Premature Political Campaigning?

Why on earth would I have commentary on politics or “the system”, given that I am a real estate broker by trade? Well, because first and foremost, I am a citizen, just like all of my readers. Secondly, this is my blog and last time I checked, that gives me my own personal forum to sound off as I see fit, within the boundaries of good taste and moderation, of course.

So having watched the inner workings of the Washington political scene for years from close range (I went to high school and college in the DC area, grew up the son of a Federal investigator, had a clearance with the government and worked in a vault in the basement of the Pentagon before and during my Army stint, and had the Federal government as my territory for my first ever job in sales – now that is an interesting story!), it is rather a mystery to me why the 2008 Presidential candidates are starting their efforts so early. As such, I have some questions:

Have you ever noticed that forming an exploratory committee actually means, "I am absolutely, definitely running for the office of President of the United States?"

As far as I know, the candidates already have important government jobs and I am concerned about who is doing that job for the next year during their premature campaigning?

Could (or should) any of today’s candidates get re-elected next term in their own District / State given the neglect their constituents must be feeling?

One candidate commented last week something to the effect that he was laying low at this stage because he didn’t want to peak too soon. He makes an interesting point – will all existing hard-charging, campaign-crazy candidates demonstrate extreme cases of foot-in-mouth disease or bankruptcy and fizzle over the next year? If so, what total dark horse unknown might swoop in at the conventions and be on their way to the White House? Hmmmm . . .

Following along on that train of thought, perhaps these early candidates are intended to just be out there in the public eye to rattle their party sabers and test views that will later be turned into planks for their party platforms to be nailed down at the conventions, upon which their quiet, squeaky-clean dark horse savior can walk to the podium and accept his or her nomination. Perhaps, then, these early candidates are just the ones with the thickest skin, who can weather the media (and public) storm long enough to get across the party views for the real candidate. Hmmmm . . . again.

This is one of those, “All I have are observations and questions – no opinions,” blog postings. I just had to vent a little.