Based on my observations, conversations, and often mentally unhealthy obsession with the American political process... here is my take on the POTUS election. The {PRO/CON} section is based on my view of the electorate's general opinion, not on my personal one (although I do share some of these also)

John McCain - While admired for his service and incarceration during Vietnam, McCain is held in low regard by true conservatives. Hawkish on the war, weak on immigration reform, wishy-washy on tax issues (at best), and a long term Congressman/Senator that is out of touch with the "real world". {PRO - experience, CON - DC insider, no "zeal" from supporters}

Mike Huckabee - has no real "drawing power" out of the Bible belt. Is the chosen candidate by Fundamentalists but has horrible baggage from the Arkansas governorship that makes most conservatives and many moderates cringe. {PRO - zealous fundy backing, CON - everything else}

Barack Obama - Running a good campaign so far, has little to no real experience, and a liberal voting record in Congress. Very good public speaker and seems to "connect" to both moderates and liberals well. Will do well in the south and in many historically "red" states. {PRO - Likeable, well spoken, and "fresh" CON - inexperienced, a bit left of center, race}

Hillary Clinton - Has the power of the Clinton "machine" at her disposal, but is running short of cash (ATM anyway). Has Bill for PR, which both helps and hurts her. Has little experience other than being firsy lady. Positions and policies change based on the latest poll numbers. {PRO - name recognition, sex, advisors CON - perceived personality, sex, 24+ years Bush/Clinton}

In summary, McCain will get votes from the base of the GOP but many will "hold their nose" while doing so. Will garner votes from those that are anti-Hillary, anti a woman president, and anti a black president. Huckabee will run as McCain's "mate" and will help gather votes for him in the south (but there will be no "masses at the polls" from the fundies to vote for a running mate). Obama will gather some inertia from the McCain/Huckabee ticket (same versus "change") but has an uphill battle with both Clinton (for the nomination) and because of his race and experience. Clinton is either loved or hated, there is little middle ground for her. Her nomination/election hinges on the race/sex card and how much the "attack machine" can get traction.

Nominees/Ticket:

Republican - John McCain/Mike Huckabee
Democrat - Barack Obama/Wesley Clark

Winner:

Barack Obama/Wesley Clark



* disclaimer - based on things today, politics is a fickle field and many things can change almost overnight.


...OK, now both sides will beat the hell out me for this one.

geeze! that's a quick turn around!

~ahem~ (http://www.allforums.net/showpost.php?p=444484&postcount=5)

geeze! that's a quick turn around!

~ahem~ (http://www.allforums.net/showpost.php?p=444484&postcount=5)

I agree... I had not realized that the Gulianni, Thompson, and Romney campaigns would be so poorly ran and managed. Like I said, this is today... lots can change quickly.

I agree... I had not realized that the Gulianni, Thompson, and Romney campaigns would be so poorly ran and managed. Like I said, this is today... lots can change quickly.
...i'm just saying!

you know what would really throw a wrench in the works? McCain/Lieberman '08;)

...i'm just saying!

you know what would really throw a wrench in the works? McCain/Lieberman '08;)

Might as well go that route. The GOP is either: A.) Playing for 2012 (and the 2010/2012 congressional elections) or B.) They decided to be the "war" party, fiscal and social policies be damned (In other words... the current administration ad infinitum). ;)

Nice predictions OP, was fun to read. I'm not sure about Huckabee as VP nomination, what's the point of him as VP? I'm imagining that people who would have voted for Huckabee will vote against Hillary or Obama, if not for McCain.

My predictions: Obama is unbeatable if he gets the nomination. If Hillary gets it, say hello to President McCain.

Oh Please.... I wish just once maybe some kinda General Election
Miracle could take place and a write-in candidate could win.
I'd even write-in Ron Paul OVER McCain.
McCain is SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO not gonna even get the time
of Buzzard squat from me.
He's a little Republican Traitor.
Again... I just saw the Chipmuck Turncoat beat his little fast peddle
steps to the Podium today.I can't stand the way the Guy grovels
for acceptance.I don't believe he was nearly as Honorably tough
a POW as being portrayed.I think he's a Silver Spoon Brat.
I'm seldom wrong about character assessment.

