<p>Actually, I don't think I've ever once thought about race or gender as a factor in elections. As long as a candidate has the ability to be a good president/leader, I don't see what's the big deal.</p>
<p>Harold Ford has no recognition - well except for the playboy incident</p>
<p>I'm still going with McCain or any moderate Republican who wins</p>
<p>Who cares? Bush smoked pot, as did Obama, and McCain is on the same plate as Bush with the situation in Iraq and troop increase. By the way it was not even an incident, it was intention! I'm going for Wesley Clark!</p>
<p>
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For the Republicans, we've got Rice, who's - a black woman! Whaddayah think of that?
[/quote]
</p>
<p>That would be awesome if she weren't so awful.</p>
<p>
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how big of a factor do you think his race will be?
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Of course there will be those old-fashioned bigots who make it an issue. But hopefully there aren't too many of them around anymore. I hope it's totally positive and ALL the minorities of ALL ethnicities vote for him, as well as anyone who can see what a great candidate he is regardless of race.</p>
<p>Tastefully stated lealdragon.</p>
<p>Thank you!</p>
<p>
[quote]
Why is his experience in public office an issue? Let’s say if he did stay for another term, what would another 1000 hrs in the senate do for him?
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</p>
<p>good point.</p>
<p>I think he will be a great president.</p>
<p>He's...not going to win if he runs. I like him just as much as you guys, but he isn't going to win. The Dems need to get four years under their belts before running a tricky campaign. In lamens terms, no women or Black men in 2008. That's not the year for ballsiness; it's the year for a sure thing.</p>
<p>I disagree. Kerry was a sure thing and he lost. No balls. </p>
<p>(Well, he had balls back in '72 but he evidently lost them trying to play it safe.)</p>
<p>I think a ballsy candidate is just what the Dems need.</p>
<p>A white male moderate democrat will crush Obama or Hillary. Think Edwards. Think Gore. Democrats care about this thing called "electability" and blacks and women do not have it in the US. Sad, but true.</p>
<p>I doubt either will get passed the primaries. Nevertheless, if one of them got passed the primaries then they would absolutely get crushed by McCain, Giuliani or Romney (yes, even if he is mormon).</p>
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I think a ballsy candidate is just what the Dems need.
[/quote]
agreed
and its what the people want. They are sick of the same ol' corrupt candidate. 06 proved people want new blood in office.</p>
<p>OBAMA in 08</p>
<p>
[quote]
A white male moderate democrat will crush Obama or Hillary. Think Edwards. Think Gore. Democrats care about this thing called "electability" and blacks and women do not have it in the US. Sad, but true.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>The electability thing didn't go too well with Kerry in 2004. I'm not saying that someone like Howard Dean would've won, but he probably would've done about as well as Kerry. </p>
<p>Obama is perfect for 2008. The United States needs a refreshing and inspiring candidate after 8 years of Bush. Americans need to believe in something, and someone, again.</p>
<p>
[quote]
The electability thing didn't go too well with Kerry in 2004. I'm not saying that someone like Howard Dean would've won, but he probably would've done about as well as Kerry.
[/quote]
Is there any advantage in choosing Hillary or Obama over Edwards or Gore? I see zero advantage.</p>
<p>If John Edwards is the candidate (or someone like him)...then I'm voting Nader. I still have my own issues.</p>
<p>
[quote]
I think a ballsy candidate is just what the Dems need.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>You misunderstood what I meant. A ballsy candidate is fine; a ballsy political movie isn't. Putting up a woman or a Black man is a ballsy political move.</p>
<p>I think we need both a ballsy candidate AND a ballsy political move. The repubs continually criticize the dems for their lack of balls.</p>
<p>
[quote]
Is there any advantage in choosing Hillary or Obama over Edwards or Gore? I see zero advantage.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Hillary: Disadvantage. Those who love her, love her. But those who hate her will not budge. Too polarizing.</p>
<p>Obama: Has much more fire and inspiration than the others. He currently has a huge popularity unlike any that's been seen in quite awhile. I have always liked Gore and believe he should have been the rightful pres. But I haven't heard of him running in 08. Is he planning to? I'm not sure if he could pull it off, but that's a thought.</p>
<p>I got it:</p>
<p>Obama/Edwards</p>
<p>or, if Obama doesn't make it,</p>
<p>Gore/Obama</p>
<p>I wish Gore would run again, but he just recently declared that he would not. Sometimes I fantasize about what world we would be in today if the Supreme Court hadn't made their 5-4, non-precedent setting-because-they-knew-it-was-a-partisan-hack decision in 2000. </p>
<p>Oh, if only.</p>
<p>Obama's primary plus right now is that he doesn't have a record for people to campaign against. He can make a good speech, and he has an inspirational story, but I would prefer someone more seasoned, and possibly with gubernatorial experience. </p>
<p>Sen. Clinton is very polarizing, which is strange because you could hardly be more moderate. The real problem for the Democrats is that this country has skewed so far to the right that people have lost an idea of what is truly center, what is truly moderate, what is truly liberal. </p>
<p>I will vote for anyone who will take us on a new path - the Bush administration has done so much damage to my country that we need someone who can put us back where we belong.</p>
<p>I'm putting my money on Ron Paul.</p>
<p>Irishmom, I agree completely. One thing's for sure: we wouldn't be in the mess we're in if Gore had become president. (Notice I didn't say 'won' because I believe he did in fact win, as did Kerry.)</p>
<p>When I ask people why they hate Hillary so much, they cannot give a reason. I think it's just because she was married to Bill. And the only reason they can give as to why they hate Bill is because 'he lied.'</p>
<p>What BS!</p>
<p>NO ONE DIED WHEN CLINTON LIED.</p>
<p>No comparison between Clinton's lie about a personal matter and bush's many lies that have been the basis for his war.</p>
<p>Although hillary seems a bit skecthy to me as a President, I do have to admit that lealdragon is on a roll!</p>