[Chuck Dent]

The Democrats know Hillary! will lose the general election and will most likely nominate Al Gore. She cannot get over 50%, which makes it mathematically impossible for her to win if the GOP holds & a viable 3rd party candidate fails to emerge on the right.

Rudy stacks up well against Hillary!; it's hard to imagine even the most conservative voters hesitating to vote with the fear of her in their minds. Gore, OTOH, appeals a little more to the middle 5-10%, but even more importantly, could tip the 1-3% hard right into passivity. Ask yourself this question: while you may dislike Gore, does he stir the same visceral reaction as Clinton?

If the Dems are smart and nominate Gore, then the GOP is going to have to reconsider Rudy. If the Dems want to commit suicide and nominate Hillary!, then the GOP has much more flexibility.

[LS]

You make good points. I share your concern that Algore is the ONE Dem who can win, largely, I think, out of a "sympathy factor" from 2000 among moderates and a rabid allegiance from the moveon people.

However, I want to see some polls when/if Fred Thompson gets serious. I have a feeling he can beat Gore. He has that "One Tennessean vs. Another" thing going, too. But, as I say, the key issue I'm seeing is that our side wants a FIGHTER. At least that moron Gore FIGHTS for his idiotic idea.