Hillary is candidate to beat in '08 By JON SINGER The 2004 election was settled less than two weeks ago. Half the world is still taking a deep breath of relief; the other half is distraught and unsure of what to do next. The answer is simple: wait four years for revenge. While no politicians have declared intentions to run for President in 2008, our next president is clear: Hillary Clinton. How's that for a flip-flop? The New York Senator challenges George Bush for most divisive public figure in the world. She's beloved by Democrats who worship anything that Bill Clinton has walked on. Yet she's hated with a passion by conservative America, coming across as a self-seeking and prissy fireball of a woman. But the lure of the another Clinton and the first female American president will be too much to challenge come 2008. I predict Hillary in '08. But I could be wrong. There are other frontrunners, of course. Politics is a sport after all, and you never know what will happen in the next four years. Certain to challenge Clinton is temporarily retired North Carolina Senator John Edwards, John Kerry's running mate in 2004. Edwards is smooth, smiley, and is hard not to like. If he keeps his attacks clean, he may contrast Clinton enough to win the Democratic nomination. But that's not likely. Clinton is simply too big a star. Edwards may do better to be a running mate again; or simply wait until 2012. A quartet of Midwest Democrats are also said to be interested in running. Gov. Tom Vilsack of Iowa, whom Lumino interviewed last month, was in line to be John Kerry's running mate in 2004. Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich is an Edwards-like nice guy. Even to Republicans he appears honest and down-to-Earth. Senator Evan Bayh of Indiana is another name bounced around. Last is new Illinois Senator Barack Obama, who is articulate, African-American and well-behaved. A lack of experience should hinder any major shot in 2008, but a running mate position or cabinet position could be in the making. Last – and probably least – is Sen. John Kerry. For Kerry to actually get a second shot would be a miracle. What makes the 2008 race most interesting is that if and when Hillary Clinton wins the Democratic nod, she'll have her biggest challenge in her Republican counterpart. Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist is said to be interested in running. The Tennessee liberal-leaning Republican may be out of touch with the conservative base, however, having a pro-choice stance, for instance. He also has a bland factor. He's just not very interesting to listen to. Former New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani is the early favorite. The favorite resolute face of 9/11 has stayed in the public eye, showing up on talk shows, and speaking at the Republican National Convention for the 2004 election. Giuliani also has some left-leaning stances on issues, but he's likeable enough to overlook them. One downfall for Giuliani could be his honesty. His New York, no-nonsense commentary could cost him during a serious run-off even in the Republican Primary. The third charm in the Republican Party is 2000 competitor Arizona Sen. John McCain. The former Vietnam P.O.W. gave Bush a run for his money in 2000, and spoke at the 2004 convention on Bush's behalf. McCain has a crossover appeal, too – John Kerry actually offered him his running mate position in the 2004 campaign. But because McCain has higher hopes in 2008, he declined the offer. McCain's advantage is his experience, seriousness and the respect he commands. Besides lesser known names such as Mass. Gov. Mitt Romney and New York Governor George Pataki, the final candidate, by default, is Vice President Dick Cheney. Cheney has promised not to run, especially because of his weak heart. He also might have a clue that even conservatives are uncomfortable with his introverted demeanor. Cheney is not a good speaker, and wouldn't be a good campaigner at all. Dark horses are always a possibility, but the candidates mentioned are the early favorites. Head to Vegas now for the best odds. Lay your money on Hillary and McCain, and Hillary to win. But watch out! You never know when a forged document or quote from 1971 will change everything. |
