OJ, what do you figure the odds are that, after saying (two or three weeks ago) that the VP nominee will be VP Cheney and yes, that's our final answer, the Bush campaign will switch to Rice?

Rice/Romney '08 -- forceful leadership for the New American Century.

Take that, Hillary!

You're right that Romney could distinguish himself with all of the Boston/MA events this year. I still think Jeb has more clout/experience in the GOP but the desire for a change from a Bush could work against him. And of course events can derail a politician (i.e. if Hillary loses her reelection in '06)

Random:

100%. When something makes political sense, it happens. Look for a July heart flare-up and Cheney to reluctantly ask to be replaced.

Formidable? McCain is going nowhere with the GOP soul; Rice is not going to replace Cheney (her stock has dropped quite a bit in the last few months); and Romney will struggle to become a national candidate (although he looks promising). And Jeb won't run - because if he did, he would go about as far as Phil Gramm.

The GOP in 2008 is thin, but the Democrats are even thinner - HRC is not the colossus the press wants her to be, and Edwards will be running from obscurity, with 4 more years of age worn into him. Who else? Harold Ford? Dianne Feinstein? Richardson? Keep your eyes peeled to Al Gore - he will be back. He lusts for it.

jim:

Don't be silly. A two term governor of FL, brother and son of presidents.

A sitting Vice President

A war hero senator popular in both parties

A sitting governor of the state next door

What other field has ever been as strong--except when Washington ran unopposed?

Don't forget Arnold if the amendment is changed to allow him to run. And there are probably other GOP Senators/governors who might jump in. We can argue specifics but I think the main point - the GOP has a deeper bench than the Dems - is correct.

Where are the Democratic governors who might challenge the presidency? Among the large states, Illinois and Pennsylvania have Democratic governors; and I had to look them up to find out who they are. They really need to start pushing some of these guys nationally.

Romney is deluding himself if he thinks he has a shot at the presidency. As a Republican, he'd have to rely on the religious voters to win the primaries. Because of his religion, he's persona non grata to many members of that class. It's too bad because he seems a good man, but it's the truth.

You'll be hearing a lot about Bush fatigue soon. And as promising as Jeb might be, he ain't going to make it. McCain is a shallow bigmouth - remember, he was chairman of the Commerce committee and brought forth the monstrosity of the Telecommunications Act (and is still in thrall to them). His appeal to Democrats is extremely limited (pro-life), as you have noted for Evan Bayh. And the chances of Rice replacing Cheney are now probably less than 10%. While I would be enthusiastic, I don't see it. Maybe after the election?

And Edward is right about Romney - I had forgotten that he is a Mormon. And that will be just as much of a turn-off to many Democrats as is it to the GOP core. You have to ask yourself: could Romney be elected governor of FL or TX or even PA? Probably not.

The Republican field in 1980 and the Democratic field in 1988 were much stronger. And don't forget that the 'dream' candidate often does not run (Cuomo more than once, HRC this time, Kennedy in 1984, etc.). 2008 will be very interesting, to say the least.

Edward:

Is MA a bastion of Mormonism?

jim:

1988: Dukakis, Biden, Gore, Gephardt, Jesse Jackson, sometimes Gary Hart

1980: Reagan, Bush, Connally, Baker

You're kidding, right?

Brandon:

Both are mentioned, though they're first-termers and relatively unknown--the dude in WI too. Bill Richardson is the best bet of the lot, bringing Hispanic cache and congressional and White House experience with him.

Reagan: 2-term governor of CA

Bush: Congressman, ambassador, party leader, CIA director

Baker: Senate minority leader, respected by both sides

Connally: governor of TX, cabinet member, confidante of LBJ

Hard to see why this is minimal compared to Frist, Rice, Romney, Owens, McCain, Rudy.

And as far as the Democrats go, you forgot Paul Simon (understandable), but Gephardt was seen as a rising force in the party, Gore was seen as the 'tough' young Senator with a pedigree (at the time, a positive), Jesse was there for the black community, and Dukakis was viewed favorably until September of 1988.

It seems you want to push Jeb, but many Republicans are going to push back. What about Jeb's son George in 2016? Maybe he can run against Harold Ford.

Read What it Takes by Richard Ben Cramer--none of them were serious candidates in '88.

As for '80:

George Bush Sr. couldn't hold his own congressional seat and was fired from CIA--compare to his son, the smarter son.

Reagan was considered a joke--compare to Governor Romney with an abvious NH advantage

Connally was a Democrat--compare to McCain, a Democrat in GOP garb

Baker was, as you say, in the minority--compare to Majority Leader Bill Frist.

Rice will be a sitting VP--none such ran in '80.

Dream on folks. Cheney could replace Powell putting Condi in the V.P. seat; but no one will/should push him out.

Jeb doesn't have a chance but Romney does, and don't forget Bremer ... laugh if you will, but if Iraq makes it his credentials will be hard to beat.

Forget the dreams ... lets get GW back in and then start dreaming. This is far from a done deal.

Bremer? Have you seen that man's hair? I think he's actually Kerry in disguise.

I like the blog- good topics. I thought Cheney would be gone, but it looks like he's sticking around. Did you all hear about Bush's joke in Massachussetts? Here it is:

"I know there's a lot of talk about a Massachusetts politician who has his eye on the presidency," Bush said, his call broadcast over the loudspeakers at the Local 7 Ironworkers Hall. "But tell Mitt it's not open until 2008."

Good one huh?!