[petrarkaponye]

OBAMA: Not a chance of winning the nomination (.1%). If he did there would not be a chance of him winning the general. A couple issues. Yes, race is still a big issue. People are more racist in many ways than chauvinistic...but the only way for someone to overcome this racism is to have the depth and breadth of experience of Richardson...and the charisma of Obama or Clinton (Bill). In my little area of the country I live in (northwest) it is easy to think that race is no longer a significant issue. However, I also spent two years in the southeast...and even for the liberal democrats I knew down there they still made racist comments and called blacks "niggers". Not everyone, but some still. Many of the democrats in the south are still conservative...and aren't going to vote for a black man named Obama. Not generalizing about all conservatives, all southern democrats, all anything...but he would not get enough of the base let alone conservative republicans. The main issue, however, is his lack of experience.

HILLARY: Decent chance of winning the nomination at this point...but would not be able to win the general unless possibly as a V.P. candidate. Chauvinism still plays a part, but her main problem is being Clinton. It is her biggest asset and also her largest liability. As someone else stated, republicans aren't going to vote for her. She has some experience, but still not enough direct experience in my opinion...although this doesn't preclude being elected to the Office (e.g. Bush).

RICHARDSON: The absolute best resume' of any candidate out there in my opinion, republican or democrat. However, definitely doesn't have the "magnetism" or "charisma" a candidate will need to become the nominee. If he is somehow able to bridge this gap quickly he would be a likely nominee or V.P. candidate.