Ten Most Electable Presidential Candidates 2008

Count Condoleeza Out

2006-08-30T22:52:00.000-07:00

While visiting Salt Lake City, Rice responded in the negative very clearly when asked if she would run for president. In the first instance she was asked directly "Will you run for president" by KUT, to which she answered "No, that's an easy one." The second incidence, though not as direct, signaled even clearer that she has no intentions of running. To the Salt Lake Tribune she replied "It's flattering but that's not for me, I know what my strengths are and I know what I want to do with my life and I'm hoping that in the last two and a half years as secretary of state that I can help to advance the president's vision for democracy" when asked about polls that place her in the top three among Republican candidates. Though not as direct as "No" the statement is damaging should she decide to run, being that she implicates herself as not having strengths in the right areas that the President needs. Hence, her second reply can be construed as a truthful statement of her intentions as she not only rejected the idea but simultaneously damaged her position in the event she would run. This is definitely the biggest news in awhile.

Looks like the top Republican contender is out.

New York, the GOP Ace in the Hole

2006-08-28T05:43:00.000-07:00

In a state power-packed with political talent, it is hard to believe that the state GOP were unable to find a decent candidate to challenge Hillary Clinton. In the state that boasts political power hitters such as Rudy Giuliani, Gov. George Pataki, Donald Trump, and many more, it is more likely that Ken Mehlman (RNC Chair) is playing political chess. The best they could do was the former mayor of Yonkers? Is anybody buying that?

In one of the GOP's more talented states, it is more likely that viable candidates were asked not to run. The race for the Republican nomination for New York's Senate seat has been as defunct as possible. It started with the lawyer son-in-law of the unpopular President Richard Nixon (Ed Cox) and a county DA. Gov. Pataki endorsed the DA, causing Cox to withdraw, who later withdrew herself. Following that ordeal, the Yonkers Mayor and a former deputy assistant to Reagan have been attacking each other on their way to the primary. It is almost as if the Republicans were doing everything possible not to win the Senate seat to keep Hillary in place to win the Democratic nomination, equating a shoe-in for the Republican candidate for President in 2008.

Besides the endless list of circumstantial evidence, nothing has surfaced to support the idea that Republicans are purposely trying to lose the New York, Senate election. Just as likely, if not more, the Republicans are just lucky. If the GOP is playing chess with New York's election, they are poised for checkmate unless someone deseats Hillary as the '08 primary winner.

Edwards, the Man to Beat

2006-08-28T05:31:00.000-07:00

A quick recap of last week's news stories reveals only one stunning bit of news. That is, Democrats are starting to universally accept that Hillary is a non-electable candidate. As time progresses, theories and scenarios that result in a Madame President Clinton are losing credibility. Specifically, over the last week, the idea that Hillary need only win the states that Sen. John Kerry won in 2004 plus Ohio or Florida has been debunked as wishful thinking.

It is quickly becoming apparent to Democrats that Hillary can't win the general election. What may scare democratic leadership, however, is that Hillary can very likely win the party nomination. Hillary is no longer what she was when she ran for the Senate for the first time back in 2000 when George. W. Bush was first elected; when it was widely accepted by both parties that if she were ever to run for President that she would win in a landslide. In 2000 Hillary was able to run a platform of "I'm not a politician". Nowadays when you say the word politician, Hillary Clinton is the first name to come to mind. Her biggest mistake was staying at politics' vicious forefront. Everything she had going for her in 2000 has since gone. She now will have to run for President, not as a faithful wife and Clinton Democrat but, as a hardline politician with a position on every issue.

As a hardline politician, she will have no more appeal to America's women than any other candidate. Instead of being seen as woman to whom America's female voters can relate, she becomes a candidate to be evaluated on her positions, and has appeal so far as her positions allow. With faster growth in Red America than Blue America a red candidate may be able to win the presidency under the assumption that he/she need only win the same states as the last election. For blue candidates, one must have cross-border appeal, a quality that Hillary was once thought to have with female voters. However, as shown, Bill Clinton's wife has become Hillary, a term with completely new connotations.

So as Hillary's spotlight is dimmed by democratic leadership, who becomes the new Democratic poster-child? None other than John Edwards, who already runs #2 in democratic nominee polling. Whether his spotlight will last for long or fade as debating heats up and the issues and candidate's ability to persuade the country becomes more important in standings, is anyone's guess. For certain, however, Edwards, who was once laughed at for speaking of another run for president following his 2008 loss, is a serious contender. In fact, his candidacy is likely reaching its inflection at which point he surpasses Hillary in the polls.

