Free Republic

<p>The details of nominating a president of the United States have evolved constantly in the nation's history, determined by changing communications technology, demographics, political circumstances and, most recently, a trendy clacque of expensive political operatives known euphemistically as "consultants."</p> <p>The election of 2004, particularly on the Democratic side, is heading toward an apotheosis of this process, composed on a monotonal theme on the word "no." There are two kinds of presidential aspirants. First, there are the "anointed" figures, chosen by party leaders and the media, whose names are increasingly tossed about in speculation, one or two of whom are depicted as frontrunners. Second, there are those who usually hold public office, but who are not nationally well-known.</p>