Posted on 05/31/2006 5:16:07 PM PDT by ncountylee
In US politics, there's usually an incumbent running for the White House - if not the president himself (and so far it has always been a "himself"), then his vice-president.
But with George W Bush constitutionally limited to two terms and Vice-President Dick Cheney ruled out on health grounds, the race for the White House is wide open for the first time since 1928. And the race is so expensive and demanding that, though Election Day 2008 is more than two years away, candidates already need to be making their plans and hiring their teams.
Here are the people presently considered the most capable of making a serious run.
DEMOCRAT REPUBLICAN
EVAN BAYH Who is he? Two-term senator from the solidly Republican state of Indiana in the Midwest, and its governor for eight years before that.
Why take him seriously? On the (as-yet undeclared) campaign trail in the key state of Iowa, he has emphasised his ability to win over voters in traditionally Republican states - which any Democrat hoping to capture the White House must do. Liberals are likely to respond well to his voting against Bush nominees to the Supreme Court, and conservatives may appreciate his principled defence of the Iraq war. What's going to stand in his way? Sen Bayh does not set crowds alight with his passion, to put it mildly. His style has been described by admirers as folksy - and by critics as ho-hum, nondescript and boring.
Did you know? Evan Bayh's father Birch Bayh also represented Indiana in the Senate, from 1963 to 1981.
JOE BIDEN
(Excerpt) Read more at newsvote.bbc.co.uk ...
Wrong. There was no incumbent President or Vice President running on either ticket in 1952.
Governors usually win too.
Who is he? Former venture capitalist who served one term as governor of the solidly Republican state of Virginia.
What's going to stand in his way? Mr Warner is not yet nationally known, and his four years as governor of Virginia - which limits its governors to one term - do not constitute a wealth of experience, particularly in foreign affairs or security. He can come across as physically ill at ease.
Did you know? His venture capital firm provided the initial backing for the communications firm Nextel - the success of which made an already wealthy man extremely rich.
Who is he? Rock-solid conservative senator from Virginia, a state he governed from 1994 to 1998.
What's going to stand in his way? The New Republic magazine ran a lengthy profile of Sen Allen in May 2006 alleging that he was all but obsessed as a young man with the Confederate flag - a still-controversial symbol which many Americans associate with racism. He is also facing a tougher-than-expected re-election campaign, distracting him from national ambitions at a time when opponents are laying the groundwork for White House bids.
Did you know? Sen Allen's father was a legendary American football coach also named George Allen, and his son often incorporates sports metaphors into his speeches.
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They're leaving out important people, and for one thing, we'd be shooting ourselves in the foot if we nominated Mitt Romney or anyone from the Northeast, because my sneaking suspicion is, the Democrats run a Southern moderate. In times where we run non-Southerners, against the Southerner, we bleed in the South. Haley Barbour would be ideal. If Riley survives this year (I don't see how this doesn't happen), he'd be a great nominee. But how clear can I make this, we have to have a Southerner on top, because the South is not as solid as people would like to think.
Hillary seems to be getting national press today. Algore, too. Any Republicans?
I honestly think that's race right there
Don't be dissing the DBM. Facts?, They don't need no stinkin' facts. They just feel that it's been a long time. 1952?, 1928?, who cares, it was a long, long time ago.
There's something strange about the BBC getting so excited about our elections. But I guess when you let Muslims take over your country you need some distraction from reality. Real Sad.
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1641423/posts
The dream ticket for Republicans is: Jeb Bush for president and Condi Rice for Veep.
Gag me. You have got to be kidding? Another Bush? He!! NO.
Whoever wrote this should bone up a little on American history. In 1928, Herbert Hoover ran against Al Smith, and neither of them was an incumbent president or vice president. The author seems to be unaware that in 1952, Dwight Eisenhower, a retired general, ran against Adlai Stevenson, the governor of Illinois. I don't think the 1928 election was any more wide open than the 1952 election. When 2008 comes, both parties will probably rush to judgment, as the Democrats did in 2004, selecting a front runner as quickly as possible, and the excitement in both parties may last less than six weeks. I bet it won't be as interesting, nor the candidates as professional, as they were in the 1960 election.
I'll support pro-choicers Guiliani or Rice, even though I'm pro-life. I'll support Senators like Allen or Frist, even though I think senators have a smaller chance of winning. I'll support Mitt Romney, even though he's a waffler.
But let it be know here and now: If the GOP nominates John McCain, I WILL be voting third party.
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