As long as the same Edwards that showed up to the vice-presidential debates (the ambitious boy) doesn't show up for serious campaigning in 2008, Edwards could have a shot.

Will Sam Brownback Have a Shot?

2006-08-22T03:20:00.000-07:00

As the 2006 elections near, Dick Cheney nears a likely retirement. The top contenders for his seat remain Mitt Romney and Condoleeza Rice, in that order. However, Sam Brownback could have a shot as well.

Sam Brownback of course being socially conservative on all the right issues making him one of a few electable Republicans. One drawback, he's a Senator and not a Governor, but when election time comes if he has served as Vice-President then that shouldn't be an issue. Senator Brownback also has appeal in his genuine pursuit of the political conservative agenda, giving him a edge-up on candidates like McCain and Giuliani. His persistence in pursuing socially conservative causes from anti-pornography to anti-same-sex marriage ensures that political conservatives certainly won't complain if he's elected.

Though it is unlikely that Sam Brownback will recieve the post, a few scenarios push him into the likely top spot should they occur. After Harriet Miers, the President could be afraid to put Mitt Romney into the top spot because some conservatives still question his stance on abortion; though two years would likely be enough to solidify his position to voters, and even increase his odds of becoming President should he run.

If Condoleeza declines to accept the position, that would also place Brownback in the top two with Romney. Finally, though Brownback may bring less to the table as far as help for the final two years of Bush's presidency, Bush may deem more important the issue of who the next president will be, giving Brownback a decent shot in the event that Bush simply likes or trusts him more than Romney and expects an easily defeatable candidate such as Hillary Clinton to recieve the Democratic Party's nomination.

His timing, however, may be off. His differences with the Bush administration over wire-tapping couldn't have come at a worse time. In addition, Senator Brownback is also considered a moderate on the death penalty, slighty differing him from the President as well.

One thing is for certain, it would be hard to be President and not pick who you want to be your successor for your party's nomination.

Thanks for bearing with me as I moved, we are once again at full-speed. Check back daily for updates!

Will the Republican Nomination Become a Race for VP

2006-08-17T01:09:00.000-07:00

As the November election draws near and Republican (and Democratic) presidential hopefuls draw up campaign plans and plan formal announcements of their candidacy, one thing remains... the whole thing could be circumvented via a possible, if not likely, Dick Cheney retirement. The President and Vice President have a major power card still left in their deck. Though Cheney has been Bush's perfect vice-president, his only agenda being the President's, and more experience than anyone allowing him to provide valuable advice, there is a strong possibility that the President will ask him to resign or he will ask to resign following the 2006 elections. Since, Dick Cheney has no political aspirations beyond his vice-presidential post; he probably wouldn't mind retiring either. The question to answer if he does is who would be chosen to replace him.

In the event that Vice President Cheney does retire there is a good chance that his successor will also be the republican nominee as tradition goes. This could be one reason why no republican has yet to formally announce his candidacy or even say affirmatively "I am running" as some democrats have. It would be embarrassing for instance if Giuliani were to announce his candidacy and then the next day the President appoint Mitt Romney vice president.

In assessing what the President is looking for in a Vice President, we have to look at two issues: who can help him achieve his goals while in office, and who does he want to succeed him as president.

Each possible candidate that Bush could select has its own implications. Some of which could easily eliminate many popular candidates. The appointment of Rudy Giuliani for example would anger Republicans so much that the President would see little support among what is left and lose the trust of most his base, as they would see it as the President putting a pro-abortion, pro-gay-marriage candidate in the oval office for 2008. A similar scenario is true for Pataki. Don't forget, think Harriet Meyers and John Roberts. Even though Harriet Miers was pro-life, to many republicans President Bush's assurance wasn't enough and practically tore his head off. Meaning McCain would probably draw fire too.

Condoleeza Rice is an interesting choice because she would almost certainly win the general election running from the office of Vice President. Laura Bush is also on record saying that she would make a great president. Condoleeza has said, however, that running for elective office is not for her; President Bush would make sure that she would seek the presidency before handing her the office of Vice President. Another drawback to Condoleeza is that she doesn't bring anything new to the table. Having Condoleeza any closer to the President's side isn't likely to bring him any new political victories.

