Simple. He knew that he couldn't win.
Some might think that when the Dems took the Senate this past Tuesday, staying in that body became more enticing for Feingold. Maybe that just gave Feingold the excuse he needed to bow to the inevitable regarding his presidential prospects.
The announcement of his non-candidacy is about as shocking as the one made by Mississippi Republican governor Haley Barbour a few weeks ago. (Who even knew that Barbour, the former Republican National Committee chair, was considering running for President?)
I guess now Democrats and Republicans will have to content themselves with getting involved in the campaigns, respectively, of Tom Vilsack and Duncan Hunter.
6 comments:
Feingold bowed out because he can't win.
I suspect that, over the next few months, several more Democrats will suddenly and mysteriously bow-out from the 2008 presidential race.
So far, Mark Warner and Russ Feingold have done so.
My guess? The newly focused and reenergized Democratic Party is actually planning.
Most Democrats just elected to Congress for first terms (especially the Democratic moderates) were handpicked and contacted by party leaders, and asked to run. It was astonishingly well-planned.
This may be the start of that same process by the DNC. My hunch is that certain potentials will be asked to step aside (quietly and early) for the sake of the party, and given incentives to do so.
Deborah:
If the process you describe is happening, that is a sure indicator that Hillary Clinton will not run for President.
Interesting comments.
Mark
I don't believe that she will run in 2008. She can't possibly win in Iowa, for starters. And running prematurely could end her presidential chances forever. (Think John Kerry.)
I've heard from several sources that she may first become Senate Democratic Leader. Then take a run at the presidency after the public is more used to her in a leadership role. That is... until it seems more natural and inevitable.
It makes logical sense. And Hillary would be a great Senate Democratic Leader.
Deborah:
As you know, I never have thought that Clinton would run in 2008. To become electable, she will have to continue to work at honing a reputation for moderation for more years to come. My guess is that, in the end, whether as party leader or not, she will decide to focus on being an effective Senator. Republican former Congressman Joe Scarborough says that Clinton already is such a senator, no matter your view of her politics. Interesting.
Mark
(Who even knew that Barbour, the former Republican National Committee chair, was considering running for President?)
Reading your blog is the first I've heard of Barbour's presidential ambitions. Nopefully, this will be the last we hear of them!
Ice:
Barbour "withdrew" from consideration some months ago. That's what lay behind my reference.
Mark
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