I have nothing against Hillary. While I lean more toward the Warren-Sanders wing, I think Hillary is talented, tough and is more progressive on some things than we give her credit. I also think that if she looks like she'll be a near-sure winner in the fall, we can't afford to take a chance on letting Jeb Bush or Rand Paul appoint the next 3 SCOTUS justices.
That said... you never put all your eggs in one basket. We have seen fine, fine people and candidates destroyed over non-issues (the Dean scream), poor journalism (Kerry swiftboating), or outright lies/conspiracy/hatred (the multiple issues Obama overcame).
I think given her history, Hillary is a) tough and ready to defend herelf and b) as well vetted as any candidate in history, so while its less likely to happen, we need a back-up. Explore the issue below the squiggle.
I am of the mindset that there is pretty much nothing that can be said about Hillary Clinton that we haven't heard and won't be met with a collective YAWN by most of the country. I also seriously doubt there is an October surprise waiting - the right wouldn't have the self-discipline when they would rather have taken her out of the race early.
But...
What if Bill Clinton gets really sick or god forbid worse? Does she campaign?
What if Bill Clinton does something stupid.
What if a non-issue blows up into an issue...
...and we find ourselves with a candidate in trouble and a primary lacking choices.
I love Bernie Sanders. I truly believe in a race between, say, Bernie Sanders and Rand Paul, Sanders wins. But I am not sure about a race between a Christie, Jeb or Kasich, anyone perceived as "mainstream" by our shallow media.
So what would an idea Dem primary look like?
Bernie Sanders - can he win the general?
Martin O'Malley - I'm sorry, but Baltimore has made me lose all sorts of confidence in him.
Jim Webb - he could win, though he's a so-so campaigner.
Who else would we want to see in the race?