventual nominee will likely come from this group. Each of these potential candidates already have a lot of name recognition and support from admirers.
Meanwhile, according to Politics1.com, former President Jimmy Carter wants Al Gore to run for president again in 2008. Retreads usually aren't very popular, nor are they very successful. But there are many still in this country who feel that Gore was wronged in 2000. That doesn't automatically equal up to some huge advantage for him. But we do know that Gore captured the popular vote in the infamous year of 2000. That should probably mean something looking at the viability of candidates.
President Carter's public wishes reminds me of the fact that both Carters are closer to the Gores than they ever were to the Clintons. If you'll remember, the Clintons sometimes snubbed the Carters, whom they wished to distance themselves from, following the 1992 election. This lead to an awkward period between the two men and Carter's declined invitation to attend the 1996 Democratic National Convention.
The ruffled feathers seem to have subsided, especially after Clinton awarded both Carters the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2000. But I wouldn't look for an endorsement of Hillary for the Democratic nomination from the Carters, including Rosalynn, who openly has stated she wants to see a female president elected during her lifetime.
This should make for an interesting process as it unfolds over the next year and a half.
7 comments:
Nixon was a "retread".
With a similar story....
1) was a Vice-President.
2) lost campaign for President.
3) won campaign for President.
The idea of Gore running for president again immediately brings thoughts of painfully arrogant debates and way, way too much makeup.
Gore did something I've never seen anyone else do: demonstrate he was clearly the more qualified and educated candidate, yet still manage to lose the debate.
Progreader, isn't it ironic that Democratic "retread" hopefuls can look to Nixon for inspiration? You're right, Gore's situation is remarkably similar to Tricky Dick's.
Rocky, I agree that the better man didn't put his best foot forward in 2000. He left himself vulnerable to defeat, and that's just what happened.
I don't know if Al will run or not. But I think he's done a lot to enhance himself as a candidate and as a potential president since 2000. So I'd be lying if I said I didn't want him in the race.
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