Well, folks, it’s finally over. After a long, particularly pointed campaign, the people have spoken, and President Barack Obama has earned an additional four years as the nation’s chief executive. While countless meaningful events will undoubtedly take place over Mr. Obama’s second term, we Americans cannot help looking to the future. Whether it’s predicting the winner of a Super Bowl four years before the actual game, or trying to portend the winner of the Best Picture at the Oscars, we as a society simply love hypothesizing about the future. With that in mind, it is prudent, or at least amusing, to look to the 2016 presidential election. Mr. Obama will be prevented from seeking a third term by the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution, so the race is wide open. Though anything could happen in these next four years, and anyone could emerge from the heap of potential candidates, here is a brief list of early front runners for the nomination from the Republican and Democratic parties.
Republican Party
Chris Christie – Governor of New Jersey – Governor Christie is a rapidly rising star in the G.O.P. Christie is as straight a shooter as they come, which will likely endear him to many in the party. He has achieved success as a Republican in solidly blue New Jersey, and has demonstrated a determination to get things done. Christie’s fiery demeanor would be a welcome change from Mitt Romney’s rather dry personality for conservatives, but it put off independents. The governor appeared to make an early appeal for bipartisan support with his praise of President Obama’s handling of Hurricane Sandy. Concerns will be raised about Christie’s directness and his health issues, but all signs point to a vigorous campaign from the New Jersey governor.
Paul Ryan – Congressman, Wisconsin – Ryan may not have achieved victory in the 2012 election, but the vice presidential nominee made serious gains in this cycle. The Wisconsin congressman became a household name and made his policies known to the American public. Ryan figures to be front and center as a face of the new G.O.P, and his public relations skills will only become more refined with experience. Ryan is a fiscal whiz, and his cause and popularity would be aided by an absence of a significant economic recovery in the next four years. His popularity with the Tea Party is a major asset, especially when coupled with his prowess in policy. Expect Ryan to be a major player come 2016.
Marco Rubio – Senator, Florida – It’s no secret that the G.O.P needs a serious facelift. Shifting demographics have changed the political landscape, and it is necessary that parties appeal to this diverse electorate. Rubio, therefore, would be an ideal candidate to initiate the makeover of the Republicans. A son of Cuban immigrants, Rubio is highly charismatic and has delivered several important speeches at Republican functions to widely positive reception. Rubio’s relative youth and ethnic background would endear him to a demographic largely untapped by the G.O.P. He is poised for a presidential run in the coming years.
Jeb Bush – Former Governor of Florida – Jeb Bush, son of George H.W and brother of George W., has been the subject of much speculation regarding a possible presidential campaign. Bush has historically drawn support from the diverse demographics in Florida, and it is easy to see him winning over the Republicans. However, the nation at large still seems to be a little weary from George W. Bush’s presidency, so it is questionable whether they would be receptive to another Bush.
Rand Paul – Senator, Kentucky – Rand Paul, son of cult hero Ron Paul, represents the far right sect of the Republican Party. Paul has been a vocal advocate of the Tea Party movement and would be able to obtain the support of his father’s dedicated supporters. However, Paul’s views are far from conventional and therefore are likely not to be viable on the national stage. It seems unlikely that the nation would be receptive to such libertarian views at this point. Senator Paul will be in the mix, but his unorthodox mix of liberal and conservative views make him a long shot for the presidency.
Other possibilities: Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal, Newt Gingrich, Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell, Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker
Democratic Party
Joe Biden – Vice President – No potential candidate, Republican or Democrat, offers the kind of experience that Old Joe does. Such a long political career has garnered Biden much respect from Washington’s elite. Biden’s name recognition is unrivaled by other potential candidates, and his feisty politics and wit has the ability to energize voters. Biden’s age is a possible concern (he would be the oldest president elected if he won in 2016), but his position as vice president makes him an obvious front runner.
Hillary Clinton – Former Secretary of State – The circumstances surrounding Clinton are extremely conducive to a successful presidential run. Clinton has seen it all through her unique political career, and her time as Secretary of State has been met with much public approval. Clinton demonstrated a strong campaign skill set during the 2008 Democratic primaries and has the ability to galvanize throngs of women voters. It remains to be seen whether Clinton will actually pursue the Democratic nomination, as she as denied interest, but if she does, she will be a formidable opponent.
Andrew Cuomo – Governor of New York – Andrew Cuomo has been decidedly purse-lipped regarding to a possible run at the presidency, but it would be wise for him to strongly consider one. Cuomo comes from a family prominent in the Democratic Party (his father Mario was governor of New York for eleven years), and has been quite popular among New York Democrats, and even some Republicans. Governor Cuomo has a reputation as a shrewd campaign strategist dating back to his father’s days as governor. His ability to appeal to the critical minority demographics is in question, but Cuomo is primed for a run at the presidency in 2016.
Martin O’Malley – Governor of Maryland – Governor O’Malley seemed to have a future campaign on his mind when he was at this year’s Democratic National Convention in Charlotte. O’Malley was particularly active at the Convention, in marked contrast to Governor Cuomo’s low-key approach, and he delivered a prime time speech on the second night. He is a solid progressive on issues such as immigration and led the charge to legalize same-sex marriage in Maryland. O’Malley’s national profile has been growing, and he appears to have ambitions on the presidency.
Other possibilities: Rahm Emanuel, Mayor of Chicago; Deval Patrick, Governor of Massachusetts; Cory Booker, Mayor of Newark