Rich’s reasons why Obama shouldn’t run in ‘08.
1. Obama shouldn’t run because he doesn’t have the experience as an executive yet. When he answers a question he weighs both sides at length before coming to a conclusion. And that conclusion usually has a caveat. Although we like the fact that he sees the complexity of an issue, that will kill him on the campaign trail. I’m not talking about sound-bytes, I’m talking about coming down firmly in support of an issue.
2. Little foreign policy experience. You may retort: “But, rich, Bush was a foreign policy lightweight too and look where he wound up.” Here’s the difference, grasshopper. Bush had very powerful groups in the Republican party trying to get him elected. We all know how the Republicans can stick together. Who does Obama have? The Democrats. No exactly who I want going into the no holds barred cage match that is a Presidential campaign. What prominent Democrats are calling for Obama to run? None. Why? Because they are scared of Hillary.
3. Democratic support will lag until he wins in the primaries. See my comments in 2. Obama will have to win primaries early to keep his momentum going. If Hilary wins either Iowa or New Hampshire by decent margins, it’s over. Then people will start thinking who will be the one likely to win in the general election and not who do I like more.
4. The South. You think the Democrats have problems winning down there now? See Harold Ford circa 2006. And Obama looks black.
5. And this is the biggest reason. There’s a better way. This is my strategy for Obama going to the White House. He should run for Governor of Illinois in 2010. He should either decline to run for re-election as Senator or step down as Senator to run. This way he lets Hillary and John Edwards duke it out and let’s the whole Iraq thing die down. His years in the governor’s office will also allow the stink from any controversial senate votes to wear off. Look back in the 20th century and tell me how many presidents came from the governor’s office. Allot. The Governorship gives his the executive experience he needs.
The State Of . . . Obama’s star is rising fast. It’s a big gamble if he decides to run in ‘08. The drawback of my plan is that we may all get tired of Obama by the time my plan comes to fruition. Should he run? Should he accept the VP spot if offered? Would he win?
Filed under: Politics
