US Features
Major presidential candidates from both US parties
Jan 9, 2008, 11:39 GMT
Arizona Senator and Republican presidential hopeful John McCain (L) delivers his victory speech with his wife Cindy (R) at his election night headquarters in the New Hampshire Primary in Nashua, New Hampshire, USA 08 January 2008. EPA/MATT CAMPBELL
Washington - Six Democrats and seven Republicans are battling for their party's nomination to run for US president on November 4, 2008. A look at the top candidates in both major parties:
DEMOCRATS:
Senator Hillary Clinton, 60.
Democratic Party front-runner in all nationwide polls, name recognition a key advantage. Touts her White House experience as first lady when Bill Clinton was president and her seven years in the US Senate. Would make her husband 'ambassador to the world' to rebuild US global standing. Campaigns with Bill and daughter Chelsea to counter image of cold intellectual. Voted to authorize Iraq war, now says she was wrong. 'Hillary haters' factor: she mobilizes the highest negative voter reactions of any candidate.
Senator Barack Obama, 46.
Born in Hawaii to Kenyan father, white American mother, often viewed as charismatic and inspirational. Appeals strongly to younger, centre-left voters yearning for change and a bridging of political divisions. Promises 'a new kind of politics' to solve problems of ordinary Americans. Was first black editor of prestigious Harvard Law Review, later a social worker in Chicago. Only elected to Senate in 2004 but says he always opposed Iraq war, caused a stir by saying he would talk with leaders of US foes such as Iran and North Korea.
Former senator John Edwards, 54.
Lost 2004 election as vice presidential running mate with Democratic nominee Senator John Kerry. Southerner with left-leaning populist rhetoric, pledges to fight corporate greed and growing rich-poor gap he says has split the US into 'two Americas.' Promises middle-class tax breaks and - similar to other Democrats - health care for all Americans. Before politics, made career as a trial lawyer who won personal injury and product liability cases against companies.
REPUBLICANS:
Former Governor Mike Huckabee, 52.
Southern Baptist pastor whose socially conservative views rallied evangelical voters and lifted him into the lead in Iowa, the first state to hold a nominating poll. Was governor of Bill Clinton's home state of Arkansas until January. Says he's 'more authentic' than rivals. Calls for radical tax reform, steps to curb illegal immigration and constitutional amendment against abortion. Lost 55 kilograms after being diagnosed with diabetes in 2003. Plays bass guitar in his own rock band.
Former Mayor Rudy Giuliani, 63.
Tough anti-crime record as New York mayor before gaining hero status in aftermath of September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Tells voters he's 'tested in crisis.' Complicated personal life including two divorces, liberal stands on abortion and gay rights could hurt him with conservative Republicans. Virtually ignored smaller, early-voting states, hopes to ride February 5 'Mega Tuesday' to nomination. Wants to stay 'on offence' against terrorists, has sought advice from foreign-policy neoconservatives. Strong pro-Israel stand.
Former Governor Mitt Romney, 60.
Touts business credentials as chief executive who rescued 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, made millions with private-equity firm. Pin-striped, well-coiffed look to match. Governed left-leaning state of Massachusetts, now suspicious to evangelical voters for moving to the right on hot- button social issues such as abortion. Mormon faith is wild card, sought to counter by saying it won't influence decisions as president. Talks tough on crime, national security.
Senator John McCain, 71.
Widely respected maverick US senator from Arizona who ran for president in 2000. Was tortured during more than five years as POW in Vietnam, returned a war hero. Clashed with President George W Bush over legislation to outlaw torture by the US, but strongly backed Bush's 'surge' strategy this year to boost troop strength in Iraq. Has struggled to raise campaign money. At 72 would be oldest president to take office. Opposed by die-hard conservatives, but has centrist appeal that some say could win the general election.
© 2008 dpa - Deutsche Presse-AgenturCOMMENT
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Older Talkback
page: 1
..at the number of presidents that were older. Then go look at he younger one's and see if they were one bit better...
at these tukeys makes one wonder if the US is bankrupt in the leadership department.
plays bass gutar in his own band. Wow, what a ringing endorsement for the presiduncy. A rock and holy roller.
I'm not saying a younger candidate would make a better president, but the chances of a 71 yr old being able to sustain his mental and physical health isn't as good. But he's a Republican, so that is your #1 reason for voting for him!
any rate, just cast your one sacred vote for Ron Paul. You won't be sorry.
of Phony Wannabees. Vote for Ron Paul; substance, not Fluff.
Interesting sidelight:
John McCain, currently leading in the polls, is running out of casthw with which to run his campaign. The number two Gooper, Mike Huckabee, has the same problem. Fred Thompson, who never had much money to start with, has decided that South Carolina will be his last grab at the ring. No news on Giuliani' campaign which is likely good news for Rudi. Mitt Romney is pretty much self-financed. Ron Paul? Doctor Paul rules the web! His supporters have been both ardent AND generous.
So much for the big-name Goopers having the support of the upper crust, huh?
Is McCain-Feingold now biting John in the butt?
Stay tuned, folks! Ron Paul might win the nomination simply because he's the only one left with any cash to buy ad space!
And that wouldn't be all bad!
According to the evening news here, Mitt Romney is pulling his television ads in both Florida and South Carolina. It looks and sounds like a 'stop loss' order. In other words, the Goopers are NOT getting any money backing. This is good news for Fred Thompson. With Romney out of the way leaves him in a hatchet fight with Mike Huckabee for second place.
Here is the funny thing, Huckabee, McCain and Thompson are all three running short of cash. Still no reports on Rudi's cash position, which I will continue to assume is good news for Rudi.
Who would've thunk it? This is shaping up to be a struggle between a Libertarian and an Establishment Republican.
It has become even more interesting yet! According to this evening's news, both Mitt and Rudi are running low on cash. Rudi is not, apparently, having as much luck as he or I either one expected in Florida.
Can it be? Is Ron Paul going to be the last man standing in the Republican fight?
Mitt is the champion of change - he's changed his mind on everything he earlier endorsed!
...to realize that it's already over for Paul. He has plenty of money but no votes.
That, actually, has a nice sound....a guy with money that cannot buy an election....
RE:'That, actually, has a nice sound....a guy with money that cannot buy an election....'
Yeah, it seems to dispel a myth or two for those willing to look at the real world and quit living in La-La Land. Not everyone will buy the facts though. They're just too damned inconvenient.
The current system of government America has failed the People, and will be replaced with a new one For the People, without religious zealots that make things wrong. The American Republic is the answer, and Judah Ben-Hur for President, 2012! Its going to happen one way or another because We Believe!
Patriot to what? Whoever finally attains the goal will, hopefully, have the smarts to surround him/herself with intelligent people of all political parties, and not fall into the one-party trap. If there isn't cooperation in the government, nothing gets done anywhere other than constant bickering and vetoing - let's hope this changes. We've seen enough of this the last two terms to last a lifetime!!!
RE:'The current system of government America has failed the People, and will be replaced with a new one For the People, without religious zealots that make things wrong. The American Republic is the answer, and Judah Ben-Hur for President, 2012! Its going to happen one way or another because We Believe!'
Believe what, you silly bugger? That you can defeat the IRS with this stupidity? All you are going to do is get yourself and bunch of other gullible people into deep dark do-do!
Post here all you want, but expect me to warn people about your stupidity.
page: 1
CoreyJan 9th, 2008 - 16:22:15
I feel that McCain is too old - maybe not right now, but he will be a year older when he would take office, then add 4 years to that. He is at an age where every year older can make a big difference in physical and mental health!
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