May 11, 2008
National Journal MagazineNational Journal MagazineThe HotlineCongress Daily
Campaigns

Marc AmbinderChuck Todd
About the rankings:
Marc Ambinder is an associate editor at the Atlantic. Chuck Todd is the political director of NBC News. Each week, they update the state of play for the 2008 White House race.

Latest rankings:
2008 Republicans

2008 Democrats


Reader
Rankings


Agree or disagree? Then rank the top 2008 White House contenders yourself. Remember, you're voting for which candidates are most likely to win their party's nomination in 2008. Or, view the latest reader results without voting.



White House 2008 Rankings: The Democrats
© National Journal Group Inc.
Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2008

Don't be too quick to coronate Hillary Rodham Clinton....

These rankings are ordered by likelihood of winning the Democratic Party primary and are based on a number of factors, including organization, money, buzz and polling. Click here for Republican rankings.



 DEMOCRATIC RANKINGS

 1. (tie)  Hillary Clinton
New York senator Last Ranking: 1
Hillary Clinton Don't put away those shovels -- just dig her out. We write as the political world tries to figure out precisely how Clinton pulled off this upset. Now, her biggest immediate problem -- low cash reserves -- will probably be solved by the end of the week. She has the luxury of being able to downplay Nevada and South Carolina if she wishes. There are many pitfalls ahead -- she has the same set of problems coming out of New Hampshire that she had going in, but it now seems they can be overcome. She still lacks a clear, concise message or rationale, she still has her husband playing an outsized role, and she has staffers who are now distrustful of each other. And now she has perceived electability issues; she won New Hampshire, but Obama is still seen as more electable. Almanac Profile

 1. (tie)    Barack Obama
Illinois senator Last Ranking: 2
Barack Obama Obama still has money and message on his side. He has hurdles, though: handling the perceived "Bradley effect," which some are blaming for his New Hampshire loss; proving experience -- or at least presidential competence; and reaching out to Democratic professional women. He has the advantage in Nevada and South Carolina, and he probably needs to win both. The "indie" factor favors him for the Feb. 5 states. Almanac Profile

 3.   John Edwards
Former North Carolina senator Last Ranking: 3
John Edwards Does he really want to be the white guy, playing the white candidate?

Advertisement Advertisement

Need A Reprint Of This Article?
National Journal Group offers both print and electronic reprint services, as well as permissions for academic use, photocopying and republication. Click here to order, or call us at 877-394-7350.



 NEW FEATURE

Search



[ E-mail NationalJournal.com ]
[ Site Index | Staff | Privacy Policy | E-Mail Alerts ]
[ Reprints And Back Issues | Content Licensing ]
[ Make NationalJournal.com Your Homepage ]
[ About National Journal Group Inc. ]
[ Employment Opportunities ]

Copyright 2008 by National Journal Group Inc.
The Watergate · 600 New Hampshire Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20037
202-739-8400 · fax 202-833-8069
NationalJournal.com is an Atlantic Media publication.