I don't think it necessarily hurts to be an unknown at this point. I had never heard of Bill Clinton until Jan. 92 and he ended up scooting on the White House carpet for 8 years.
Totally different situation, though. In 1992, most of the top tier Democrats didn't run. That's because at the time they had to make the decision (mid-to-late 1991), Bush 41 was still sporting approval ratings in the 65-70% range, and was generally considered unbeatable. That opened the door for an unknown (thought to be a sacrificial lamb to a popular incumbent) to steal the nomination.
For the 2008 open seat race, anyone who seriously wants to compete will need the ability to raise at least $40-$50 million over the next year.
Bill was viewed as a candidate for POTUS long before 1992, because he was a politics prodigy. It was even an election issue the last year he ran for Governor of AR. He was also fortunate to run in a year when other Democrats were scared to run against GHWB.
That's right. And who ever heard of Jimmy Carter before he ran for President?
If I interpret the phrase "scooting on the White House carpet" as in a dog dragging his hind end along the carpeted floor, would I be correct? If so, ROTFLMAO...