Tom Vilsack of Iowa likely to run for president

[WI_DEM]

He was on Kerry's shortlist and I think it can safely be said given the closeness of Iowa that had he been on the ticket he probably would have at least delivered his state.

Ex-Marine, two term Governor, From a "Purple" state.

Thoughts?

[bluedog]

1. don't know

marine..purple heart?............that'll tear that down in a heartbeat!

[WI_DEM]

3. more important he might appeal to rural voters

I agree the military thing is overplayed. This election proved it.

[ProudToBeBlueInRhody]

2. Aside.....

.......from the fact he's a playable character in "The Political Machine", I don't know much about him.....but at this point anyone is worth a look.

Wait, you said a Marine? Ha! I'm sure the GOP will dismiss his service in a second......

[Logansquare]

4. Exciting as warm oatmeal.

Let's get out our sliderules kiddies, and pick the next Democratic contender!

[zaj]

5. Exactly.

[AP]

6. And the race moves to NH. If Vilsack runs, nobody but Vilsack will...

...campaign in Iowa. It'll be like '92 -- which, incidentally, was a primary year won by a southerner.

[BurtWorm]

7. Zzzzzzzzzzzzz

[Roland99]

8. The name alone is a deal-breaker

People who don't pay attention to issues and real information will see that name and avoid him.

[hippiechick]

9. I thought the exact same thing.

:hi:


:hippie:

[zulchzulu]

10. I saw him speak in Iowa during caucus season and...

...it's a good thing I had some coffee because the guy has as much charisma as an old pair of socks.

With Vilsack (a horrible name, btw) being an ex-marine, I'm sure there are some marines who served with him who would love to character assassinate him. Rove et al hate vets.....remember?

[Voltaire]

11. People people people

Vilsack is another old-time politician who will pander to the middle. The idea is to pull the middle to where you are. He ain't the man for the job.

[Pithy Cherub]

12. Actually the sentiment behind the name

is what is more frightening. An attempt to trial ballon "plausible" candidates that don't have a prayer without the passion of the grassroots. Vilsak is a balloon with no air (money), FP experience, or national grassroots. He's a governor with a lot of corn...

First thing is fix the freakin leadership of the Democratic party with people who will roll up their sleeves and will brawl when necessary!

Will the primary schedule be as compressed?
Will the media whores be allowed to pick the Dem candidates and write slanted stories?
Will the middle-of-the-road Dems be frightened by a longer primary season?
Will Dems allow Faux News to moderate debates? and on and on...