I never start polls but I've really enjoyed reading about some of the prognostication about 2016's POTUS race.
Here's folks I've targeted for the 2016 race so far. Give me a moment, I'm putting up a poll that allows Democrats and Republicans to vote for
their guy.
Give me a moment to warm up the ol' poll.
REPUBLICANS:
New Jersey Governor Chris Christie
For my money, the frontrunner. He is an excellent speaker, probably the best in the field, with bipartisan credentials and until recently, a rock star within the GOP. They'll come back to him soon. But he would be an awfully moderate candidate.
Florida Senator Marco Rubio
If the GOP honestly, earnestly believes that demographics were their downfall in 2012, Rubio is a good antidote. Likeable, good speaker, a Hispanic from Florida. Much less moderate than Christie.
Florida Governor Jeb Bush
Rumors are that he wants in. I think his last name seals his fate, but he has political pedigree and also hails from Florida.
Ohio Govenor John Kasich
I don't think Kasich is national platform material, but he does hail from all-important Ohio.
Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal
I think he's too young, but his race and youth could be the break from business as usual? I don't know.
Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels
I'm calling it: he's 2016's Jon Hunstman. A pragmatic, Presidential, conservative candidate with all the political talent you need. I'm guessing he fades compared to the bright lights of Christie and Rubio.
Virginia Governor Bob McDonell
I don't see it, but McDonell wants in apparently. He's got plenty of things going for him: military background, swing state, good speaker. But I think there's only so much oxygen in the room.
South Dakota Senator John Thune
The GOP primaries need their hard-right candidate, and I think Thune's the best possible face for it.
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice
She doesn't want to, but people have been asking for it. I think she'd be a compelling candidate within the GOP primaries (she'll have the most foreing policy experience, and on my list she's the only woman, and the only African American).
Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum
Nobody on this list really looks the part of the Religious Right, do they? Well the RR's gotta have somebody fighting for them, and they like Santorum.
DEMOCRATS
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton
If she declares, half of the people on this list will not run. You may only have a person or two running against her.
Vice President Joe Biden
We all know the guy wants to run in 2016. Hard to argue with his experience.
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo
High profile governor, very aggressive rhetoric, and has a political pedigree in his family. He's going to have a very tough time being likeable, I think.
Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer
Probably won't run, but the DNP needs him to. Very centrist and bipartisan record.
Massachussetts Senator Elizabeth Warren
Way premature, but she is a rock star within the party now.
Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley
O'Malley is a sleeper -- he has a ton of connections within the DNP and has spent some time as a national figure as an Obama surrogate. Would likely campaign as a "four more years of Obama's policies" candidate.
Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick
The boisterous Patrick would likely become beloved in a dry-personality primary field. A solid liberal, he would easily be the best speaker in the field.
Virginia Senator Mark Warner
Probably would end up being the Tim Pawlenty of the 2016 DNP field. Experienced, clean presentation. Just nothing that is remotely gripping for the average Democrat.
Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano
I think she's a stronger candidate than almost everybody gives her credit for. Obama reaped huge dividends in 2012 because the GOP couldn't attack him effectively on foreign policy or security. Napolitano might have the same advantage. If Hillary doesn't run, Janet should.