Since this blog is about elections, let's forget about governing in Congress for a moment and contemplate the next election coming in 2008. Here's a look at some of the recent data.
Source: pollingreport.com
Most interesting poll is the one post-'06 election (Nov. 9-10) by Newsweek, which shows the generic Democrat leading the generic Republican 48% to 28%, with 4% other ane 20% undecided. (How the Rethugs must hate Bush!)
About specific candidates, CNN asked: "As I read you the names of some possible candidates for president in 2008, please tell me if there is a good chance, some chance, or no chance you would vote for each one. If I mention someone you've never heard of, just say so. What about [candidate]?"
There's bad news here for Gingrich, Gore, and Kerry: More than 50% of those polled say there is "no chance" they would vote for these candidates.
Hillary's negatives ("no chance") are at 45%. Also, with high negatives, Condoleeza Rice is at 43%. By contrast, Obama is at 24%, Edwards 36%, Biden 34%. (This is near the "dead Republican vote" -- 35% of people would always vote for a dead Republican rather than any Democrat.)
Despite the "rock star" bubble, 34% have "never heard of" Obama. Also, relatively unknow: Biden at 36%. (The next two years as chair of Senate Foreign Relations Committee could change that.)
Amazingly, everyone seems to have heard of Hillary. (Where's are the usual 4% who don't know anything?!)
For the sake of discussion/argument, here's my unpatented electability index: Combine 100% of "good chance," 75% of "some chance" and 50% of "never heard of." (Actually any Democrat might reasonably expect more than 50% of the "never heard of" if the election were today given the generic party preference for Ds.) The electability rankings. (Keep in mind that these numbers are based on polling data with a MoE of about 3-4%.
Guiianni, 51.5%
Obama 51.25%
McCain, 50.5%
Clinton 48%,
Rice 46.25%;
Edwards 44%
Romney 39.75%
Gore 39%
Biden 37.75%
Kerry 35%
Gingrich 28.75%