Only 648 Days Until the Election!

The title of this blog comes from the cover of Time Magazine's February 5, 2007 issue. The issue is full of stories about the extraordinary presidential race already underway. It reminds us this is the first election since 1928 that no incumbent President or Vice President is on a primary ballot. It points out that we might conceivably elect the first woman, the first African American, the first Latino, or the first Mormon.

The magazine also announces the creation of the Time Election Index, which will be periodically updated as the candidates popularity ebb and flow over the election season. The index plots a candidates support among voters against how much they presume to know about the candidate. The index currently puts the front runners as Rudy Giuliani for the Republicans and Hillary Clinton for the Democrats.

Speaking of Clinton, she campaigned in Iowa this weekend and performed admirably. It marks the first time a Clinton has campaigned in the Midwest battleground in some time. Bill Clinton wrote off Iowa in 1992 and did not campaign there as an incumbent in 1996.

The issue also points out the 8 Keys to the Campaign:

• How the Iraq War Scrambles Party Lines - where else do Chuck Hagel and Joe Biden agree?
• Raising Cash - Clinton's announcement to forgo public financing puts the bar out of sight of most, meaning that candidates will need to raise about $2 million a week to remain competitive through the campaign.
• The Religion Question - Are we ready for a Mormon? Do we need another conservative Christian? What of the Republicans who don't espouse the typical religious beliefs of the party? Which Democrat will stop ducking the gay marriage question?
• Read All About It! - At least half of the candidates out there have best sellers.
• What About That Guy? - Both Al Gore and Newt Gingrich are waiting in the wings to see what happens. Newt reminds us all that John Kennedy waited until January 1960 before announcing his candidacy for president.
• The men behind the curtains - Political talent is being snapped up left and right. Will there be anyone left? Are the operatives hooking their carts to the right horse?
• The Blogosphere - There are a lot of us out there and many of the candidates do their own blogging. Howard Dean showed us the power of the Internet and it will only become more powerful in the next two years.
• Wait, don't tell me. That's, um, you know, that Senator . . . - Three House members, a bunch of Senators, several Governors. Can't tell the players without a scorecard. Get yer programs here!

It's going to be a long season / campaign / year. Hold on tight!