If you were a chief political operative...

[Moooooo]

I would select Evan Bayh.

Priority #1: Get Bayh a personality/public speaking coach.  He needs to be able to energize not only his base, but potential swing voters.

VP pick:  General Wesley Clark (ret.) - In the post 9/11 world I believe the Democratic ticket must contain some type of military/national security background.


Campaign Logo:  Bayh/Clark  -  A fresh start for America!

Early on I would run a 39 state campaign with extreme focus on Ohio, Indiana, Florida (if she bites early go after her. if not drop her), and Pennsylvania.

Spend a little bit of time in states that show signs of wanting to go Democratic.  If they bite, go after them.  If not, drop them.  Spend even less time in traditional Democratic states.  Just enough to keep the base energized and fired up.

Forget about it states:
Texas, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Mississippi, Alabama, Utah, Wyoming, North Dakota, Idaho, Kansas, South Carolina.

Focus on Bayhs political background.  He has served in both the executive and legislative sides of the Government.  He knows what it takes to get things done for the American people on both sides.  Also, focus on the way he Governed Indiana with approval ratings as high as 80%.  Use Clarks background in the Military to make Americans feel safe and secure.

...Even against an extremley strong GOP ticket I think the election would end up like this.

[Moooooo]

I hate hearing Democrats acting like Bill Frist will be the nominee.

There is reason to even have a campaign if Bill Frist somehow wins the nomination (which he won't), unless you plan to run a left wing extremist like Hillary Clinton. Anyone else, and he will lose big.

Lets see your campaign strategy, Philip.

[Moooooo]

Great analysis, Hawk. 

Evan Bayh is the candidate, who could unite his party’s left, right and centrist flanks by being moderate enough to reach out to socially conservative Democrats, like those of West Virginia, who found the liberal Kerry a turn-off

The only problem with Bayh is that the far left liberals hate the guy.  If Bayh does get the nomination, only a very small percentage of the far left would vote for him.  That would result in a third party candidate like Nader getting 1-2 million votes which can cripple a campaign especially if it comes down to one or two states like 2000 and 2004. 

[Moooooo]

The inclusion of J.C. Watts (a very charismatic, conservative Af-AM) would help put IL even more into play and could help shave of the NYC vote from Dems in NY.  His being on the ticket would also help in places like MD and NJ.

I saw him on Crossfire once and he didnt impress me at all.  He was debating Jesse Jackson and got his clock cleaned.  If the Democrats ever suspected the GOP may nominate an African American as VP they would nominate one and offset the huge African American voter turnout.

What do you think the best case scenario would be for the GOP if they nominated an African American as VP?  Do you think they would get over 50% of the African American vote or somewhere near 20%?  (Bush only received 8%)

[Moooooo]

The only way you can beat Jessie Jackson is to be as rude to him as he is to you.  I doubt that J.C. would stoop to that level.  Did Jessie even let him answer a question without constantly interrupting?

I used to follow J.C.'s  career in the Congress, and watched him campaign for Dubya in this past election.  I found him very impressive, though I have to admit that I didn't see the debate with the "Reverend" Jackson, so I'll take your word for his performance at that forum.

Yes, Jessie was being Jessie.  However, I will admit Watts was extremley humble and seemed like a really nice guy.

[Moooooo]

The Democrats are just being overly partisan. Nothing racist about that.

I agree.  Its tough times for us Democrats right now.