Donald Pittenger writes:

Dear Blowhards --

Now that the 2008 presidential election is almost upon us ...

What? It's the better part of two years away? Judging by the media coverage, I never woulda guessed that.

Regardless, now we're starting to see a number of items noting that Bill Clinton's presidency was sandwiched between Bush presidencies and the whole string could be bookended by Hillary, should she win. Even Michael Barone has weighed in.

I recognize that a seemingly endless Bush-Clinton chain is possible. But I'm not at all sure it's likely.

I say this [adjusts gray beard] because I remember that the same sort of thing was being said about the Kennedy clan. After Jack will come Bobby and after Bobby it'll be Teddy's turn. That soaks up 24 years while the next generation matures to take over. (Some wags noted that after 24 years of Kennedys, it would be 1984 -- shudder.)

Didn't happen. John and Robert were destroyed by others and Ted destroyed himself. Later generations seem to have lost whatever political magic ol' Joe's boys might have possessed.

Granted, a "brand name" can be helpful, especially at the start of a presidential marathon. But voters, like consumers in general, often seem to get tired of the old and seek out something new.

Later,

Donald

The 2008 Republican ticket will be the first since 1972 to not feature the name Bob Dole or George Bush. Not that this means anything, but it's a fun little factoid.

Posted by: Jaquandor on January 31, 2007 8:04 PM

If I need cheering up after reflecting on how awful Clinton and W have been, I say to myself "At least the US has been spared more Kennedys".

Posted by: dearieme on February 1, 2007 10:43 AM

It might have worked if the Bush contingent had been able to field Jeb for president -- they say that was the plan from the time the kid was walking -- instead of their WORST possible candidate. George W. has wiped out all Bush prospects. Whatever one thinks of him, his reputation is poison.

Prairie Mary

Posted by: Mary Scriver on February 1, 2007 1:26 PM






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