Guiliani vs. Edwards

[Starbucks Union Thug HokeyPuck]

I like this one because I really don't know how it would turn out.  Guiliani would run as a tough forgein policy canidate, which is an issue than trancends party lines.  Edwards would run as a populist, getting good support from those who are worried about the economy and their jobs.  This kind of issue also can garner support from both sides.  Both are pretty liberal when it comes to social issues, so it would be interesting to see where the usual Bush crowd breaks. 

The outcome?  I think the Democrats continue their drift towards the center, and win in a strange result, Edwards the clear favorite going into election day. 

The pre-election map. 

and my best guess on the actual result

Edwards 333
Rudy 205

I just think the political atmosphere will still favor the Dems, especially if they continue to drift towards the center.  Plus, not having a socially conservative canidate run (or at least someone who can be percieved as one), I believe would kill the GOP in its current state.  I don't think Rudy can win a general election.

[Starbucks Union Thug HokeyPuck]

For a party that just got destroyed in the midterms, Republicans around here are pretty cocky.  In pretty much any hypothetical 2008 scenario we bring up, its always the Dems gettin destroyed by the untouchable, amazing, McCain and Guilani.... what makes you think that their independent reputations will last through a GOP nomination?

[Starbucks Union Thug HokeyPuck]

Not cocky, but Pretty Boy Edwards would get hammered.  Edwards would sweep the trial lawyer vote however.

Where are some of you getting this Edwards takes NC stuff?  Surely not for what he did for Kerry in that state in 04.  The Dem ticket was wiped out in NC.  The beltway types think Edwards is wonderful.  No one else seems to think so.

Why would he take NC?

1) Kerry lost NC by 13 points, but the exit polls showed a 51-46 positive rating for Edwards despite being on an extremely unpopular ticket in the state.

2) Aaginst another social moderate, it gives voters a reason to vote on economics, something Edwards ran well on. 

3) NC is trending democratic.....slightly. 

4) he's not considered the washington insider Gore was when he lost Tennessee