Reply #29: He won't get the....

[violetandblue]

swing districts and rural districts needed to win - there is no way, I'm sad to say. The only Democratic candidate that has a chance (at least for some time to come) has to be Clintonesque - midwestern or southern, moderate, strong on union and trade issues (yes, I know Clinton was for NAFTA - that was surprising) with a rural upbringing or strong understanding of rural life. That is why I was optimistic about Edwards, but they pulled the sleazy lawyer stuff on him. Hilary is bad, Obama is bad - anyone from urban states (IL, CA) or the northeast just will not cut it unless they can somehow appeal to moderate swing voters. It's location, location, location - that's the only reason Bush is popular around here. Republicans are given leeway because many rural/swing voters have conservative values and often will vote on those values despite who the candidate is. With Democrats, you have to walk the walk and talk the talk, or you'll be painted as a liberal.