Why is the incumbent not challenged within his party?

I am trying through either logic or history to understand what about the primary in 2008 made it so the President is the best candidate to run for Democrats in 2012. 2008 was quite a while ago and does not speak to today's issues or give even the party in power the right to speak up about current performance.

Wouldn't we all benefit if he was challenged in his own party?

P.S. I would say this for either party.

posteryoyo wrote: I am trying through either logic or history to understand what about the primary in 2008 made it so the President is the best candidate to run for Democrats in 2012. 2008 was quite a while ago and does not speak to today's issues or give even the party in power the right to speak up about current performance.

Wouldn't we all benefit if he was challenged in his own party?

P.S. I would say this for either party.

There's nothing that says the incumbent can't be challenged in a primary - it just doesn't happen much. If Obama's ratings are low enough by the primaries, there's no reason that a challenger couldn't announce. Although, I think without the Party's chief high mucky-mucks blessings it'd be political suicide. The challenger would have to have huge grass roots support, name recognition, and previously untarnished popularity.

Thanks. That seems pretty logical.

President Ford was challenged by Reagan in '76. Did any Dem challenge Carter in 1980?
I don't think Bush was seriously challenged by a (R) in 2004. Nor Clinton in 1996.

I'm sure the party has no wish to spend it's war chest in a costly primary. Challengers are likely firmly discouraged.

Democrats would have to admit they make a mistake...just not possible.

FredHayek wrote: President Ford was challenged by Reagan in '76. Did any Dem challenge Carter in 1980?
I don't think Bush was seriously challenged by a (R) in 2004. Nor Clinton in 1996.

Kennedy challenged Carter in 1980.

WSJ was hoping Hillary would challenge President Obama - but doubt it will happen.

I can't figure out why some conservatives have fallen in love with "it takes a village" Hillary lately.

chickaree wrote: I can't figure out why some conservatives have fallen in love with "it takes a village" Hillary lately.

They are hoping for an internal struggle within the Democratic Party, thus damaging President Obama.