Handicapping '08

08 Nov 04 | Fidelio

[fidelio]

I know we have four more years of The Man in The White House, but I am curious as to what other Freepers think of possible 2008 candidates.

Here is my potential staring grid:

Rudy Giulliani (NY)
Sec. Colin Powell (NY)
Sen. Bill Frist (TN)
Gov. Jeb Bush (FL)
Sen. John McCain (AZ)
Gov. Mike Huckabee (AR)
Gov. Mitt Romney (MA)

In my opinion, Giulliani may be the force here. Although he will need someone to balance out the ticket and appeal to the base. My thinking would be Huckabee, a former Baptist minister who has dumped 110 pounds in a year and is also a "Man from Hope."

Thoughts?

[COEXERJ145]

I'm amazed at how many people here are wanting RINOs like McLame, Rudy, Powell, Romney, and Condi to run for President.

Without naming anyone specific, the best candidate is a conservative governor, preferable from a swing state. The exception being Jeb Bush as having him run right after his brother could cause problems. The libs and media were bad in 2004, it would be worse in 2008 with Jeb running. They'd be claiming it was the end of our "democracy" and the beginning of a dictatorship under the Bush dynasty.

[Alberta's Child]

I would eliminate John McCain from consideration. Conventional wisdom may indicate that he's the "most popular politician in America," but that's really nothing more than media hype. He was the most popular politician in America as long as the media propped him up as an "anti-Bush" type of political personality, but this media love-fest will end the moment he gets a GOP nomination for President. In fact, I would guess he'd be lucky to get 45% of the popular vote against most Democrat candidates.

[Arizona Carolyn]

Senator Allen... Youngish, charisma great speaker, good-looking AND smart, too.

[writer33]

Yep. All that too.

[The Hollywood Conservative]

Yeah, but we have to amend the Constitution for that.



Where you thinking arnold? That never crossed my mind... but you are right... he does fit that wish list perfectly... Obviously since I dont think he'll be eligible, is there anybody else Im not thinking of?

[maine-iac7]

Mitt Romney is the best candidate

Unfortunately, Neither the Catholics not the Evangelicals would vote in good numbers - they've been fed too much misinformation about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Most don't even believe the church believes in Jesus - probably aren't even aware of the name of the church - just know them as Mormons

[Arizona Carolyn]

McCain is a conservative in all areas but immigration. i'm not certain he has the killer-instinct, though.

[rightazrain]

That's an intriguing idea. Caveat: only if Cheney wants to go. I really admire him. Additionally, I'm not sure how that would work, replacing a vice president. Constitutional scholars please input!

[Arizona Carolyn]

Ahhh we think alike -- I posted before I saw your post.

[Darkwolf377]

I don't think McCain's popularity is a creation of the media at all, I've been too many places and heard it from too many people. Whatever we think of him the eveidence shows he's a powerful figure and should be used accordingly, in a Bush cabinet position, IMO.

[maine-iac7]

Romney's position on abortion and guns?

I can double guarentee you he's TOTALLY against abortion and I imagine also against gun control

[rampage8]

Colin Powell & Condi Rice.

[Alberta's Child]

One thing you can count on is that the media coverage of McCain would take a sharp turn for the worse if he ever received the GOP nomination. You might even see a Democrat-type version of the Swiftboat Veterans for Truth surface in the campaign.

Trust me -- the media would spend the six months leading up to the election portraying McCain as a mentally imbalanced Vietnam War veteran.

And anyway -- the guy is missing the one key qualification to be a presidential candidate in this country . . . He hardly ever smiles.

[Arizona Carolyn]

He gets pounded for some of his votes; however when you analyze of listen to his reasoning 90% of the time when he votes against the party it's because of "Pork" added to a bill. He's VERY conservative and is a strong believer in the line item veto. Things like the vote last year which gave Alaska basically two roads to nowhere in order to get the vote really tick him off. I always enjoy watching when he does the College tour with Chris Matthews and it's amazing how the kids respond when he gives them reasoning instead of rhetoric.

[Hessian]

Tom Ridge. 2 time governor of PA. Director of Homeland Security. Able to continue to run on public safety issues....

[Darkwolf377]

I think you're 100% correct there. Once McCain's pro-life position is exposed the media will start saying "And then there are the questions--often asked by Republicans--about the Senator's mental health..."

[Iron Eagle]

Powell and Giuliani are out -- as is Jeb.

Jeb said he is not running. Powell has said he will not run for President -- plus he is pro-choice. Giuliani is pro-choice, he was thrown out of the house by his wife (Gracie Mansion that is) and then lived with two gay frieds while being Mayor. He is a great speaker -- and a great Mayor for New York. he will not ever be the Republican nominee for President. (Though he may run -- I will give you that)

McCain is the most likely candidate. While freepers loathe him -- he is Universally liked by the mushy middle and moderate dems. (He will be viewed as a uniter). More importantly -- he will be a grandfather-type -- 72 -- with impeccable war credentials, and he is pro-life.

His biggest competition will be from the man who will be his VP -- a man I did not see on your list. Look for the immensely popular Governor of Ohio, Voinavich to be the VP.

McCain/Voinavich 08. You heard it here first.

[Arizona Carolyn]

Colin won't run. His wife is deadset against it. The country is still ten years or so away from a black candidate getting the majority of the votes and no way can we put someone up against Hillary that has anything that will keep ANY portion of the electorate from voting for "him." (still too many won't vote female, either.)

[Darkwolf377]

You've got an accurate read on McCain. People have to remember that the media love him because he's good copy, and I think he loves the spotlight too much...but he shares THIS conservative's beliefs where it counts.

I think he will be dumped as the media's token Republican in favor of Spector starting...yesterday (talk show Sunday).

[beckham]

I'll go out on a limb......Katherine Harris.