George Allen is likely out because his appointment would come days after his reelection and like Frist doesn't bring much new to the table as far as extending the President's political options.

Newt Gingrich is simply too scandal ridden to be of use and would likely only irritate the itch that makes Democrats cry foul against the President. Not to mention he is polarizing, which isn't what the President wants right now.

Romney is a relative unknown meaning that the grassroots base won't pipe-up with any immediate complaints. He is also able to work with democrats for political victory, a skill the President could use right now. It also makes sense the Bush would want the next president to have the same political orientations as himself, a mold that Romney fits.

Also, Chuck Hagel and other candidates that have criticized the President as he has become less popular are obvious outs.

The Fanatical Support of Bayh and Romney

2006-08-15T23:23:00.000-07:00

It's no surprise that Evan Bayh and Mitt Romney who, relative dark horses in the polls, top the list of electable candidates for their party also enjoy the most fanatical support from their bases. It is a trait of electability, indicating that those who do know them love them. Both Romney and Bayh top lists at Patrick Ruffini's presidential wire, most stories clicked overall and most clicks per story respectively. It is a small indicator, but shows why John Kerry was unable to win the election in 2004; people didn't like him. His slogan "anybody but Bush" carries with it a few associations that are likely doom any candidate running on such a platform. First, "anybody but Bush" carries with it the connotation that "hey, it really doesn't matter who's in the oval office so elect me, why not?" or in other words, I might be an idiot, but what's it matter? It's only the presidency. That is not a constructive platform and contrary to the fact that you have to be appealing to be the President of the United States.

Speculated Candidates, Who's Running, Who's Not

2006-08-14T15:14:00.000-07:00

The Iowa state fair dominated political news today and for our readers who don't spend every minute of every day Plenty of news today coming from potential primary candidates. It's confirmed that Joe Biden and Bill Richardson are planning on running in 2008; both of which confirmed on Fox News everyone's suspicion, though a few had already pegged Biden as a definite. Governor Richardson, however, did mention that his plans are contingent upon his reelection to the governorship first.
Whereas some speculated candidates have stated they will not run and others have stated they will, here is the list thus far. Candidates who are visiting early primary states should be considered planning on running.

Dick Cheney: has stated in the clearest terms he has no intentions of running
Sam Brownback: Visiting early primary states
Tom Tancredo: Visiting early primary states
Mitt Romney: Visiting early primary states (plans formal decision after November elections)
Rudy Giuliani: Reported by Bob Novak to have stated his intentions to run
George Pataki: Visiting early primary states
Mike Huckabee: Visiting early primary states, reportedly stated openly on Iowa radio that he was considering run
Bill Frist: Visiting early primary states
John McCain: Visiting early primary states
Chuck Hagel: Stated in 2004 that he was considering running
Colin Powell: Explicitly stated in 2003 that he would be too old to seek the presidency 2008.
Condoleeza Rice: Stated that "elective politics were not her calling in life" when asked about a possible run by USA Today
Rick Santorum: Stated to the Washington Post that he doesn't intend to run

Hillary Clinton: Visiting early primary states
John Kerry: Visiting early primary states
John Edwards: Visiting early primary states
Joe Biden: has stated openly at Iowa state fair that he is running
Christopher Dodd: Stated intentions to run
Mike Gravel: Formally announced
Evan Byah: visiting early primary states
Wesley Clark: visiting early primary states
Mark Warner: Visiting early primary states
Barbara Boxer: Rumored to have ruled out 2008 bid
Tom Vilsack: visiting early primary states
Bill Richardson: admitted in Fox News interview with Major Garret that he is "interested and is open about it with his constituents"
Russ Feingold: Often stated his intentions to run
Harry Reid: Not expressed interest in running, does not appear to laying groundwork
Tom Dashcle: Considering a run according to a Reuters article
Al Gore: Stated that he does not intend to run in 2008
Barack Obama: Stated he will not be running

A few final notes on some of the candidates: Though Colin Powell stated in 2003 that he would be too old to seek the presidency, that was three years ago. He has, however, not given any indication since that his views have changed. The USA Today article in which Secretary Rice seemed to rule out a bid for the presidency noted that she has a history of moving into high positions she doesn't particularly seek. Having accepted them, it is likely that her mind could change if, when the time comes, she is widely expected to win; as she is currently the favored candidate. Its not too late for a non-campaigning candidates to start, but unknowns will have harder time after November when the first large wave of announcements come and establish candidates eat up support.

