[AmishDude]

For the record, he couldn't go on this year (too young), but Harold Ford (TN) will be on a Dem ticket at some point starting 2008. He's wonkish, looks good on TV, is intelligent and -- unlike many Democrats -- he doesn't behave as if he's insane.

Plus, it'll be hard for him to win statewide office in TN. As a Dem, it's tough enough, being black, he'll have a much bigger hurdle. (Did you know Carol Mosely-Braun was the only black Democrat Senator ever?)

So, his best hope is for a Senate retirement with a Dem governor -- or to get on the national ticket.

Regarding the race card: Bill Richardson's name is bandied about. I think a Hispanic without a Hispanic name will not excite that group very much. He could certainly swing AZ and NM and puts FL in further doubt.

But...he's a Clintonite and the Clintons cannot have any Democrat be president in 2004 except for Hillary.

[Keith]

I agree...Ford has a future...but frankly, we have a deeper bench with stalwarts like Condi Rice and J. C. Watts...