So here's a thought.
What if we analyze the candidates from abroad?
Say you're a French guy, or even better Mr. Mitterand (which I don't particularly like).
Let's say it clear: you don't like America. You were right to say that Saddam had no WMD, but they didn't listen to you. Even better they rallied the whole world (meaning small emerging countries looking for a protector) against you; they called you arrogant when you tried to gain time and check if in fact there were WMD; they actually went a long way to demonstrate that you were only trying to obstruct the "War on terra".
There's a lot of mending to do around the world. What Bush is leaving behind (hopefully he
IS leaving!) is a world orphan of the only recognized forum to face international crisis (the UN). The European Union found new great divide to further postpone the approval of its constitution and to start playing an international role that balances the lone US. The Arab world, abandoned in the Palestinian issue and profiled and persecuted all over the planet, is compacting together in a renown hate for the US. The rest of the world, the developing countries of Asia, Africa and the always struggling South America, is forgotten and left behind.
What candidate then can help better trying to fix such a huge mess?
A general? One that voted for the war, but then changed his mind? One that voted for the war and never changed his mind? Or one that opposed the war and the dumping of the UN?
Mmmm... tough choice.