[IndyTiger]

...Kennedy’s gross incompetence in a legendary interview with Roger Mudd prevented Kennedy from taking the 1980 presidential nomination away from the damaged incumbent, Jimmy Carter.

I remember that interview well. Mudd, who had been close to Robert Kennedy, was persona non grata with the Kennedy family after that interview aired.

I always enjoy your posts and hate to disagree, but I believe that HRC is still the odds-on favorite to take the nomination. If McCain or Rudy gets the GOP nomination, a third party conservative will jump in the race. In a three-way race, Hillary wins.

[Congressman Billybob]

I am not concluding that a visibly damaged Hillary! can't get the nomination. She might. Though the remaining Democrats in 2008 will be looking at the "electability" numbers for their nominee, whoever that is.

I am saying that she will not be elected, even if she has the nomination in hand.

I agree with you that a three-way race will change the math. However, having been General Counsel to Gene McCarthy in 1976 and legal advisor to John Anderson in 1980, I know how much it takes in money and volunteers just to get on the ballot in 51 jurisdictions in order to BE a third-party candidate for President. A third-party effort that begins after January 1, 2007, will be so late that it will be irrelevant, regardless of who the nominee is.

John / Billybob