The politician I would hate to see run against our nominee in 08

[Nimble_Idea]

is Rudy.

I really hope the fundies take over the party and pick Pat robertson or something. Maybe Frist, would love to see that loser get 40% of the vote. But if they throw Rudy at us.......

I would go off the deep end and say Run Holy Joe against him.

lol

[efhmc]

1. McCain

[zulchzulu]

16. I bet McCain will not be around in 2008

He will be 72 then. He looks ill now. I'm not saying he will be dead then, but I'm sure he will be way out of the running.

[efhmc]

20. Well, he has had a hard life, both physically and politically.

If I were he I would go to a mountain somewhere and rest and write some truths about the bushies and make some money. Seems like a lot more fun than running for pres.

[LiberalFighter]

40. Republican Senators and their age in 2008

Red are those that will be 66 or older in 2008

ALEXANDER, Lamar
TN 1940 68
ALLARD, A. Wayne
CO 1943 65
ALLEN, George
VA 1952 56
BENNETT, Robert
UT 1933 75
BOND, Christopher Samuel (Kit)
MO 1939 69
BROWNBACK, Sam Dale
KS 1956 52
BUNNING, James Paul David
KY 1931 77
BURNS, Conrad
MT 1935 73
CAMPBELL, Ben Nighthorse
CO 1933 75
CHAFEE, Lincoln Davenport
RI 1953 55
CHAMBLISS, Saxby
GA 1943 65
COCHRAN, William Thad
MS 1937 71
COLEMAN, Norm
MN 1949 59
COLLINS, Susan Margaret
ME 1952 56
CORNYN, John
TX 1952 56
CRAIG, Larry Edwin
ID 1945 63
CRAPO, Michael Dean
ID 1951 57
DeWINE, Michael
OH 1947 61
DOLE, Elizabeth Hanford
NC 1936 72
DOMENICI, Pete Vichi
NM 1932 76
ENSIGN, John Eric
NV 1958 50
ENZI, Michael B.
WY 1944 64
FITZGERALD, Peter G.
IL 1960 48
FRIST, William H.
TN 1952 56
GRAHAM, Lindsey O.
SC 1955 53
GRASSLEY, Charles Ernest
IA 1933 75
GREGG, Judd Alan
NH 1947 61
HAGEL, Charles Timothy (Chuck)
NE 1946 62
HATCH, Orrin Grant
UT 1934 74
HUTCHISON, Kathyrn Ann Bailey (Kay)
TX 1943 65
INHOFE, James Mountain
OK 1934 74
KYL, Jon Llewellyn
AZ 1942 66
LOTT, Chester Trent
MS 1941 67
LUGAR, Richard Green
IN 1932 76
McCAIN, John Sidney, III
AZ 1936 72
McCONNELL, Addison Mitchell (Mitch)
KY 1942 66
MURKOWSKI, Lisa
AK 1957 51
NICKLES, Donald Lee
OK 1948 60
ROBERTS, Charles Patrick (Pat)
KS 1936 72
SANTORUM, Richard John (Rick)
PA 1958 50
SESSIONS, Jefferson Beauregard III (Jeff)
AL 1946 62
SHELBY, Richard C.
AL 1934 74
SMITH, Gordon Harold
OR 1952 56
SNOWE, Olympia Jean
ME 1947 61
SPECTER, Arlen
PA 1930 78
STEVENS, Theodore F. (Ted)
AK 1923 85
SUNUNU, John E.
NH 1964 44
TALENT, James Matthes
MO 1956 52
THOMAS, Craig Lyle
WY 1933 75
VOINOVICH, George Victor
OH 1936 72
WARNER, John William
VA 1927 81

[GRLMGC]

34. Unfortunately

You're probably right. I've heard Dems say that they like him or that he's one of the only Repubs they like. I think he'll be backstabbed by the Bushies though, when they back someone else.

[tk2kewl]

2. guiliani is an ass

and if the democratic party grows some balls between now and 08 guiliani could get a serious ass whoopin in my opinion

[eleny]

9. I agree

He's pro choice, that should be the kiss of death. And if that's not enough - he also boinked his girlfriend when the wife was out but his kid was at home. He's damaged goods as far as running for national office.

I'd love it if he ran against Hillary for the Senate. He's a guy who wronged his wife while she was a wife who was wronged. New Yorkers would punish the right wing for their hypocrisy. C'mon Rudy, we gotcha vote right here.

