[Tanniker Smith]

Also, taking Pataki out of the mix virtually assures that the next gov of NY will be either Andy Cuomo or Carl McCall (both Dems).

[Vigilanteman]

It is hard to say if the mushy middle (and even left-leaning) New Yorkers will rush back to the 'rats whose gutting of defense and intelligence brought them the latest disaster. Remember, after four years of Jimmy Carter, Reagan managed to carry both New York and Massachusetts in two elections. Now that I think back to 1984, I kind of feel sorry for Walter Mondale. He was a considerably more qualified candidate than anyone the Democrats have put up since, especially compared to DIRTXPOTUS. But the same thing could be said about Joe Biden, Gary Hart and a host of others.