It's never too early to start looking at the next presidential race!
The Vice-Prez and Hillary Clinton are clearly the two biggest names in the 2016 Presidential race. But they are certainly not the only names.
Obviously they both want, or at least wanted, to be president. But let's say for discussion sake that Clinton's denials are true, and Biden's age (74 at the election) keep them from running. Who are the other contenders?
Governor Andrew Cuomo, New York-
His dad almost ran in 1992, history quite possibly would have been very different if he had. He has rankled some in the base, but as the popular governor with high name-rec in a large deep-blue state, he is in a good spot to launch a bid. A breezy reelection bid will be an excuse to start fundraising and running a campaign.
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, New York-
Another popular New York pol. Her profile and especially her fundraising prowess would make her a credible candidate.
Sen-elect Elizabeth Warren, Massachusetts-
Warren, as we all know, is well-liked by progressives and is a great fundraiser. That gives her a good place to start, though she is pretty early in her electoral career.
Governor Deval Patrick, Massachusetts-
Patrick has denied interest but his name still comes up. He is on good terms with the President. Patrick could get a good chunk of the African-American vote if he is the lone black candidate.
Mayor Cory Booker, Newark, New Jersey-
Mayor Booker has long been looked at as a rising star. He may run for Governor or Senator in the meantime, though neither of those present an easy target.
Jumping from Mayor of Newark to President would be a pretty big leap. He has plenty of time though, at 43 years of age. Booker certainly has his fans, and as far as I know is the only other legitimate African-American potential candidate besides Patrick.
Gov. Martin O'Malley, Maryland-
O'Malley is the democratic governor of an affluent, liberal northeastern state. His perch as the head of the DGA both gives him a higher profile, and the opportunity to earn some favors from pols in place like Iowa, New Hampshire, and South Carolina.
Sen. Mark Warner, Virginia-
Warner has a few things going for him. He has executive experience and national experience as the former governor and a current senator of Virginia. He has always been very popular, and has the ability to self-fund.
His moderate, swing-state profile could help or hurt him. He would be a strong general election candidate and would probably be different from the field. On the other hand, he probably wouldn't have much progressive energy behind his candidacy.
Sen. Amy Klobuchar, Minnesota-
Klobuchar has gotten some mentioned as potentially the first major female presidential nominee. I am not sure that she has much of a national profile, but if she is the only woman who declares that may be enough to give her a niche.
Gov. Brian Schweitzer, Montana-
Schweitzer has raised his profile with some DNC speeches. He also has managed to remain popular as a D governor in an R state. He probably wouldn't start with a ton of support but I'd imagine he would do well in debates.
Homeland Secretary Janet Napolitano-
Napolitano hasn't gotten a lot of press as a potential candidate, but I have a hard time imagining an open democratic field without a female candidate. Her role as SOHS should help her overcome some of the bias towards female candidates on toughness. She was previously Governor of Arizona.
Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Los Angeles, California-
I am a bit surprised that Villaraigosa is mentioned as a serious candidate. Having dealt with marital infidelity, ethics violations, and other troubles, he is not particularly popular and would have some easy targets.
Still, as likely the only west coast candidate and the only Latino, he might have a niche. Still that doesn't automatically make you a serious candidate (just ask Presidential nominee Bill Richardson).
Who would you vote for of these candidates? Who else might run? What do you think the field will look like in three years?