Reply #25: I know him professionally

[northernsoul]

I don't really have an opinion one way or another right now, but here are some factors that may be in play:

1) He has enough money to self-finance a run for endorsement / primaries, and will not be outspent in a general election.
2) He absolutely, positively will not take any shit from Norm Coleman or anybody else. Good luck to anybody who thinks that they can swift-boat this guy.
3) I think he might have some problems making a personal connection with the activists who show up on caucus night. He actually comes from a blue-collar background, he's dedicated his legal career to fighting for regular people, but an unfortunate side-effect of his professional success is that he will probably come across as "slick" or "establishment" to liberal activists.
4) My guess would be that his position on many issues will be perceived as "centrist," whatever that means these days. Once again, this may make it hard for liberal activists to warm up to him in the endorsement process, but could also be an asset in the general elections.
5) The guy's a damn good advocate and strategic thinker. It wasn't by accident that he was the first person to take on Big Tobacco and win.