Political pollsters need to justify their existence. Chief among them is Rassmusen Reports. The company has turned its efforts at handicapping the 2008 Presidential race.

For the Democrats :

Following Election 2006, the nation can look forward to our first female Speaker of the House. Another woman, Senator Hillary Clinton, is the initial frontrunner for the 2008 Democratic Presidential nomination. However, another freshman Senator, Barack Obama, is close on her heels.

The first release of the Rasmussen Reports 2008 Presidential Tracking Poll finds Clinton the choice of 29% while Obama has 22%. Former Vice President Al Gore is number three with 13% and the 2004 Vice Presidential nominee John Edwards is also in double digits at 10%. The Democrats' 2004 standard bearer, John Kerry, is the choice of just 4%.

Not only do I find it risible people are thinking seriously about Obama for president; but am actually relieved that only 4% wants Kerry back. John needs a looooong vacation away from the political spotlight. He ought to focus on becoming the next Chuck Schumer.

I insist that Obama is too green to be considered presidential material. I'd rather see the profile of a Gov. Schweitzer raised significantly in the next 2 years. And I'm still looking at both Gore and Edwards independently since I doubt Edwards would want to play second fiddle to anybody this time around.

As for the Republicans, here's their numbers :

Democrats carried the day in Election 2006 and the 2008 campaign has already begun. Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani leads the GOP field and is supported by 24%. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice is in second with 18% support.

Senator John McCain earned a lot of important friends with his aggressive campaigning in 2006, but he starts the 2008 campaign as the choice for 17% of voters.

Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney comes in fourth with 9% support.

Another funny moment : Condoleeza Rice? Oh niggah, please.

If Florida is any indication I am going to take a wild guess and say that Jeb Bush will run for President in 2008.