Just something to chew on regarding Hillary Clinton's unannounced bid...

[wyldwolf]

...for president.

While it's far too early for me to have a dog in this fight, I prefer Hillary over many Democrats and there are some I would prefer over Hillary.

That being said, many on DU believe Hillary's early front runner status for the Dem nom in '08 is based on name recognition.

Perhaps it is. She certainly has a famous political name!

However, she leads John Kerry by 15% and John Edwards by 22%. You would think those two would have a little name recognition momentum of their own.

Those stats are from a CNN/USA Today/Gallup Poll.

When the same poll asked about the republican nominee, Jeb Bush finished a distant third behind Giuliani and McCain. Certainly Jeb has more name recognition than Giuliani and McCain but only manages 12%.

If Hillary CLINTON leads based on name recognition, why doesn't Jeb BUSH - who surely has intense name recognition?

Anyway, I'm looking forward to the poll numbers when and if Clark, Edwards, Biden, Warner, Richardson, Fiengold, and others throw their hats in.

[mattclearing]

1. I don't buy that Jeb has more name recognition.

You're talking about a guy that was mayor of the capital of the world and at the center of 9/11, and another guy who ran for President and gave the current President a decent run for his money in the primary, against a state governor, who, while totally reviled by most hardcore Democrats, probably hasn't made much of a dent in the perceptions of voters.

I don't buy it. McCain and Giuliani have much better name recognition that Jeb.

[wyldwolf]

2. the name "Bush" has more name recognition

[IndianaGreen]

5. The name "Bush" has more recognition, in the International Crimes Court

"Bush" is as evil a name as Vlad The Impaler.

[wyldwolf]

9. No argument there. But it also has more name recognition in...

..American politics.

[mattclearing]

12. The name "George Bush," maybe.

Jeb? Sorry, I don't see it.

John McCain is a media darling, known to anyone who follows politics even slightly, and Giuliani is household.

Jeb Bush, most people haven't even seen his picture.

[wyldwolf]

13. The names people know are "Bush" and "Clinton."

John McCain is a media darling, known to anyone who follows politics even slightly

Which isn't most of the population.

[mattclearing]

17. A last name is just that: a last name.

By your rationale, Noelle Bush should be polling well.

[wyldwolf]

19. Surnames have always been more paramount in politics.

On campaign signs and stickers, it says:

Jeb (small print)
BUSH (larger print)

Surnames have always been more paramount in politics.

People didn't vote for John. They voted KERRY.
People didn't vote for John. They voted KENNEDY.

CLINTON
BUSH.

You're denying that for reasons unknown.

[mattclearing]

20. I suppose you have me there.

But like I said, Jeb Bush is still a more a concept than a person to most people outside of Florida. He is almost never on national TV.

I think a lot of people know George Bush has a brother named Jeb because of the 2000 election, but beyond that? I don't think many people even know what he looks like.

McCain and Giuliani are national politicians.

But you're right: He is a Bush.

[Mojambo]

7. I also think whatever name recognition Jeb is getting

From being a Bush is mitigated by his brother's mounting unpopularity.

There could be Bush fatigue in '08. I gues it's also possible for Clinton fatigue, but I think that's less likely.

[pauliedee]

14. Kerry a better choice and a GREAT leader

[wyldwolf]

15. for sure!

[JI7]

3. Giuliani and McCain have far more name and national recognition

Hillary is very popular. and instead of people complaining or bashing her on DU, it would be better if they go to work on supporting whoever they want in the Primary if Hillary does run.

but i don't like all the posts about how horrible Hillary would do or be since there is a chance she could be our nominee.

[wyldwolf]

6. more so than "Bush?" I don't think so. But that is just my opinion.

[JI7]

10. more than "Jeb" Bush

[wyldwolf]

11. but not more than "Bush" ... and if we are referring to names...

"Clinton" has more name recognition than "Hillary."

Last names.

[BlueManDude]

8. No contender in either party has higher name ID than Hillary.

[pauliedee]

16. Kerry is better than ANY candidate in the country

Will win in 2008...I promise

[globalvillage]

18. I'll hold you to that promise .

:yourock:

[BlueManDude]

4. Hillary will lose to Rudy in 06 if she's not careful

NYers will resent her taking that senate set for granted if it's obvious she's just gonna spend her second term running for president.

She will never be president. She's a fine senator and should stay there for many more years.

I will never support her presidential bid.

[ZombieNixon]

21. Why is it...

that everyone assumes that Hillary is running for president when the only person who hasn't announced that Hillary is running for President is...well...Hillary? :shrug:

Granted, she seems to be positioning herself for a run, but I'm hoping she will string the right and the media along into a Hillary bash-fest and then annouce she's not running while the eventual nominee sails by under the radar.

A man can dream, right?