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Circling the White House
Tom Tancredo : Grenade-thrower on immigration control, a one-trick pony, but could create awkward moments for more viable rivals in debates.
Democrats
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Hillary Clinton : 100 percent of Democrats know her, 100 percent have an opinion of her, 80 percent like her, but just 33 to 44 percent support her for the party's nod. If she can convince them that she can win the general, she will be the nominee. But nearly half of Democrats worry that she can't win in November 2008.
John Kerry : Trying to correct some negatives from 2004, such as sharpening his stance on Iraq. But despite his close 2004 finish, the attitude in the party is: "Been there, done that, got the T-shirt."
Al Gore : See "John Kerry." Appetite for an anti-Iraq-war candidate could draw him into the race, but not likely.
John Edwards : May be the most skilled candidate in the field, but still faces the "inexperienced" tag that plagued him in 2004. Can talented candidates with thin national security résumés win in a post-9/11 environment?
Joe Biden : Great speaker, though long-winded. Has the most policy experience in the field, and has gone from young Turk to party statesman in three decades. Does he have the discipline to make it happen this time?
Mark Warner : Southern governors have done well in Democratic primaries. Has won in a red state, is moderate and electable, but has even greater national security shortcomings than Edwards.
Bill Richardson : Great résumé and Hispanic appeal, but is he focused enough to go the distance? May well not run.
Russ Feingold : Running as the Howard Dean of 2008: against the Iraq war and against the Establishment. Already courting the party netroots, is the purest liberal in the field -- but is there enough room on Hillary's left?
Evan Bayh : Unexciting but very dependable and electable. If Democrats are feeling pragmatic, the Indiana senator will have a great shot.
Wesley Clark : Banking on national security. Will be more experienced as a campaigner and politician this go around. A long shot, maybe more in the running-mate mix.
Tom Vilsack : Great life story -- orphan to Iowa governor, classic middle America candidate -- but can he excite the base?
Charlie Cook is publisher of the Cook Political Report and a political analyst for National Journal and NBC News.
