Prediction: The 2016 Democratic ticket will have a woman on it

[pragmatic liberal]

My guess is that the legacy of the 2008 Hillary vs. Obama battle is going to put enormous pressure on Democrats to select a woman as either their presidential or vice-presidential nominee next time around.

The factors contributing to this will be:

* Hillary Clinton's near-miss this year at winning the Democratic nomination.
* Sarah Palin's VP candidacy and possible '12 candidacy.
* The increased presence of women within the national security apparatus (i.e. Hillary at State, Janet Napolitano at Homeland Security, Susan Rice as UN Ambassador)

Overall, there will just be the sense, I think, that having broken down one big barrier to the Oval Office (the color barrier), Democrats should aim to break down the other one (the gender barrier). And after Clinton's near-miss, I think much of the feminist community and many female politicians, including many Obama supporters, will rally behind a woman candidate.

That means that there will probably be at least one prominent woman running for president on the Democratic side in 2016. At this (very) early stage, I would suspect it could include some of the following...

Hillary Clinton
Lisa Madigan (IL AG and probable IL Gov after 2010)
Kirsten Gilibrand (NY Rep., who'd be formidable if she replaces Hillary in the Senate)
Caroline Kennedy (Again, a possibility if she replaces Hillary)
Janet Napolitano (Although rumors about her sexuality may hurt her)
Kay Hagan

(I can't really see Amy Klobuchar or Claire McCaskill running, but they're possibilities.)

And if a woman doesn't win the presidential nomination, I think politically, the victorious (male) Democratic nominee is going to be under ENORMOUS pressure to name a woman to the ticket, something Obama somewhat escaped because there was the sense that his nomination was historic enough and that it might be too risky to have no white males on the ticket.

[Psychic Octopus]

Yes, one you should have is Loretta Sanchez, who is running for governor of California in '10. Warner/Sanchez 2016.

[Kaine for Senate '18]

Warner/McCaskill '16

[Psychic Octopus]

Warner/McCaskill '16

sounds good also.

[Mr. Morden]

I agree with this.  The Democratic ticket in 2016 will most likely have a woman on it.  In fact, I'll go farther than that, and speculate that, from about 2016 or 2020 onwards, it will start to become rather rare for either party to have a ticket in which both the presidential and vice presidential nominees are Christian white males.

[Nicodeme Depape]

If not Hillary 2016' Gillibrand 2016!

Gillibrand is actually my congresswoman, so I am supporting her to replace Hillary.

[HappyWarrior]

Biden/Hagan '16!

[Beet]

I don't know. There are too many misogynists in the Democratic party. Anything that occurs without a massive battle should be viewed with suspicion.

[Lief 🗽]

Stephanie Herseth-Sandlin, who may be Governor or Senator by 2016, is also a good pick.

[Person Man]

Stephanie Herseth-Sandlin, who may be Governor or Senator by 2016, is also a good pick.

...or Gabby.... She is a good choice, too.

[Mr.Phips]

If not Hillary 2016' Gillibrand 2016!

Gillibrand is actually my congresswoman, so I am supporting her to replace Hillary.

You want Democrats to lose her House seat?

[paul718]

Who is this Stephanie Herseth-Sandlin and why are people so high on her?

[Platypus]

Who is this Stephanie Herseth-Sandlin and why are people so high on her?

She's young, intelligent, attractive and midwestern - and extremely popular at home.

[Psychic Octopus]

I agree with this.  The Democratic ticket in 2016 will most likely have a woman on it.  In fact, I'll go farther than that, and speculate that, from about 2016 or 2020 onwards, it will start to become rather rare for either party to have a ticket in which both the presidential and vice presidential nominees are Christian white males.

Seems plausible, but I think it will be awhile until we have a Muslim Vice President, or president.

I think It will be rare in 2050.

[Matt Damon™]

Long while? Try forever.  9/10/2001 was the high point for civil rights that muslims in western nations enjoy.

[Matt Damon™]

Japanese culture has the capability to play nice with other culture. Arab/Islamic society doesn't in it's current form.

Also a global civilization? So not going to happen ever.

[Lunar]

Sebelius will be 68 in '16 and has a decent shot at the open senate seat in her state

[Meeker]

God I hope not. Women are too emotional.

[Lief 🗽]

God I hope not. Women are too emotional.

True. They'd probably menstruate all over the Oval Office too.