OK, my turn :D

[Platypus]

How would I do running for President, as Governor of Oregon or something? I'm more moderate then Kerry economically, but about as liberal socially. I'm also probably slightly more hawkish.

[○∙◄☻¥tπ[╪AV┼cVê└]

More hawkish would hurt you on the left. You'd probably actually be better off being more like Kerry on that position. Remember, he voted for the Iraq war, which was already a major mistake.

[Platypus]

yeah, it might hurt the base, but that's to be expected.

[Rob]

Governor of Oregon?!? That's my position, hoss . Anyway, you'd be sunk because the loony left would hate you. You'd do better in suburbs than Kerry did, though.

[○∙◄☻¥tπ[╪AV┼cVê└]

yeah, it might hurt the base, but that's to be expected.

It'd totally screw you in a Presidential election. Whether you support attacking random countries for no reason tends to not be so much of an issue in Governor races, so you'd probably still be OK there.

[jokerman]

No, he would probably do much better being Hawkish.  Kerry was hurt because he voted for the Iraq War and then yet abandoned the troops for a short-term political gain during the primaries.  The public sees the lack of principles behind that despicable move.  They want a strong leader.  Bush may have a policy that isn't too successful, yet it's principled none the less.  That's why the public voted for Bush on foreign policy.