I understand the fear but this is a different time. Yes, she could be nominated. And yes, if nominated, she could win.
But we're more informed now. The important thing is to not go frothing mad if Hilary is the dems nominee, but just work hard doing whatever it takes to defeat her.
And in the meantime, doing what it takes to get Bush's Supreme Court and other court nominees past the nuclear option the dems have been employing for the last six years, or is it only five? Well, whatever it is, since our electeds have no spine and value the opinions of the NY Times over the opinions and desires of those who got them elected, we have to constantly ride these Senators esp. but the congress critters too.
It'd be nice if we could intercept their copy of the Times every morning and replace it with more reasoned reading material.
IMO, Hill is going to have to dig deep to even win that nomination. H.C. is not likeable with most of the General population. Those that fawn over her do so because they believe it necessary to their career, or because she's married to Bill. People DID love Bill Clinton. Just isn't the case with his wife.
Further other Dems are tired of a Junior Senator that got her office because her last name was Clinton, make no mistake that is what they are really thinking behind her back, calling the show. She made enemies even so far back as presuming to be co-President. Nor is the base content to pretend "moderation" in hopes IF she wins she'll govern as they want her too. They feel they did that with Kerry.
Kerry, meanwhile, has chosen to go for the Hard Left crowd and may end up playing the role of Howard Dean. The primary will be interesting. Whether she can pull off not being dragged into the Far Left where she is really at home, if she can win the nomination with a slight wink to the base while pretending to be conservative is anyone's guess. Four years out is a long time. Right now, the answer would be no.
I've gone out on a limb to suggest I wouldn't be surprised if the nominees from the Reps and Dem fields were virtual unknowns in '04. I think the country wants new blood. Not the same old names, that is just my impression. I'm also of belief how well we do in '08 is dependant on how well we govern as a majority now and '06 which is why I'm trying to tell Rep Senators to catch a clue before it's too late. Who will want to change the power structure if Reps are doing a good job? That's the foundation we want to build an '08 campaign around.
I also believe that the president isn't going to hang us out to dry in '08. One of the hallmarks of his tenure has been to build the Reps into a lasting majority. My guess is that behind the scenes he'll be actively involved in finding and pushing a successor, if he hasn't already spied one. With Reagan, Bush 41 was the defacto successor. G.W. has more liberties at his disposal since Cheney will not be running.