If Thomas Jefferson were running for prez this year, would he be able to win?

Question

"The character of Jefferson's religion is one of the most interesting aspects of his intriguing life. Certain evangelicals, who were also his political opponents, tried very hard to make Jefferson's religion a factor in elections. They filled the press with scurrilous attacks on his "deistical" beliefs. He made it his steadfast policy never to respond to any of these attacks or, indeed, to make any public statement at all concerning his faith. Ironically, in spite of the attacks, evangelicals flocked to support Jefferson because they favored the end of tax support for established churches—which meant freedom for their independent churches—as passionately as did he. Today religious conservatives portray Jefferson as a sympathetic figure, unaware of his religious beliefs, his understanding of religious freedom or his criticisms of evangelical religiosity."

http://www25.uua.org/uuhs/duub/articles/thomasjefferson.html

Answer 1

No, because he already served two terms. He'd be surprised (and thankful) that we made it illegal to be president for more than two terms.

Answer 2

He wouldn't stand a chance in today's society.  

Answer 3

Credible allegations of slave rape probably would have torpedoed his candidacy.

Hopefully it would have been discovered before he was given the nomination.

Answer 4

I highly doubt any of our founding fathers would be able to win an election in our current times. Not just for what you mentioned, but because they actually believed in small government.

The Democrats and Republicans would have a field day with them.

And for that, I think we should be ashamed of ourselves.

*EDIT*

Thanks Chris H. That makes me feel special :)

Answer 5

it is hard to believe a true patriot or pioneer would recognize the mess we call the US ..they would think  *WTF?* and run off to the wilderness

and live out their life peacefully as a hermit or maybe an Amish?

I am sick of the heretics in government and most people do live their lives in quiet desperation waiting for the government to give them their forty acres and a mule..the land is worthless and the mule died of

neglect..I think the US has dropped to a new low attacking the

candidates like they all were a bunch of ninny's

Answer 6

MisfitRoxy: I love you!

As for Jefferson: There is no dirtier, rough-and-tumble, underhanded, duplicitous, conniving politician in American history than Thomas Jefferson. His small government, states rights message would be brought forward with a verve unseen in our political discussion since the Civil War. Also, it is very doubtful  that he ever raped Sally Hemmings; it is far more likely that she reminded him of his dear departed wife, since Hemmings was probably her half-sister, and their relationship was consensual-- although that is hard to say considering her obvious unequal footing societally. Today, he would probably be married to Hemmings.

Answer 7

He would be dismissed as a radical.  

Answer 8

Yeah, if Mccain stands a chance, he does.

Actually, Jefferson and Mccain would have the exact same problems:

Jefferson:

265 years old.

McCain:

Also 265 years old.

Jefferson:

Served 2 terms, running again would be a third.

McCain:

Also already served 2 terms under the name of George W. Bush.

Answer 9

Jefferson aloing with Franklin and Monroe, Adams, Monroe, Washington and others were truly larger than life.  That was a time when people valued people capable of deep thought and gave them the support they needed to birth this Nation.

Today, they would be called "Libtards" and other unimaginative names and be subject to ridicule by a woman who shoots moose from a helicopter.  But there is a shipft in consciousness.  People are tired of loosing ground.  Tired of endless, senseless war that enriches the Vice President, wise to the 'Swiftboat " attacks and character assignations.  People are impressed by  war heros and flashy gun toting hockey moms, but at the end of the day, they want CHANGE from all that.  they want to get back to reality and deal with the real problems that we all face daily..

Jefferson might have a chance today.

Obama-Biden 2008

Answer 10

I prefer Theodore Roosevelt.

Answer 11

TJ would vote for George W. McCain...... TJ thinks that black people are only good for one thing, and that is not being president.