This Week In Washington

So within the last week we have Clinton and Obama beginning to take swings at one another over fundrasising money and mudslinging one another. It seems like the election cycle gets here sooner every year. Also this week Tom Vilsack, Fmr Govenor of Iowa decided to drop out of the democratic race. I think the reason for this is simple. With rockstars like Obama and Clinton now in the fold, all the money has dried up. Its nearly impossible to out fundraise these icons, and so with no money, means no votes for guys like Vilsack.

At this stage in the game there are 5 individuals that apppear to be the front runners for the next occupant of 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. They Include:

John McCain- The Senator from Arizona was close in his last go around for getting the Republican nomination. He has the ideal resume, is plain spoken which Southerns love, and is a centrist when it comes to most political issue. He is the type of candidate that will have a tougher time trying to win a nomination than opposed to a general election. If McCain does in fact capture the GOP nod, look out because he may sail in the general come November, 2008

Barack Obama- Mr. Obama is the new kid on the block with style and grace rivaling the late John F. Kennedy. He is both intelligent from his days as editor of the Hrvard Law Review, and can appeal to the minority vote across the spectrum. His downfall may be his lack of experince and less than stunning military background. Still, one would be nieve if they diodnt sense this guys swagger and knowledge. He has a take on all the issues and comes across the answers to many problems. Though young, he may in fact be just what America needs.

Hillary Clinton- Yes. Thats correct. You aren't seeing things either. Hillary Clinton is a canidate for President. She is the first woman toe ver be taken seriously for the oval office and because of her name recognition and ties to the right people she may run away in the primarys. But when it comes time for the general election, if Mrs. Clinton squares off agaisnt a noble Repubican she will get beaten badly. Cliton will have a hard time getting out of the spotlight form her husband, former President Bill Clinton. Couple that with no military record, and only two terms in the Senate and Hillary may be on the outside looking in. Still you cant deny her husband did some great things, and Hillary has potential to do the same, Therefore, it may in fact be her time.

Democrats

The democrats are busy homing their message for the 2008 election. They appear to not be in schambles as much as the Republicans are. Candidates for the nomination include the recycled Hillary Clinton, wife of former President Bill Clinton. Barack Obama, a young and invigorating black man from Illinois. Tom Vilsack, a respected govenor of Iowa, and Joe Biden a longtime Senator from Deleware. Peopke cannot sleep on John Edwards, the former North Carolina Senator and 2004 Vice Presidential Nominee. These 5 individuals are thought of as those who stand a real chance in securing the nomination come convention time. Next we will profile these 5 "front runners," followed by a detailed look at the "darkhorse candidates.""

website search used in blog

Searching around the internet you can find some valued information about the individuals thinking about running for President... From bios to history and opinions of what those around the beltway think about these select men and women is at our fingertips. I found a well put together site and blog to help me gain information http://radio.weblogs.com/0101170/categories/2008presidentialelection/..... However, the opinions I have expressed thus far, and will continue to express throughout the semester are mine and mine alone.

The Candidates

Next in my introduction to the election cycle I wish to discuss the candidates that I beleive, will be in the thick of it come the New Hampshiere primary and Iowa cacus. The Democrats and Republicans will be vary busy the next year decephiring just who they want to put front and center for America to look at. For the GOP the field is wide and the only thing that is predectiable is the unknown wil be certain. Jeb Bush has already said he is not running. Dick Cheney (the sitting VP) has long let it be known he had no interest in pursuing the oval office, and President Bush is term limited by the 22nd ammendment. Being as it is the pot of gold is attainable for just about anyone. Mitt Romney (fmr Mass Gov) is thought of as a strong canddiate, as is Mississippi Govenor Hailey Barbour. Senator Sam Brownback (Kansas) is also a very interesting candidate. But probably above all it will come down to 2 very respected and well known politicans to grind it out for the Republican nomination. Sneator John Mccain of Arizona, long thought of as a President in waiting is at the top of the list. He nearly won the nomination in 2000, only to have it stripped away by George W. Bush the night of the South Carolina primary. Lastly, "Americas Mayor," Rudy Guliani should be in the thick of things. Though he lacks national office experience his handeling of the economic situation of New York City as mayor, combined with his leadership following the 9/11 attacks he is thought of as an attractive candidate. In the next post we wil look at the Democratic candidates...

The 2008 Presidential election is fast approaching. Never before has the field been this wide open. No sitting Vice President or incumbnent is running thereofre it wil be "fresh blood" vying for 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. I think this is an interesting time to be a fan of our political process.