If Kerry's "intern problem" turns out to be genuine, it seems possible the Dems will look outside the current pool of candidates for a dark horse savior. The most oft heard name is Hillary Clinton, but I think this lacks imagination. The Dems should borrow a page from the 2002 campaign and nominate an old Party warhorse. Then, faced with the loss of a Senate seat, they tapped Walter Mondale to save the seat (albeit unsuccessfully.)
This year, why not his boss? After Hart, Clinton and now Kerry, a docile near-octogenarian like Jimmy Carter might just start to appeal to them. Sure, he admitted back in the 70's to having "lust in his heart", but now that he's IN his 70's, that little hitch should be worked out.
I'm curious, what do you think his campaign slogan would be?
Posted by Discoshaman at février 13, 2004 08:09 PM | TrackBack
Since Carter's not so keen on concrete terms such as "winning" and "losing," instead of "Elect Carter '04," how about something more befitting his character:
"Negotiate Carter for President in 2004"
Posted by: Jared Bridges at février 13, 2004 09:11 PMI've been thinking a lot about Carter. He would be the perfect running mate. He would appeal to evangelicals because Carter obviously takes religion seriously. He would appeal to southerners because he is from the south. He would appeal to farmers because he used to be a farmer. He would appeal to the poor because he builds houses for them. He would appeal to the rich becuase he is involved in an organization to which rich people give money when they feel bad about being rich. And he seems to have a good way of bringing peace in countries where there is conflict, making him much more respectable from a foreign policy perspective.
Anyway, if Carter were to join up with Kerry, it might make me seriously consider voting for Kerry. Of course the problem is that there is no way I'm voting for Kerry.
In fact, I think it would be great if the Dems nominated Carter and made Kerry the VP!
Posted by: Richard at février 13, 2004 09:15 PMHe would especially appeal to people who are appealed to by single life details they have in common with the candidate, regardless of the overall merit of his candidacy. ;-)
Posted by: pentamom at février 13, 2004 09:40 PMKerry would like this strategy since he seems to want to return the nation to the halcyon days of the Vietnam War era and for a few years afterward when we, as a country, were practically scared of our own shadow. Carter was a pathetic President and to associate Kerry and Carter would be a real boost to the Bush Campaign. It would almost be as good as having Michael Dukakis as Kerry's VP. Discoshaman, I hope you have some close confidants in the Kerry Campaign - this sounds like a great idea!
Posted by: JD Mays at février 14, 2004 12:22 AMThe Carter thing was just a whimsical way of pointing out the serial problem the Dems have with their peccadilloes. Also, the weakness of their farm team. It shows how far down the barrel they've scraped already that the idea even sounds plausible. :)
I think everyone, the Dem hierarchy included, is happier with Carter playing the role of omnienevolent senior statesman, rather than reprising his role as bumling politico.
Malaise '04!
Posted by: Russ at février 22, 2004 12:24 AMOr he could borrow a page from the Simpsons:
"Jimmy Carter. If you were running, he'd vote for you..."
Posted by: Russ at février 22, 2004 12:26 AM