"If Hillary runs in 08, which she probably will, the Republicans have to run Rice or someone with similar demographic appeal. I don't think that's the way to get the most qualified person into the highest office on earth, but it would keep Hillary from that office."
No, they don't. Why are Freepers of all people, who should know much better, so full of trepidation about Hillary? She's wildly unpopular within her own party (look at the Dem blogs among other places), she'd fill the campaign coffers for our candidates within a month of announcing her candidancy, swing voters mistrust her-- all she has now is name recognition, and that wears off fast. The Dems absolutely do not want her to be the nominee in '08.
And this "similar demographic appeal" thing is a myth-- in a national election people really don't care all that much about the demographic status of a candidate, ultimately they vote for those who most agree with their values, most put together a good platform, and most demonstrate that they have enough experience. Race and gender may start out as factors but they dissolve soon after that and become secondary. (Most women really don't care as much about the candidate's gender as some people seem to think-- we care most about people who address issues important to us like education and the security of our children in this great nation. You're falling for classic Democratic tricks.)
As I said in my other post, Rice is a terrific Secretary of State and has a bright future in public service ahead of her, but she'd be terrible as a nominee for the GOP. The lack of elected experience is a big problem-- only Eisenhower in recent years overcame that, and he was the leader of multiple armies in the most massive war of the 20th century. But Rice is also pro-choice and pro-affirmative action. I don't want my kids to grow up in an America where abortion is still as easy as getting drive-thru fast food, or where they'll be discriminated against for "not being an underrepresented minority" or somesuch. The GOP heartland would just stay home in droves if Rice were nominated. Don't pay attention to all the hype and hoopla-- that's just a formula for electoral disaster.
I am currently reading Hillary's Secret War...all of us should be VERY AFRAID!!!
I disagree. People will vote demographics; we've seen it happen. If the Dems do put Hillary up fot the top spot or any other woman, the Reps can not afford to look like the "Party of Old White Men". The "theme" will be "Let's Make History". It's worked before and it can work again (think Mosely-Braun and Obama). You may vote on values (your screen name intimates you're female), as will I (a black male), but there is a HUGE segment out there who vote on feelings, nothing more.
Race and gender may start out as factors but they dissolve soon after that and become secondary.
It hasn't work that way in the Black community for decades, though I seriously wish it would.
I don't want my kids to grow up in an America where abortion is still as easy as getting drive-thru fast food, or where they'll be discriminated against for "not being an underrepresented minority" or somesuch. The GOP heartland would just stay home in droves if Rice were nominated.
If the alternative is a Hillary or Barbara Boxer or Pelosi, they better not, because that is exactly what they will get. This last election was still too close for comfort IMHO. Don't rest on your laurels, yet; all of those who threatened to leave the US if GWB were elected haven't gone anywhere. They'll still be here in 2008. And even if there is a Repub Congress, we've seen how wimpy the Repubs can be. Especially on dealing with Mexico or other hot-button issues.
On the issue of abortion, I believe the majority strongly dislike abortion and want to see it restricted but not eliminated. Most people believe this is an intensly personal issue and not something the government or other people should be involved in. Overall, I think the Dems are now so far to the left, they will either split or implode. Then the Repubs are assured victory.