Newest Info on Who Might Be Running

2006-08-12T04:51:00.000-07:00

An article out the day before yesterday lists high-profile politicians to be attending the Iowa state fair. Among the guests are Newt Gingrich (former House Speaker), Gov. George Pataki, Sen. Evan Bayh, and Sen. Joe Biden. Gov. Tom Vilsack (Iowa) will also be there, but it isn't possible to tell if he's there with the presidency in mind.
Another article at the Des Moines Register also lists John Edwards, Bill Frist, and John McCain as attendees as well.

Hillary Lower, Mitt Higher, and GOP in Connecticut

2006-08-10T18:48:00.000-07:00

I'll admit yesterday was just a little difficult looking for something to write on, today is full plate however. Hillary, today, was busy lowering her potential '08 prospects. She has already begun making the mistake of diminishing her centrist image which she had been working so hard to develop in light of fears from her own party that she can't win the general election. It appeared on Yahoo!'s homepage today that she is reiterating her support for Ned Lamont. Her high-profile endorsement of the losing candidate will not play well on her perceived political strength, especially if Lamont ends up coming in third which is possible.

If GOP voters and GOP leaders throw their support behind their candidate, which makes sense, it is likely that the GOP could actually pick up the Connecticut seat due to a split in the Democratic Party. Assuming roughly half of Connecticut voters choose Lamont and half choose Lieberman as in the primary, even if a significant portion of the GOP voters choose Lieberman (which is likely due to incumbancy and his current very positive standing among the GOP because of the Connecticut primary) a GOP candidate losing 20% of his party's vote could actually win, adding more seats for republicans in November. To maximize returns, the GOP would be smart to do just that and put Lieberman in an appointed post such as ambassador to Israel, helping to add a bluish hue to the Republican Party and thus increase its chances in '08.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, there is good news for Mitt Romney today, a new poll shows that the most important domestic issues to republicans are tax-cuts, values, and healthcare, three issues where Romney excels. The biggest question in the air however is this, just what is Mitt Romney waiting for. He has said that he plans on making a formal decision as to whether or not to run for the presidency following the November elections. If he is waiting to see if Republicans do well, then things are increasingly looking up; the Republicans being buoyed by today's announcement of the foiled terrorist plot and a general feeling of a strong democratic advantage going to the polls, which often translates to poor voter turn out. Most likely, he is simply playing smart, it would appear early to announce a candidacy now while the last major election was the presidency. Once the November elections the presidency is the next big election to take the stage, so candidates will be able to announce their candidacy amidst election buzz, which is a recognition plus, as opposed to Fmr. Senator Mike Gravel who announced to an America not listening.

The other headline to come from the poll is that supply-side economics works for voters. Not long ago when George H.W. Bush was running for President against Ronald Reagan he called Reagan's supply-side economics "voodoo economics". With inflation, high oil prices, 9/11, and Enron, supply-side economics are seen as having passed the test, meaning Warner, Bayh and Romney have more to look forward to in the presidential election should they run.

Hillary Clinton's '08 Chances

2006-08-10T00:10:00.000-07:00

The debates were held today between GOP senate hopefuls former Yonkers Mayor John Spencer and Reagan era Pentagon official Kathleen McFarland. The debates which have been described as poor for both candidates do seem to have favored McFarland. Regardless of who wins (the primary), it is no longer assured that the GOP will be pouring money into the coffers of the winner in an effort to unseat Sen. Clinton before the '08 primaries. Sen. Clinton who is increasingly receiving bad press for her electability in 2008 is becoming for most Republicans the Democratic nominee of choice.

Senator Clinton leads both candidates in polling for her upcoming senate race. So much, in fact, that she has hasn't even started seriously campaigning for reelection, a mistake many powerful politicians have made over the years which have gotten them unseated; though that is unlikely to happen to Clinton even if she gets a late start, due to her large warchest, and hence ability to dominate the advertising and political channels on short notice. One thing is for sure, however, that if she does lose her senate race, we can say goodbye to her chances in the '08 primaries.

