For Dems, this horse race is not over

It has always been my wildest political fantasy to go to a national convention where the nominee is not known before the convention begins. Just for you connoisseurs of this genre, the very last time that happened was 1952. The Democrats selected Adlai E. Stevenson on the third ballot. The Republicans picked Dwight D. Eisenhower on the third ballot as well. These conventions were not coronations. They actually had drama and suspense.

{mosads}Now we all know that there is a real possibility this could occur with the Republicans in 2016. There are presently 17 announced candidates. Throw in the Donald Trump factor and anything could happen in Cleveland.

But all of a sudden, the Democratic convention in Philadelphia could rival the Republicans. Hillary Clinton is no longer considered a shoo-in. As we now recognize that Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) has a fervent base and can no longer be viewed as just an interesting irritant. And former Gov. Martin O’Malley (Md.) should not be so blatantly written off. He has a potential to surprise. Former Virginia Sen. Jim Webb should not be totally disregarded either. And to make things ever more unclear, a rebranded Vice President Biden looks like he wants to jump in.

Those mentioned are the present lot, but let’s get a bit more creative or even zany and allow me to throw in a few more Democratic names and imagine some enormously outlandish scenarios which could take place in the City of Brotherly Love in the summer of next year.

John Kerry, the present secretary of State, former senator and 2004 Democratic nominee abruptly resigns his post and announces his candidacy. Al Gore, cheated out of the 2000 election by the Supreme Court — and who received 500,000 votes more than George W. Bush — is bored with all his millions and, striving to elevate climate change to issue dominance, throws in his hat.

Don’t chuckle, but stay with the drift. 1988 Democratic presidential nominee Michael Dukakis, bored with lecturing to apathetic college students, swears never to wear a helmet and to loosen up a bit and makes the plunge. Let’s get really wild: 1984 nominee Walter Mondale stresses the benefit of advanced years and seeks to win more than just D.C. and Massachusetts this time.

But all these mentions are pretty standard fare. What about some off-the-wall aspirants? Let’s start with Sonia Sotomayor. Great life story and would be the first person of Puerto Rican descent to run. Would have to leave the Supreme Court, but better yet: She doesn’t leave the court and runs at the same time. Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (Nev.), you remember him. This would be done first to drive the GOP nuts.

Sen. Dianne Feinstein (Calif.) has done it all. She has been a mayor and is savvy on national security issues. Tom Harkin, former senator from Iowa. Ran in 1992 and didn’t get the play or respect he deserved. Sen. Tim Kaine (Va.) speaks Spanish, has been a mayor, a governor and a senator; almost selected by President Obama for veep in 2008.

Sen. Amy Klobuchar (Minn.): No one’s heard of her, but she’s talented and smart. Actually, “no one’s heard of her” might be a big plus! Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown: I’m serious about this one. Populist, outspoken and can win his home state.

OK, that’s enough for the present. Why can’t we have a replay of the 1924 Democratic convention? That one took place in New York City. The eventual nominee was John W. Davis. It took him 102 ballots to secure the nomination. And they had to recess for two weeks. It doesn’t have to go that far, but no more coronations and done deals. How about a real donnybrook in Philly where no one can predict what happens?

Oh, I almost forgot. Did I offer California Gov. Jerry Brown? He tried in ’76, ’80 and one other time. How many people can say they were the youngest governor in California history and also the oldest?

I’m sure I left out somebody of obvious distinction. Whom do you suggest?

Plotkin is a political analyst, a contributor to the BBC on American politics and a columnist for The Georgetowner.