Ok, so my last diary on this sucked. I forgot some candidates unintentionally. The following is my analysis of some who could be candidates. If I missed someone, it was accidental, so plz dont get angry.
Wes Clark: a guy I forgot last time and shouldnt have.
Pros: remarkable record, rhodes scholar, several military achievements. used to be a republican which hurt him in the primaries I think, but could be an asset in the general election. great speaker and comes off very well. Strong, but still friendly like a grandpa.
Cons: hasnt served in elected office. To me that is a bit of detriment. To others, it is not. Would love it if he ran for governor in 06 in AR.
Hilary
Pros: has apparently built a moderate record in the Senate. hawkish on issues like Iraq. Voted for the war and the money, and even stated we should send more troops over there. Might helps her with moderates/republicans. Plus many in the base absolutely love her. Could help bring many more women to the party.
Cons: the very mention of her no matter her record is polarizing. Has an abrasive speaking style which turns some off. Her husband is also polarizing.
Howard Dean
Pros: was right about Iraq, was anti-war from the start and it was partly b/c of him that Kerry got 56 million votes. A governor, so you can point out an achievement easier.
Cons: The scream will be back. Ppl might be afraid to vote for him in wartime. His legalization of gay unions will become an issue. I dont think we should apologize for that to get Republicans, but I think it would tough to neutralize that issue. Some of his comments could come back to bite him(not safe w/o Saddam, confederate flags on pick-up trucks).
John Kerry
Pros: The man did get the second votes ever. Deserves at least another look. As mentioned by many here, if he goes after Bush the next 4 years, he could be a possiblity
Cons: The SVB"T" will be back. The "I voted for it, before I voted against it" will be back. The attacks on THK will be back. I dont think they should attack THK, but even I was irritated by some of things she said. Americans need to like the potential first lady and they dont like THK, unfortunately.
Al Gore
Pros: he's new and improved! He did win th pop vote after all.If Nixon did it, why not Gore. Could remind us of the good old days but would be less polarizing than the Clintons.
Cons : might come off as too angry. could have trouble in his homestate again and in the south.
Mark Warner
Pros: young, good looking, very popular in Va(could probably flip it). A centrist(pro-choice and pro-death penalty). Had a great speech on why he is a Dem. Good on base issues like education, jobs, healthcare. Good on Homeland security. Elizabeth Edwards-like wife and a great family. a self-made man
Cons: apparently raised taxes and would only be a one term governor. Not very charismatic.
John Edwards
Pros: very charismatic. Great family. Might be able to bring NC and some of the south at the top of the ticket. Great on domestic issues(Two Americas).
Cons: Not incredibly popular in his home state. The Iraq votes will come back to hurt him as will the liberal label. He's only a one term senator and wont be in office the next four years.
Barack Obama
Pros: Oh, you guys know! :)
Cons: not enough experience. Has said he wont be on the ticket in '08. '12 might be better with 8 years in the senate. Seems like an approriate amount of time IMO.
Ed Rendell
Pros: straight talking guy. Apparently a legend for what he did as mayor of Philly. Could help soldify a dem leaning state and keep 21 EVs.
Cons: might be labeled as a NE liberal.
Bill Richardson
Pros: he's hispanic and could help bring the southwest.
Cons: too much baggage from the Clinton Administration, and Los Alamos. Seems to come off as self-serving IMO.
Tom Vilsack
Pros: From the midwest. I think relates to rural voters and could be good on issues like the economy and Iraq, in relation to rural voters.
Cons: not a great speaker. Dont know about appeal across the country. Maybe a good VP.
so what are your thoughts?