By now, I am sure that everyone has an opinion on the announced candidates for the Democratic nomination for President. Even though it is still ridiculously early to anoint one candidate as the presumptive nominee, certain trends are taking shape. Hillary Clinton is building a commanding lead, while Barack Obama and John Edwards are fighting to keep themselves within shouting distance. These three make up the top tier of the current candidates.
Until any of the other five announced candidates - only those who have filed with the Federal Election Commission are considered for this post - withdraws from the race, I'll include them here.
In alphabetical order:
Joseph Biden, Senior Senator from Delaware. Of the current candidates, Biden as well as Christopher Dodd, has the most foreign policy experience. Leans left of center on most issues, those is something of a social conservative, voting for the Defense of Marriage Act and against public funding of abortion. Is in line with liberal/progressive positions on the environment, taxes, gun control, education and several other topics. On Iraq, realizes that the United States cannot just pull out, and supports a gradual withdrawal accompanied by a concrete plan to address the political shortcomings there. Based on length of service and public positions, could be considered one of the candidates with the most "gravitas".
Hillary Clinton, Junior Senator from New York. There isn't much that can be added about Clinton that hasn't been said in the past 15 years encompassing her life as wife of a Presidential Candidate, to First Lady, to US Senator, to Presidential Candidate. Currently this space's pick for the Presidential nomination.
Christopher Dodd, Senior Senator from Connecticut. One of the more liberal Democratic candidates, has taken centrist-to-conservative positions on the issues of gay marriage and free trade. Virtually no chance at the nomination or even as Vice-President, especially if Clinton becomes the nominee.
John Edwards, former Senator from North Carolina. Previously a two-time candidate, he was the nominee for Vice President in 2004. Perhaps the activist with the best shot at capturing the nomination, he is known for mostly liberal positions that seek to increase the station of the poor in life. Made a fortune as a trial lawyer in the 90s.
Mike Gravel, former Senator from Alaska. Aside from supplying some (perhaps) unintended comic relief, the crusty former two-term Senator and 1972 Vice Presidential nomination-seeker has no chance at the nomination.
Dennis Kucinich, Representative from Ohio. Probably the most liberal Democratic candidate, he is also the one of the most outspoken and unwavering in his consistency. The only Democratic candidate to vote against the resolution authorizing force against Iraq in 2003. His only chance at a significant amount of votes in either the primaries or the general election would come from the far-left segments of the party.
Barack Obama, Junior Senator from Illinois. Charismatic first-term Senator who previously served in the Illinois legislature, he is fond of saying that he opposed the Iraq war from the start. Is fairly liberal, but is showing his political inexperience by "restating" - not exactly flip-flopping - his positions and statements. Would be a good candidate in the future, with some seasoning.
Bill Richardson, Governor of New Mexico. Known more for his lengthy political resume - he has been a Cabinet Officer, Ambassador to the UN, and US Representative in addition to Governor - than for his actual positions, he is a fairly centrist candidate, with liberal and conservative stances on various issues. As a special envoy to Iraq and North Korea for President Clinton, he was able to secure the release of American citizens being held by those governments. Extensive experience in foreign policy. While he shouldn't be thought of as a top-tier candidate, he is the Democrats' dark-horse candidate.
It is tough to handicap how any of the candidates would do in the primaries, since the schedule is like the weather in Florida - wait five minutes, it'll change. That is if Florida's primary actually counts.
