Talk Elections

The moderate Democratic leader of North Carolina.  He is successful in a "red state," why isn't he considering a run?

I don't know a lot about him, but it seems like he'd be a strong candidate. Is he charismatic?

A moderate charismatic Southerner gives the Democrats the best chance for victory.

Yes, if you look at Dave's data on the state, many traditionally Republican counties voted for Easley against Ballantine in '04.  Something about the man was able to charm them, so maybe that would work in other red states.  Mike Easley would be a great candidate because you're right.  We (democrats) need a moderate Southerner with some liberal credentials and loads of charisma.  I believe Easley fits the bill, but I don't know if he has any desire to run.

If nothing else he could be a good VP choice. Maybe a Warner/Easley ticket would work; two moderate Southerners from adjoining states worked for us in 1992.

I would think that a Warner/Easley ticket would win Virginia (except against Allen) and would have a pretty good chance in North Carolina. Tennessee, Arkansas, West Virginia and Louisiana would also be very competitive.

Easley has had approval rating hits lately.

no he isnt charasmatic.  to say the least, he isnt a people person.  he is awkward on the stump and makes the least amount of public appearances as possible.

many democrats dont like him because he isnt a 'party man'.  i doubt he could care less if democrats win or lose.

that being said, i like easley and i voted for him (once).

Easley is suffering for some of the underhanded tactics he used to get a lottery passed and the deceit he used in describing the use of the lottery money

Edwards fits the exact credentials you just layed out. Do you think he could be an effective candidate as well? I don't.

Edwards would be better, I think, although I don't know much about Easley. I do know that he's not a bastard like Bredesen is.

Easley isn't very charismatic from what I've heard, although I've never really heard him speak.  Also I really can't see him running.

itd be very hard for easley to win the nomination, since most democrat primary voters these days are little jferns.  easley totally avoids social issues.  although he is very vocal when it comes to his support of the death penalty (being a former prosecutor and AG)

in a general election, hed be damn tough to beat.  his ideology is virtually the same as bill clinton's.  he is pro-business, strongly pro-education, etc etc.

Edwards fails the "loads of charisma" test. What an oily prick - he's almost a Bush Light, except without the lap of luxury childhood.

Easley has said he isn't considering running at all.  If he was, we'd have heard of him by now. 

i dont expect easley to ever run for any office again (even us senate)

he would be an excellent cabinet appointee in a dem administration...sec of education or commerce would be ideal.

I know I think he has widely let it be known he isn't interested in any sort of office - which is a shame for Democrats as he could be a credible Senate candidate in 2008 or 2010. 

i would guess that someone like bob etheridge would be the democrat front runner for us senate in 08 or 10.  he has won statewide before (granted it was a much lower office.)

I'm now wondering if Elizabeth Dole will run for re-election in 2008.  She will be 72 then, she hasn't done a good job at the NRSC and if the Democrats retake the Senate she would spend a long time in minority.  If so 2008 would be interesting and there seems to be quite a good Democratic bench in the state.  However, even if she didn't run in a presidential year the Republican candidate would be favoured. 

Richard Burr is up in 2010 and right now his ratings are not good but who can say what it will be like in four years time? 

it would be interesting if dole doesnt run for reelection.  someone like richard moore would have to think long and hard on whether he we would want to challenge beverly perdue for the democrat governor's nomination or run for senate.  again, i think etheridge would be the front runner on the democrat side.

thered be a ton of republicans lining up to run for an open seat.  patrick ballantine and sue myrick immediately come to mind.

richard burr will be in good shape.  he fits the state well.  i think most of his negative numbers is due to the fact that the republicans have had a bad couple of years.

But both Etheridge and Myrick will be 67 in 2008.  I know that Myrick has already ruled out a run for the Governor's mansion; I think either Mike McIntyre or Brad Miller would be good Senate candidates for the Democrats.  The Republican field would be wide enough as it is.

What are your thoughts on if Dole does run again; will she face a competetive race or not? 

Easley's would probably defer running for president in his home state to John Edwards.

I hope to God that Dole steps down. Ballantine 2008.  :)