[zulchzulu]

17. It would be easy to paint Rudy as a Mob-ruled New Yawker

9/11 (which is the only reason we even have this ass in the mix) will be a long ago memory. Rudy won't be able to exploit it. The Repuglified Theocons would never let a "moderate" whop get the nomination.

It will either be Frist for Diebold-driven Hagel.

[JohnKleeb]

18. I dont think they'll take Hagel

They like people with high connections to the Christian Right and while Hagel is a conservative, he is like McCain not well liked by the fundie wing of the GOP, a lot of rank and file republicans don't like him. We discussed him in class a little the other day and a republican I know said he didn't really like him much and the others agreed. I don't mind him as much but of course I wouldnt support him.

[zulchzulu]

21. Um...The Theocons might give Hagel a pass...he has a 0% with NARAL etc.

Methinks they would like Ol' chuckie a lot. Add that he has delivered a couple fixed elections due to his ties to Diebold and they might hold their nose and sign up. He is a Vietnam Vet too...

Snip:
Voted YES on criminal penalty for harming unborn fetus during other crime. (Mar 2004)
Voted YES on banning partial birth abortions except for maternal life. (Mar 2003)
Voted YES on maintaining ban on Military Base Abortions. (Jun 2000)
Voted YES on banning partial birth abortions. (Oct 1999)
Voted YES on disallowing overseas military abortions. (May 1999)
Rated 0% by NARAL, indicating a pro-life voting record. (Dec 2003)
Voted NO on banning lawsuits against gun manufacturers for gun violence. (Mar 2004)
Voted NO on background checks at gun shows. (May 1999)
Voted YES on more penalties for gun & drug violations. (May 1999)
Voted YES on loosening license & background checks at gun shows. (May 1999)
Voted YES on maintaining current law: guns sold without trigger locks. (Jul 1998)
Rated A by the NRA, indicating a pro-gun rights voting record. (Dec 2003)
Rated 0% by the LCV, indicating anti-environment votes. (Dec 2003)
Voted YES on increasing penalties for drug offenses. (Nov 1999)

http://www.ontheissues.org/Senate/Chuck_Hagel.htm

[yankeedem]

44. Hagel sure can deliver the Republican vote

since he owns the company that makes the machines.

[Stinky The Clown]

42. That's "wop" and it isn't nice

If yer gunna throw ethnic epithets hither and thither, at least be kind enough to spell correctly the slur that applies to me.

Thanks!

[Stinky The Clown]

41. Giuliani is already politically dead

Kerik killed him. He's toast. Mark my words. The most .... **most** .... he cold hope for is NY Senator against Hillary .... and I think he would lose to her.

[Us vs Them]

3. Ahnold. n/t

[Ken Burch]

33. Not to worry...

Unless the constitution gets changed AND Ahnold also goes antichoice and antigay, he ain't happenin'

[IowaGuy]

4. I dunno....

seems like Rudy's relationship with Kerik will leave him pretty damaged goods....people are catterwallin' and cluckin over Kerik, but I believe the real story is how this is goin to affect Rudy...it can't help him....

[Obviousman]

6. four years is a long time of insulation

Political mis-steps now can be afforded by anyone.

[Merlot]

5. Why waste your time fearing their candidate

Lets just find someone better...oh, and do away with those pesky voting machines.

[Obviousman]

7. I agree

the more we play defense, the more we will lose.

[salin]

8. Rudy's skeleton's would kill him

his exceed the typical closet and are more mansion filling in size of magnitude.

[roguevalley]

10. Rudy is arrogant and unstable, that is, he would fly off the handle

at the SLIGHTEST hint that he's not perfect. He really did himself an injury with Kerik. Thank goodness. He's such a potential loser for them.

[Razorback_Democrat]

11. Rudy's got a little egg on his face due to Gerkin (is that the name)

sounds like a pickle

anyway the HS guy he pushed that had to withdraw.

[bklyncowgirl]

12. I've got a better chance of becoming GOP nominee than Rudy

The guy is pro choice. (except when he's pro life for political reasons,it changes rather frequently) He roomed with a gay pal while going through his rather messy divorce.

He was involved in a sordid and public affair the highlights of which included him and his girlfriend appearing at a press conference in bathrobes to promote nooners in NYCs many fine hotels and his soon to be ex wife appearing in the "Vagina Monologues".

While admittedly, as an amateur cartoonist and lover of political humor, I secretly hope for a Guiliani - Clinton race, sadly, I think it will be some boring Neo Con like Bill Frist because McCain ain't getting it either.

[Old Mouse]

13. They could run a marmoset in a gingham dress

and we still wouldn't stand a chance.

