Today's LA Times: Will Obama Face A Primary Challenge In 2012?

[CaliforniaPeggy]

It's not likely, but Jimmy Carter, Gerald Ford and George H.W. Bush were fatally damaged by opponents from their own parties.

By Joshua Spivak

November 12, 2010

Republicans may think that their midterm triumph bodes ill for President Obama's reelection hopes, but such beliefs are not borne out by history. The incumbent president's party typically does poorly in a midterm election. This time, however, there was an ominous hint of a potential problem for Obama. In his concession speech, the media thought that Wisconsin Sen. Russell Feingold may have been referring to a presidential bid when he said, "It's on to 2012!" Although Feingold's spokesman rejected that interpretation, a primary challenger would be the absolute worst sign for Obama for 2012.

It would not be a major problem if Feingold or another prominent challenger — Howard Dean's name has been floated, though he denies any interest in running — ran as a third-party candidate, as Republican-turned-independent congressman John Anderson did in 1980. Though a third-party run could take votes from Obama, such challengers — especially ones without boatloads of cash — are usually easy enough to dismiss. But a Democratic primary challenge — even one that has no shot at succeeding — could present real threats to Obama's reelection.

The rest at the link: http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/commentary/la-oe-spivak-primary-challenges-20101112,0,3610218.story

[Aramchek]

1. Nope. Who is stupid enough to want to get beaten as badly as Obama will beat any contender?

[RZM]

2. Agree totally

Anybody who could mount a credible challenge would not want to do so precisely because that would put their clout and status, the very things that would make them a credible challenger in the first place, at risk.

I'm also skeptical about how 'damaging' these challenges really were. I think all three would have lost the general even without the primary challenges. There's of course no way to prove that, but Carter, Ford, and H-Dub all had much bigger problems on their hands than challenges in the primary.

[ORDagnabbit]

3. If Obama caves on permanent tax cuts the man would have trouble getting re-elected dog catcher. I'm

very disappointed in President Obama.

If he continues on this route I will vote for a challenger and if he doesnt get one I will vote green in the presidential election.

[pscot]

5. Amen

I'm well past the "benefit of the doubt" stage. From here on it's "show me".

[TexasObserver]

4. He probably will have opposition in the primary.

Whether that will be strong opposition remains to be seen.

For the president to have strong opposition, there will have to be a general consensus among Democrats that he has no chance at being reelected, which could happen.

[jannyk]

6. k&r for visibility.. eom

[CaliforniaPeggy]

7. Thank you...