Come on now. Do some research on him, find out his past, what's he's done as Sec. Of Defense, his stance on the issues and then try coming back and telling me he can win with a straight face.

There are too many variables here to make a call on this dark horse in October 05. Rumsfeld's approval ratings are currently low, and the candidacy seems unlikely given these circumstances. However, if things begin to look substantially better in Iraq following the consitutional referendum and the military is the most effective vehicle for disaster relief at home, I'm not so sure. Certainly he's one of the most qualified potential candidates. He can be a lightening rod for both good and bad opinion, so if the numbers are on a strong upswing (it would have to be over 60%) this time next year I wouldn't rule anything out. It would be a one-term declared candidacy, which would be interesting, especially if McCain runs too. As for his not wanting the job: ha. He's never wanted anything else.

No. Not at all. Shove off to retirement, Donny.

The DNC's dream-come-true. It'd be an entertaining race.

Apparently, back in the seventies, Rumsfeld was thought by Washington insiders to be future Presidential material. Under Nixon, he held a post outside the White House during Watergate, so he avoided going down with Nixon. And along came Reagan and the Nixon-Rockefeller wing of the Republican party was thought to be dead. However, both Bushes (more so GH than GW) are from the Rockefeller wing but that's beside the point. Rummy has no chance now anyway.

Worst SECDEF since Cheney

Lacks national appeal. With the war going on and coming across and much more conservative than President Bush he wouldn't get the nomination. He may not last through this administration anyway. Bush may keep him around at Defense until after the January Iraqi elections, but I would expect him to leave within the next year to year and a half. Plus he's old and if America wouldn't elect Bob Dole, who was much more popular than Rumsfeld, then they wouldn't elect the SECDEF.

No way. Rumsfeld and Cheney are probably hated by liberal even more so than Bush.

Woe betide if this squint-eyed little troublemaker sets foot over the Atlantic! Did I mention I don't think he's the one for the job...?

He's already 70+. He won't do it.

Doubtful. Brings more than a little baggage and looks like he might be tough to elect. I'm not sure he has the chops for primary season anyway.

Chances are Rumsfeld won't run. He gave it a shot back in 1988 but he simply didn't gain any traction. Although he's popular in party circles, Rumsfeld simply isn't electable. He brings plenty to the table, both good and bad. He has plenty of Washington experience, but the Iraq War is a big weight around his neck. He seems to have the confidence of the President and will probably stay at Defense for the time being. Age would be his biggest handicap. By 2008 he'll be 76 years old.

Rummy wants redemption in Bush's 2nd term but he is too old, too blunt and too easy a target to run for the nomination. He also has absolutely no interest in the position.