[Huck]

I regard McLame as having zero chance. The media love him, of course, but even if a liberal GOPer with a strong defense stance were to win the nomination (doubtful), Guliani would crush McCain, because though he's a liberal, he doesn't have the bad blood with conservatives that McCain does.

However, charisma is a funny thing. This is the land of American Idol. A real dud GOPer could be bad news, it's true. I truly don't think George Allen has the right stuff, but we'll see. On the DEM side, I don't think Shrillary has a prayer and no one's going to convince me otherwise. So far, I think Mark Warner looks like their best hope.

I know it's eons away in political time, but any ideas who might win on the GOP side? Do you think Newt has any chance, or is he permanently soiled? I personally would be troubled by a Newt nomination. Then again, I don't see anyone out there who looks like a proven leader.

[LS]

If it were a choice between Newt and Rudy, I would reluctantly pick Rudy. He's wrong on abortion, wrong on social issues, probably wrong on illegals. But he has "it." He has that leadership quality that, if the nation were attacked, he could, I think, do the right thing.

Newt is right on almost all the positions . . . but he has that character thing regarding his wife's death. Now, Rudy is no saint, but contrary to Newt, he has NEVER campaigned as a moralist. I think you're right about both McLame and Allen.

I still think we haven't seen the GOP nominee yet.