If you go outside the bubble, do you see anyone interested in the 08 race?

"The bubble' being the inside of the political junkie noise/discussion/cable news/internet bubble?

I don't. I see a lot of people who couldn't care a whole lot less than they do now.

In saying this, its obvious that the race is being cheered on by the chattering class in the media and a few activists or just plain political junkies. That could also mean that the polls, no matter how strong and consistent they appear t be are, as many here say, completely meaningless. It could also mean that it is far from too late for others to join the race. In fact, it could mean it actually *favors* the late comers (should they come).

Anyway, I just don't see any buzz on Main Street or in the barber shop..... do you?

I don't think so. There hasn't been in any other presidential election in my memory. Why this one?

...Because this one is pretty darn important???

Before that, as I recall, 2000 was the most important one. Before that, 1996 was the most important one. Before that ... oh, nevermind. You get the idea.

I'm not at all going to argue that this election isn't important. Of course it is. They all are. Logically, I'd argue that the most important one ever was the first one, given that it set a democratic precedent. But be that as it may, remember that we're talking man-on-the-street here, not political junkie. And the moment you start talking about this election in terms of its relative importance, you leave Man On the Street Land and travel to the Kingdom of the Political Junkie.

Typical voters don't even think in terms of the historical importance of a particular presidential election. They just want to know which one of the two candidates 1) Is less of a swine and 2) will screw the voter over less, often in that order.

then everybody shrugs or gives half-hearted replies and changes the subject. It could also be that they think I'm obnoxious and don't want to "fuel my fire". Yeah, that's probably it.

and SPORTS and American Idol are what we here are focused on...

It's kind of "feel good" ...and "Status Quo" but when you have kids who are scared and parents who are scared...what's left to them but to try to console the kids and themselves.

I don't blame them...I don't.

or donors, so intensity would appear to be far higher than usual, certainly compared with the 2004 race, when, at this point, Dean was still way under the radar. There is no "under the radar" now.

Some folks were talking over the cubicles at work the other day and it came up. Some couldn't even remember who John Edwards was, despite this being the South and his being the VP nominee last time around.

They're not all that interested and don't know that much about it.

Maybe IMPEACHMENT?

Maybe ENDING Bush's WAR?

Caring for our veterans?

How about caring for our citizens?

But for what its worth, I *do* hear a little talk from time to time about impeachment. I heard a LOT of anger after the Walter Reed story.

Most of the young people (high school to college age and mid 20s) that I know don't vote. Heck, they're not even registered to vote. I have a few adult friends who vote but most people don't discuss politics or seem interested.

Most of the candidates from both parties skip campaigning in most of Georgia. It's a lock for the Republics and not worth the Democrats time (or so it seems). If you live outside of Atlanta, Savannah or a military base area, you are very unlikely to see a candidate.

I can't imagine that the GA GOP is happy with any of the current candidates.

I know several people who are excited that a woman candidate and a minority candidate might actually become President.

Actually, I live in DC, so everyone's always talking about politics here. But when I go home to Florida, no one's talking about it that much - some people are into it already, but a lot of people are undecided and waiting to see what happens.

Honestly, I think a lot of the polls are meaningless at this point - not only are they inconsistent, but a lot of people just haven't made up their minds yet! I would like to not look at another poll for another 6 months and then see how things are.

most likely THEY have lower blood pressure and will live longer.

By the summer, you'll hear it in New Hampshire. I don't know about South Carolina or Nevada because I've never worked that caucus and primary, but no one on Main Street New Hampshire (except the political junkies and the workers) is very interested in the race before the summer. It starts a bit earlier in Iowa. That's part of the reason why the only polls at this stage that mean anything (and they mean very little) are the Iowa polls, followed by the New Hampshire polls which become slightly significant (only I emphasize slightly) by Independence Day.

we have some regulars at the bar, the self proclaimed "Old Farts"

mostly Faux watchers and in the "Nuke em all and let God sort em out" type crowd--yeah, they're bigots too

They laugh at Obama (too young, too black),

give Hilary points for being tough and smart (with an obligatory "If I was married to her, I'd be chasing interns too" crack)

and bemoan there are no 'real Republicans' running. Most right now are saying they are gonna have to sit this election out in protest.

I esp. enjoy hearing the former GOPers talk about which Dem candidate they would vote for.

still trying to find someone to get excited about. I do have one friend who strongly favors Obama at the moment, but that's about all. Hillary is a "no" for everyone I've talked to. Gore would be a "hell yeah" if he were to enter the race.

slams at Hillary and although not a supporter, I do at times find it disturbing. I hear some positives about Obama. Few mention Chimpy but if they do it is in the form of a joke. He has lost all respect at my place of work.

about fred thompson, they seem to think because he's an actor, he is RR. He is a decent actor, so in their little minds, he is some how Presidential material.

I can't help but laugh.

They're pinning their hopes on this guy, and he isn't even running.

Most of them say they won't vote, unless FT runs.

IMO, we have 08 in the bag, as long as we don't let our gaurd down.

Hell yes. Everyone out there is sick of Republican screw-ups.

known for years and liked very much is a Republican (although, to his credit, he hates Bush). After a brief discussion of this revelation I made a snarky joke about Duncan Hunter and Sam Brownback being my "dream team." He didn't even know who they were.

Is when regular voters will start paying attention.