I think Feingold's chances have been underestimated, including by himself, since he's publicly saying he won't run. His appeal is a bit like Dean's in '04 but he can tap into traditional American political instincts that Dean couldn't reach, since he's Midwestern, not bluebooded, and has a much better sense of humor. Those are superficial personal qualities, but they are consistent with his strong stands on reducing federal spending and protecting constitutional rights (including, interestingly enough, the right to bear arms). Unlike Dean, he is not a single-issue candidate, and would have a good chance if he chose to run.

He actually is my personal favorite. But I'm also concerned about winnability. I'd like to think he could win, but he's liberal and Jewish, meaning the right wing will have a field day with him. It could get ugly.

In the abstract I wouldn't think a "liberal with a Jewish name" could win the Presidency. I saw R.F. on Meet the Press recently, and he looked unbeatable. Decent sense of humor.

100% man-beast! He is definitly the beastliest a man can be! He is a hero and an idol to us all! He is a god in my book

Russ Feingold is so much better than any other national Democratic leader. He has an uncanny ability to speak passionately, eloquently, and concisely about any subject. He is clearly a man of principle and is one of the few people in washington I can honestly say is definitely honest. He has kept his promise to hold a listening session in every Wisconsin county each year. He is the only Senator who speaks and acts with conviction instead of pandering to polls and politics. After 5 years of the Bush Administration we need an honest, intelligent person of integrity.

He's got more grit than any other democratic candidate and at least says what he means, I dont see the democrats winning without him on the ticket somewhere. Hillary and obama aint going to cut it, Feingolds at least got some experience and a reputation which would put him in better against the strength of the republicans and their organised assault against anyone who goes against them.

Sen Feingold would be a great president. He is sort of a maverick, which might appeal to some in the red states.

An American Hero. Everything a politician should be, rather than a pandering sycophant.

My favorite at the moment. Good civil libertarian credentials - may have single-handedly brought down the worst aspects of the so-called Patriot Act. Was the only Democratic senator to vote for impeachment of Clinton. Principled opposition to the war.

Very independent and clear headed thinker. He may be the one that can untangle the executive branch from special interests and mobilize this country to significantly reduce our dependence on middle eastern oil.

He is a longshot but credible. He would probably be squeaky clean.

Feingold can win easily in 2008 if he's chosen. I'd like to point out he's not a northerner he's from the mid west and he's very acceptable to the Liberal Wing but he's a very good debater and he had some very good television commercials he ran against Robert Kasten in 1992 that pretty much proved why Kasten was easily beaten. Feingold is one of those rare politicians who does keep his word, He kept a contract with Wisconsin on his Garage and he has lived up to it. He is easily the best choice.

The McCain of the Democratic party, in that he has the liberal credentials to win the nomination, but has shot himself in the foot too often in angering the party leadership. I don't see his campaign gaining traction, but I do believe that he would be the best candidate to return the Democratic party back to its progressive roots and provide voters with a real choice in 2008.

Feingold is progressive, intelligent and a strong leader, something that Democrats are often accused of not being.

Feingold is aiming to be the 'liberal' of the 2008 pack. He takes very principled stands that many times are far sighted and needed, he was the only senator to vote against the Patriot Act right after 9/11 on the grounds that we should not sacrifice our civil liberties. He also doesn't take 'soft' money contributions, which means that he's going to have a tough time getting a national campaign going. He's principled, but I don't see him getting the nomination given that many in the party hierarchy disapprove of him for his maverick ways, much like McCain.

the only name recognition this one has is from that campaign finance law. also, as stated in the comment below, it's tough to get america on board for people from certain regions.

There hasn't been a Northerner elected to the White House since 1960. Two Californians and the rest have been Southerners--if you count George H as a Texan. ---- Besides, senators don't win the White House, governors do!