John McCain for President???

[Johnny Hughes]

[Stoneburg]

I have been saying it for two years. The only argument against it is that it's rarely the guy you think that gets the nod, and it's still 2 years until D-day.

If the GOP nominates McCain I don't see how they can lose*. If the Dems nominate Hillary or Obama (not to be confused with Osama) they might go with a more radical choice since they'll be sure to win as long as the candidate is white and male. Hell, some drugged up failed businessman deserter could even win it then.

* Well if he's caught giving a BJ to Osama it might be a close race.

[NorthView]

[k3nt]

[NorthView]

That's the way McCain's been portrayed here. Anyway, these are exceptional times because normal political considerations have become so upset by the ramifications of the US's foray into Iraq that frankly I couldn't give a flying f[]ck any more about what happens over there domestically. Sorry, but that's what you get for shafting the rest of the world.

[JJSCOTT2]

It depends how you define the term "Republican" if you're going to focus on ONE issue, then yeah, maybe McCain is pretty far right. But I would most definately consider him a moderate republican overall. Maybe it's just that you're so far left, a moderate republican seems radical to you?

[k3nt]

OK, what issues has McCain been moderate on? Hit me with it. I'm ready to learn. I just can't think of anything.

Abortion? No.

War in Iraq? Nope, a cheerleader for the war all the way.

Stem cells? Not as far as I know.

Economics? Does he vary in any way from the "lower taxes always good, free market uber alles" line? I can't remember any time that he has done so, but maybe that's just me.

Did he support some liberal causes that I just don't remember? Did he vote against Alito or Bork or Scalia or Thomas? I don't think so.

Gay rights? I don't know.

He pretended to fight the President on torture, but he totally caved in the end.

Of course there's McCain-Feingold. I'm not sure if that counts as "moderate" or what exactly to say about it.

Probably there are a lot of things he's been moderate on, and I've just missed them. What are they?

[laynegt]

[kennyg]

[k3nt]

[NorthView]

Some non-US comment about the likely candidates: I've no idea how accurate this is.

Democrat hopefuls

Hillary Clinton
Democrat senator for New York
For: No one from either party can match her for sheer celebrity. She's worked hard since she became a senator six years ago to prove her moderate credentials
Against: Tainted by her failed attempt when first lady at health care reform and more recently by her vote for the invasion of Iraq
Chances: Will be frontrunner in the primary. But is redneck America ready for a woman?


Barack Obama
Illinois senator for past two years
For: Youth, at 45, and an extraordinary ability to woo the crowd
Against: Inexperience. Only two years in Senate
Chances: Real head of steam building. But is redneck America ready for a black president?

John Edwards
Director of Centre on Poverty, North Carolina University
For: Televisual
Against: Performance as John Kerry's running mate in 2004 won't inspire confidence. Voted for Iraq war
Chances: Popular with Democrats but carries a lot of baggage

John Kerry
Senator for Massachusetts
For: In 2004 gained more votes than any previous Democratic candidate. Strong military track record
Against: He lost in 2004, coming across as even more wooden than Al Gore
Chances: None

Evan Bayh
Senator for Indiana
For: His middle of the road position will endear him to Democrat psephologists
Against: Moderation can be confused with blandness. Needs to prove his ability to charm the masses
Chances: Moderate, like him

Russ Feingold
Senator for Wisconsin
For: Call for a timetable for withdrawal from Iraq gives makes him popular among grass-roots Democrats
Against: Poor name recognition across the country
Chances: Has a lot of ground to make up

Tom Vilsack
Governor of Iowa
For: Being first Democrat to file for the presidency as he did this week gives him an edge.
Against: That won't last for long. He is lightweight compared to his rivals
Chances: Long shot

Bill Richardson
Governor of New Mexico
For: His standing as only Hispanic governor in the US gives him a readymade support base
Against: Comes in below the radar for many Americans
Chances: Slim


Republican hopefuls

Rudy Giuliani
Security consultant and businessman
For: His handling of 9/11 as then mayor of New York turned him into a national hero
Against: Liberal stance on social issues such as guns and abortion will earn him opposition of religious right
Chances: Serious rival to John McCain

Bill Frist
Senator for Tennessee (out-going)
For: National profile as majority leader in the Senate. Southern credentials
Against: Some criticism of Senate leadership, accusing him of taking extreme positions on social issues
Chances: Moderate

Newt Gingrich
Political analyst and consultant
For: Popular with the right of the party
Against: Time as Speaker of the House remembered as one of divisiveness. May not play well amid new mood of unity-building
Chances: Slim to moderate

Michael Bloomberg
Mayor of New York city and businessman
For: Emerged as a popular mayor with good business credentials
Against: Too independent and liberal on immigration and guns to appeal to right of party
Chances: Worth watching

Mike Huckabee
Governor of Arkansas
For: Time magazine named him one of best five governors in US.
Against: Deemed by some to be compromised by former career as Baptist minister
Chances: May come from the same town as Bill Clinton, Hope, Arknasas, but chances slim

John McCain
Senator for Arizona
For: His hero credentials as a Vietnam prisoner of war. Moderate
Against: He will be 72 in 2008. Right of party sees him as a dangerous liberal
Chances: After several failed bids this time his prospects are good

Condoleezza Rice
Secretary of State
For: Ranked as one of the top two favourites for nomination Trusted figure of the Bush administration
Against: Trusted figure of the Bush administration
Chances: Is redneck America ready for a black woman president?

Mitt Romney
Governor of Massachusetts
For: Has been quietly preparing a bid for the nomination for some time. Impressive track record in business
Against: Name recognition low. Couldn't beat Edward Kennedy in a Senate race in 1994
Chances: Not overwhelming


http://www.guardian.co.uk/international ... 51,00.html

[k3nt]

[Felonius_Monk]

[Nortonesque]

[k3nt]