We ran a brilliant, decorated war hero against a bumbling, drunken stooge who deserted his post in a time of war and we lost... suddenly... at the very last minute... because Rove "made some phone calls" to a couple of churches... in states they had already won.

They have four years to prep for the next election with the full power of the presidency, house, senate, and supreme court. We must put all energy into overturning this election, as there might not be another.

[Redleg]

14. Rudy is a skull-headed fuck face freak.

He will lose his sorry ass.

[Nordic]

30. LOL! Right on!

[mandyky]

15. Press conference Rudy??!!

The man asked his wife for a divorce by holding a press conference!
I don't think so, and now we have the kerick thing. NO way Rudy would make it!

[zulchzulu]

19. Chuck Hagel and his ties to Diebold

Either way you look at it, if we don't have REAL voter reform and the complete disposal of BBVs, it won't matter who we run.

Chuck Hagel, with ties to Diebold and other electronic voting machines, might get the nod if only because the Repugs will know the election is rigged and ready.

[Orangepeel]

you hope the fundies take over the party?

that ship has sailed. they own it lock, stock and barrel.

[Orangepeel]

22. sorry, double click

[Finding Rawls]

23. I don't see them picking Rudy

He's too liberal on social issues to get the nod. He wouldn't even take New York and he might get some vote splitting in the south. Nightmare for the republicans

[newyawker99]

38. Hi Finding Rawls!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[deminflorida]

24. Are shitting me???

Rudy's closet is VERY ripe for picking.....

Bring him on....

[cire4]

25. Moderates won't be able to win the Republican primary

The Republican electorate has become even more right-wing and even more fundie since 2000. They will not nominate a pro-choice politician so that cancels out Rudy and Ahhnold. McCain is out of favor with the party establishment.

My money is on Col. governor Bill Owens or Frist. Perhaps another fundie will step forward.

[Griffy]

26. wont matter.. Kerry's 2nd term will be easy.. after this debacle! nt

[election_2004]

27. Frist or Santorum

Although hopefully "Little Ricky" will be out of the Senate by '07.

Both Frist and Santorum have shown they will pander to the Far Right at any cost, and both need to be kept away from the White House at all costs.

We can't take it for granted that a Democrat will have it in the bag in '08.

[Julien Sorel]

28. Other things being equal, McCain represents their best chance.

He's conservative, has a good war record, and would probably keep the red states red: I think he'd do well in the South, and he'd certainly do well in the Plains, and Southwest -- his home base. But he'll be 72. And he hasn't looked so hot lately. I think age might work against him some.


The Dems have gotten beat by the narrowest of margins twice swimming against the tide. In 2000, Gore was running after the Dems held the White House two terms in a row. Historically, that favors the out of power party. And this time, Kerry lost against an incumbent -- again, swimming against the tide. This time, the Democrats will have the advantage. I think a guy who can cast himself as a reformer, someone like Chuck Hagel, would be dangerous, because he can almost run against Bush as well as Democrats could, trying to nullify the out-of-power advantage the Dems have. He's delivered some nice zingers against Bush, and could run as a real conservative. He'd kill throughout the midwest, and Iowa neighbors his home state of Nebraska, which would likely take it out of play. He would probably do well in Minnesota, as well. And he's consevative enough for the South.

All the other candidates (except Rudy) would be trying to win with the Bush electoral map and under the Bush aegis. Hagel would be the outsider. I think that makes him the most dangerous of the lot. Whether he can win the nomination against Frist, Rudy and McCain is a different story.

Rudy is a wild card. Would he hold the South? He almost guarantees New York flips, Pennsylvania becomes even shakier, and he puts a lot of other states in play because he's a moderate, but against the right candidate the South could fall away. Plus I'm not sure the country is ready to see President Skeletor on their TV screen every night.

[Leilani]

32. Interesting analysis

McCain won't get the nomination, but he's IMO the biggest threat, if he did.

He would take the red states, would run strong in the Southwest because of his maverick, independent streak, & could run well enough
in the suburbs with moderate Repubs to turn some states red: for instance Pennsylvania. Also, he's loved in New Hampshire: lots of indies & non-fundie republicans. New Jersey & Ct would also be McCain type states.