If Hillary is able to recover her images as she has tried, by making herself appear more centrist, she might still have a shot at her party's primaries, for which she was once considered the obvious choice. Her centrist image will certainly disappear in the general election in part due to eight years of republican dirt digging, but also because she has an unshakeable liberal demeanor. To win a general election one must be charismatic, a quality that George W. Bush has mastered, he is able to rally the troops so to speak without coming off angry and negative, he can be a powerful speaker. Hillary on the other hand has yet to be able to put power behind her words without negativity and anger that screams unhappy liberal. On the other hand, if she stays pleasant and nice she appears weak.

It was about time for a 2008 presidential analysis site to run an article on Hillary

Lieberman Changes Political Atmosphere

2006-08-08T20:16:00.000-07:00

Senator Lieberman just vaulted himself into the top spot for vice-presidential running mates for 2008. In the same night that Ned Lamont won the Democratic Primaries, Lieberman won the election. Lieberman with a national audience denounced partisan politics, and identified with republicans across the country chanting "six more years!" Following his anti-partisan remarks he sealed his views asking republicans, democrats and independents alike to donate to his campaign through his website in the morning once it's unhacked. In a move to assure he wouldn't alienate his democratic supporters he identified himself as an "independent democrat".

As I type Lamont is sealing his defeat in the November general election by shoring up financial support for Lieberman across the country speaking to the backdrop of both Rev. Jesse Jackson and Rev. Al Sharpton. As Lamont speaks, attacking the Bush administration and its policies, he essentially galvanizes the donations which Lieberman will receive in the morning in response to his genius speech. Lieberman's speech, which was televised live by Fox News to the Nation's republicans, came only minutes if not seconds after Bill O'Reilly called out the negative press against Lieberman and praised him as an honest man. Lamont continues, attacking Lieberman's support of the war, shouting "and I say its high time to bring them home to the heroes welcome" and he's dead.

As the Nation saw Lieberman concede primary defeat, they also saw their Lieberman perfectly articulate their dissatisfaction with American politics. Lieberman's denunciation of partisan politics is sure to be reiterated by the Republican party who wished Lieberman to win the primary, especially since the context of Lieberman's denunciation was in support of his occasional support of Republican policies. Lieberman's well articulated speech broadcast to millions of Americans is bound to influence American's views of negatively oriented politicians in the coming election, negatively affecting their support. As Lieberman wins the November elections, it will highlight his anti-partisan ethic and American's eroding support for big party (Republican and Democrat) politics, which has been damaged by, as Lieberman highlighted, the viscously negative atmosphere; the Senate especially has dominated political news, since '04, with particular partisan hatred. Lieberman's November win, if the Republican and Democrat parties are smart should send a message that dissatisfaction with Big Party politics can now lead to wins by Independents making them a force to be reckoned with, and also that America first and not the party is the most productive platform for Americans.

Romney vs. Frist

2006-08-08T02:25:00.000-07:00

An interesting article in a Nashville city news paper came out today extrapolating Frist and Romney's relationship. Both are similarly idealed conservatives who described each other as "very good friends". The article goes to great length quoting both complementing, in detail, each other despite the fact that they are both potential contenders for the presidency in 2008. It's worth reading the article.
The article highlights, indirectly, what will be one key tactic in winning the presidency for your party, and that's not to send your candidate into the general election after having taken a beating from their own party as well; which not only gives fodder for the opposing party, but casts the candidate in a negative light for the whole election.

The Most Exciting Primaries Ever

2006-08-05T23:05:00.000-07:00

Get ready for the most exciting primaries ever. Chances are that some new glass ceiling will be broken. There remains the possibility, as Dick Morris speculates, of a Condoleeza vs. Hillary race which would ensure a female president, barring a spectacular independent candidate, and give strength to the likelihood of our first black president. Colin Powell, as well, gives weight to the possibility of a black president. We could have our first Mormon president in Mitt Romney or Harry Reid, likely the former. Condoleeza alone could shatter multiple glass ceilings; and, the possibility of certain match-ups could make for some of the toughest fights in presidential history, such as Bayh and Romney, two candidates with proven abilities to win over opposite party voters with impressive records of turning over deficits.

