My Dog in the Fight
by
Clyde
8:46 AM
Barack Obama
The Senator from Illinois' greatest asset is his lack of a political track record that can be used against him. The Republicans are forced to go after his middle name and ancestral roots. One of the main reasons that senators rarely get elected president anymore is that their votes on any given piece of legislation can be used as political fodder by the opposition. Obama's record is relatively clean on that score. However, as it is many times, the greatest asset a candidate has can also be their biggest liability. Voters want to know where a candidate stands after the speeches on the campaign trail are given and Obama's record lacks a clear identity. Not because he hasn't tried to articulate his views but because there was little chance to do so since he was elected to the senate.
I give him a ranking of 2 out 5 spines.
Hillary Clinton
Hillary's biggest plus is the Clinton name in my view. Even during the height of the Lewinsky scandal, Bill's approval ratings were in the 60's and he is genuinely loved world-wide. Tying herself to his coattails is a very astute strategy and being married to the man definitely gives her the advantage but, does anyone really believe that whoever the Democratic nominee is, would not use Bill in one capacity or another? And while I may not see how being First Lady somehow gives you a leg up on the competition when it comes to foreign policy, it does play well on the campaign trail. Her biggest vulnerability is that there is no other candidate that could unite the Republican Party more. Her Iraq vote and lack of a clear explanation could also impede her chances.
I give her a ranking of 3 out of 5 spines.
Bill Richardson
Possibly the most qualified candidate in the field. From foreign policy to administrative policy I do not believe there is another candidate whose resume could compare. As a governor he has the knowledge needed to promote Democratic policies in Washington and I believe he possesses exactly what is needed to bring this country's image back to where we were before Dubya. Furthermore, he is genuinely respected by all and that could play well in the general election should he get the nomination. However, I doubt that happens. He lacks Party support and his message has not been as clear and distinct as it needed to be. I believe he is a stronger vice presidential candidate than presidential.
I also give him a ranking of 3 out of 5 spines.
Dennis Kucinich
A true progressive! A man that came from modest means and did not forget it. His views on universal healthcare make him a force to be reckoned with. People are tired of the way health issues are handled in this country and want change. Kucinich in my view would be the best candidate if this were a single issue election, sadly it is not. In addition, I believe Kucinich is just a tad too much of a peacenik for my tastes. While I believe in diplomacy, there is a time when diplomacy no longer works. Face it, sometimes a president must use force, and I am not sure that Kucinich has it in him. Don't get me wrong, I think Dennis Kucinich is a great candidate and I would have no problem voting for him should he get the nomination but I just don't see it happening.
I give him a ranking of 4 out of 5 spines.
Chris Dodd
Dodd is one of my 2 dark horse candidates. He has a great message and gobs of experience. His filibuster over the Telecom immunity bill has got to help him in Iowa and New Hampshire. His views on the occupation have always been on the mark and I believe his greatest asset is that he has no greatest asset. His views across the board are what will bring supporters to his campaign and I think he may have a real shot at polling very well. His biggest minus is that he is not well-known to the general public and that could cost him big-time.
I also give him a ranking of 4 out of 5 spines.
Joe Biden
If there is any candidate poised to make a leap over the top tier candidates and win Iowa, I believe it to be Joe Biden. Biden is a lot stronger of a candidate than many people think. While I do not agree with all of his views, like funding the occupation or the bankruptcy bill, I do know where he stands. He articulates his positions well and they do not waver just because of the political climate. He has a fire inside him that as a voter, I find appealing whether I agree or not with what he is saying. His strategy for Iraq is clear and at least I know what it is. Whereas some of the other candidates have yet to get me able to figure just what the hell they intend to do. His biggest liability is his penchant for putting his foot in his mouth. And after what happened to Kerry, I'm pretty sure history would repeat itself.
Another 4 out of 5 spines.
John Edwards
This is my choice for president. Edwards is a populist and is in my view the strongest candidate to take on Corporate America. His views on workers rights and free trade are on par with my own. His wife is a definite asset and the fact that he scares the ever-loving shit out of the Republicans makes him my candidate of choice. His apology for the Iraq vote, at least in my estimation, proves that he is not above being accountable for his mistakes. Something this country has been sorely lacking of, for about 7 years now. His biggest liability is being a trial lawyer and we all know how the Republicans feel about them. That is, until they get caught.
Definitely 4 out of 5 spines.
I do not need to agree 100% with a candidate to vote for them and out of this list there is not a single one that I would not vote for. Just some I would have to grit my teeth.
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3 comments
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Jesus Christ on a ten speed Clyde! What's the problem, are you wearing your hat way to tight or something? I guess Cheney just needs to say he's a Democrat and you'd vote for him too (gritting your teeth no doubt). And the one 'true progressive' (your words) is to much of a peacenik for your taste, huh? I'd have to assume you've never been dropped into someone elses country to "pacify" the population, or watch 2000 pound bombs dropped on civilians while you searched and destroyed. That's the only kind of person I hear spouting that kind of bullshit. 400 billion's not enough for your idea of a 'defense' budget? Maybe some star wars while all our bridges fall down. And Bill Clinton is "genuinely loved world wide"? Where the fuck do you come up with this stuff? It'd make a great stand up act, you and Chris Rock maybe. Hillary's a Republican unless you noticed so of course they want her as the candidate, that way they win either way and can blame the coming meltdown on the Dems. while they have a Republican with a vagina doing their bidding. You really do need to get out more Clyde, all that fresh air in Kansas must not have much oxygen in it.
posted by
at 2:48 AM |
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