In 1972, North Dakota Senator George McGovern ran against incumbent Richard Nixon on the Democratic ticket. McGovern, who fell prey to Nixon's' successful attempts to portray him as a radical leftist, lost in a landslide, garnering only 37 percent of the popular vote. Despite this overwhelming loss, the Democrats rallied back in 1976 with Jimmy Carter.
In the wake of Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry's loss to President Bush, there has been large speculation among political analysts, as there was in 1972, on the condition of the Democratic party.
\A loss like this is not as devastating as in 1972,"" said New York University political science Professor Steven Brams, adding it is very likely the Democrats can come back, just as they did with Carter.
However, exactly how Democrats plan to stage a comeback remains the looming question. New York University political science professor Sanford Gordon predicted a ""shakedown in the leadership"" over the next few years - just days removed from Nov. 2, U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton and former vice presidential candidate John Edwards have emerged as possible names on a 2008 ticket.
""The big threshold question is whether or not Hillary Clinton wants to run,"" said Ron Faucheux, editor in chief of Campaigns & Elections magazine, adding she will be very difficult to beat should she decide to run.
Faucheux, who has worked on 116 campaigns, said her name recognition and support from women and African-Americans would give her a ""powerful position"" over any opponent.
Yet, Clinton's senate term has been highlighted by a failed health care plan, and before she can think about running for president she has to decisively win her re-election in New York for the Senate in 2006.
Brams, labeling Clinton a ""controversial figure,"" said he believes John Edwards is a likely nominee, especially given his Southern roots.
""Edwards, between the two, is more likely to be acceptable to the Democrats and more likely to I think take the center and run with it,"" he said.
Regardless of who emerges as the Democrats' nominee in 2008, much depends upon how Bush and the Republican Party in the next four years. They have to deal with a potential withdrawal from Iraq, as well as a job market that has suffered under Bush's first administration.
Brams said a Democratic victory hinges upon the relative success of the Republicans in the next four years.
""I think that's the way [Democrats] can win,"" he said. ""I don't see how the Republicans can benefit in the next four years.""
