Rice!

Rudy is a much, MUCH better politician than Rice. I'd take her at VP.

So, who do you think we should vote for?

Bill's obviously and shamelessly trumpeting Mike Huckabee, but I went for Rudy, unless Condi enters the race. I don't care so much about how good a politician she is, it would be worth it just to see the left twist itself around and around.

Um... Dan Qayle?

I see the Giulani/Rice ticket is gaining steam. Dean Esmay is solidly on board as well.

I just think the quiet and unassuming Rice would do quite well against Hillary.

I've witnessed Rice making a quasi-political speech, and felt her stiff and affected speaking style would hamper her greatly in a presidential run. I was completely underwhlemed by her, and I like her.

Rudy/Rice would be just fine.

Bingo.

I didn't vote for Gingrich. He's fine for behind-the-scenes, not President.

I'd love Rudy as Prez, but I have no Idea how he'd make it out of the primaries.

He polls oddly ok with social cons.

Firstly, one speech does not a candidate make, and, by the way, don't we have a President burdened with his own public speaking issues?
Sorry, Bill, love the blog, love the bats, but I'll have my 3rd GOP win with a side of Rice.
Sort by Red/Blue to see how what percentage Rice takes from Rudy.
I admire Rudy and would gladly vote for him in the general election, but against Hillary, Rice is a better prospect.
She's proven to be a strong, determined, intelligent force in this administration, has great credentials and the Dems would tie themsleves in knots trying to reconcile their hatred with their PC shackles.
The Dems can only win by getting at least 80% of the African-American vote. Condi would take enough away to ensure a victory.
I'm not as certain Rudy could.

Sorry, T Marcell, love the blog commenting, etc, but Rice cannot communicate all that effectively. And while Bush has made up for his deficits in this area with other strengths (charisma, which Condi somewhat lacks), that is also one of the reasons why public support is slipping downwards on the war. Because after you hear Bush say it's because they hate our freedom a million times, you roll your eyes and change the channel.

In contrast, every outing by Rudy discussing the current state of the WoT is comprehensive, no-nonsense, clear and convincing. He runs circles around Rice in this area.

Not to mention, his fantastic resuscitation of NYC single-handedly restored my faith in the potential for a highly competent individual to steer large beuracracies to do great things.

In contrast, what accomplishments of Rice can you point to, other than her impressive education, intelligence and poise? I like her, but not for a Presidential candidate. Rudy would be much more effective.

I come down on the right side of most issues, including the social ones, but don't have any objection to Rudy as a candidate for President. Pragmatic argument--his judicial appointments would certainly be better than Hillary's. Practical argument--the continued Republican control of Congress would mean few changes to the conservative social agenda even with him as President. What I wonder about is his commitment to running...he's backed out of big races before, and it's hard to tell this far out if he's really in it for keeps.

Rudy/Condi '08!

Honestly, I could get behind either,and, believe only Rudy or Condi could win (Bill Frist?,Cheney?, are you serious?)
But elections, don't happen in a vacuum, it's not wether Rudy is a better pol than Condi (he is), it's who has the better chance to stop the Clintzkrieg.
Neither Hill nor Condi's nor anyone else's accomplishments stack with Rudy's starting w/ 9/11, but the question remains, strategically, who has the better chance.
You may not be as impressed with Condi, but you would prefer her over the Hill Show, no?

This Virginian voted for Allen.

Ok, it's official. Freepers scare me. Nearly 30% have voted for Tancredo. Tancredo????

Rice, as much as I respect her, is classic sidekick material. Put her in the VP slot.

I laughed so hard at the update my kittens got scared and ran away.

Tradesport has McCain and Allen in front followed by Giuliani. On the Dem side, Clinton is way out front of Warner. Yet in a head to head, they've got the GOP two points ahead.

Seems to indicate that unless the Dems get a clue and get someone besides Clinton/Kerry/Biden, us purple fly-over people aint going to be too excited. (what is that, a contest for the Prez of New England???)

This is, of course, predicated upon the GOP not shooting themselves in the foot and picking a Santorum or Bush. (and obviously not having another Buchanan type keynote address at the convention.)

I am a big supporter of Condi, but after giving it some thought, the Rudy/Rice tandem is probably the way to go. That puts a lot of things in play: a potential NY state split, a few points from the Dem's African-American base, plus Rudy's natural charisma and superlative efforts after 9/11.
OK, I'm in.

I'm a fan of Rice's, and have been one ever since her wonderful speech at the Republican convention in 1992. But please remember that she has never run for political office before, let alone been elected. I suspect that some of the strength of her numbers in this pre-polling period even comes from that -- people are writing all of their policy preferences on a blank Rice-shaped chalkboard and liking what they see.

She's young. There's plenty of time for Rice to run and win office as a Senator or (preferably) Governor first. It would give her critical experience for her presidential campaign, and it would give everybody else clearer insight as to what she's like, how effectively she can implement her ideas in the face of opposition, and how well she can manage her own party.

Rice in 2012 or 2016, but not in 2008.

Bill: sarcasm aside, I believe gingrich is one of the premier political thinkers of our time. reading his works, the man is clear and concise (agree or not). I like him a lot. no chance for pres, but i would LOVE to see him as a senior policymaker....

What makes Gingrich so unelectable, anyway?

I wonder if Trey Parker & Matt Stone are 35 yet...

Thanks.

good site