2008: It's Not Too Early (Is It?)

Early predictions for the nominations for President for 2008, the first year in a long time that no sitting President or VP will be running for the office.

Democrat (assuming they want to win):  Evan Bayh / Mark Warner

Bayh is currently a Senator from Indiana, and a former Indiana Governor.  He heads the Democratic Leadership Council, a moderate Democratic group.  He may not have enough foreign policy experience or gravitas (not saying he doesn't; i just don't know), but he does score high in likeability, electoral positioning (could deliver Indiana), and seems a decent fellow.

Warner is the current Governor of Virginia, another red state that could turn blue.  Also relatively moderate.

Others to watch:  Ed Rendell (Gov of Pennsylvania), Bill Richardson (Gov of New Mexico), Rod Blagojevich (Gov of Illinois), Joe Biden (Delaware Senator - VP only)

It won't be (or shouldn't be): Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama (newly elected Senator from Illinois), John Edwards.

Clinton has way too much baggage, and would energize the right like we've never seen.  Obama is too inexperienced, and is nothing more than the flavor of the day.  His day may come, but it won't be 2008.  Edwards' political career is done.

Republican:  George Voinovich / Bill Owens

Voinovich is a sitting Senator from Ohio.  Like Bayh, he is also a former Governor of his state.  He should be on the ticket one way or another.

Bill Owens is the current Governor of Colorado, and is considered a rising star in the party.

Others to watch:  John McCain (a decent VP choice if he doesn't get the nomination), Chuck Hagel (Nebraska Senator - VP only, and only if not paired with another Senator), Bob Taft (Gov of Ohio & only if Voinovich is not on the ticket), Elizabeth Dole, and Rudy Guliani.

It won't be:  Jeb Bush (he said he would not run), Ah-nold (no way a Constitutional Amendment passes in enough time, if ever), Bill Frist (a good guy, but i just don't see it)

If i didn't mention your favorite candidate, go here to see others.  Let me also say in closing that i haven't studied closely these candidates' politics, and do not necessarily know where they precisely fall on the left-right spectrum.  This look was mostly about perceived resumes to date.  I'm sure i'll be set straight sooner or later.