Hypothetical 2016 Election (Democrats)

[Snowstalker Mk. II]

Don't vote unless you're a Democrat or Democrat-leaning Independent. I already did this as a timeline, but I'd like to see it.

Basically, Romney narrowly defeats Obama in 2012. Republican lose a few seats in the House and control the Senate 50-50, with Vice President Jindal as the tiebreaker. Now, the economy, despite growth in the first year or so, has now gone into a smaller recession. In 2014, Democrats retook both houses of Congress. Romney's approval as of January 2012 is 38%, and trails most hypothetical opponents. However, the US has exited Afghanistan and Iraq.

The candidates are:

Governor Andrew Cuomo of New York: Socially liberal and fiscally centrist, Cuomo is running on a campaign of supporting same-sex marriage, fiscal responsibility without harming entitlements, and restoring government integrity. As a member of the Clinton cabinet as well as a popular figure with African-Americans, he hopes to win by tying together the North and the South.

Governor Russ Feingold of Wisconsin: Changing his mind and deciding to run for the Wisconsin recall election, the former Senator narrowly defeated Scott Walker in November 2012. A progressive, Feingold is focusing his campaign on health care reform, labor rights, and campaign finance reform. He also has support from some libertarian activists due to his opposition to the PATRIOT Act.

Senator Claire McCaskill of Missouri: Narrowly winning re-election in 2012, McCaskill fits the southern populist slot. Socially moderate, she mostly focuses on kitchen table issues, like health care, as well as support for farmers and unions and opposition to entitlement cuts.

Former Governor Martin O'Malley of Maryland: More liberal than McCaskill but more conservative than Feingold, O'Malley is likely the closest to Generic D in the field. Due to his work in Maryland and as Mayor of Baltimore, his platform focuses on urban redevelopment and reducing crime. Him, Jackson and Cuomo are competing for the black vote.

Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. of Illinois: Running as the token black candidate, Jackson is, like his father, running on an urban liberal platform. However, allegations of corruption make him a relatively minor candidate.

Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia: Easily the most conservative candidate in the race, Manchin is looking to at least make a mark by attracting conservative Southern Democrats, as well as some of the more conservative WWC voters. It's speculated he may drop out before the primaries due to poor funds, however.

Former Senator Mike Gravel of Alaska: At 85, he's just running for sh*ts and giggles at this point.

[Snowstalker Mk. II]

*coughrickperrycough*

Plus, he did explicitly leave open running later, just not for 2012.