Why did Max Cleland never run for President?

[chimpy the poopthrower]

I know, I know. He didn't even win Georgia last time. Personally, I believe that vote was fixed. But that aside, do you think being a triple amputee would make people more or less likely to vote for him for President? I hate to say it, but I'm thinking less likely. I think people in this country would express respect and appreciation for his sacrifice, but in the end I think they would believe he just wouldn't present an image of strength to the rest of the world. Maybe I'm just feeling cynical tonight though.

[La_Serpiente]

1. FDR had polio

I don't think anybody objected to his physical condition.

[southerngirlwriter]

2. There wasn't a TV in every American's living room then.

NO WAY could FDR get elected today. No way. Sad but true. I'd vote for the guy, myself, but he wouldn't have much more than a snowball's chance in hell.

[murphymom]

5. Actually, I've read

that there was a kind of gentleman's agreement with the press about showing FDR's handicap. Here's a link.

http://www.feri.org/archives/polio/deception.cfm

What a change from today.

[southerngirlwriter]

3. The audiobook of Al Franken's latest is great on this

I guess it's in the book, too, (DUH, sgw) but hearing Al Franken say it made it more powerful to me.

He goes off on several chickenhawks whose "bad knee" conditions kept them out of military service and says, "Max Cleland doesn't have a bad knee. Before the war, he had two good knees. After the war, he would never have to worry about his knees again."

Goosebumps.

Then tears.

I have so much respect for people like Cleland. What happened to him in GA is beyond disgusting.

[Bush loves Jiang]

4. I KNOW the vote was fixed...

But many people here tend to gloss over the fact that Cleland's campaign web site included much bragging over his support of George W. Bush on virtually every issue.

[question everything]

6. Cost a lot of money

You either have plenty, or you have a real good network of money and friends. Bill Clinton did not have the first, but had the second.