INTERVIEW: U. New Mexico Poli Sci Prof Talks About Upcoming Election
This story was written by Rhian Hibner, Daily Lobo
The 2008 presidential election campaigns are well under way despite the fact that they are more than a year away. Hillary Clinton is favored for the Democratic nomination, and Rudy Giuliani is favored for the Republican nomination. The Daily Lobo sat down with University of New Mexico political science professor Tim Krebs and asked him about the 2008 election.
Daily Lobo: What chances does Hillary Clinton have in taking the Democratic nomination or the presidency?
Tim Krebs: Her chances of winning the nomination are strong. She's the perceived front-runner. She's raised a lot of money. She's very well-known, and she's very well-liked among Democratic Party activists. She's performed extremely well in the debates, and that's important for people who are really interested in the process. I don't know how important that is for the broader public, because folks aren't really focused on that in the campaigns right now. She's got a great political team that's working for her, and she's wrapped up a lot of the big endorsements.
DL: If Clinton is elected president, what do you think of the same two families holding office for 24 or 28 years?
TK: It's interesting from a kind of sociological standpoint, and it's interesting that these two families have produced successful presidential candidates. I don't know if it's a bad thing or a good thing for the country. My own personal view is that I would hope that there would be more political talent in the country so that we wouldn't have a situation where the same types of individuals are winning. On the other hand, it's their right, and it's a competitive process.
DL: Who are the strong Republican candidates?
TK: Right now, it is Rudy Giuliani and Mitt Romney. Those two guys are getting the attention as the front-runners in their party. Fred Thompson came in late and hasn't made a big splash so far and has been kind of underwhelming. John McCain is in the background. At the moment, it is unlikely -- I suppose he may emerge at the end of the top tier. Right now, it is Giuliani and Mitt Romney. Giuliani has a lot of appeal because he is sort of moderate on social questions, and he is tough on defense and security issues. He certainly was a big part of our national consciousness in terms of our response to 9/11. He was there on the ground and on the streets and so forth.
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