Paul Hackett for President in 2008

[derby378]

It appeared to me as if in a dream. Considering his showing in Ohio, he just might have a shot.

Who else would like to see him in the White House?

[Nicholas D Wolfwood]

1. Get real.

He's a virtual unknown. Having run one UNSUCCESSFUL Congressional race doesn't even come close to making someone capable of a successful presidential run.

[derby378]

3. Two words: "Howard Dean"

How many of us have heard of Howard Dean before we invaded Iraq? Within a year, a political unknown became the Democrats' new powerhouse. Within two years, he was head of the DNC.

Now that's reality. Keep hope alive - otherwise we'll be stuck with some bedwetting DLC fucker in 2008.

[mattclearing]

5. Howard Dean was a multi-term governor.

Give me a break.

[Nicholas D Wolfwood]

8. Howard Dean was a GOVERNOR!

Paul Hackett still is a nobody!!!

Plus, how much of Tuesday's results can you really attribute to Hackett himself? It was a special election at a time where national GOP ratings are way down. Special elections, if you're savvy, usually only bring out people with an axe to grind, which right now is absolutely us. For all you know, Hackett's "success" is more the result of a sagging GOP and an off-season election than it is Hackett being a good candidate.

And let's also remind ourselves that he didn't exactly run against a seasoned politician either. You think Jean Schmidt put up the caliber fight that a Rick Santorum or Bill Frist would?

Please, wake up.

[charlyvi]

2. Not enough political experience.

I think he would need to hold higher office first---like governor, congressman or senator.

[derby378]

4. He already has more political acumen than the current WH occupant

I think he's ready. Let's go!

[mattclearing]

6. Bush was a multi-term governor.

Surely you jest.

[Nicholas D Wolfwood]

10. You go.

I'll stay here in reality.

[derby378]

12. Evan Bayh...DLC...Evan Bayh...

If he has his way, that will be our reality. And it ain't a pretty sight.

[Nicholas D Wolfwood]

18. Who says he's going to have his way?

Certainly not me!

[charlyvi]

15. My dog has more political acumen than the current president.

Having the raw talent is great, but it needs to be honed a bit before he hits the big time, I think.

[halobeam]

7. What about Clark/Hackett??

Might be something worth looking at.... I know he hasn't held office, but look at the Ohio Race... most people are looking to find someone to trust...

just a thought.

[Adelante]

20. Hackett for Senate

Anyway, Clark would need a Congress member as VP.

[n2doc]

9. cart ahead of horse

Let him get some experience first! Frankly, it ain't until you see them in action that you can measure them. And politics is much more than just "being a straight shooter". I would love to see Hackett succeed, but I wouldn't wish a presidential campaign on him at this point in his career....

[KingFlorez]

11. Let him run for the House again

He could win the seat next year and with the showing he made it be ridiculous for him not to make another run.

[Wabbajack]

21. "He could win the seat next year "

Not with those voting machines.

[second edition]

13. I don't think he is ready to run for President just yet! n/t

[Kolesar]

14. Paul should go on a speaking tour

Heaven knows, he has good material.

[Raiden]

16. Hackett is still young

let him run for governor or senate first

[vickie]

17. Let's get real. He's a young, relatively inexperienced guy.

[CWebster]

19. He has the same problem Kerry does

Militarism as the foot the DLC believes the Democrats must step forward with--when a majority of the country questions the war.

It would make sense--whoever speaks for the majority (WOULD THIS BE THE CENTER? CENTRISTS?) has an advantage.

[derby378]

22. OK, y'all have a point

I realized that it's the Republicans who will never admit they made a mistake, even if it kills them. We Democrats are better than that.

So, I made a mistake. But I certainly hope this isn't the last we've seen of Paul Hackett. Even if he is a centrist, he's at least got something going for him.