In case Russ Feingold thinks of Challenging the President from the left in 2012

he should think twice about it.  I have a fondness for the now former Senator because of his votes against the Patriot Act and the Iraq War (though I did not support his campaign finance reform).  But when incumbent Presidents lose, it is usually because of a challenge from his flank.  George Bush 1 was challenged from his right by Pat Buchannan, Jimmy Carter was challenged from his left by Ted Kennedy and LBJ was challenged by Eugene McCarthy.  In each election, the President did not win re-election.  While President Obama may be a disappointment, do you really think that a President Palin, Haley Barbour or John Thune will be better for liberals????

Advertisement