The Candidates: Democratic Detritus
April 18th, 2007 | by Scott |At this point we have looked at the top three Democratic contenders for the 2008 nomination.
We’ve looked at the top 3 Republicans.
We’ve spun through the list of Republicans who are basically throwing money at a lost cause.
You can access those discussions here.
Barring the inevitable late entries by Gingrich, Thompson and Gore all that is left is to take a look at the pretenders in the Democratic field. I will still reserve Wednesday’s for all things politic but this will wind up the look at the candidates. At least until I have Newt in my crosshairs.
Throughout the series the Democrats have consistently drawn more comments from my largely Republican leadership with John Edwards, my choice for 2008 thus far, bringing in the most.
Like the Republicans it is a huge drop-off once you move past the top 3 of the Democrats.
Bill Richardson–Despite an extensive and impressive resume, including stints as governor of New Mexico, UN Ambassador and secretary of Energy, Richardson is still nationally an unknown. He brings more diversity to an already diverse field and has ample credentials to campaign on.
He has bolster New Mexico’s economy, been nominated for the Nobel Prize multiple times and has more foreign policy experience than most, if not all, in the field.
Again he is the most experienced candidate in the field but he doesn’t have the right last name.
Joe Biden–Has foot-in-mouth disease. Too many Pat Robertson-esque comments make him too much of a political liability.
Christopher Dodd–Yawn. He looks like my banker. He wins cachet points for having once dated Bianca Jagger but those are negated for being in bed with Enron.
Mike Gravel–Who?
Dennis Kucinich–He never officially ended his campaign last time, did he? Reminds me of Lamar Alexander, who has already thrown his hat in the ring for 2012 and is already in his denim shirt, riding his pick-up around Tennessee. I like him but he ain’t got a prayer.
Any thoughts on the hangers-on?
11 Responses to “The Candidates: Democratic Detritus”
By justin on Apr 18, 2007 | Reply
Richardson might be the only Democrat I would vote for if I voted.
He bolstered the economy because of tax cuts, btw. Probably for the wealthiest of the wealthy. I bet he hates poor people.
And also, if Biden were a Republican, there is no way he would still be in office. “I mean, if you wanna go in a 7/11 you practically have to have an indian accent.”
Wow.
BTW, Scott, I’d like to see your take on Elizabeth Edwards hating on poor people cause they don’t vote for her husband and they live across the street.
By Tracy on Apr 18, 2007 | Reply
As disgruntled as I am with the current presidency and the state of the GOP; I just don’t think I could vote for a Dem. as President. Just can’t.
By R-Liz on Apr 18, 2007 | Reply
Tracy– I’m curious if you’ll share some more of your thoughts on this. I am party-less (in my 11+ years of voting, I have yet to register with a political party), and appreciate people sincerely hashing this out. I’d love to hear from some more of the ladies out there.
By Politics and Culture on Apr 19, 2007 | Reply
I’m disappointed that none of the Democratic candidates (that I’m aware of) came out in favor of the Supreme Court ruling on partial-birth abortion yesterday.
How anyone could think that horrible procedure should be continued is beyond me.
By Scott on Apr 19, 2007 | Reply
Justin, I’ll leave the Edwards bashing to your blog.
Yeah, Tracy. What R-Liz said: why?
Politics, I agree with you. Partial-birth abortion is a horrendous act.
By jasonk on Apr 19, 2007 | Reply
Yesterday’s sound bites from the Supreme Court decision should wake all of us to the mentality of the current candidates on both sides of the fence. I thought it was interesting that Rudy and Mitt immediately praised the ruling, whereas prior to their run for the White House, they might have reserved comment. On the other hand, Clinton, Obama, and Edwards slammed the decision, and seem to think of it as a step backward. Obama and Clinton I can see saying that. But Edwards? He is from the south, and even though he is a Democrat, I think he missed his chance to solidify himself as a moderate Democrat, and bring left-leaning Republicans to his side. Now he has shown his true colors: a president who would authorize even the most violent acts against helpless babies. I was thinking of voting for John Edwards. Not now. No thanks.
By Scott on Apr 19, 2007 | Reply
It seems both sides operate under the slippery slope fears (with the slope heading in different directions depending on the stance) when it comes to abortion.
It’s unfortunate but I believe that is at the heart of why we can’t have a sensible discussion on the topic in today’s climes.
By Doug Freeman on Apr 19, 2007 | Reply
Scott, lets face it. If you put the top three together in both parties and looked at their talents and abilities, what would you have? Fear and confusion. I agree with tracy, I just don’t know who in either group could lead our nation in the right direction. Don’t mention Huckabee because he is a loser from the git go.
By Justin on Apr 19, 2007 | Reply
I think our 24 hour news cycle has pretty much destroyed democracy. The constant coverage has made it where the folks that we’d want to run the country would never make the decision to run for office, because they’d rather stay in the private sector. I sure as heck don’t want all my flaws broadcast to the world. And God knows I’ve got plenty.
To deal with that, you have to either have an unparalleled love of country or unbridled ambition.
Maybe its just me, but I gotta believe that most fall in category two.
By Scott on Apr 19, 2007 | Reply
It’s huge when such staunch life-long Republicans have no confidence in their candidates.
And Justin, does this mean you won’t be seeking office?
By Justin on Apr 19, 2007 | Reply
Probably not.
But let me assure you, there was a time when I wanted to be in politics. Not too long ago. Like 2 and a half years ago when I thought I was gonna be a poli sci major and was taking poli sci classes.
The gospel has a way of changing things.