Like I said elsewhere on this thread, I like everything I've seen from McDonnell so far, but I think he probably needs another four years as Governor under his belt before he's a truly credible Presidential candidate.
That said, I'm starting to realize that I'm saying "It's too early" for a lot of potential candidates that I'm genuinely impressed with. At the same time, I am mightily unimpressed with the pool of potential candidates who are "ready now". Now, that may be because these relative newcomers haven't yet had to actually govern for very long, with everything that entails, but I've also noticed that many of them are showing a lot better polish, political acumen, and grasp of the issues than are many of the more experienced candidates.
It doesn't look like I'm the only one thinking this, either.
A recent article in Politico reported, "It’s almost as though there is more excitement over the deep pool of [GOP] vice presidential prospects than over the emerging roster of presidential candidates."
While I would normally find it both foolish and distasteful for someone to begin running for President less than two years after being elected Governor, this might just be the year to make an exception. Sometimes talent makes up for lack of experience better than experience makes up for lack of talent.
'I like everything I've seen from McDonnell so far, but I think he probably needs another four years as Governor " This is where McDonnell is at a bit of a disadvantage. He's constrained by VA's established term limits for Governor, which prohibits a person from serving consecutive terms. Kind of stupid, I know. I think he can sit out a term, and then run again. But at that point, what's the benefit?
He's either going to have to challenge Webb in 2012 (with a year left on his original gubernatorial term, which won't go over well), or he'll have to wait until Warner is up for reelection in 2014 (I think).