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2008 Presidential Derby, Part II
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01/30/07 12:53 PM ET
Yesterday we took a look at the ever-expanding field of Democrats seeking the presidency next year. Let’s continue by handicapping the early field of Republicans today.
Sen. John McCain (Ariz.): The Straight Talk Express is gearing up for another race around the country with the adoring lights of the media well in tow. Unlike 2000, McCain has many of the proven strategists and message experts from the Bush-Cheney campaign in his corner. While McCain might be the choice of the Washington Establishment, will he appeal to activists in early primary states beyond New Hampshire who are suspicious of his conservative bona fides? Will McCain’s famed temper get the better of him and create an opening for opponents close on his heels?
Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani: America’s Mayor is quite capable of generating enough positive media attention and using his fundraising prowess to remain a real contender for the foreseeable future. Still, his pro-choice, pro-gay rights positions are a cause of concern for conservative activists, to say nothing of his checkered marital past. Is Rudy running for president, or will he stay out of the race and flirt with a candidacy? My money is on the mayor staying out.
Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney: Intelligent, charismatic and elected governor in one of the most liberal states in the country, Romney is getting a strong start in the race to the convention next fall. However, Romney has many questions to answer before he will be fully embraced by the base in early-nominating states next year: Is Mitt the Mormon a viable candidate to win the general election should he prevail in garnering the Republican nomination? Is he a true fiscal conservative or a Johnny-Come-Lately? Will his pledge to be a greater protector of gay rights, articulated during a race for Senate against liberal lion Edward Kennedy (D), prove too difficult to overcome? Nonetheless, for those with McCain fatigue, Romney is a fresh alternative and will prove tough down the stretch.
Sen. Sam Brownback (Kan.): His conservative credentials are strong and unassailable. Brownback is the true darling of the conservative right. Largely unknown around the United States at this juncture, can Brownback raise the funds necessary to actively compete with the three listed above? Brownback could well wind up as a vice presidential candidate to help balance one of the frontrunners in need of conservative standing.
The Best of the Rest: Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee is the dark-horse candidate to watch should one of the frontrunners falter. Is there more Hope from Arkansas headed for the Oval Office? Former Wisconsin Gov. Tommy Thompson? Interesting, but not likely to move the needle. Former Gov. Jim Gilmore? Rep. Duncan Hunter (Calif.)? Others?
The Republicans:
Sen. John McCain (Ariz.): The Straight Talk Express is gearing up for another race around the country with the adoring lights of the media well in tow. Unlike 2000, McCain has many of the proven strategists and message experts from the Bush-Cheney campaign in his corner. While McCain might be the choice of the Washington Establishment, will he appeal to activists in early primary states beyond New Hampshire who are suspicious of his conservative bona fides? Will McCain’s famed temper get the better of him and create an opening for opponents close on his heels?
Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani: America’s Mayor is quite capable of generating enough positive media attention and using his fundraising prowess to remain a real contender for the foreseeable future. Still, his pro-choice, pro-gay rights positions are a cause of concern for conservative activists, to say nothing of his checkered marital past. Is Rudy running for president, or will he stay out of the race and flirt with a candidacy? My money is on the mayor staying out.
Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney: Intelligent, charismatic and elected governor in one of the most liberal states in the country, Romney is getting a strong start in the race to the convention next fall. However, Romney has many questions to answer before he will be fully embraced by the base in early-nominating states next year: Is Mitt the Mormon a viable candidate to win the general election should he prevail in garnering the Republican nomination? Is he a true fiscal conservative or a Johnny-Come-Lately? Will his pledge to be a greater protector of gay rights, articulated during a race for Senate against liberal lion Edward Kennedy (D), prove too difficult to overcome? Nonetheless, for those with McCain fatigue, Romney is a fresh alternative and will prove tough down the stretch.
Sen. Sam Brownback (Kan.): His conservative credentials are strong and unassailable. Brownback is the true darling of the conservative right. Largely unknown around the United States at this juncture, can Brownback raise the funds necessary to actively compete with the three listed above? Brownback could well wind up as a vice presidential candidate to help balance one of the frontrunners in need of conservative standing.
The Best of the Rest: Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee is the dark-horse candidate to watch should one of the frontrunners falter. Is there more Hope from Arkansas headed for the Oval Office? Former Wisconsin Gov. Tommy Thompson? Interesting, but not likely to move the needle. Former Gov. Jim Gilmore? Rep. Duncan Hunter (Calif.)? Others?
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