What the Dems need in a candidate

Despite recent rumors in the media, Pennsylvania governor Ed Rendell is denying any aspirations to the 2008 presidential race. [Read story.]

This has got me thinking about what we need in a Democratic candidate in 2008. I think Rendell would be a stronger candidate than John Kerry was, because Rendell has a folksier, more charismatic personally, and comes across as a "regular guy".

Along with the likeability factor, we need a candidate who can develop a strong message and then stay on message. We need someone who won't roll over and let the Karl Rove spin machine destroy him. We need to build a strong platform based on our own "moral values" - like every American's right to a good education, health care, and a job that won't be shipped off to India.

And we need someone with international credibility, who can mend our relationships with our allies around the world.

Since Rendell appears to be ruling out a run, I wonder who else out there might fit the bill.