Figured it's probably a good time to start this thread, and with today's report from NBC, it looks like President Obama will not be needed on the campaign trail. More time for golf!
Hillary is the natural strong candidate for the Democrats, and no one has really taken the field for Republicans. There is also some speculation that "The Godfather" Rahm Emanuel will either pose a challenge for Hillary or replace her all together as an option for Democrats that want to see Obama's agenda continued. Emanuel has proven himself in the realm of Democrat politics by effectively bankrupting Chicago, and his achievements have not gone unnoticed by the party.
Also, Biden. . .LOL! Never mind.
Remember back in 2006-7 when Obama emerged onto the scene and no one thought he had a chance against the Clinton power-house, because of his lack of experience and lethargic voting record, but his ability to generate cult-like followers was all he needed to snatch the nomination away from the Clintons, who simply considered him an amateur with no economic, domestic, or foreign policy ability. Immediately after the election, the Socialist world embraced him, by awarding him the Nobel Peace Prize for being present, and the rest is history.
I assume IF Hillary decides to run, she already has a plan to put down Emanuel, and simply pat Biden on the head. What she has to fear most is a challenger that can cultivate that rock-star image that causes Democrats to abandon reason and fall prostrate in hopes of a back-stage pass, a wave or even a wink from the deity. She simply does not have that power. Bill does, but not Hillary.
I will be very interested to see who the Republican challengers are. I would also like to see some additional parties really participate. I think the Tea Party should field a candidate, as well as the Libertarian party. I also think there is an opportunity for the Socialist party to offer a real candidate now that the Occupy movement has displayed an active demographic for that group.
