Most interesting and most boring primary candidates by year

[Phony Moderate]

2012:

Republicans: Interesting - Ron Paul, Boring - Tim Pawlenty

2008:

Democrats: Interesting - Mike Gravel, Boring - Chris Dodd
Republicans: Interesting - Ron Paul, Boring - Duncan Hunter

2004:

Democrats: Interesting - Dennis Kucinich, Boring - Bob Graham

2000:

Democrats: Only two major candidates here. Bradley was somewhat more interesting than Gore.
Republicans: Interesting - Alan Keyes, Boring - Orrin Hatch

1996:

Republicans: Interesting - Pat Buchanan, Boring - Lamar Alexander

1992:

Democrats: Interesting - Jerry Brown, Boring - Tom Harkin
Republicans: Buchanan was more interesting than H. W. Bush.

1988:

Democrats: Interesting - Jim Traficant, Boring - Bruce Babbitt
Republicans: Interesting - Pat Robertson, Boring - Paul Laxalt


Maybe I'll do some more cycles later. But, ironically, my 'interesting' list is rather boring as it consists almost entirely of insurgents, nutters, extremists and loons.

[WrathOfTheGods]

Question: what does "interesting" and "boring" exactly mean to you?

[IceSpear]

You forgot Fred Thompson.

[FEMA Camp Administrator]

Question: what does "interesting" and "boring" exactly mean to you?

"Interesting" seems to involve a candidate having unconventional/non-mainstream views combined with a cultish sort of following (Paul, Kucinich, Keyes...). "Boring" probably indicates a candidate being a very normal sort of politician with no interesting story and very little charisma (T-Paw, Chris Dodd...).

[Badger]

You forgot Fred Thompson.

[BaconBacon96]

2012 Republican Party candidates from most interesting to most boring.

1. Ron Paul
2. Michele Bachmann
3. Gary Johnson
4. Herman Cain
5. Newt Gingrich
6. Rick Perry
7. Buddy Roemer
8. Rick Santorum
9. Mitt Romney
10. Jon Huntsman
11. Fred Karger
12. Thad McCotter
13. Tim Pawlenty