[JI7]

29. the less likely they are to win the Primary the more of a threat they are

in the General election.

and i'm not talking about the gary bauer, alan keyes, type candidates.

i mean people like McCain, Chuck Hagel, .

as for Giuliani i think if we run a southern protestant democrat against him then we might win some southern states because of people who in that case will view giuliani as the outsider yankee and because giuliani is catholic and of course he has the personal issues and he supports abortion rights, gay rights so those issues would be neutralized.

but i do think he would be a threat in democratic leaning states like michigan, pennsylvania and even new jersey. i think he would win moderate voters. but it might not matter much if he ends up losing a significant amount of religious right wingers and some others who wont vote for him because of where he is from .

the real threats are McCain and Hagel. they are conservative on social issues so they hold on to the religious right crowd. they don't come off as fanatic and speak out against their own party so they are seen as independents and will attract indies and moderate democrats.

[Muddy Waters Guitar]

31. Bill Frist would be tough

He's got solid Republican backing, good core support, and thus far a history of winning independent voters. Also he's a successful heart-lung transplant surgeon with a record of accomplishment in that field, who's saved the lives of several "people on the street" since he became senator-- definitely the type of person who would exhibit leadership credentials and win many uncommitted voters. And the guy knows how to talk. I don't like his stands on issues, but he's smart at sugarcoating them and much smarter than Bush at packaging the policy. I dunno, but I suspect that Frist would be a tough candidate to face in 2008. The only thing he currently lacks is widespread name recognition, which is vastly overrated as a factor that garners votes; it's good for maybe the first couple months of a primary, after that name recog. is not a factor. We shouldn't underestimate Frist-- or I guess that's "misunderestimate" in Bush mangle-speak. (Dubya-- the first US President entirely unable to speak the English language.)

[Leilani]

35. The Cat Killer?

The guy gives me the creeps.

He's also just a little smarmier than Trent Lott.

[Traction]

36. George Allen

Yes, he's pretty far-right, but he pulls it off in a very likable way (ala Ronald Reagan) and has good boyish looks. Rick Santorum has good looks too, but not as smart as Alen. Then again, if looks were everything, why did Edwards lose? Hmm...

[TyeDye75]

37. Gulianni for president, my answer is bring it on.

Even a John Kerry re run could defeat him (assuming voter fraud is gone)

[Citizen Kang]

39. Frist, Jebby and Ahhnold scare me

I'd be most worried if its Jebby. Its a clear signal, if Jeb runs, that the Bushes want to continue their grasp on power. They own the voting machines and Jeb would "win" no matter what kind of campaign he runs, just like W this year.

Frist is dangerous because he is a southern conservative, religious, and anti-choice. The fundies will line up behind him.

Ahhhnold appeals to the moron-americans who think the presidency is a beauty/popularity contest.

Guliani is toast after the whole Kerrik deal. McCain will be too old and I just don't think he has what it takes to win a national race. Colorado Governor Owens is a douche and can't win a national campaign.

[Stinky The Clown]

43. I actually think they're as uncertain about an 08 candidate as we are

The usual suspects that come up now are all flawed in one way or another.

No Arnold cuzza no amendment. End of story.

McCain ... too old and too tired ... and seen by many, many as an ass kisser/abused spouse to Chimpus Khan. His stock's in the toilet.

Frist .... no way. He has as much charisma as beige paint. He looks, talks, and acts like a stern radical right preacher. That will play **very** well to that faction, but not much anywhere else. Besides, he hasn't really done jack shit as Majority Leader apart from carrying King Khan's water.

Patacki ...... maybe. Not "out of the mainstream" like, say, Frist. He's pretty much an empty suit, though and sorta comes off that way. Besides, he's from the Northeast, and we all know **that** don''t sell (sarcasm off after the last sentence).

Jeb .... sez he ain't runnin' ..... yeah, right. He actually could do it. Might be their best shot at the moment. On the downside, after father and son, will the country be on Bush Overload? I see that as a real possibility, even on the right.

Who else? None of their governors have much of a high profile. But who knows?

Here's a long shot that could well do it ....... Condi. Black, Female. Who could criticize? The right has a long and sordid history of trotting out the most politically offensive minorities and then dare **anyone** to criticize them. In this same vein, Gonzalez? Maybe. Mel Martinez? Possible.

How about Powell as his own man? Run away from Bush, not toward him. He's damaged goods, but could probably resurrect his image in the four years he'll be gone - certainly among the party faithful and the sheeple.

Chuck Hagel .... don't discount him. ES&S aside, he could do it. He's attractive, a hero, has started to hit King Khan on Iraq. I could see him looking like McCain did in 2000.

Anyway, its all speculation. I don't even *they* have a clue right now.

[nickshepDEM]

45. Regarding Condi

another member brought to my attention that she is not married. This WOULD NOT fly with the far-right goofballs.

[kodi]

46. colin powell

.