It's only to be expected that Obama doesn't elicit the negatives that Hillary Clinton does. Right now, he's an unknown. He's getting the same sort of first wave euphoric coverage given, for example, to Newt Gingrich after the midterm elections of 1994. The real question is how he will weather the second wave that inevitably comes, as journalists poke around for his vulnerable spots.

I've written several times in recent days about Obama as a potential presidential or vice presidential contender:

http://markdaniels.blogspot.com/...cal- skills.html

http://markdaniels.blogspot.com/...vp-in- 2008.html

Obama is undeniably bright and has seemingly limitless potential. But I think that he would be well-advised to get more seasoning and experience before making a run for President. (And he should probably get out of the Senate, angling, as I think he is, to be the 2008 Democratic vice presidential nominee.)

Mark Daniels
Mark Daniels | Homepage | 10.23.06 - 9:57 pm | #

Thanks for the links Mark, I do agree that VP could be a definite option for him, but I'm not ruling out the Presidency.

Right now - and VERY likely into the 2008 elections, experience is as far from a defining factor as it can possibly be in a politician. I can't think of a SINGLE senior politician who has been getting good press, approval ratings are down all over the place and, while the bulk of it is in the republican camp, the slack is NOT being taken up on the other side of the fence either.

I know Senators are not the fast track to success in Presidential elections, but honestly, the Vice Presidency is more of a wild card than a base builder. In the VP role, you essentially give up control of your political future and tie it up with your running mate. If Hillary does well, you have an Al Gore (yes he was defeated, but he was a viable candidate) or a George H. W. Bush, but if not, you have a Walter Mondale or a Dan Quayle.

And the success of the president does come with its own problems for the VP's political ambitions. A successful presidency means a 10 year wait instead of a two year one if he runs in 2008. Yes, he's getting experience, but it could easily seem like a lifetime to wait for Obama - especially if he feels he has anything resembling a chance in the upcoming election. Also, a strong president has a habit of making the VP look weak by comparison. This almost sunk Bush Sr, it was a factor with Gore's campaign and it will certainly be a MAJOR factor with Hillary's running mate when he tries to make his own way in 2016.

I feel we'll see Obama throwing his hat in for the election. He may settle for VP if Hillary clinches the nomination, but it'll be settling - definitely NOT his first choice!
Daniel | Homepage | 10.23.06 - 11:26 pm | #

Funny how you guys think.. What made you think Hillary was going to clinch the nomination?
Cheryl | 05.15.08 - 2:02 pm | #

Considering the date, it should be obvious. In October of 2006, EVERYONE thought Hillary was going to clinch it. Even considering the possibility that Obama stood a chance was counter intuitive back then. Really, when all things are considered, I'm actually proud that I was so prescient.
Daniel | Homepage | 05.16.08 - 11:36 pm | #

Well, here we are a scant 20 months later and voila!
Sure was a good day.
KarlaElisa | Homepage | 06.04.08 - 12:25 am | #