[contessa machiaveli]

please not jeb. we don't live in a monarchy.

[My2Cents]

If Jeb deserves it, and he's chosen by Republicans in the primaries, why not? That's hardly a monarchy.

[tjwmason]

please not jeb. we don't live in a monarchy.

Speaking as a loyal subject of Her Majesty the Queen, poor you. We don't have to bother with all of this every four years, we just elect the House of Commons every so often (usually around four years) in the same manner as the House of Representatives, and that is all.

My first point would be to get the field narrow, keep it narrow, make the decision early (I mean the real decision, obviously you have to go through the primaries and convention). I am enjoying the sight of the Democrats tear each other up at the moment, but this is bound to be damaging as regards public perception of the candidates.

Secondly, the point about holders of executive positions is also well learnt. Look at the governors more than the Senators or Congressmen.

Giuliani would be far better to contest N.Y. Senate seat in 2006. A defeat for Hilary Clinton there would mean that her electoral record is two elections, one loss, hardly very convincing.