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So, I was wondering if a different Democratic nominee than John Kerry could have done better against Bush in 2004. Possibilities:

John Edwards: Pros: Might do better in the South (could he swing his home state, or Virginia or Florida?). Populist campaigns. Cons: Would probably not win New Hampshire, light resume.

Wesley Clark: Pros: Would do better with conservatives and independents due to his strong military stance. Con: not a politician, not good at campaigning

Dick Gephardt: Pros: Could win Missouri and Iowa, enough to win if he holds New Hampshire. Cons: Probably wouldn't win New Hampshire, never ran for statewide office

Bob Graham: Pros: Could win Florida Cons: Considered quirky and strange

Joe Lieberman: Pros: Could win moderates due to centrist stance. Cons: hated by the base

No one else I can possibly envision doing better than Kerry.

So, what do you think? Was Kerry the best they had, or could a better Democrat have beaten Bush, or at least made it closer?
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