A crowded field of contenders

Election campaigns are often likened to horse races, but we don't think there has ever been an election more like a horse race than the battle for the White House currently under way.

Everywhere you turn there is another horse in the paddock, strutting his or her stuff, leaving droppings on the ground, or doing whatever it is that candidates, er, horses do.

At latest count, there are eight major Democrats and nine major Republicans seeking the nomination, at least they think they are major. One candidate in each party has already dropped out because someone explained to them the difference between major candidate and major mistake. A few more need to hear the same explanation.

And in the meantime, we are waiting to find out whether Fred Thompson and Newt Gingrich really think it is worth their time to take a few laps around the track, or whether they would just rather nibble sugar cubes out of the hands of adoring fans. As for Al Gore, he is a thoroughbred, but he pulled up lame at the end of his last race, and no one is sure if he has the fortitude for another run.

Of course, this is just the paddock.

The horses haven't even gotten into position at the starting gate yet, though there have been a few bared teeth and some angry snarls already.

Republicans are bitterly contesting over such important issues as whose wife is the biggest liability, whose religion is the biggest liability, and whose haircut is the biggest advantage, while Democrats are arguing over who can promise to spend the most money on health care or who can beat the fastest retreat out of Iraq.

All in all, it makes us a little nervous about the next 15 months until the general election. There is just no telling how distracted the Republicans can get in their effort to distance themselves from President Bush, or how much money the Democrats can promise to spend in their effort to pander to every special interest group.

Meanwhile, the first official contest in the primary season is scheduled to occur on Jan. 14, 2008, when the Iowa caucuses are held. It was Iowa which launched Sen. John Kerry on his way to the Democratic nomination, so no one should underestimate the mischief which these Midwest farmers can do.

This time around, the election is even more unsettled as there is no incumbent president or vice president running for the first time since 1928. You would think people would see what has happened to our recent presidents and not want to volunteer to be sacrificed as a human pinata for the national media's enjoyment.

The candidates no doubt all think they can make it to the stretch run, but the question that remains unanswered is: Can the voters?