Here's how things are shaping up on the Democrat side for 2008:
Senator Hillary Clinton (NY) - Hillary is clearly the front-runner among the 8 Democrats officially running for president. The former First Lady is well-known and as raised the most money (admittedly, Obama is very close behind) Ms. Clinton is an extremely polarizing figure in America today. She entered the national spotlight when she was selected to head the Task Force on National Health Care Reform (which failed to reach its objectives). Her decision to remain with Bill after he admitted cheating on her with Monica Lewinsky was seen as courageous by many, but to others it seemed she stayed to remain in a position of power and ride her husband's coattails to ensure her election to the Senate. She was elected to the Senate in 2000 and re-elected in 2006 by wide margins. Despite the fact that many of the American public view her as liberal, her voting record in the Senate has been mostly moderate or left-moderate. She voted for the war in Iraq and lately has refused to apologize for it (evoking criticism from John Edwards and liberal Democrats). Her lead in the polls has decreased, but she still leads against all Republican candidates (but by smaller margins than Obama or even Edwards). She would be the first woman president.
My take: She did well in the first Democratic debate but she appeared a little too rehearsed and static to me, like she was afraid to make a mistake, so she spoke in vague and over-simplified platitudes (as is common in early debates). Her Senate record is admirable and she has shown to be willing to work and compromise with Republicans. However, she is the consummate politician's politician and too much of a polarizing figure in the nation. Furthermore, it's time for a fresh face in the White House (no more Bushes or Clintons).
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