If Hillary gets it, say hello to President McCain.


I know she won't have my vote. It doesn't have to be her,it could be any woman tossing herself into the presidential ring and I still wouldn't vote for her. I personally don't think women are right for the job as president. Too many decisions that are delicate need to be made and women are known to be emotional. Not a good combo in my mind.

Nice predictions OP, was fun to read. I'm not sure about Huckabee as VP nomination, what's the point of him as VP? I'm imagining that people who would have voted for Huckabee will vote against Hillary or Obama, if not for McCain.

My predictions: Obama is unbeatable if he gets the nomination. If Hillary gets it, say hello to President McCain.

I think that Huckabee would be a "fit" for McCain's campaign only because he would help him in the south... and that fact that the Huckster has been kissing McCain's arse for that last month or so.

:D

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Hillary Clinton i s president.Obama is vicepresidnet.
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Hillary Clinton i s president.Obama is vicepresidnet.
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are you even old enough to vote? Just asking is all

I think that Huckabee would be a "fit" for McCain's campaign only because he would help him in the south... and that fact that the Huckster has been kissing McCain's arse for that last month or so.I will be very surprised if McCain takes Huckabee -- he has enough trouble with the right already. If he wants to go with a southern running mate either Haley Barbour or Charlie Crist would be a better choice.

As for the Dems it should be obvious whom I favor but I'm not ready to write off Hillary just yet. The next few weeks will be very tough for her. Louisiana, Washington state, Nebraska, Virginia, Maryland, D. C., Wisconsin and Hawaii are all likely to go into Obama's column. If she can survive that onslaught and win the big states of Ohio, Texas and Pennsylvania the nomination will be decided by the superdelegates at the convention. If that's the case I like her chances better.

Whoever the Democratic nominee is should beat McCain. A bit tougher for Hillary, while Obama holds the potential for a landslide.

I think that Huckabee would be a "fit" for McCain's campaign only because he would help him in the south... and that fact that the Huckster has been kissing McCain's arse for that last month or so.

:D
90% of political success is knowing which ass to kiss.

I think the hard-core conservatives who hate McCain (so much for being the big tent party) underestimate his popularity among the general populace. Not that most hard-core conservatives are particularly in touch with the general populace anyway. Regardless, it won't help him against Obama, but it sure would against Clinton. Admittedly polls at this point are darn near pointless, but the one I saw a few days ago had McCain beating Clinton in the election 49% to 46%, but losing to Obama 46% to 49%.

I think the hard-core conservatives who hate McCain (so much for being the big tent party) underestimate his popularity among the general populace. Not that most hard-core conservatives are particularly in touch with the general populace anyway. Regardless, it won't help him against Obama, but it sure would against Clinton. Admittedly polls at this point are darn near pointless, but the one I saw a few days ago had McCain beating Clinton in the election 49% to 46%, but losing to Obama 46% to 49%.

Well then by all means,tell us True Conservative exactly where
McCain's votes come from.?
OK...I'll do it for ya.
McCain has support from Many Moderates and some Independents.
Then the sell-out GOP'ers who don't feel like fightin hard on
core belief.
Of the Republican GOP base,i'd say maybe 1/3 are in favor of McCain
entirely because he has a real good shot at beating Hillary.
But NOT Obama.
So,more than HALF of the Republican base,doesn't like McCain and
may feel obliged to either sit out for the November elections of
even "suicide vote".
McCain has already reached a saturation point.He's not gonna
garner any more support,unless he really proves he's NOT gonna
side with democrats,at the easiest opportunity,which is basically
ALL he's been doin since 200o.
Some Repubbies,like me,and Rush,Hannity and Ingraham,aren't gonna
furgit how McCain sucked up with the democrats and sold short the
GOP,for political expediency.