Vilsack Announces W.H. Run; McCain Exploring Idea

Possible Contenders?
Two more people could be added to the "Possible '08 Contenders" list. Iowa governor Tom Vilsack (D), currently in his second term, has decided to forego running for a third term, and has instead decided to run for President of the United States. He made the announcement Thursday. Vilsack won the governorship in 1998, marking the first time in 30 years a Democrat was the executive of that state. Vilsack's had to deal with a Republican state legislature for a majority of his time in office. Hopefully, if he wins, he won't have to deal with that, thanks to the incredibly smart and well-informed Americans who voted on Tuesday.

Also giving politics and bloggers something to talk about on Friday was the announcement of an exploratory committee by Arizona Sen. John McCain (R). Republican officials said that the committee would be formed next week, and a bank account has already been created. McCain's aides said that McCain would consult his family, and that he would have an answer in December.

Thanks to McCain's announcement, I'll be sitting on my hands to see if the ONE Republican that could actually win the Presidency will run. If McCain doesn't run, then the Democrats have a fairly good chance of winning. Obviously, Former NYC Mayor Rudy Giuliani could throw a wrench into a "Bush screwed up, let's vote Democrat" movement, especially considering Guiliani relates with Democrats on most big issues.

Could they Win?
I don't know too much about Gov. Vilsack to say either way, but I do honestly think that John McCain or Rudy Guiliani could become the next President. Despite being Republicans, both are very moderate, on occasion even liberal, and could appeal to a wide base. HOWEVER, Senator McCain's recent "flip-flopping" (yes, I said it) between supporting the President, no doubt to gain votes from the more conservative voters, and clashing with him has, I believe, created some distrust among those swing-voters and Independents who do not like the President's policies. This could open the door to Guiliani, especially if he comes out against some of Bush's actions and standpoints.

Democrats will definitely have some grand contenders vieing for the presidency, if those names who are rumored, or have hinted at running, decide to make that giant leap.

-Adam