2012 Candidates if John Kerry had won in 2004.

[Joe Biden 2020]

Who would our 2012 Candidates have been had John Kerry won in 2004 and had served two terms?  Who would be the favorite going into the summer?

[NHI]

Hillary or Edwards would be the Democrat nominee, and possibly Romney or Giuliani for the Republicans.

[Jerseyrules]

I would say Ron Paul, Senator Herman Cain, Senator Giuliani (ran to replace Gillibrand), Romney, and Governor William Weld (another victory of the 06 midterms).  Maybe even Haley Barbour

[RedPrometheus]

Barack Obama would run probably if reelected in 2010. He seemed quite determined from early on to run for president.

[GLPman]

Barack Obama would run probably if reelected in 2010. He seemed quite determined from early on to run for president.

Obama was propelled to the national stage by the media's sensationalism and fascination of him. Without that support, it'd be more difficult for him to gain national recognition. In this scenario, Clinton and Edwards would probably overshadow him.

[FEMA Camp Administrator]

Howard Dean, anyone?

[Jerseyrules]

Howard Dean, anyone?

Not unless he's made VP or something, IMO.  His core of support was built up thanks to concern in the liberal base of the party regarding Iraq, and after eight years of Kerry, I doubt he'd have that to run on.  Hell, even after four years of Obama we'll be out of Iraq and Afghanistan by 2013 (the only part of his Administation that I can go 'WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO YEAAAAAAAAAAAAA F--k yeah bitch!" except Osama's death).  And after 8 years of Dems (and likely a narrow 04 win, and even narrower reelection in 08), I doubt the doctor from Vermont would risk a landslide defeat in 12.

[BaldEagle1991]

Whoever ran for the Democratic Party in 2008 + The ones who rain in 2012 for the GOP Primary.

I think what we are seeing now in 2012 is no different of what will happen if John Kerry won in 2004.  

Heck I don't think the recession would happen if Kerry was President, so I have no idea what will the big issue and who is the likely winner in 2012 if Kerry won in 04.

[hcallega]

If Kerry wins in 2004, he probably is defeated in 2008. That Republican President (IMO a conservative like George Allen, Bill Frist, or John McCain) would face a daunting reelection bid in 2012 against a wide Democratic field. Senator Hillary Clinton would be a logical frontrunner, but would be plagued by the same problems as she was in 2008. She would probably still underestimate her opposition and lack the passion of the liberal base. But without the Iraq War as a major issue, she still may be able to win the nomination. Obama would run. The Democratic leadership thought he was the best candidate to beat Hillary. He may retire from the Senate in 2010, or run for Governor. Edwards would also be a strong candidate due to four years as the Vice-President and the political popularity of economic populism. Other candidates could include Mark Warner, Ted Strickland, or Russ Feingold.

[Jerseyrules]

a conservative like John McCain

Hey look everyone!  John McCain's a conservative now!