The leading 2012 Democratic Candidates as early as 2009?

[Robespierre's Jaw]

Inspired by the topic, 'The Leading 2012 GOP candidates as early as 2009', I decided to create one for Democratic candidates. You can put as many leading Democratic candidates names in your post as you want. Well here it goes:

Former Governor Mark Warner (VA)
Senator Barack Obama (IL)
Governor Brad Henry (OK)
Governor Elliot Spitzer (NY)

[Mr. Morden]

Well, I already started a poll topic on that, though it's fallen off of the front page:

https://uselectionatlas.org/FORUM/index.php?topic=54676.0

The leading contenders in that poll are Obama and Warner, with Spitzer a distant third.

However, since the poll was started in March, and opinions may have shifted since then, we could always start over with a new poll like that, if people are interested.

[Robespierre's Jaw]

Well, I already started a poll topic on that, though it's fallen off of the front page:

https://uselectionatlas.org/FORUM/index.php?topic=54676.0

The leading contenders in that poll are Obama and Warner, with Spitzer a distant third.

However, since the poll was started in March, and opinions may have shifted since then, we could always start over with a new poll like that, if people are interested.

Okay then. We'll do that then. Mr. Morden, do you want to start the topic or should I?

[Mr. Morden]

I probably won't get around to it tonight, but I could do it tomorrow.  So if you want it right now, I'm leaving it up to you.  If you do decide to do that, feel free to copy from the old poll as much as you like.

[Robespierre's Jaw]

I probably won't get around to it tonight, but I could do it tomorrow.  So if you want it right now, I'm leaving it up to you.  If you do decide to do that, feel free to copy from the old poll as much as you like.

I'll see how I go. If I don't do it today then you can do it.

[Padfoot]

The leading Democratic candidate for 2012 will be whoever wins in November 2008.

[DownWithTheLeft]

1. Fmr. Gov. Brad Henry (D-OK)
2. Gov. Deval Patrick (D-MA)
3. Gov. Elliot Spitzer (D-NY)
4. Fmr. VP Al Gore
5. Fmr. Gov. Kathleen Sebelius

Democrats will want an experienced governor as their candidate to try and make sure they are able to win after losing 12 years in a row and 24 out of 32 years.  After nominating horrible unsucessful Fmr. Sen. John Edwards (D-NC) in 2008 who was trounced by Fred Thompson, they simply cannot afford another mistake.  This makes Fmr. OK Gov. Brad Henry the frontrunner as he is moderate, he broad appeal including the South, and seems like he will easily trump Thompson.  However, the base is angry about this and needs another token minority liberal so they say liberal Deval Patrick should be the nominee.  Others decide to pick another minority, Elliot Spitzer, but he appears to not have the backing that the others do but is certainly a top tier candidate.  As usual, Fmr. VP turned activist Al Gore is at the top of the list, but most think as usual this will amount to nothing.  The darkhouse as of early 2009 is Fmr. Gov. Kathleen Sebelius.

[NDN]

The leading Democratic candidate for 2012 will be whoever wins in November 2008.

I agree totally. In fact, I'm pretty sure that Obama is going to be President. He has more room to grow than Hillary (as his name recognition improves), and better appeal overall contrary to what the national polls say at the moment (better midwestern appeal). Like you I really like Bill Richardson, but I see him being a VP at most.

[Kevin]

1. Fmr. Gov. Brad Henry (D-OK)
2. Gov. Deval Patrick (D-MA)
3. Gov. Elliot Spitzer (D-NY)
4. Fmr. VP Al Gore
5. Fmr. Gov. Kathleen Sebelius

Democrats will want an experienced governor as their candidate to try and make sure they are able to win after losing 12 years in a row and 24 out of 32 years.  After nominating horrible unsucessful Fmr. Sen. John Edwards (D-NC) in 2008 who was trounced by Fred Thompson, they simply cannot afford another mistake.  This makes Fmr. OK Gov. Brad Henry the frontrunner as he is moderate, he broad appeal including the South, and seems like he will easily trump Thompson.  However, the base is angry about this and needs another token minority liberal so they say liberal Deval Patrick should be the nominee.  Others decide to pick another minority, Elliot Spitzer, but he appears to not have the backing that the others do but is certainly a top tier candidate.  As usual, Fmr. VP turned activist Al Gore is at the top of the list, but most think as usual this will amount to nothing.  The darkhouse as of early 2009 is Fmr. Gov. Kathleen Sebelius.

How about Martin O'Malley? What are his chances in all of this?

[HappyWarrior]

I doubt O'Malley has a chance in 2012, but in 2016 I think he has a pretty good one as long as he keeps up his current governing record.  This is because he is'nt like a big political star as of yet.

[Frodo]

Assuming Hillary loses next year, which is unlikely:

Senator Barack Obama (IL)
Governor Brad Henry (OK)
Governor Elliot Spitzer (NY)

[Bacon King]

Good answers so far, aside from Al Gore. In addition to the names already stated, I'd say Napolitano.