2008 Predictions... just for the hell of it.

[MaC]

Democrats Richardson/Bayh 44%PV
Republicans Romney/Brownback 47%PV
Libertarians Micheal Cloud/Clint Eastwood 9%PV

Libertarians finally do really well, the main campaign states are out west and in New England.  Micheal Cloud who wrote the book on libertarian persuasion is able to use it in practice and Clint Eastwood serves as a good celebrity to have and is able to pour good money into the campaign.  Some states, we get a large amount (Montana 29%), while others, a small amount (Mississippi) less than 1 %.

Richardson/Bayh ticket does well, but Democrats find out getting Evan Bayh on the ticket isn't as great as they originally thought.  However people see Richardson as presidential.  He was on Bill Clinton's cabinet and served New Mexico well as governor, and people want to see their first Hispanic president.

Romney/Brownback ticket wins, however.  The match-up works well since it's regionally and ideologically well-balanced, between a New England moderate and a Great Plains conservative.  Michigan goes for Romney, as he apologizes for his fathers remarks some 40 years ago about the "brainwashing" remark, and promises to rebuild Detroit.  The south has a high turnout, and enjoys the religiousness of the ticket.

There're still many disagreements, but two things change.
1.There's less negative campaigning than in 2004.
2.All three parties realize that we need to get out of Iraq.

[MaC]

Former wookie:

me: That's Mister Milk_and_Cereal to you!

Mitt Romney as a "moderate"! Surely that is a bit far-fetched in light of recent comments on LGBT issues and stem cell research to name just two.

me:oh, I forgot stem cells and transgenderism is a HUGE political issue and not a wedge one that small interests groups complain about.

On LGBT , but indeed the national electorate where thissues, where he now apparently opposes not only gay marriage but civil unions also, not only is he out of touch with his own state where a small majority support marriage equalityose opposed to any legal recognition of gay unions are in fact in a minority (that figure was 37% in the '04 Election Exit Poll where the GOP turnout is generally agreed to have been higher)   

me: again, I'm sure when it comes right down to it, transgenderism is a hot button issue.  Honestly I don't know why gay marraige is such a big issue with people, but I doubt it'll play over in 2008 as big as it did in 2004.

And to underline just how deceitful and opportunistic he is, he actually expressed support for civil unions in late 2003/early 2004!

me:cummon, the people of Massachusetts LOVE flipfloppers.

On stem cells he has threatened to veto any bill that advances this much needed scientific research despite the fact that a recent poll indicates that 65% of voters support it. Again this is a national figure and one can safely presume that support is even higher in his home state, the most liberal/enlightened in the nation. 

me:65% of Americans support this?  News to me.  How are liberals open minded?  They seems rather close minded when it comes to capitalism.

Romney opporunistically ran under the guise of moderate Republican to be elected governor of Massachusetts but has shown his true colors more recently.

me: well yeah, it's politically advantageous for him if he's gonna run in '08.

Also from what position would you envisage him being nominated and then elected President in '08? Polls show him trailing a generic Democratic opponent for Governor in 2006 and indeed he might not even run for re-election. An ex-governor of a state loathed by national Republicans is hardly an election winning formula!   

me: anything can happen.  He could take the three seats in senate that Ted Kennedy's fat ass is occupying when he pick one: (retires/ dies of a heart attack/ dies from revenge by that girl's parents) in 2006.  He could also get a cabinet seat, or another good political job, he's well off enough to have some pull.

Honestly, who are you?   Tell me.  Who?  Who the hell are you to take a condescending tone to my map?  It's just a prediction, so what if it's wrong, I had a fun time making the map, so shut up.