Picture this: Tom vs. Arnold-
Boston Globe, Dec. 10, 2004

WITH THE 2004 presidential election receding into the nation's rear-view mirror, there's already chatter about what might happen further up the road. As in 2008. Some Democrats are even throwing names around. At least Michael Moore is. Recently, Moore speculated about Tom Hanks becoming president of the United States.

"Americans want to vote for someone that they trust, that they like, that has a friendly face," Moore said. "Americans love celebrities, they love movie stars, and when they get the chance to vote for them, they do." He may be on to something. Look at the popularity of actor-turned-governor-turned-president Ronald Reagan. And of California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Maybe it's time the Democrats tapped Hollywood, too. The Republicans already blame them for being too cozy with Hollywood -- why not go all the way? Besides, it's not as if the last two candidates out of Washington have brought the Democrats any success. At least Tom Hanks (two Oscars) has actually won something. And in the star of "Castaway," the Democrats would have someone who knows a thing or two about suffering a terrible setback, being hopelessly out of touch, and scrambling desperately to be rescued.
Of course, with Bush now a lame duck, Republicans are also throwing names around. Like Schwarzenegger. Unfortunately for this native Austrian, Article II of the US Constitution stipulates that only "natural born" citizens are eligible to become president. But to some Republicans, only girly-men would be discouraged by this minor obstacle.
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