The Top Five Candidates for 44th POTUS
5. Former Gen. Wesley Clark (D-AR), He's probably old news by now, but I liked his spin on defense and his moderate social platforms. I'm guessing he could have just as easily been a Republican, but wanted to run in '04, so he chose to become an active Democrat.Strengths - An outsider to Washington, Generally well liked, Iraq platform could steal conservative votes
Weaknesses - Have you heard of Wesley Clark?
4. Senator John McCain (R-AZ), No, I'm not that crazy about Mr. McCain. But he's a straight-shooter with his heart in the right place and just enough conservativism in him to be a Republican president. He could get congress working for him on both sides of the aisle, making him a formidable politcal force.
Strengths - Moderate platform would attract Republican and Democrats alike
Weaknesses - Could alienate Republicans in either primary or presidential race
3. Condoleeza Rice (R-AL), An African-American woman as POTUS is enough to expand my worldview to triple its current size. She's got strong southern roots, a strong conservative platform, and a major political liability: George W. Bush.
Strengths - She's black, she's a woman, she's a high-ranking cabinent member of the current administration
Weaknesses - She's black, she's a woman, she's a high-ranking cabinent member of the current administration
2. Jonathan Edwards (D-NC), I think the former senator would make a much better candidate for the Democrats than Kerry, as well as a better president. He and Wesley Clark were my favorites in the Democratic primary of 2004. Edwards has a great future ahead of him. He's a moderate Democrat, and probably the only Democrat (besides maybe Clark) who could steal my vote from a Republican. But it would probably have to be a stupid Republican like Jeb Bush...
Strengths - Name recognition, appealing youthful image, proven campaign skills
Weaknesses - Has been out of politics for four years, he may be associated with (the loser) John Kerry
1. Rudy Guiliani (R-NY), He's got the noteriety, the charisma, and the track record to become the first mayor to catapult himself into the presidency. I'd vote for him, and my guess is that many Democrats would, too. I have nothing but good things to say about his policies as a New York City mayor, and his book Leadership would convince anyone he is fit to be president.
Strengths - Extremely well-liked, Sept. 11th hero, proven skills in being an executive
Weaknesses - Lack of political experience at national level, rocky personal life (affair w/assistant, divorce, remarriage, cancer)
posted by Michael @ 8:36 PM
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