Posted on 01/16/2006 4:38:45 PM PST by Aussie Dasher
President Bush's advisers are resigned to the Democratic capture of the White House in 2008, according to senior Republican sources close to the White House.
GOP sources said White House strategists have attempted to persuade Mr. Bush that Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, New York Democrat and her partys current front-runner to be the next presidential nominee, cannot be defeated in 2008. Bush strategists said the president should instead focus on seeking to retain the Republican majority in both houses of Congress in 2006 and 2008.
"There is nobody in the White House that will openly say we lost the presidency in 2008," a senior GOP source said. "But while the Democrats are completely focused on 2008, the White House has been completely aloof."
The strategists have argued that given the forecasts of a downturn in the economy, crises with China and Iran, Mrs. Clinton would be besieged with major problems that would ensure a one-term presidency, the sources said.
The strategists have pointed out that Mr. Bush, given the failing health of Vice President Dick Cheney, does not have a natural successor. Recently, Mr. Cheney, who suffers from heart problems, was rushed to the hospital because he had difficulties in breathing.
The sources said the strategists have assessed that Mrs. Clinton would easily win the Democratic leadership and the subsequent race for president. They said Mr. Bush has pledged to campaign vigorously for any GOP presidential nominee.
Administration sources said Mr. Bush has discussed the prospect of a Clinton presidency. But they asserted that the president has focused on the 2006 elections for Congress and the need to maintain the GOP majority.
"If we lost our majority in Congress, then the president immediately becomes a lame duck," an administration source said. "So, the talk of 2008 is not only premature, it's harmful."
Yes -- it did come out recently that people in her own state aren't happy with her.
Sounds like something Novak or Pattie Boy would author..... with supporting poll data from Zog....
Dick Morris.
This is an odd article for Insight, which is generally conservative and associated with the Washington Times.
Oh, do I hope you're right, but I'll never underestimate the wicked one.
Could be to panic us into action?
By the response by FReepers, I'd say it's working!
It sounds like Dick Morris, who pushes the "inevitability of a Hilary Clinton Presidency" myth to try to scare Republicans into nominating a social liberal.
It will be difficult for her to campaign while she is in prison.
the "senior republican advisor close to the WH" smells to me like Kristol - more of his delusions of intelligence, political wisdom and that he even matters.
Good grief. How many lovely trees gave their lives for the printed version of this nonsense?
I'm trying to see your point of view.
This is pure BS.
Given that list and given Cheney's health, I'd have to say it would be Gingrich.
Baggage and all.
LOL! Of course it's ridiculous! No one's running, except Hillary and she's not really campaigning.
She opens her mouth and the votes fly away from her...
LOL! And how many times have we been told that the President is a lame duck and we have yet to see it?
Think about 2003 and the "Mission Accomplished" moment. Sure the Dems were soiling themselves, but it was a hard road after that.
2.8 years is ages in politics. Lots can and does happen. At this point her party is the party of Dr. No. And the West Coast Dems absolutely hate her and don't think that she can win. Sure they will vote for her, but what will the turnout be like?
Mike: I am interested in all things Hillary, as defeating her is the number #1 priority other than winning the war in Iraq. I agree that the GOP should nominate the candidate who has the best chance of beating her.
I see Allen as the conservative challenger in the primaries, but frankly, don't know that much about him (other than GOP Senator from VA, former Governor, etc.) I haven't heard him speak, and don't know how he is on the stump. Some politicians have the best ideas in the world, but are dull, dull, dull, such as Bob Dole.
What was the nature of Allen's debate with Boxer where you say he lost badly? I didn't see it, but would like to hear more about Allen.
I think the source for this story must be Code Pink. :) It appears they're both equally as good at making up fairy tales.
Then there is her famous "WE WILL TAKE THINGS FROM YOU SPEECH".
In truth, Hillary should lose with any real effort against her.
How about her husband's wire tapping everything while not at war with Echelon(sp)?
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