Who's Next?

Jason Pront
April 24, 2001

The scheming has already started. George W. Bush has been president for fewer than three months, and the Democrats are starting to plot revenge. Still smarting from the close race and the questionable circumstances of the results, bitterness still runs strong left of the aisle. Many of the nations top Democrats have already thrown their hats into the ring by creating exploratory committees, fundraising, or simply jockeying for position in the partys spotlight.

While it is very early in the political season, many potential candidates are eager to begin the process. The field is expected to be very thick, and George W. Bushs reputation as an intellectual lightweight gives the impression of an easy race to win. In order to make some sense of the situation, Ive compiled a list of some of the names being tossed about in Washington, along with some of my opinions as to their chances of winning the nomination.

The Frontrunners:
Al Gore
Clearly the most recognized of all potential candidates, Gore lost the past election by the slimmest of margins. He clearly has the most experience in the executive branch of all the candidates, and is generally viewed as a strong choice. However, many still question his ability to win, given last years hard loss and his subsequent disappearance from the political scene. Although he has been overshadowed yet again by Bill Clinton here in New York, most Democrats are waiting for him to make a move before they officially declare their candidacy.

Dick Gephardt
Currently the House Minosirty Leader, this Congressman from Missouri is a very powerful member of his party. Despite his insistence that his focus right now is on preventing the Republicans from taking over Congress, many Democrats remember his 1988 run for the presidential nomination. Despite eventually losing to Michael Dukakis, Gephardt put up a powerful fight and is a strong contender for the nomination.

Tom Daschle
The Senate Minority Leader from South Dakota is considered a definite possibility. He has risen quickly through his partys ranks, and has achieved a good deal of popular exposure without ever running for national office. Some may consider him too young for the position of President, but few doubt his ability to be a formidable candidate.

Gaining Ground:
Joe Lieberman
Last years Vice Presidential nominee, Lieberman still remains active in politics as the Senior Senator from Connecticut. Despite losing last years election, Lieberman gained a great deal of exposure and is considered by some Democrats as the new frontrunner. Others consider his affiliation with Gore, as well as his religion, to be liabilities. Lieberman has begun fundraising, but has stated that he will make no decision until Gore has publicly declared his position.

Evan Bayh
Hailing from the state of Indiana, Bayh is currently serving his first Senate term. Before entering national politics, Bayh was a two-term governor of Indiana. Bayh is known for holding very centrist and moderate views, and is dedicated to working with the opposition in order to achieve progress. He is a powerful Senator who sits on several committees.

John Edwards
This first term Senator from North Carolina would be considered a frontrunner had he not recently angered some Democrats by trying to poach some former Gore employees. He has been successful, however, at maneuvering himself into a powerful position in the Democratic Party despite his inexperience. It remains to be seen, however, if he has the clout to become a real candidate or is just overstepping his bounds.

The Long Shots:
John Kerry
Kerry is the Junior Senator from Massachusetts, currently serving in his first term. He has received a good amount of public exposure as a frontrunner, but has several liabilities which could hold him back. These include a short political career and his outspoken opposition to the Vietnam War despite being a decorated veteran. One strong asset he does possess, however, is a very sizeable war chest due to his wifes immense fortune.

Bill Bradley
Formerly the Senior Senator from New Jersey, Bradley retired from politics after losing last elections primary to Al Gore. He has an impeccable record, and is well known both from his previous campaigning and from his career as a hall-of-fame basketball star. Despite all this, Bradley has been practically invisible for the past year, and it will be very difficult for him to rekindle his former political recognition. Nor will he be helped by a campaign style that makes Gore appear lively.