One Campaign Ends; Another Begins

And…they’re off!

With the 2006 campaign not even one week behind us, there is already a bunch of talk about the 2008 presidential race. The early frontrunners continue to be Hillary for the Democrats and McCain for the Republicans.

A couple of things to mention from this weekend’s news.

First, Sen. Russ Feingold surprisingly decides not to run for the Democratic nomination. This is surprising, especially given that Feingold was one of the few Democrats to be an outspoken critic of the Iraq war since its inception. Also, he was in a solid position to the left of Hillary. When you look at the Democratic field now, you have to think that this opens up the left even more for a real rival to Hillary. I just think this is yet another reason it is likely Al Gore will find the 2008 temptation too hard to resist.

Second, John McCain is losing his mind. While I have written extensively on John McCain’s incredible loss of credibility, I never questioned his sanity. But now one has to wonder what he is thinking. On Meet the Press this Sunday, the following took place:

MR. RUSSERT: But [you are] suggesting we get deeper into Iraq, send more troops; the American public is on the side of getting out. Look at this from our exit polls. Send more troops, 18 percent of the American people, 23 percent say maintain current level, 28 say withdraw some, 31 percent say withdraw all. Eighty-two percent have a different position than McCain. How can you go to the country after these elections and say, “Send more troops to Iraq”?

SEN. McCAIN: I can only do what I think is best for these young men and women who are in the military.

If that isn’t a strategy for a 2008 electoral defeat, I can’t think of what is. Clearly, McCain and Rove must be using the same “math” or drinking the same kool-aid.