Reply #17: I'm trying to figure out which of them might have the longest coat tails.

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There's no doubt that none of the Republican candidates is worth a damn. People just won't fall for the ol' "who would you like to have a beer with" routine this time. So that leaves me wondering who would get the most voters to the polls to achieve the best possible results in the down-ballot races.

My gut says that it's got to be Obama. Edwards might get a larger crossover vote for himself in the general, but I don't think that necessarily equates to much of a boost in those down-ballot races. And I don't think there is any net gain at all with Clinton as a candidate.

How can anyone tell about a question like this, other than by watching and observing what happened in Iowa and New Hampshire? It does seem like Obama could be the one who brings in the most new voters to the party. I have to admit it's kind of stunning to watch the effect he's been having everywhere. Any ideas about this?