No other primary has likely boasted such a wealth of power hitter contenders. Hillary Clinton, Condoleeza Rice, Rudy Giuliani, Pataki, Romney, Kerry & Edwards, John McCain... the list goes on. Is it possible that a pro-choice, non pro-family candidate like Giuliani could actually win the republican nomination, as current polls show him in the lead? Though the election is still far off, already the race is heating up. Fox News alone aired appearances by Wesley Clark, Condoleeza Rice, Rudy Giuliani, Newt Gingrich, and I'm sure others that I missed this week alone.

Mitt Romney is already receiving the most attention for his promising primary potential. He currently says he is only keeping his presidential options open and has said that he will make a formal decision as to whether or not to run after the November elections this year. It is likely that November will be packed with presidential hopefuls formal announcements, though some have already announced. The first, being Fmr. Senator Mike Gravel (D) of Alaska.

Top Ten Most Electable Presidential Candidates of 2008

2006-08-05T00:49:00.000-07:00

Mitt Romney: By far the most electable candidate of the 2008 election. Besides his proven ability to win over voters from the Democratic Party, making him a favorite in the general election, his primary prospects are so far the best of any candidate. Anti-abortion, avidly pro-family (anti-gay-marriage), and a history of turning deficits into surpluses which will be important this election season because voters are increasingly seeing republicans as overspenders. He's had his oopses but no skeletons in the closet. Digging up dirt on him will be somewhat comparable to digging to China. Entering the primaries his campaign contributions will likely top those of the rest of the field, including possibly Hillary Clinton, due to his huge fundraising base in Utah where he presided over the Salt Lake City Olympics. Possibly his greatest asset in the field of electability is that we've seen him perform in a top executive post and he's done well.
Forget the "Mormon label" as being a deterrent to his possible election. JFK dealt with the same thing—Catholic—in his election of 1960 and the ranking democrat Harry Reid is Mormon as well; meaning, Democrats won't be able to attack his religion without attacking their minority leader. Giuliani and McCain, who currently hold the lead in presidential polling, will have a hard time beating him in the primaries due to their pro-choice stance on abortion (essentially the republican litmus test).

Evan Bayh: The most electable Democrat this time around. He is likable, charismatic, and looks the part. His on the job performance is second only to perhaps Mark Warner, which means like Warner, Mitt, and others, he is very reelectable—an issue that will no doubt be a part of future candidate analysis as the election draws closer—better to win two elections instead of one. Bayh is a former successful two-term governor which means he his better qualified than just a Senator to run the nation's top executive post. He won both his elections to the Senate by wide margins receiving over 62% of the vote each time, combined with his terms as Senator, Bayh is likely the most politically qualified candidate who will enter the primaries of either party. Like all top candidates, he’s a businessman which is favorable over strict politician. The biggest question for Bayh is whether or not his party will be intelligent enough to put a centrist into the general election.

Dick Cheney: Though he has stated in the most clear terms possible that he won't run for the presidency in 2008 "'If nominated, I will not run,' 'If elected, I will not serve,' or not only no, but 'Hell no." He still ranks high for his electability if he were to run, which according to that last statement is not even a possibility. Besides having the power of association with the presidency by way of his office of vice-president, Dick Cheney has a political resume even George W. Bush could envy. Even if W’s popularity is somewhat low at the time of the 2008 election Cheney is different enough in demeanor and style to avoid any significant damage by association, having a completely different personality than W. His views on gay-marriage may trouble primary voters, however, he's skilled enough to sidestep the issue in one of many ways, and many feel that his views on the subject are ingenuine, due to his daughter, which also makes him hard to attack on the subject; Edwards tried it in the vice-presidential debate and saw his poll numbers take a significant beating, along with his image in the news. Besides having served as vice-president for the last eight years, his quiet demeanor screams “I’m smarter than you” and he could easily make other candidates look inexperienced and young.

Harry Reid: One of the few democrats who would have a shot at the general election. He would first need to overcome his negative demeanor, however, if we wants to win over enough voters. If pleasant, he could have a very good chance at beating a dark horse candidate such as George Allen or Tom Tancredo. His record is mixed enough that he can paint himself whichever way he wants and could have strong appeal among traditionally Republican Mormon voters, heavy in Arizona, Idaho, Utah, Nevada,Wyoming and Oregon, which help him pick up a few extra electoral votes, likely in Nevada (his home state) and Arizona. Forget it however, if Romney becomes his political opponent who many Mormons feel is the ideal presidential candidate.

