Democratic Candidates - 2004

[JMHX]

Since it's pretty strongly decided who the Republicans will have running in 2004 (if you don't get it by now, please close the topic and turn off your computer), I want to see everyone's opinions on the various candidates the Democrats are reviewing. Feel free to put your opinions, but keep it dignified, people. I don't want any of this "Democrats sux0rz" or whatever people do.

[MarijuanaClock]

Er? I'm not american, but:

By WILL LESTER, Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON - Retired Gen. Wesley Clark said he's thinking about challenging President Bush (news - web sites) in 2004 because he's concerned about the direction the administration is taking on international affairs.

"Well, I have thought about it," the former NATO (news - web sites) supreme commander said Sunday on NBC's "Meet the Press." "And a lot of people have asked me to think about it."

Clark usually gives a standard line that he is not currently a candidate, not a member of a political party and is not raising money.

Clark, an Arkansas businessman, said that for him the question about running for president "is about ideas, it's not about candidacies." It was his first public acknowledgment that he's considering a run.

"We're at a turning point in American history here. We are about to embark on an operation that's going to put us in a colonial position in the Middle East following Britain, following the Ottomans," Clark said. "It's a huge change for the American people and for what this country stands for."

Clark was asked about a travel schedule that sent him to New Hampshire, Iowa and back to New Hampshire over the last couple of years, and also included a lunch with Democratic National Committee (news - web sites) Chairman Terry McAuliffe.

Clark said he's been "traveling all over this country" since he left military service and he is concerned with how the administration has handled longtime allies, like those in Europe.

"This is an administration which really hasn't respected our allies," he said.

Clark said one thing he learned in the Kosovo campaign is "if you really want allies, you've got to listen to their opinions, you've got to take them seriously, you've got to work with their issues."

If Clark decides to run, he would be joining a Democratic field that is about to grow to eight this coming week. Former Illinois Sen. Carol Mosely-Braun and Ohio Rep. Dennis Kucinich (news, bio, voting record) are preparing to file papers to run for president.

Already in the race are former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean, North Carolina Sen. John Edwards (news, bio, voting record), Missouri Rep. Dick Gephardt, Massachusetts Sen. John Kerry (news, bio, voting record), Connecticut Sen. Joe Lieberman (news - web sites) and the Rev. Al Sharpton.

[TheEvilOne]

At the risk of sounding like I'm saying, "OMG Democrats suX0rs!", I personally think that the Democrats have NO ONE who can beat Bush in 2004. Lieberman might have a chance in the general election, but is too moderate to get the party nomination. Also, the general public seems to be dissatisfied with liberals at the moment. As for Al Sharpton, does anyone take that guy seriously? Doesn't he run every year and never win the party nomination? The Democrats are reeling right now. The 2004 election is still a year and a half away, but if the election were today, Bush would win in a landslide.

[JMHX]

At 2/18/03 07:44 PM, TheEvilOne wrote: At the risk of sounding like I'm saying, "OMG Democrats suX0rs!", I personally think that the Democrats have NO ONE who can beat Bush in 2004.

Don't worry, you don't sound like that. Most of the level-headed Democrats like myself have already accepted the fact that the war-drums will get Bush another term. I don't know, though, because I do support people from different parties based on their beliefs. John Kerrey and John McCain are both very good in my eyes.

[RoboTripper]

Our only hope: roll back the term limits, bring back Clinton.

[JMHX]

At 2/18/03 10:11 PM, DenkSmoker wrote: Our only hope: roll back the term limits, bring back Clinton.

Best idea I've heard yet.

[karasz]

kerry wins the nomination (personally im rooting for Dean) edwards vp... by no means am i conservative but my guess is Bush/Ridge (Cheney dies before the election) win in '04 51-54% to Kerry/Edwards

as long as the dems dont give the fuck up ill be happy...

[JMHX]

Well researched, Karasz. I think you're probably right. Kerrey is so determined to run I think they'll just let him jam himself into the ground.

[NEMESiSZ]

Kerry, Dean, Braun, Clark - None of them have any name recognition, none of them are significant figures other than "omg i want 2 be teh president, kewl."

Lieberman is a great guy, and would make a decent president, for a dem, but he wouldn't win simply because he's jewish, and his religious obligations would be viewed by the citizens as a hampering on his ability to do his job.

Sharpton is just an idiot, and we'd be better off making Chris Rock president like in "Head of State."

Gephardt is the only one with a real shot at beating Bush...but he probably won't.

The democrats really are calling in the B Team for 2004, the only heavyweights they have left are Gore and Daschle, and neither of them are going to run.

Oh yeah, Clinton needs to be removed from power, NOW.

[karasz]

At 2/18/03 11:11 PM, NEMESiSZ wrote: Kerry, Dean, Braun, Clark - None of them have any name recognition, none of them are significant figures other than "omg i want 2 be teh president, kewl."

Kerry has huge name recognition so far he is the 'front-runner' according to the important people in the party... every poll has lieberman on top though... which sucks cuz he's a republican in disguise.

Braun if Sharpton drops out will grab teh black vote thus making her a winner in south carolina... (winning means doing better than expected)

Lieberman is a great guy, and would make a decent president, for a dem, but he wouldn't win simply because he's jewish, and his religious obligations would be viewed by the citizens as a hampering on his ability to do his job.

he's a republican in disguise... he had a total make-over during the '00 elections... braun and kucinich jumping in along with the half dozen still thinking (graham-FL, clark, dodd-ct, biden-Del and 2 more) the more moderate/conservative wing of the party may get lieberman elected...

Sharpton is just an idiot, and we'd be better off making Chris Rock president like in "Head of State."

Gephardt is the only one with a real shot at beating Bush...but he probably won't.

gephardt is a bron loser... only thing he has won is his district AND iowa in '88... and in '04 he's not even guaranteed victory in iowa... which would cause his chances to disappear faster than a plate of french fries in front of a fat kid...

The democrats really are calling in the B Team for 2004, the only heavyweights they have left are Gore and Daschle, and neither of them are going to run.

B team my ass... let's not forget clinton was a no name from a small state then he was president for 8 years... dont underestimate the power of a democratic contender to never be heard of until the election year

not only that how many people knew of W. in texas before 1999 when he said he was going to run? lets not forget he did screw up 2 businesses and was only governor of texas for 6 years before running... i mean not exactly the strongest of guys to run... whereas mccain was in a war, and a 2 term senator... so ya know, expect the unexpected in political primaries and caucuses

Oh yeah, Clinton needs to be removed from power, NOW.

which clinton??? cuz in case u didnt notice bill has no power other than the fact the media still loves him... hilary is running in '08... cuz ya know thats what she's waiting for...

[BiologicalClock]

I'm hoping that Wesley Clark will run....

I'm reading his book right now

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/1586481398/qid=1045723954/sr=8-1/ref=sr_8_1/103-9473044-4623858?v=glance&s=books&n=507846

[JMHX]

Kerrey had little name recognition before just now...so did all the rest of them. I'm afraid that it's true how only Lieberman has good enough recognition to make a run for Bush's money. Bush will win again, though, because of this war he has going and enough republicans in the House and Senate to rally people behind him. Too bad.