Douthat on the future of Obama, if he loses:
"While Jason Zengerle wonders what will happen to Barack Obama's supporters if he loses, I'm wondering what happens to Obama himself. Good things, arguably: Given the campaign he's run and the kind of fervor he's generated, I think he's better-positioned for a future run at the Presidency than any failed primary candidate since Ronald Reagan (that name again!) after he lost to Ford 1976."
Of course it would all have to do with a Clinton presidency (assuming she wins). If she's like Bill in his first term--competent, simulates the economy (and not her loins), it would be harder for Obama to win running on his 08' platform. He might win, but we would see another Obama, and for better or worse, it probably wouldn't be nearly as far reaching or inspiring.
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I think this is Obama's only realistic shot at the White House. (One exception - if Hillary wins the primary and loses the general election, Obama may be able to run a winning campaign in 2012 on the theme that Democrats got it wrong in 08 and here's your chance to get it right. I think there may have been some of that with Reagan in 1980 after losing the 76 primary to Ford. "See, you didn't vote for me, you got Jimmy Carter.")
Given 4-8 more years in the Senate, casting votes and cutting deals, Obama will be far more likely to be seen as just another pretty liberal senator, and any future quests for the White House will have Christopher Dodd-levels of success.
I think Obama's relative inexperience is a plus - since he doesn't have the detailed record that Clinton or the top GOP candidates have, it's easier for undecided voters to see their dreams and hopes in him than anyone else, especially given his skill at unifying rhetoric.
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