John Edwards: If he runs, as he intends, it is almost a guarantee that he will do better than former running-mate John Kerry in the primaries this time. John Kerry has already lost a presidential election and the ghosts in the closet have already been exposed, John Edwards on the other hand has only lost primaries, which has virtually no effect on future primary elections. His political resume is somewhat the opposite of vice-president Cheney's, as highlighted in the vice-presidential debate of 2004, in which Cheney smashed his credibility making him look foolish and young. If the two were to run against each other in a general election, expect a landslide victory by Dick Cheney.John Edwards is intelligent. It is likely that he has learned several lessons since 2004, which was his first time in the national spotlight. His political posturing ability is mysteriously second-to-none having finagled his way into his party's vice-presidential nomination part way through his first term as a senator having no previous political career; having been on a general presidential election ticket he will appear more experienced and qualified than he is. He makes this list because of his shot at winning the primaries. He will likely have about as hard of time as John Kerry winning the general election.

Barack Obama: The new Leiberman. Barack Obama is painted as middle-of-road by democrats, but is actually a leftist democrat who simply stands up for what he believes in regardless of partisanship. Barack is an accomplished, very intelligent speaker and his message resonates with much of America, republican or democrat. Likely one of the democrats' best candidates if he were to decide to run, which he has stated he will not. He is inexperienced, this being his first term in the Senate, and would likely have a hard time funding his campaign amidst other democratic party contenders.

Condoleeza Rice: The movement to "draft" Condoleeza Rice into the presidency is sort of happening from with under her, with no real participation of her own part. The movement has plateaued however, as of late, as Hillary Clinton is being seen as less and less of potential '08 contender, to whom Condoleeza was seen as the perfect counter.Condoleeza is an excellent speaker and extremely intelligent, and could trounce most of her contenders in the primary debates should she decide to seek her party's nomination, a skill which could make her the candidate to beat in the primaries if she is duly able to dominate time at the mic—doubtful given her company. Her electability could skyrocket as high as the two spot if it becomes increasingly likely that Hillary will become the Democratic candidate; which, as it stands, is unlikely. Condoleeza also recieves points for her amazing skills at dimplomacy, a skill that democrats tend to view republicans as very poor with. Condoleeza's primary possibilities could seriously be booned by a possible endorsement of President Bush. But it is likely that he will refrain from endorsing any candidate till the general election; because endorsing a losing primary candidate could hurt the party's chances in the general election.

Mark Warner: A former Governor of Virginia is often considered one of the most electable Democrats in a general election because of his centrist views. However, he lacks the name recognition of a winning primary candidate in part because he is no longer in office (due to term restrictions). The Senate has dominated the news recently and Warner hasn't managed to put himself in the spotlight as former Senator John Edwards has. With the majority of the Democratic Party leaning to the far-left it is likely that Mark Warner may be too centrist for his party's support. He is, however, the type of candidate that can get re-elected, evidenced by his very high approval ratings leaving office, 80%.

Colin Powell: Though he has not stated any intentions to run, from an electability standpoint, He is likely the most versatile of any possible candidate. Though most people don't even know his party affiliation, he is highly respected on all sides of the aisle and may take the cake from Mitt Romney as the most presidential-looking candidate on the board. Colin Powell is generally not considered in 2008 presidential polling, but when he is considered, tends to do very well. His electability will only increase as the world becomes more war-torn. He finds himself at the bottom of this list simply because he will have a difficult time winning the primaries. Colin Powell is a Republican but not anti-abortion. Further, he supports affirmative action and limited gun control. Though affirmative action may be another problem for him, it is hard to argue with a former joint chiefs of staff on proper gun use. Colin Powell does have another advantage, however, and that it has been a long time since he has been quoted on any of his views about abortion etc... meaning he could shift relatively easily. If the Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade, it also could become a non-issue. If he were to run as an independent, a political orientation becoming more and more popular, he would be the most successful independent candidate ever, likely with a shot at the presidency.

Bill Frist: Bill Frist finds himself in an interesting position. He's a good candidate on the positions but finds himself in a den of Power Hitters and is likely to get eclipsed by the likes of Mitt Romney, Rudy Giuliani, George Pataki, and other big wigs, which is unusual for a Senate Majority Leader. The Republican party is a party of strong candidates this year, and the Democrats will have a hard time either electing the right candidate or finding the right candidate.