Another Contender
Published February 04, 2005
Russ Feingold, Wisconsin Senator, threw his hat into the ring for the Democratic nomination in 2008, albeit indirectly. The Journal-Sentinel reports that
"Sen. Russ Feingold said he would consider running for president in 2008 if there is enough encouragement and interest from Democrats and if he thinks he has a real shot at winning the nomination. Feingold, who plans to step up his national travel and speaking, said his goal for now is to influence the direction of the party and help it rebound from its lossesFeingold is in the process of setting up what is known as a leadership PAC,Feingold said his double-digit victory in a swing state, despite Republican fire over his opposition to key Bush policies such as the Iraq war, the USA Patriot Act and the No Child Left Behind education law, "gives me a little bit of a forum to say, 'Look, Democrats ought to be proud of their views, and stand tall to defend them.'"That makes me think more about what we could do nationally if we had more of that kind of approach . . . I'm interested in sort of a spirited Democratic Party that would be not afraid to disagree"
In the case of the 2001 anti-terrorism Patriot Act, Feingold was the only senator to vote no, although many Democrats who voted for it, including 2004 presidential nominee John Kerry, later joined criticism of the law.
With the first contests for the party nomination three years away, there's a lengthy list of Democrats in the "might run" category. Some have national names and donor networks: Kerry, New York Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, vice presidential candidate John Edwards.
But for those with lower profiles, early groundwork needs to be laid just to keep the option of running open. Before the 2004 election, Feingold gave some thought to seeking the nomination and went on a limited college speaking tour. But he also faced re-election himself. He said later that the chances of him running for president were never better than 1-in-100.
...
After traveling to Alabama on a post-election golf trip, Feingold wrote an article for the liberal Web site Salon about his visit to the city of Greenville, portraying it as a downtrodden community where people were voting Republican against their economic interests.His description angered some Alabamians and prompted the mayor to invite him back for a second look. Feingold plans to return in March
Possible ticket - Feingold/Mccain?
- Another Contender
- Published: February 04, 2005
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- Section: Politics
- Writer: Aaman Lamba
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The Feingold/McCain team has already caused enough damage with their badly misnamed campaign finance reform law, making it so that campaign receipts were higher than ever, new advocacy groups aired the most abrasive commercials ever, and traditional advocacy groups such as unions found that they couldn't advertise within 30 days of the election.
This is what he is known for, and the right media will eat him alive. He's going to have to get on the map for something else in a big hurry if he hopes to eclipse Hilary, or even Evan Bayh.
Rj writes:
"But I predict the real biggies in the 2008 Dem nomination battle to be Hillary Clinton and ... a resurgent Al Gore!"
Reply: Constitutional interpretation request - Could Bill clinton run and be constitutionally elected as Vice-President? Is there a Constitutional restriction to someone being VP after serving as President?
I gotta believe the name of Barak Obama will surface as the years pass. He personifies the American Dream - son of immigrant parents, intelligent, rose through the ranks, eloquent speaker, etc.
I also think that Howard Dean has got another run in him. What would a Hillary Clinton/Barak Obama sound like to the electorate?
I further wonder, again, who is on the Republican back burner? Who does the RNC see as their next President?
Ah, the speculation and anticipation! And, to think, we just had an inauguration!
If anyone thought the 2004 election season was fiesty, just wait for 2008. It will be positively rowdy!
Cheers,
Ron
"I also think that Howard Dean has got another run in him."
If he gets the DNC chair, he has vowed not to run in 2008...
"What would a Hillary Clinton/Barak Obama sound like to the electorate?"
40% of the vote. A debacle. IMO...
Clinton/Obama is what's in the plans right now, I guarantee it.
It might be a strong ticket. Of course all the Republicans have to do is nominate McCain or Giulliani and even Clinton/Obama gets maybe 40% of the popular vote. The best hope for the Democrats is for the Republicans to ram through some hardline conservative mediocrity primarily on good looks and toeing the party line. That won't do much to win swing votes.
Dave
I hear Gingrich wants to run.
While he might make a decent Prez, he would NEVER win the election...
Because McCain did so well the last time.
I honestly am not searching you out, I just happen to respond to your comments.
McCain - my senator now - has integrity though it drops anytime a presidential election gets close.
Add your comment, speak your mind
(Or ping: http://blogcritics.org/mt/tb/25111)
I must admit I rather admire Senator Feingold. He's to the left of me, but he seems honest and idealistic.
But I predict the real biggies in the 2008 Dem nomination battle to be Hillary Clinton and ... a resurgent Al Gore!