Is it too early for the 2016 Presidential Speculatron?
Oh, hell yeah!
Is that gonna stop me?
Oh, hell no!
First, the Democrats.
It is important to note, particularly since we are so far out, health issues and other personal factors could greatly effect who the front-runners are by 2016. There are a umber of talked about contenders who are older and/or have had health crises that may affect their ability to run in the next three years or so.
Ergo, Hilary Clinton. She is the front-runner by a mile, and deservedly so. It's not just that we are long overdue for a female President (got that right!), it is that she is supremely qualified for the position. She has been through the fires and has come out wise and strong. She has, however, had some health problems that people need to take into account. She would be 69 at the time of inauguration which wax Reagan's age when he become President. Difficult but not impossible, she has to remain energetic and committed. If she does, we are looking at the next President of the United States.
Joe Biden has been healthy in recent years, would be 73 at inauguration This would be even a bigger challenge. It would be a tremendous psychological barrier to cross in my opinion. Don't get me wrong. I think that Joe Biden is incredibly qualified to be President. He has been a tremendously gifted Vice President, and President Obama's has been substantially stronger because he was there. He would lose big time in a head to head with Hilary Clinton, but would be a serious contender against anyone else.
Deeper in the bench, I personally like Elizabeth Warren, Senator from Massachusetts very, very much. She is still finding her sea legs in Congress, but she is very bright and yes, she is 100% progressive, Governor Deval Patrick of Massachusetts and Mayor Corey Booker of Newark are also interesting politicians to watch for the future.
The Republicans have fewer age issues on their side. One of their major contenders, however, Governor Chris Christie, is a very large man. Any future health issues coming from this heavyset gentleman could derail his hopes. I don't like him or his politics. but I do admit he has a crossover appeal to those who want a strong figure, and he does have a streak of pragmatism in him that I see missing from many Republican leaders.
The Republican elite will push hard to promote Jeb Bush. And since money and power are very important in this country, he may very well get it. Historically, we are going to look pathetic if we keep reaching to the same two families for our Presidential candidates, but whatrugaonnadoaboutit? C'est la vie!
Finally, if any one thinks the Tea Party wing of the Republican party is going to disappear, forgetaboutit! Expect someone, most likely Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky to step up to the plate. The only real question is whether they break off to run as a third party, as it become increasingly clear that the Republican elite is trying to dismiss them from their party.
So there it is! The first speculatron for 2016! Enjoy!
No comments:
Post a Comment