Which candidates are serious contenders against Bush?

[IranianDemocrat]

Be honest here. I personally like all the candidates but I think the ones that are serious are Clark, Dean, Kerry, and Lieberman .

[Yupster]

1. Edwards and Graham

I think they would both be competitive against Bush, though it doesn't look like they're getting very far in the primaries. I think Gephardt is still viable and would give Bush trouble too.

I agree with all those on your list too.

[bowens43]

2. All but Sharpton, Braun and Kucinich

[Rowdyboy]

3. I honestly believe that, other than

Sharpton, any one of the other 9 (including Braun and Kucinich) could beat Bush if the economy stays sour and we continue to pour money and lives into Iraq...

Who do I think would be strongest? Graham, Clark and Edwards. Followed by Kerry, Dean and Lieberman in that order.

[Prodemsouth]

4. It would have to be very, very sour for Kuchnich, Sharpton, Braun to win.

I think all have strengths, despite my being pissed at them today, I admire the strength and the focus of Deans campaign. Kerry respectable record, except Iraq vote, Clarks record, Graham, out spoken, Edwards has some strenghts Stongest. most able to beat Bush: Clark, Kerry, Graham, Edwards and Dean most likely to have the srongest chances against W. I don't think Lieberman would do that well, too much like Bush already, why change, but there is a difference.

[chimpymustgo]

5. Edwards, Clark, Kerry strongest match-ups against *.

But I'll say it again...I don't see anybody getting enough delegates. There's gonna be major wheeling and dealing - and a lot more surprises.

[uptohere]

6. Edwards

Clark will be a flash in the pan in spite of the DLC and DNC,
Dean is a real dark horse if he learns when to speak and when not to speak,
Kerry, from Mass, sorry, no hope,
Lieberman is a little too Dukakis.

Gephardt should have been included. Pretty dark horse but not impossible. The others are impossible.

[tjdee]

10. Dean's popularity right now= not a dark horse.

He's on top already, by definition (or metaphor??) he is unable to be the dark horse.

Edwards is the only dark horse I see, it's almost criminal his standing right now.

[chimpymustgo]

14. It is almost CRIMINAL that Edwards is not doing better.

But I believe the cream will rise to the top. Clark getting in the race shakes things up. Voters reassess the field, just as Edwards is hitting his stride.

Plenty of upside.

[RichV]

13. Curious

What do the DLC and DNC have to do with Clark, really? Do we know if they've been pushing his candidacy?

[caledesi]

7. The truth?

Dean
Gephardt
Kerry
Clark

[ryharrin]

8. I agree with yours except that I'd replace Lieberman with Edwards.

I don't think Lieberman would have a chance in hell either in the primaries or against shrub. I'd say Dean and Clark are at the top of the top.

[IranianDemocrat]

15. But the problem is...

for some reason I keep seeing Lieberman with high poll numbers.

[RichV]

9. I'd say

Clark, Kerry, and maybe Dean. I think Lieberman's poison at this point. Dropping like a stone in national polling as people become familiar with the other candidates. Like Clinton said at the Harkin Steak Fry, some of these guys just aren't famous yet.

[mlawson]

11. Edwards, Dean, maybe Graham.

*Maybe* Kerry, who will almost certainly get the nomination. The others, I can't see having a chance at the moment.

[CentristDemocrat]

12. Clark, Kerry, Edwards

[Rooktoven]

16. Edwards, Kerry, Clark

then Dean

I love Graham'd guts, but he doesn't seem to have the charisma needed.

I'd put the rest in the "nice people but no chance" pile.

[shugah]

17. all 10 candidates are serious contenders

if they weren't serious, they wouldn't be in the race! ;-)

having said that, i was very pleased after watching the most recent debate of our candidates (i'm looking forward to seeing clark at the next one). i was amazed (to be honest--downright tickled) to hear the voices of those who hope to be president so clearly denouncing the path we are currently on.

i have my personal reservations about some of the candidates. i have my personal reasons for supporting some candidates.

if i relied on the media exclusively, or DU exclusively, i'd probably hate them all.

as it turns out, i'm kind of cheering for all of them. some of the obstacles that have to be overcome by some candidates (like i said, i have reservations about some) will turn out to be hurdles too high.

reality, however, is that any of the fine men and woman hoping to be the dem nominee are a far better bet than bush. and i think that the america that elected al gore know that.

[AnAmerican]

19. Thanks for the post and the reality check.

Far too many posters here feel that "their" candidate is the only "serious" one.

[Clete]

18. All of them, even Lieberman.

Trust me. Bush doesn't have a chance in a fair election.