InstaCandidate

by shamanic

In the spirit of Newshog's celebrated InstaHoglet feature, here's a Saturday quick hit of the visible '08 candidates, ranked in order of electability*, for each party.

Democrats
4. Bill Richardson

Smart guy. Might be creepy around women, and not in a smooth Bill Clinton kind of way.

3. John Edwards

Sincere, substantive, a paragon of real family values, caring for his awesome but sick wife. Snowball's chance in hell, but in a just world we'd be inaugurating President Edwards in 2009.

2. Hillary Clinton

Money machine with universal name recognition, queen of triangulation, middle of the road on every issue she can find the middle on. The beltway loves her, Democrats everywhere else groan loudly at the mention of her name. She's only in second position because of her money and name recognition. Edwards is a much more visionary candidate. Honestly, I don't think she has a chance in hell.

1. Barack Obama

The most exciting candidate to come along in my lifetime. Grew up abroad, understands America from the outside in. Mature, thoughtful, speaks to the larger issues, hits the sweet spot nearly every time. Exactly what we need at this juncture. Generates excitement like I have never seen, and I was a Deaniac in 2003.

Republicans

4. Newt Gingrich

Possibly the most divisive political figure of our time (definitely, if taken as a pair with his nemesis Bill Clinton), but unquestionably visionary in his politics. Very well liked in GOP circles, but multiply divorced and an acknowledged adulterer. Not yet declared.

3. John McCain

Trying to recapture the magic, but that straight talk express seems to have left the station. Disliked by conservatives and his statements in 2004 that he's a "Bush Republican" will be used to ward off moderates and Democrats. I think the GOP screwed up badly in 2000 by killing McCain in S. Carolina, but I don't think he's got a shot in 2008.

2. Mitt Romney

Really? He mocks his own state constantly, but has made clear to the evangelicals that he'll do anything they ask him to do. An unserious man with a flip-flop problem. I almost put him as #1.

1. Rudy Giuliani

America's Mayor, at least after 9/11. Won't work against gays or to ban abortion, but has made clear that he'll nominate judges palatable to the fringe. Lots of problems--divorce, adultery, hated by his kids, close gay friends, but a strict daddy type who will run on 9/11. Republicans love 9/11 even more than they love beating up on gays, so he's a very serious contender.

Stalking Horses

Al Gore: currently running alongside the global warming discussion. Could declare in the fall. Has the on-the-job experience, the policy expertise, and of course, won more votes in 2000 than the eventual President.

Fred Thompson: Not yet declared, but an interesting choice. It says a lot that Republicans keep turning to actors to play the part of leader, doesn't it? I'm a Law & Order junkie, so all I can say is "DUN-DUN".

Others?

Who did I leave out, in any category? Should Gingrich be in the Stalking Horse category? Who do you think is likely to jump in later and try to be the salvation of his or her party?

*In 2000, I thought Gore would win. In 2004, I thought Kerry would win. I wasn't entirely wrong on Gore, who did win the majority of votes, so let's say I'm .5 for 2 in this decade.