Has the time past where Senators can get elected President?

Mike Bonkalski · 11-03-2004, 06:05 AM

This goes for Republicans as well as Democrats. Is it still possible for Senators to be elected President? No one has followed this path to the White House since the Nixon/Kennedy days, and even Nixon was the VP prior to being Pres. It seems as if you need to be the VP or a state govenor to be elected. Why is this?

lendaddy · 11-03-2004, 06:08 AM

No, but it is difficult. Though Kerry's Senate record is indeed a joke, I don't believe that people took that too seriously. The guy is just unlikeable and unconvincing. A more likeable or honest Senetor from the Democtraic side would have made a much stronger run/possibly won.

Mule · 11-03-2004, 06:22 AM

Correct Len. The answer is no. But the senator cannot be some left wing nitwit, aristocratic, socialist buffoon.

928ram · 11-03-2004, 06:24 AM

I think what holds them back is the face-in-the-crowd of being in the Senate; whereas running a state is more closely related by most to running the whole country.

That being said, I truly think that the right Senator can win; but the field was thin this time and the wrong horse was backed IMO.

gaijinda · 11-03-2004, 06:27 AM

Being a govenor gives you that Executive experience. And record to run on. The Senate is set up as a deliberative body. Look at Henry Clay - it has always been a tough leap. Nixon was VP first, that helps a lot..

project935 · 11-03-2004, 06:27 AM

Good grief, I'm replying on a political thread

Looks to me Obama is being groomed for '12 or '16 ... maybe even '08 depending on his upcoming track record.

lendaddy · 11-03-2004, 06:31 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by project935

Looks to me Obama is being groomed for '12 or '16 ... maybe even '08 depending on his upcoming track record.

You may have a point. Obama shows very well, speaks the talk of a centrist, and is VERY likeable. That being said, '08 will be an internal power struggle between the Clintons and the "others" for whom they nominate. I bellieve if Hillary wants it, she gets it.

project935 · 11-03-2004, 06:35 AM

IMO Hillary can try all she wants ... but she won't get the populus vote in '08 (or any other year). She missed the boat with '04 and that would have been a long-shot. People will be tired of hearing from/about her in '08 and beyond.

Gheesh ... now ya got me going all political

Overpaid Slacker · 06:39 AM

I agree that Obama would be a strong candidate -- and a likeable one. However, that's only if the DNC cans McAuliffe and gets away from the Michael Moore (and even Jimmy Carter) lunatic fringe and comes back to the table with ... well, with SOMEthing; ANYthing. W-bashing and attempting to score cheap political points through a complicit media are no substance gimmicks. Have an alternative, and don't hide it behind your back saying "c'mon, guess what it might be..."

Oh, and there's NO chance for Hillary. If she needs to run a vanity campaign, to be the first ... um ... "woman" to do so for a major party, I wouldn't be surprised.

BTW, no *****, when the Lewinsky thing was coming undone for BJ Clinton (so to speak), I called Hillary's future. I said she's going to leverage this for a run for a Senate seat... probably New York b/c Cali won't have her. Then, this ... "woman" who is elected to the Senate on her then-president husband's coattails, with no record of ANYthing takes shots at Jeb Bush for having been elected governor of Florida due to his family connections.

JP

dtw · 11-03-2004, 06:45 AM

Both McCain and Lieberman are senators that I would give a serious chance.

928ram · 11-03-2004, 06:50 AM

Quote:

Both McCain and Lieberman are senators that I would give a serious chance

Both deserve a serious chance.

Quote:

"woman" who is elected to the Senate on her then-president husband's coattails, with no record of ANYthing takes shots at Jeb Bush for having been elected governor of Florida due to his family connections.

And Jeb has produced for Florida, the people love him. Hillary? what besides ranting and screaming has she done for New York?

lendaddy · 11-03-2004, 06:59 AM

That's not really the point, the Clintons are royalty in the upper eschelons of the Democratic party. Bottom line, they get what they want. I'm not talking about everyday "Joe Democrat" I'm talking about the leadership. If she wants it, she gets it. Look back, it's not like the Dems didn't have anyone to run for Hillary's Senate seat......"step aside sir, Hillary coming through". Smart move to run her in '08? Probably not, but I would bet on it.

project935 · 07:06 AM

Re: McCain and Lieberman - throw Hillary in too

Quote:

Originally posted by 928ram
[B]Both deserve a serious chance.

BTDT ... wasn't going to work. Democrats will be wasting efforts in the future if they try to bring back old "candidates" - they need a fresh, likeable candidate who actually has a positive reputation and a strong platform.

Unless there is some other condenter waiting in the wings, I'll call it ... Obama for Prez in '08 or '12

The Clintons "royalty" and leadership strength will fade over the next 4 years ... people will tire of them.

Man ... get me a tech topic or some near-naked chicks to talk about ...

gr8fl4porsche · gr8fl4porsche's Garage

Am I correct in stating that no sitting Senator has ever been elected to the Presidency?