Any Thoughts on "Plan B" if Hillary Doesn't Run..Or, Declares and has Health Problem and Withdraws?

[OmahaBlueDog]

74. Christie will run. Tht became clear when he announced the weight loss surgery.

He's a Red Governor in a Blue state that would be very helpful (from the GOP persective) to pick up. That's one factor. Another is that he's perceived (rightly or wrongly) as a get-things-done kind of guy. Working with the President on Sandy, along with his recent refusal to continue to pursue the legal battle against same-sex marriage (despite GOP pressure) have reinforced his image as a pragmatist.

Political independents tend to like (or at least be amused by) his blunt-spokenness. He's also done well on appearances on shows like "Letterman." So from that perspective, I disagree that his personality is not suited for running.

He has drawbacks. He's not favored by the Tea Partiers, and they will argue that he'll be Romney-All-Over-Again. OTOH, his record on issues is very conservative, and won't might not appeal to the mass electorate under scrutiny.

I think it's clear Hillary Clinton intends to run. Whether she ultimately does remains to be seen. I agree that Biden will most likely not run. One thing to keep in mind -- in the fall of 2005, how many people thought Barack Obama would be the nominee in 2008? In October 1989, how many people thought Bill Clinton would be the next President?