Upstate New York is Republican, but as a matter of fact she did very well there both times. An international investigation of the Bhutto assassination would have been an excellent idea, since the dictatorship there was perfectly capable of having a hand in her killing, and the JFK assassination took place in the United States, which you appear to think no different than Pakistan. We are not a dictatorship, we are not a rogue nuclear state, we do not have Taliban operating freely within our borders, and JFK was a sitting President, not a rival to a sitting dictator. Just so lyou know.
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Joe Biden
Pro
Strong foreign-policy chops in a churning world. Buoyant campaigner. More likable northeast Catholic than John Kerry, which might be all that's needed.
Con
High risk of gaffes, plus an energy-killing long-windedness.
Bottom Line
Plenty electable, but after 35 years in the Senate he would have a hard time carrying the Democrats' message of change.
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John Edwards
Pro
Dynamic, disciplined campaigner with general election experience. Taps into economic anxiety. Regional advantage, considering that the only two Democrats elected president in nearly half a century were both white Southerners.
Con
Choked in '04 veep debate with Dick Cheney. A weak record, and pro-business Senate votes make him seem like a flip-flopper. Hard-edged populist message has always been a general-election loser, but if he tacks away from it, he'll get hammered. Trial-lawyer style has shown little appeal among indies.
Bottom Line
Looks safer, but at least as big a risk in general election as Clinton or Obama.
Hillary Clinton
Pro
Battle-tested. The dirt on her is so old it won't stick. Sensing history, women voters will come out in record numbers, including independents and Republicans who thought they never would. Steady debate skills would lessen Democrats' jitters. Restorationist appeal: nostalgia for the 1990s, a third term for Bill.
Con
The only candidate who can energize a dispirited GOP, which has been lying in wait for her. Surprise dirt will emerge, as it always does with the Clintons. Women would vote disproportionately Democratic anyway, offering little advantage. Depth of American misogyny unclear. Many Hillary-haters are the very independents she needs. Distaste for dynasties and a return of Clinton fatigue.
Bottom Line
She can win, but she'll need to run a near-flawless fall campaign.
Barack Obama
Pro
Fresh, inspiring and embodies what most elections are about: the future. Heavy black vote could tip a couple of Red states into the Blue column, while those against him because of race wouldn't be voting Democratic anyway. Teflon potential: Republicans would have to muzzle attack dogs or risk seeming racist. Strong with independents and college-educated men who have recently tilted to GOP.
Con
Untested against Republicans, who would leap to define him before he could define himself. Name, background and lack of experience may represent too much change. Depth of American racism unclear. While polling shows liberal-bashing has lost its resonance, GOP would try it anyway.
Bottom Line
A roll of the dice, but the only one with a decent chance for a landslide.
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