Democratic Field

The Democratic party has a relatively strong field in terms of their presidential candidates this time around – certainly stronger than in 2004. Democratic candidates have been painted as at least slightly smarter than the average Republican candidate as well, due largely to the verbal mannerisms of the current president. They have weaknesses, but plenty of people will be willing to ignore these for the chance to remove anyone associated with republican views from office. The Democratic candidates will have the advantage, or the many advantages, coming into the 2008 election.

Currently, polls put Hillary Clinton in first place, by fairly large margins. Many merely want to see a woman in office, and this is Clinton’s first and most obvious advantage. Another obvious advantage is her publicity above all other candidates: she was the first lady, and has been one of the most prominent democratic senators in the time since then. Clinton also has husband Bill, who happens to be one of the most charismatic and well – liked politicians in recent times, and whose only ambition greater than being the first first man is to be president again. Hilary does not, however, have an advantage over other candidates, especially Obama, when it comes to Iraq. Her inconsistent approach has hurt her, and her unwillingness to focus the majority of energy on the issue does not sit well with anti – war voters, of which there are many.

In second place, according to polls, is Barrack Obama, the Illinois standout senator. Obama is very popular with younger voters, and is regarded as on of the more articulate and charismatic candidates on either the democratic or republican side. He has been the standout candidate on anti – war measures, and did vote against the war, something Clinton cannot say for herself. In addition, polls show Obama is ahead of Clinton on health care issues. One thing Obama has going against him is his lack of a strong statement on homeland security, which some analysts believe is even more important than Iraq in the election. Clinton, on the other hand, has pulled ahead of Obama on this issue.

A distant third place goes to 2004 vice president candidate John Edwards, followed by a much more distant Bill Richardson. Edwards focuses on the economy more than any other of the four, and this could prove very valuable to the survival of his campaign. Edwards has not, however, been strong on Iraq, where he focuses too much energy and is too inconsistent in his approach. Richardson, however, is strong on Iraq in the sense that he is known for his opposition to the war; this is the most important issue for Richardson to focus on, and is his greatest strength. Richardson’s weakness is most likely in his lack of publicity and funds, and has too much of an uphill battle to fight to really be a serious threat to the top two candidates.

Hilary seems to have the upper hand on Obama currently. Her strength in the field of homeland security may prove too much for Obama. That, along with husband Bill, may win her the nomination.