Monday, November 13, 2006

Fresh-Faced Obama

Speculation on Obama running for president in the Washington Post, via RCP. As the field seems practically all Senators, with the exception of Dem. Governor Vilsack of Iowa, and Republican Governor Romney of Massachusetts, lack of experience as a Senator would seem to be a plus, according to the beltway conventional wisdom. Usually governors win, but can a fresh-faced freshman Senator beat the odds?

Given Sen. McCain's military background and foreign policy expertise, it seems like he has executive experience. Then there's Mayor Guiliani who distinguished himself on Sept. 11th and the days thereafter. Hillary can claim some experience by proximity to Bill I suppose, though her biggest solo venture of HillaryCare was a total disaster.

Obama's run is complicated by Democrats winning the Senate and Lieberman winning as an independent in Connecticut. The Dems are now in charge in Congress, Lieberman protects Hillary's right flank on the war, and an antiwar stance by Obama is now not so simple. And he will have more votes to explain to the voters.

Will Obama still be a fresh face as we get closer to 2008, or will he have passed the sell-by date?

Will Illinois' scandals taint Obama in the next two years?

Previous posts: Obama, Dancing with Tony, Business as Usual Obama, Dogpatch Democrats

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