[Zack Nguyen]

I have always believed that Democrats had it easier than Republicans, because grassroots Dems are united by their hatred of Republicans, thus Dem candidates can tack much further to the right (ala Bill Clinton 1995-1996) without fear of losing their base.

Perhaps this is changing, since Dem voters seem so consumed with rage at Bush that they may simply refuse to tolerate anyone who does not reflect that hatred. Hence the success of Dean.

If Republicans hated Clinton the way that Dems hate Bush, Republicans would have nominated Keyes in 1996. Instead they nominated the most vanilla man possible, Bob Dole, who could barely find his way to criticize Clinton on anything.

[BradyLS]

If Republicans hated Clinton the way that Dems hate Bush, Republicans would have nominated Keyes in 1996. Instead they nominated the most vanilla man possible, Bob Dole, who could barely find his way to criticize Clinton on anything.

That was very well said! I have great respect for Bob Dole, but I agree that he wasn't the man to beat Bill Clinton. As it is, it's hard to believe that the race in 2000 against Al Gore was a nail-biter. It shouldn't have been even close.