Where is Hubert Horatio Humphrey Jr.?

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Saturday August 18, 2007 · 3:39 AM PDT

2007/08/18 · 03:39

Hubert Humphrey was selected as LBJ's vice president in 64 and ran for president in 68. Despite the Chicago convention, the anti-war blame on LBJ, and Humphrey's effort's not to criticize LBJ; he almost won in 68. He lost the popular vote by 0.7%.

I remember the 68 election well. I wish I could bottle the essence of HHH and give that essence to one of the Democratic candidates running today. Representative Kucinich comes closest. HHH combined an incurable ebullience with principle. Al Gore discovered this near the end of his 2000 campaign and almost won. The dour John Kerry never did.

These are serious times that demand both a positive outlook and principle. The question is who brings this to the "table?"

I do not know. Barack Obama stands a chance. The question is can he better express his principles and better express his inherent optimism. For Hillary Clinton the question is; can she overcome the odor of scandal Republicans have successfully stuck to her to get Bill, in addition to being able to somehow exude an optimistic outlook through a John Kerry like dour disposition.

Without question Bill Richardson is the most "qualified" person running. Can he learn to give an HHH like barn burner of a speech is the question. Richardson has the principle, but can he show it. Kucinich is by far the most principled, yet he somehow looks lite when he expresses the principle. How can he combine the principle with the joy of helping America become a better nation. He has the joy, but the joy comes off like a child at Christmas.

Then there is Edwards. Edwards, seemingly has punched all the right buttons; Vice Presidential Candidate, self made millionaire, good orator, positive in the face of personal tragedy, in favor of many democratic principles; and yet Edwards appears to lack principle. His vote and recantation on the war contribute to that appearance. His endless campaign also contributes. His apparent youth also contributes to an impression he has not yet developed principle.

The rest of the candidates do not impress me as having a chance. Just as many Republicans are looking for Ronald Reagan; I think the democratic candidates would do well to look at HHH and see if they can capture his essence.

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