Yes, this is probably the second '[insert bland political figure here] 2016' thread you've seen tonight, as the Jesse 2016 thread made me think of coming up with a thread for a better political figure.
Obviously Democrats will go for positioning Clinton for the presidency provided that she runs, but a lot can happen between now and 2016. Hillary is 65 now; in 2016, if you can do the math, she'll be near 70. I don't wish for anything bad to happen to her, of course, though a stroke or other medical trauma could jeopardize her campaign if she decides to run (the public would likely not want to elect a figure that couldn't fully serve the country) or just prevent her from running at all. Of course, that's not to say that Clinton and the best other option are far-apart in age (just a year); still, it's just speculation on what could happen that would prevent Clinton from running.
So who would be the best option for the Democrats? Elizabeth Warren!
1) Not to be sexist, but for a number of reasons (the public wanting to elect a figure in history, a likely strong carry of the female vote, etc.), it's likely Warren's gender will boost her above other candidates. I find it very unlikely that the Republican Party will nominate a female candidate, especially considering that one comes off as completely batshit crazy to most voters (Bachmann) and the other was a factor in not only crashing the 2008 McCain run, but driving off the highway and doing flaming flips throughout the air.
2) Warren has a pretty good political record, regardless of whether it's BS or not: Serves the people against the corporations, is tough but charming. She is an avid consumer protector, helping with the establishment of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Besides serving as a senator, she also served as an Assistant to the President.
3) Public approval? Warren did pretty well in 2012 polls during the Massachusetts election (http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls ... -2093.html)! Though I like Obama (like, not love), it may help to have a president with some financial experience, and I feel that such could be emphasized in a way similar to Republicans pointing out Romney's financial experience. While she is pretty far from being the average consumer and American in terms of wealth, as any politician is, I feel that she certainly has a certain likability factor and can be seen as a champion for the worker/consumer.
What are your thoughts? Do you think Warren could beat her Republican counterpart? Admittedly, I like her more than Hillary, but the Democratic Party wouldn't nominate her as opposed to Clinton. If Clinton doesn't run for 2016, Warren would be a great candidate.
