2008 Democratic Presidential Candidates
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These candidates have filed (or announced plans to file) with the Federal Elections Commission (FEC).
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Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton, born October 26, 1947, in Illinois, U.S. Senator from New York and former First Lady of the United States.
Clinton announced the formation of her exploratory committee on 20 January 2007, with a post on her website. She has delivered several
speeches which analysts say are intended to reach out to moderates. She has also been holding fundraising meetings, including meeting with
women from Massachusetts, a key constituency of potential rival and 2004 nominee John Kerry; however, these activities are consistent with the
lead up to a campaign for re-election to her Senate seat in 2006. Many Republicans appear to be hoping that Senator Clinton will run for
President, presumably believing her to be a polarizing figure. If elected, Clinton would be the first female president. Clinton announced on
January 20, 2007, that she will run in 2008 (the same day she announced the formation of an exploratory committee). She has filed the official
paperwork for an exploratory committee.
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Senator Barack Obama, born August 4, 1961, in Honolulu, Hawaii, U.S. Senator from Illinois. A "draft Obama" movement began with his well-
received 2004 Democratic National Convention keynote address. Obama was the featured speaker at Iowa Senator Tom Harkin's annual steak
fry, a political event favored by presidential hopefuls in the lead-up to the Iowa caucus. He was endorsed by talk show host Oprah Winfrey in
2006.[ Various recent opinion polls have seen Obama's support rising, with him trailing only Hillary Clinton in several polls. If elected, he would
become the first African-American President of the United States. Obama announced on February 10, 2007, that he will run in 2008. He has
filed the official paperwork.
- U.S. Senator from Illinois: 2005–Present
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Senator Joe Biden, born November 20, 1942, in Scranton, Pennsylvania, U.S. Senator from Delaware and candidate for the Democratic
presidential nomination in 1988, although he ceased active campaigning in 1987, before the first primaries. Biden first hinted that he might run
in 2008 in a December 8, 2004, radio interview with host Don Imus, saying: "I'm going to proceed as if I'm going to run." Biden has repeatedly
stated his intention to run, and did so as early as 21 March 2006.
- U.S. Senator from Delaware: 1973–Present
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Senator Christopher Dodd, was born May 27, 1944, in Connecticut and is a five-term U.S. Senator from that state. Dodd was reported to be a
likely contender for the Democratic Vice President slot on John Kerry's ticket in 2004. In May 2006, Dodd said he has "decided to do all the
things that are necessary to prepare to seek the presidency in 2008", including hiring staff, raising money and traveling around the country in the
next few months to enlist support. On Jan. 11, 2007, Dodd announced his Presidential candidacy on the "Imus in the Morning" radio show with
Don Imus.
- U.S. Senator from Connecticut: 1981–Present
- U.S. Representative from the Connecticut's 2nd congressional district: 1975–1981
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Former Senator John Edwards, born June 10, 1953, in South Carolina, former U.S. Senator from North Carolina, candidate for the Democratic
presidential nomination in 2004 and 2004 Democratic vice-presidential nominee. As a presidential candidate, Edwards was famed for his
populist message in his "Two Americas" speech and also for his optimistic, positive attitude. This was evidenced by his refusal to attack his
opponents.
- U.S. Senator from North Carolina: 1999–2005
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Former Senator Mike Gravel, born May 13, 1930, in Springfield, Massachusetts. U.S. Senator from Alaska from 1969 to 1981 and an active
candidate for Vice President in 1972. He was notable for advocating a guaranteed annual income, which he termed a "citizen's wage," of $5,000
per person, regardless of whether the person worked. On April 13, 2006, Gravel announced his candidacy for the Democratic nomination. His
policy announcements to date include support for direct democracy, FairTax and withdrawal from Iraq.
- Alaska State Representative: 1962–1966 (Speaker: 1965–1966)
- U.S. Senator from Alaska: 1969–1981
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Representative Dennis Kucinich, born October 8, 1946, in Cleveland, Ohio. Ohio Congressman, former Mayor of Cleveland, and 2004
Democratic primary candidate. Dennis Kucinich is known by many as "The Peace Candidate."
- Mayor of Cleveland: 1978–1979
- U.S. Representative from Ohio's 10th congressional district: 1997–Present
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Governor Bill Richardson, born November 15, 1947, in California, Governor of New Mexico, former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, Secretary of Energy and
U.S. Representative.
- Governor of New Mexico: 2003–Present
- United States Secretary of Energy: 1998–2001
- United States Ambassador to the United Nations: 1997–1998
- U.S. Representative from the New Mexico's 3rd congressional district: 1983–1997
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