On the primaries ...

Bit surprised to see Giuliani tank so badly in FLA and then disappear like poof! So much for the Reaganites and paleocons he had gathered around him as foreign policy advisers. Some, I would expect, gravitate to McCain, but he's too sensible on too many foreign policy issues (and too harsh on others, especially WRT [with regard to] China and Russia).

Sorry to see it all reduced and finished so fast. Unless I'm missing something big, I think McCain's in and so is Hillary. Watching her and Obama act nice tonight makes me think he knows it too and that he's openly running now for Veep. She's making nice too.

Frankly, I think Hillary is somewhat vulnerable to McCain, because I think he's the best GOP candidate by far to snatch away the presumed crown in a national election. Therefore, I'd like to see her seal the deal--with me, at least--by picking Obama. The double first, in my mind, would be irresistible: too much money, too much buzz, too many new voters to defeat.

Still, I wish they'd both watch their mouths on Iraq . . . Because Hillary will be backing off them once she gets into office. Drawing down to zero is simply a non-starter, and stupid to boot. Better to argue for draw down (hell, Fallon does) but refusing to name a floor.

Comments

[Keir]

I still think there is a 30% chance of Obama getting the nomination. He has some momentum coming out of SC. With Edwards out, Obama is the sole voice of change. She would be foolish not to pick him. If he wins, she will not be picked.

[Will]

You're right about McCain, but I wouldn't count it for Hillary just yet. And the ticket idea, while interesting, won't fly. Too risky when so many other indicators point to a Democratic win in November. Obama has money and momentum. He may not win Super Tuesday outright, but he'll survive and if it's close, it's a whole new ball game.

[Aaron B. Brown]

Great Debate, Obama and Hillary phenomenal, A+

This is the way Democrats are supposed to operate, and we have two superior candidates running for president. I feel good about the future of America, for the first time in a long time. It's good to be the Kings, and we Democrats definitely rule! :-)

It's nice to see you're being so gracious to the Republicans Tom, but I don't think they have a chance in hell of winning the general election. Last time I checked they were all out of money, except for Romney who is using his own. There just isn't any energy on the Republican side either, voter turnout is extremely low in comparison to the Democrats.

You need two things to win elections in America, money and votes, and the Republicans aren't getting either.

[Kevin from Minneapolis]

If they're smart, Hillary and Barrack will be on the ticket, virtually assuring themselves the White House for the next 16 years.

[notchris]

Tom, can only imagine you haven't been watching Rudy the last few months. He came across as batshit crazy and "Ready. Tested. Now" is about the most uninspiring campaign slogan ever.

Also, I think HRC is on the decline. Last nights debate puts Obama up as her equal, something she hasn't had to deal with yet. If he can cut into her NY delegates by doing well in NYC and keep Cali close, he will win Super Tuesday.

[Galrahn]

I thought the debate was interesting to watch as well.

I'm not very insightful on politics, but I keep finding myself impressed with Obama and McCain on their character, not so much with Romney and Clinton for the same reason. Obama and McCain are very refreshing for being exactly who they say they are, as opposed to Clinton and Romney whose words and records don't always line up.

Every answer Obama gives matches what one would expect if you have read his books, same with McCain given his voting record. With Romney and Clinton I observe they basically say what they think the base wants to hear. Clearly this observation is absent policy position analysis.

Regarding policy analysis though, I'm barely 32 so I'm proudly a rookie political observer, but in my voting lifetime Obama is by far the best Democratic party presidential nominee I've observed when discussing foreign policy issues. Even BC was never that articulate in foreign policy, although he could get by on charm. For me Hillary stumbles on the subject falling back on empty rhetoric absent substance, and Obama really stands out in contrast. Kerry, Gore... were never this impressive publicly to me on the subject.

[Al Alborn]

Get used to another Clinton in the White House. McCain (whom I like and favor) pretty much wrote his own obit when he stated that would be in Iraq for 100 years. No matter what one's current opinion of the War is in all of its revisionist forms is, the fact remains that we went in under false pretenses and a continually evolving justification for our presence. The current administration made fools of the Congress and the American public. The Constitutional reference to, “High crimes and misdemeanors” comes to mind.

As a veteran of a couple wars myself (and a couple of tours in Europe during out 50+ year presence there), I have come to the conclusion that I’m not interested in investing my Grandchildren in this (or any other) ill-conceived conflict. The Military is doing a magnificent job; however, they are in the business of war. Asking the Joint Chiefs to stop making war is like asking General Motors to stop making automobiles. War is what they do. A new mission statement must come from the President (Department of Peace?)

I am proud of today’s soldiers, their dedication, and their devotion to duty. I am tired of squandering America’s youth on this ill conceived adventure. Both of the Democratic candidates acknowledge that we must make a graceful exit (to quote Powell – who I wish was running – you break it you bought it!) while allowing for meetings with the regional powers to arrange for a new dynamic.

There’s enough oil money in the Middle-East to pay for security and a regional defense initiative. let them spend it (preferably, on U.S. weapons systems and expertise). The free market will ensure that the oil pipeline remains open (and, we need a reason to start putting money in energy alternatives and conservation initiatives).

To quote John and Yoko, “Give Peace a chance.”

[Anonymous]

Kevin: that's crazy talk! so many things could happen. besides, i wonder if Hilary would even accept a Veep tap from Obama and wait eight years to run as the big dog...

dang, Galrahn! i thought you were older. you're just a pup! (i'm 36 ;-)

[Gunnar]

Barack may not be roadkill just yet, Volcker just threw his hat in the ring

http://kudlowsmoneypolitics.blogspot.com/2008/02/is-volcker-obamas-robert-rubin.html

Maybe Gore will throw his, uh, weight behind him and it will get real interesting...oh yeah, one more thing - Pats by 20.

[outback71]

Why would Obama hitch his star to the baby boomer past like the Clinton's? As her Veep his political future would be tied to her performances Better to remain in the Senate and build the leadership of a new generation.

By the way, I'm not buying the Hillary-as-inevitable line. Her negatives are still in the mid 40s and it will take a Rove like Svengali to bring them under 40. That being the case, a moderate like McCain has plenty of opportunity to pick up the swing votes needed to win.

[Jarrod Myrick]

Still think Obama wins. 405k to HRC's 260 & McCain's 250 in the 4 state sample (2 white, 1 black, 1 brown) where all competed. He raised 32M$ to their 10s in Jan. On the ground in NJ he is canvassing w/volunteers while she pays--extra bank goes to TV in all targeted states. Close but he looks like the clear favorite to win on 2-5 & 11-4.

Volcker helps as do Kennedys. LA Times too.

Nice soft power upgrade.

[William R. Cumming]

Rudi' s departure is interesting because I have the sense that the judgement of his party might be the same as the American people in November, namely, no one can have all the answers to the events of the next 4 or 8 years but how one tackles the demands and who are the personalities and positions of those around him/her are the really significant factors in Presidential selection. I suspect historians analysis of this primary season will regard Rudi's departure as the first tremor in the earthquake that may end the fearful and lacking in confidence era post-9/11 when real progress against terrorism was not made for a large number of to-be-documented reasons, including U.S. reluctance to properly train its troops in language skills. Globablization requires at a minimum that "WE" understand other peoples languages and cultures. Let's restore language requirements to all the undergrad liberal arts programs. Open Monterrey to any citizen willing to pay the tuition.

[Galrahn]

Sean the new world is the same as the old, I started my first business at 18. If you knew computers in the early 90s, you could stunt your growth in college or join the revolution. I picked the revolution, and will go to college when I retire around 40.