Hillary could never have successfully pandered to the left with Obama in the race. She supported the resolution to go into Iraq. From that point on, there was no way she would win their support. I live in NYC and was a bystander at the protests in '04... Everyone hated Bush, sure, but she wasn't much better to the young, urban, liberal circles. The minute Obama entered the race, Hillary had no choice but to go for the centrist side.
Also, no Palin if she's the nominee. Instead, I expect Hillary picks Richardson (a governor, not a Senator, has substantial cabinet-level experience, and is a member of the fastest growing minority). McCain's thunder is stolen - either he goes for a fresh-faced young governor (Pawlenty, probably), or he shocks people by naming a minority. He doesn't have many options, of course... J.C. Watts of Oklahoma, maybe Jindal (who gets the same treatment as Palin, being equally inexperienced)... and possibly most likely, Colin Powell of all people. Of course, he'll have wanted to pick a conservative, not a moderate. But especially if Obama isn't on the Dem ticket after making a run for it, no black presence on any ticket will seem like a 'wasted opportunity'. Plus, Powell still has respect, and ties together the pro-Bush forces with those who regard Powell as 'above' the Bushies. Result is a closer race, but Hillary still pulls it off.
Also, no Palin if she's the nominee. Instead, I expect Hillary picks Richardson (a governor, not a Senator, has substantial cabinet-level experience, and is a member of the fastest growing minority). McCain's thunder is stolen - either he goes for a fresh-faced young governor (Pawlenty, probably), or he shocks people by naming a minority. He doesn't have many options, of course... J.C. Watts of Oklahoma, maybe Jindal (who gets the same treatment as Palin, being equally inexperienced)... and possibly most likely, Colin Powell of all people. Of course, he'll have wanted to pick a conservative, not a moderate. But especially if Obama isn't on the Dem ticket after making a run for it, no black presence on any ticket will seem like a 'wasted opportunity'. Plus, Powell still has respect, and ties together the pro-Bush forces with those who regard Powell as 'above' the Bushies. Result is a closer race, but Hillary still pulls it off.