s college students, we have a lot riding on the 2016 presidential election. Many of the potential candidates have made drastic cuts to education within their own states, or have said they plan to if elected to higher office. Yes, I know what you are thinking: The 2016 presidential election is a long way off However, we shall tickle our imaginations by speculating who the candidates will be for the Republican Party and the Democratic Party.
Congressman Paul Ryan of Wisconsin is well liked by the Republican base, and is currently in the national spotlight because he served as Mitt Romney’s vice presidential candidate. Paul Ryan currently chairs the House Budget Committee and I believe he will use this position and his new-found celebrity status to stay in the limelight for 2016.
Next is Governor of New Jersey, Chris Christie. Christie is a Republican governor of a Democratic state, which will work in his favor when stating he has bipartisan credentials during debates and on the campaign trail. Plus, his tough, no nonsense talk will make him a strong candidate against the other hopefuls during the debate.
As I have said before, the Republican Party is going through a major transformation, which some might argue is to become more inclusive of young Latino voters. This implies that Florida Senator Marco Rubio will certainly be badgered to run in 2016. Having already delivered the Republican Response to President Obama’s State of the Union Address, many in the Party believe he is being prepped early for a run at Commander-in-Chief. Rubio is exactly what the Grand Old Party believes it needs to fix its demographic problem for more inclusion of minorities.
When one mentions the name “Bush” to a Republican candidate, there is only one thing to do: run. Well, that was six years ago, and a lot can happen in eight years. While the name Bush may have meant trouble to the Republican Party in 2008, Jeb Bush was the governor of the very important state for Republicans, Florida. As the brother of George W. Bush and the son of George H.W. Bush, Governor Bush has many connections to make a run for the White House. The question is whether Jeb Bush can actually stand by and watch another election roll on by. I think the answer to that question is no.
Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice stated during her speech at the Republican National Convention last year, that her parents raised her to believe she could be President of the United States. She most certainly has the experience and the name recognition; however, her having been a part of the Bush Administration may be a problem during the debates with a Democratic candidate.
Whatever the cause was of the 2008 and 2012 Republican losses, these are the five candidates I believe will be the strongest candidates for the Republican nomination in 2016 and could potentially be our next Commander- in- Chief. As most Democrats are basking in their victory at the 2012 Presidential Election, a few are thinking about their own chances for the top job.
Hillary Clinton is the most obvious candidate for the Democratic ticket. In addition to being a distinguished and popular member of Obama’s cabinet as Secretary of State, she was also a U.S. Senator for New York. Clinton is the wife of former President Bill Clinton. She has enough domestic and foreign policy experience to make for a potential candidate.
Current Vice President Joe Biden has already made a run for the Presidency twice. Could a third time be the charm? Biden was asked if this was going to be the last time he would vote for himself. He replied, “No, I don’t think so.” However, there is one problem that Biden will have to address if he runs in 2016. His age. Biden will be 73 by that time, which may make it difficult to campaign against younger opponents.
Cory Booker, the Mayor of Newark, N.J. gave a charismatic speech at the Democratic National Convention. However, Booker is only 43 and he has a lot of time to think about a Presidential run. Booker may have his sights set on a gubernatorial nomination to run against Republican Chris Christie. However, he may have set up the start to his campaign for 2016 at the Democratic National Convention this year.
Massachusetts Governor, Deval Patrick is another contender for the 2016 nomination. Governor Patrick did give a rousing speech at the DNC and received positive reviews. When asked after the convention about his political future, he said no to a Presidential run in 2016. “If there is a time sometime later to come back and serve in public life, I hope I’m able to do that. Just not going to be in 2016,” he said. He may be a little shy right now, but he is a governor with a lot of potential.
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo is another possible candidate for 2016. However, the only reason he may be on my list is that he is the leader of a large Democratic state. Cuomo is the son of a former New York governor and has had public exposure in America’s largest media hub, which he will need to emerge victorious on the national stage.
The 2012 presidential election has concluded, and it is no surprise that the Democratic Party is preparing for 2016. These five hopefuls must start prepping now if they want to keep their 2012 momentum moving.
We must begin listening to these men and women and hear what they have to say. One of these politicians could be our next President. Many think that this does not affect their lives; however, whoever we elected in 2016 does have an impact on our lives, the lives of our children and even the lives of our grandchildren.
