Well, I guess I’ll play pundit today – not that I’m ever a model of restraint with my self-important opinions. But let’s look ahead to the 2008 election. I’ll only stick to the candidates who have a chance in hell. It’s a pity, since I like Bill Richardson and Ron Paul. But this is punditry cum prediction.
Hillary: If she can use one name, I can. She seems inevitable. But so did Musky. I can’t stand her and I’m relieved that the real Hillary – brutal, manipulative, cynical and arrogant – is coming out. I just don’t think enough people are paying attention and will vote for her just for the thrill of having the first woman president.
Barack Obama: I like him, which is not necessarily a good thing. The best thing about Barack, as said by Sullivan, is that his election would finish the Baby Boomers once and for all as a political force. A lot of people are writing him off. But think about it. At this point in 2003, who knew who John Kerry was? (Actually, at this point in 2004, who knew who John Kerry was?). People like Barack; they don’t like Hillary.
John Edwards: The only other viable Democrat. I’m well know for loathing the Fetus Whisperer. He hasn’t got a chance. Thankfully. I suppose it’s remotely possible he could pull of a Kerry – he’s got all that lawyer money. But don’t bet on it.
John McCain: I disagree with him on a lot of issues, but he would repair our image aboard, end torture and continue the fight in the War on Terror. He’s also a true conservative and a good man – which is why he has no chance.
Mitt Romney: Peaked early and his flip-flopping is hurting him. Good. He’s too oily for me.
Rudy Giuliani: As time goes on, he is being revealed for the power-hungry asshole that he is. Right now, he’s the front-runner. But I can’t think that anyone so nasty can get the nomination.
Mike Huckabee: I can’t stand him. He’s a radical religious right, nanny-state, big government “conservative” who will basically offer us four more years of Bush. I’m going out on a limb here — I think he gets the nomination. Yeah, I said it. The religious right loves him. The Fair Tax Movementarians like him. He’s a dreadful candidate and will get slaughtered by just about any Democrat. But he will get the nomination.
Fred Thompson: I’m liking him more and more. He’s one of the few mainstream candidates who seems to give a shit about the Constitution. I don’t think he’ll get the nomination – he lacks the oomph and the religious right is likely to bail since he won’t support the marriage ammendment, won’t outlaw abortion and has a young pretty wife.
If I had to pick now, I’d say that Hillary beats Huckabee a year from now. But Obama has a chance – if he plays his cards right. My preference? In order, I’d say Thompson, McCain, Romney, Obama, third party candidate, Huckabee, Clinton, Edwards, Giuliani. Yes, I would probably support Hillary over Giuliani. I never, in a million years, thought I’d type those words. Both are nasty individuals who would happily destroy the Constitution to empower themselves. But at least with Hillary, the Republicans might oppose it.
If this were 2000 or even 2004, I would support Giuliani over Hillary. But Rudy is the last thing we need after the damage Bush has done to our political system.
A good thing about a Hillery presidency’s is that fact she would galvanize the right wing and force them to make a decision.
Un fortunately it will problay be the wrong decision….
Hilly at best will have 4 years.. unless something tragic happens.