It's spring 2015 and the primary to replace two-term Democratic President Barack Obama is underway. The country is enjoying a period of economic comfort, with a balanced budget, restored reputation of diplomacy (save occasionally frosty relations with Iran). Former President Bill Clinton has worked tirelessly to help establish some semblance of tolerant coexistence between Israeli leaders and Palestinian leaders, and while the U.S. continues it's military presence in Afghanistan, it is mostly on a peacekeeping basis. Pakistan, after a period of turbulence in the early years of President Obama's first term, is under the governance of Benazir Bhutto's son, who has energized young Pakistanis to work toward change and hope over violence and fear. Gay marriage is legal in all but 10 states and age-appropriate sex ed is taught in all public schools beginning in the sixth grade.
The Republican candidates, who began announcing their intents to run as early as 2013, are a mix of extreme right conservatives, fiscal conservatives looking to roll back the taxes Obama raised on the wealthiest Americans and cut social welfare programs, and defense hawks who wish the Obama administration had not "abandoned" Iraq, which continues to struggle with occasional insurgent violence, though no worse than what is seen day-to-day in Jerusalem.
One-term Alaskan Senator Sarah Palin has mounted a campaign to restore America's "strong moral foundation." Governor Bobby Jindal is rallying younger voters in the Republican party the way Obama did for Democrats in 2008. Mike Huckabee threatens to capture the conservative vote that Palin seeks, and his temperament and higher likability are more appealing to even the moderates in the party.
Mayor Michael Bloomberg, having served longer consecutive terms as mayor of Manhattan than anyone, has thrown his hat into the race as an Independent, and has garnered support early from Wall Street and business tycoons as well as moderate Republicans.
Who will the Democrats run?
Rahm Emanuel, former Illinois congressman and White House Chief-of-Staff for President Obama, has strengthened his already impeccable record of "getting things done." As potentially the first viable Jewish candidate for the presidency, Democrats see his candidacy as a chance to keep things moving along swimmingly, avoiding any massive transitions in government that may throw the economy for a loop.
Now serving her second term in the Senate, Senator Kay Hagan who defeated Elizabeth Dole handily in 2008 has helped Democrats keep North Carolina blue. She has served on numerous Senate committees and enjoys popularity among a wide range of demographics. Her speech at the 2012 convention about religions coinciding peacefully was compared to Barack Obama's unity speech in 2004.
Senator Hillary Clinton has not announced her candidacy, but having been appointed to the Supreme Court in 2011, it's a safe bet that she will not.
Virginia Governor Tim Kaine has announced his candidacy, and his childhood roots in Minnesota and Missouri have helped make him a nationally viable choice.
Who do you think will join this elite race?