C-Span is running a series on first ladies. The timing may be suspicious but that isn't what this thread is about. They're doing a good job though many are boring, but that isn't what this thread is about. Last night was one of the best: Frances Folsom Cleveland. They did good on her and discussed President Cleveland's three campaigns, but since it wasn't about him, my questions went unanswered. The Democratic candidates in 1864, 1868, 1872 and 1880 were pathetic. Cleveland became the 1884 nominee after just two years as Governor of New York, was renominated in 1888, lost, was renominated in 1892 and won. In 1896 the Democrats ran 36-year-old William Jennings Bryan. Bryan got the nomination again in 1900 and 1908 and lost again and again. The 1904 candidate was pathetic. In 1912 they won with Woodrow Wilson, who had only two years of political experience. He won a second term. My question is: were there any good Democrats who got bypassed repeatedly during those years, or would any other candidates they had to offer have been worse? That's for historians. For the rest of us, especially loyal Democrats the comparison to our era is obvious. The Democratic nominees in 1972, 1988 and 2004 were pathetic. In 1976 they won with Jimmy Carter, who had only one term as Governor of Georgia behind him. He lost in 1980. His Vice President lost in 1984. In 1992 they won with Bill Clinton, who was little-known prior to the campaign. He won a second term and his Vice President ran in 2000. In 2008 they won with Obama, who had less than a term in the Senate and a silent political career. Right now many Democrats are hoping Mrs. Clinton will win the next two elections. Those who would prefer someone else can't name a prospect under 65. In the next generation, when people read about this era of the Democratic Party, will they also be tempted to conclude that there were no strong candidates in sight for most of 50 years? Even if they read about the primaries in those elections, seeing only one challenger in 2000, and discovering he is better remembered for playing basketball, seeing a one-term Senator as the runner-up in 2004 and third in 2008 and obscure people like Paul Tsongas and Tom harkin winning primaries will not give them any excitement. Who will you tell your grandchildren were the greatest non-Presidential Democrats of this era?
Odd really- since what you consider 'pathetic candidates' most people would consider "The President". Every President who is elected is in part a product of the era. Jimmy Carter was well liked at the time, and there was a general revulsion to mainstream politicians. Clinton was very well known when he ran for President, and more importantly- he had charisma and could attrack moderate Republicans and Democrats. Obama doesn't have Clinton's charisma, but was elected in part as a backlash to George Bush. As a Democrat, I am not overly fond of lots of Democrats. I happen to really like Gore- and he was defeated by- to use your term "a pathetic candidate'- Bush. Not many of the Democratic governors are out there gathering headlines like Christie or Jindel are- Jerry Brown is too old, though I like him as cranky Jerry. I don't care for Pelosi and despise Reed. I like Feinstein but don't consider her Presidential material. Kerry seems like a fine man, but has no charisma, and we should never have nominated him. The Democrats bench seems pretty thin....and maybe it is. Look at the rather pathetic lot the Republicans put together the last election. Not in substance- I think Romney had substance- but in electability. Seriously- the Republicans nominated a candidate that a large part of the RNC thinks is a member of a cult.
The three pathetic candidates were McGovern (a three-term Senator with no accomplishments who defeated a weak field when Humphrey and Ted Kennedy stayed out, Dukakis (great Governor but not Presidential) and Kerry (whose campaign was part of a retirement plan because in 28 years in the Senate he has done nothing memorable. Gingrich, bad as he is, will make all history books because of 1994. Ron Paul was a unique character worth noting. Perry was a three-term Governor of a huge state. Dole, Gram, Kemp, Robertson, Hatch and Huckeby all have lasting legacies. Ford, Bush Jr. and Romney are the three weakest candidates the Republicans have presented since 1940. Right now the GOP has so much young talent half of them might never get a chance. The best Democrat under 60 is...?
'Originally Posted by Phil Who will you tell your grandchildren were the greatest non-Presidential Democrats of this era?' Think you mean who will I tell my grandchildren the best democrats to to seek the presidencies by not achieve it were but why limit it to that? I'd rather just tell them about all the about the great democrats that are currently serving at a various levels of government. All 14 courageous State Senators in WI that walked of the republican session to try to block Scott Walkers attack on workers rights desrive to be remembered fora long time to come, a very young one by the name of Chris Larson warrants mention by name because he possibly could break into the national scene someday. Look him up if you don't know him he is the party in WI's future 25 years from now. Ex-Senator Russ Fiengold was the most down to earth and honest US Senator I can remember, he never used his position to make himself rich and allows behaved like a Representative he felt was right for the people he represented even when it was against his own political interests. Gore gets an honorable mention he was cheated out of the presidency. Tammy Baldwin, she bravely broke down the door to US Senate becoming the first openly gay member. The Castro brother's particularly the a major of San Antonio has a ton of potential. Although less publicly talked about the Major Castor's twin brother representing Texas congressional distinct 20 is quietly seeing his political fortunes raise earning the respect of his Colleges during the 113th congresses's session. Corey Booker mayor of Newark in NJ currently seeking a US Senate seat in the state is promising. Andrew Cuomo the current Governor of New York is an extremely talented campaigner. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa is a raising in popularity among Latino groups, he is getting attention from national party operatives and donors since that demographic is being so aggressively courted by both sides right now. I could keep going but I think I got the highlights pretty much down.t
You can kiss Villaraigos off, he is an empty suit, other Dems are scared to stand next to him because they know he has a whole cemetery in his closet(I am a party member out here). Cory Booker, the Castro Bros, Kamila Harris and Gavin Newsom are all going national, and that State Senator from TX that Fillibustered for 11 hours might get a play, she's got sand. God help the GOP if Jon Stewart, Rachel Maddow or Steven Colbert decide to go political. Personally, I kinda like that Susan Rice but she is too blunt.
