>>>>>>>>>>So why, all of a sudden, now?
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>That's an excellent question. He should have let the "controversy" rage as long as possible. Let the birthers waste their time on something known to be completely harmless.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>I bet if they thought Trump could ride it to the nomination they would have <bg>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>The Republican field is still a joke. Trump? Unelectable. Palin? Unelectable. Romney, Gingrich, on and on, unelectable. Maybe one of the little-knowns will emerge. The only one I take seriously at all is Mike Huckabee. I have a lot of respect for him even though we disagree right down the line on the issues. He is smart, has a sense of humor, and even plays the guitar. But I don't think any evangelical can win a general election. The social agenda will scare off way too many moderates and liberals.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>Pretty much agree with all that, except I'm not sure about Romney. Huckabee seems like somebody it would be nice to know, but I don't think he has a prayer ( you'll forgive the expression) Some big heavy hitter from business or the military would be nice, but I don't see anybody in those fields as wanting it or willing.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>Unfortunately we are limited to professional politicians - which in my mind makes most of them undesirable from the get-go. True for both parties.
>>>>>>We get to vote for the "least unqualified"
>>>>>
>>>>>If they could be drafted, would there be any hope for any ex-Bush admin types e.g. Rice or Powell?
>>>>
>>>>I've been supporting Conde Rice for president since she worked for the first Bush, but I think she's too smart to put herself through that. To me she'd be a slam dunk VP nominee. ( the one McCain should have begged for on his hands and knees)
>>>>
>>>>Not sure about Powell. Never was as impressed with him as others seemed to be ( would have voted for him over Obama in a heartbeat. ) But my understanding is his wife would completely veto it.
>>>>
>>>>But you'd think with 350 million people or whatever we have we'd be able to come up with somebody who understands business, is well read in history and has a strong enough character to be willing to be a great one term President.
>>>>
>>>>And if not that, how about a Kardashian?
>>>
>>>Hey, Bill Gates is retired from MS, he's got nothing better to do < eg >
>>
>>Mr. Charisma !
>
>To be honest, if it's a choice between charisma and ability, at this time the US (and the rest of the world) needs the latter, not the former.

From your lips to God's ears. It would be a nice change.

But my Krauthamer, Sowell dream ticket probably doesn't have much chance.

>
>If you insist on charisma, there's always Ellison < g >

Or Jobs. Or Muscavich. ( we're running out of Kennedys )