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"But they are the words of an '08-er, a candidate who wants to make sure that past dovishness can't be used against her. And of course, for the gentlelady from New York to run in 2008..."

I've said this before. It's worth repeating. I am beginning to conclude that all of this speculation about "Hillary in '08" is utter nonsense, and whistling past the graveyard. How on earth do these pundits expect this skanky broad, with all of her President Caligula baggage, to be competitive after five more successful years of President Bush, who is shaping up to be the greatest president this country has had since Teddy Roosevelt a hundred years ago.

As much as the Dems may wish otherwise, it ain't gonna happen. Let Hillary run. She won't do any better in a general election than Dean is doing right now. Bet on it!

The Democrats have made themselves the modern equivalent of the Whigs. There won't be enough of them in five years to put up a candidate for dog catcher.

I sometimes think that's correct. The Dems have so much lineage that they will stay around on name recognition for a decade or two. Congressman Ike Skelton is a prime example. Pro-Life, Pro-Tax Cut, Pro-Defense. Solid Democrat for life. It's just how things were done for a long time.

Actually, I think a President Hillary is not at all unlikely. Here's why:

Let's assume, for arguements sake, that all of the following is true in Jan. 2008:
1. Iraq is pacified.
2. Bin-Laden is captured or killed.
3. The war on Islamic fundamentalism continues, US troops are engaged in: Iran/Syria/Saudi Arabia/Pakistan/Yemen/Sudan/Somalia (choose any or all).
4. There have been additional terror attacks in the continental US, therefore the war against fundamentalist Islam is no longer controversal, but an accepted part of US foreign policy. (All Democrats of course lie when they say this but say it they will.)
5. Bush of course cannot run again. The republicans are split between Jeb Bush and Condoleeza Rice/Colin Powell. Dick Cheney is too old, as is Donald Rumsfield.
6. Having been a minority party for so long, the Democrats are utterly desperate. They will do or say anything, follow and obey anyone, anyone at all, who promises to restore them to power.

Now:

7. Hillery by now has a reputation as an experienced senior senator. She knows what to promise to buy votes from the AARP, the congressional Black and Hispanic Caucuses, labor unions, federal workers, etc. Basically, she promises to buy votes with tax dollars - often a winning strategy.
8. Bill's crimes have been long forgotten. He is simply known as the senators husband. (Bill will do anything Hill says to get back into power too, of course).
9. Hillery unites the democrats and promises to stay tough on terrorism.

Then:

10. The divided Republican ticket is defeated at the polls.
11. Presto. President Hillery Rodham takes over.