Contrast for Parties in 2016 Presidential Race

For Democrats and Republicans, the early stages of the 2016 presidential contest are worlds apart.

Many Democrats already view Hillary Rodham Clinton as a quasi-incumbent, someone who could take the reins from President Barack Obama. The former secretary of state has made no decisions about her political future but has done little to dampen enthusiasm about another presidential campaign, traveling the country making speeches and preparing to release another book.

Republicans have no clear front-runner and expect a crowded primary field that could include New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul and Florida Sen. Marco Rubio.

As the Obama era nears its final midterm elections, the campaign to succeed him has already begun: Prospective candidates on both sides have been quietly courting donors, taking steps to build an organization and making scouting trips to early voting states like Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina. The official starting line is likely a year away.

The coming year will be about building the foundations of a campaign, compiling a policy agenda and raising money for House, Senate and gubernatorial candidates who could become future allies.

And each side faces its own intra-party divisions.

Republicans are in the middle of a feud that pits establishment figures against tea party adherents. Democrats run the risk of souring on Obama’s brand and face a brewing split between liberals and centrists.

For Democrats, the presidential race hinges on whether Clinton runs again. There is no obvious challenger from the left, considering Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren’s pledge to serve her full six-year term.

Clinton’s movements will be closely watched this year. The spring release of her memoir about her State Department years will include a national book tour, allowing her to discuss themes that might precede a presidential campaign. Until she announces her decision, every word will be parsed for clues.

“It’s maybe an unprecedented situation, with Hillary Rodham Clinton being as strong as an incumbent president running for re-election,” said Democratic strategist Tad Devine. “I really see her in a unique situation.”

If Clinton decides not to run, the Democratic primary could turn into a free-for-all.

A Clinton-free race would open the door to candidates like O’Malley, who has assembled a record admired by many liberals, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, a fundraising powerhouse, and Warren, who would be pressured by progressives to run.

Republicans face much different terrain.

During the past half-century, the GOP has rarely nominated a candidate who has not previously run for president — the exceptions are Gerald Ford in 1976 and George W. Bush in 2000. That could change in 2016.

Christie, the new chairman of the Republican Governors Association, boosted his national profile in November by easily winning a second term. Christie’s team contends he wrote the playbook for GOP success in 2016 by appealing to strong percentages of women and minorities.

Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush commands attention from donors and party leaders as the brother and son of presidents. His presidential ambitions are unclear, however.

Bush’s decision could weigh heavily on his protégé, Rubio, who tried but failed to get congressional Republicans to support sweeping immigration reforms. The Cuban-American senator is expected to travel the country in 2014 in support of House and Senate candidates.

Paul has been among the most active Republicans exploring a presidential campaign. Ted Cruz, in office a year, has built a strong following in conservative circles.

Many Republicans are watching Wisconsin Rep. Paul Ryan, who impressed as Mitt Romney’s youthful running mate in 2012 and recently negotiated a budget deal with Democrats.

Alarge group of Republican governors may join the field, including Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker and Ohio Gov. John Kasich, who both face re-election in 2014. Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal may also run and has urged Republicans to develop a strong policy agenda as an alternative to Democrats.

This article appeared in print on page 2 of the January 3rd, 2014 edition of Hamodia.