Election 2008: Early Presidential Prediction

Who Will Be W's Successor?

And the winner will be...

No, it's not that easy. Actually, at this point it's darn near impossible. There are still so many possible candidates for both parties. However, we can take a look at the current frontrunners and come up with a semi-educated guess. Keep in mind, however, that a smart betting man or woman would stay away from picking a favorite until things begin to sort themselves out in 2008.

DEMOCRATS

1. Barack Obama - He's black, he writes books, and he's fashioned himself after another senator from Illinois, Mr. Lincoln. Both were relatively inexperienced when they entered presidential races, and both used their outstanding oratory skills to rise to prominence. Obama can follow Lincoln into the White House if he manages to convince Americans that he is more than a media star, but a man who can effectively lead the nation.

2. Hillary Clinton - It's been known since Bill's first term that Hillary had major political aspirations, and she's done nothing but work towards this goal since then. She has the experience Obama lacks, but that experience also means she has made more enemies along the way, which could hurt her chances of winning the nomination. Many still view her as a flaming liberal.

3. Jonathan Edwards - He has the charisma, and he also writes books, but does he have the clout? He's a familiar face, as he ran in the last election for vice president, and he's more likable than Hillary. Ironically, he's established his position farther left than Mrs. Clinton this time around.

REPUBLICANS

1. Rudy Guiliani - The man who is known for "cleaning up New York" now seeks to clean up the reputation of the tarnished Republican party. Can he do it? It's a tough chore, but I don't know if there's a candidate who would stand a better chance. Guiliani has a major following on the East Coast, and though he's well-known and respected nationally, jumping from mayor to president is no small leap.