My Son Votes in 2016

As my son and I watched the Super Tuesday election returns last night we had an enlightening conversation. My son is interested in politics, he, if he could figure out a sure career path in history and political science he would likely choose that for a major. Being sixteen he is not sure what he will choose. Still I, as a father, am excited that he is engaged in the process. He is young and he says to me he does not understand how people can be Republican. As I know and most my age know over time our viewpoint changes, often that changes simply based on where we are that moment in our lives. It is a rare person whose position in the political river does not change.

I am always wanting my son to be involved. I am wanting him to be interested not just in politics but in life and all that is going on the in the world. I would hope that he not become jaded and cyncial as many do and feel the system is not worth the effort to be engaged.

He will get to vote for President in 2016. At that time there will be an exciting race. If as we assume now Obama is reelected it will be an exciting time. There will be battles in both parties for the nomination. A list of the names that many think might be in the hunt shows that this will be an exciting time.

I hope his interest in the process and system continues. I hope the candidates that emerge that year give him something or someone to believe in.

On the Republican side, though it is hopefully safe to say that he will not be pursuing this side, many strong candidates could emerge. Sarah Palin will continue to be a name in the news and thus a possible candidate. It is hard to believe she can ever be a serious candidate again.

Bobby Jindahl of Louisianna is well liked but again if Mitt Romney struggles it is hard for me to think that a man of Indian descent could garner broad based appeal. Mike Huckabee of Arkansas might be too long as a possible to ever be a candidate again. So who might be a strong candidate. Nikki Haley is a darling of the right at this time, Paul Ryan, like him or not, is a strong, intelligent, candidate who could bring a level of maturity to the debates that will be neccesary.

Marco Rubio is a darling of The Tea Party but in four years where that party stands in influence could be totally different and in truth I just cannot imagine him as a strong, national candidate. Still Obama's record was not strong when he gained election so anything is possible.

I suppose Mitt Romney and Rick Santorum could still be around. Of the two Santorum is more likely as he is young and actually has been impressive in his own way as a candidate. Romney, assuming he loses to Obama, would have had his moment in the sun.

Rudy Gulliani will still be around but how relevant his constant chant of 2001 would be fifteen years later is a valid question. Chris Christie would be a fantastic candidate. I believe Christie will run and would be the strongest candidate. The question is would Christie be not considered conservative enough by the base. In a Republican race you always have to think of the name Bush. In 2016 Jeb Bush's sirname will be not be so toxic and he I believe could be the strongest candidate for the right, his Hispanic friendly policies could be the difference maker in a national election. Jeb Bush and Chris Christie would both be strong candidates, for that reason one can assume that the right will find other candidates.

If anything the Democratic party has even more star power. Though she says she does not plan to run it seems like an automatic that she will. And, to be clear, she will have my vote. It is not up for debate in my mind. There is no person more qualified to be President who would be tougher and more effective. And yes any influence Bill could have would be a plus too.

Still there will be other candidates. Joe Biden is another smart man and a strong candidate as well. Still Biden and Clinton occupy much of the same ground and Biden is hampered by the fact as Vice President, he, clearly unfairly, has become a bit of a caricature. I hope he does not run, I do not want him to suffer the embarrassment as a sitting Vice President to lose the nomination. Still it is likely he will have to make a run. I do not look forward to this.

The Dems ave new blood ready. Andrew Cuomo has none of his father's indecision and it is strongly likely he will be running in 2016. I just do not see anyone defeating Hillary and Cuomo is hampered by the same issues his father was in a national campaign.

Devil Patrick and Cory Booker are two strong African American politicians and with Obama proving how an African American can win the Presidency will feel compelled to run.

In the end what happens. Shocking to say or a visit to a time machine. Bush versus Clinton. Again. Some things never change.