Even in a hypothetical discussion, i dont feel confident forming any definitive opinion on anyone would could be in a position to run in 2 years. In fact, the only thing i could specifically say is: i dont like anyone for 2016. Thats a bit of a cop out, so i'll throw around some random thoughts that should shed some light on my indifference.
-I can confidently state that some of the usual suspects would be an utter disaster. Ted Cruz and Hillary Clinton would both be awful, just awful. Fortunately, Ted Cruz has absolutely no chance. He might be popular in his echo chamber at the moment, but hes going to grow even more poisonous to the public in years to come. Im looking forward to the day his base pulls up stakes and bails on him, something i dont think he sees coming. As well, despite his intelligence, Cruz is thoroughly lacking in political knowledge and that would be exposed quickly in a campaign. I'll throw up an article at the bottom of this post showing some of the behind the scenes incidents during the October shutdown. Its a good read even for the non-political.
Moving on to the bad, Hillary unfortunately has a legitimate chance of becoming President. Shes going to decide the atmosphere of that election, whatever she does(declares or quits) will set the entire foundation. I have no idea what shes done to deserve her popularity but if she declares and has even a semi-competent campaign she could walk into the office.
-Chris Christie will be popular, but his political career could end
this week. While im inclined to believe him when he says he knew nothing about Bridgegate, subpoena's are now being drawn up. If its discovered he directed it, then hes screwed. Not to mention the Republican primary would/will rip him to shreds for supposedly being a RINO.
-Speaking of that, their primary process is going to eat alive any half decent candidate. Any candidate i could get excited about on the right would inevitably alienate me as they try and survive their primary. 2014 is going to be kind to conservatives and will bolster their resolve when it comes to their tactics and views. I think its going to take another defeat for the right to see they need to, at the very least, lean their views in the direction of the "center".
-Like Buddy, there are some things i like about Huntsman(his experience with Asia highlights that list) but there are things i dont like about him as well. We shall see how his views "evolve" over the next few years and if he jumps parties.
-Unlike the Republican primary, there are some up and comers on the left i
could possible get behind. Unfortunately they all have some hideous flaws and should just sit home for 2016. Among the current "rockstars": Cory Booker, his admirable views on marriage equality aside, hasnt done much to impress me. Elizabeth Warren has the intelligence to succeed but lacks the patience, experience, and diplomacy to do the job with any sort of competency, not to mention shes worse then Biden when it comes to idiotic outbursts and quotes. Wendy Davis is a current media darling, but she's running for her first "real" election. Im not exactly excited about any of the "low key" candidates such as Andrew Cuomo or a retread like Howard Dean. I think Martin O'Malley has the potential to be a decent President, but his lack of "killer instinct" will get under my skin quickly(thats already begun).
Perhaps someone will come out and light it up when the time comes, but for the moment im not giving that election too much thought. Nor do i see much reason to, because if Charlie Crist actually pulls off the democratic nomination for Florida Governor and my other option is Rick Scott, i'll try and block a sledgehammer with my neck.
Heres the article on the cat-and-mouse games of the shutdown, Cruz is featured prominently:
http://www.politico.com/story/2013/10/anatomy-of-a-shutdown-98518.html
