June 13, 2005
The one where I engage in conspiracy theorizing
It looks like Russ Feingold is pretty definitely running for president despite being currently in the middle of his second divorce. Now, he might be remarried by '08 or, less likely, Americans will suddenly decide to give a single man a chance (or woman, so stop dreaming Condi-lovers), but otherwise he stands no shot at getting the nomination, much less winning in the general. So why run?
Could it be to make Hillary seem more moderate? Next to Feingold, the only Senator to oppose the Patriot Act and one of the few to oppose the Iraq war, Hillary looks positively reasonable. I like Russ, though I agree with him on nothing, because at least he isn't like the rest of the Democrats, speaking out against Bush's proposals but doing the politically smart thing and voting for them. He's smart enough to know he has no chance at the presidency, based on his left-wing positions and his personal life. But he could be a big help to Hillary. He could be respectful of her in debates, and therefore bring the left-wing further toward her, and he could highlight their differences, showing more conservative Democrats what a real liberal looks like.
Posted by Karol at June 13, 2005 10:31 AM | TrackBackTechnorati Tags: Russ+Feingold Hillary+Clinton Election+2008 Election+08
I think Feingold's got a shot at being the Dean of '08- Madison, where he's from, makes Vermont look conservative by comparison. Also, he'd be the first major presidential candidate with a sister who is a rabbi.
Posted by: Steve at June 13, 2005 11:51 AMI don't know, I can't yet subscribe to the theory that so many others in the party are sacrificing themselves for the sake of getting Hillary into the White House. I mean, the 'contrast effect' is also being cited relative to Dean.
Plus, with the, ahem, _eccentric_ head of the DNC being who he is, do you really think they can all get on the same page when it comes to strategy? It would take a LOT of coordination and sacrifice to paint Hillary as the ideal candidate, and I don't think the party has it in 'em.
Posted by: Jay at June 13, 2005 12:50 PMIts the old Simpson gag, McCain-Feingold '08
Posted by: Fersboo at June 13, 2005 01:00 PM"so stop dreaming Condi-lovers"
No. I won't. And what upsets me further is that almost every single person I've ever heard say "We won't see a woman (single or otherwise) president in our lifetime" has been ... a woman. Call it realism. Call it what you will. But there is a place for idealism in politics. Just like some of us believe Arabs in Iraq were capable of holding a successful election, some of us in America believe that Americans can elect Condi (especially if she keeps wearing that long, open coat, high boots combo). Does politicial idealism--especially among Neocons--stop at the water's edge ... but in reverse? Of course, the party machine would rather select Jeb or some other horribly typical Republican ... but of course that's why we're going to lose the next presidential election. MARK. MY. WORDS.
Posted by: ken at June 13, 2005 11:09 PMKen, I think we'll see a woman waaaaaay before we'll see a single man. You can't imagine how crazy people get for Laura. Americans see the presidency as a sort of family, and they want both parents at home.
Posted by: Karol at June 13, 2005 11:59 PM"so stop dreaming Condi-lovers"
I feel that one president really cannot screw things up that much. I would vote for condi just to see what happens. I am insanly courious what would happen if see won.
Posted by: cube at June 14, 2005 09:41 AMnot to mention , i agree with her on a lot of issues.
Posted by: cube at June 14, 2005 09:42 AM
