Every American president's worst re-election nightmare isn't an economy that's tanking as November approaches, or even having to face a popular opponent of the other party. No, what presidents fear most is having to face a challenge to renomination from his own party. That's because having to defeat a primary opponent splits a president's base and certainly dooms his chances in the general election.
But, for Barack Obama, it already may be too late if Ed Rendell has anything to say about it.
The always-outspoken Democratic governor of Pennsylvania, Rendell raised the threat of a 2012 primary challenge against the president on the "Morning Joe" television program.
Specifically, Rendell warned of a Democratic challenge over Obama's escalation in Afghanistan, a policy which is unpopular with much of the Democratic base.
Rendell also poked Obama over the president's recent appearance on the daytime program, "The View," calling it undignified for the office.
It bears recalling that Rendell was one of the staunchest supporters of Hillary Clinton's 2008 campaign against Obama, and that the governor only endorsed Obama after Clinton tossed in her towel.
And Rendell's no local politician unexperienced in national politics. He's a former chairman of the Democratic National Committee and he understands how Washington politics works. That means he knows full well what he's doing by taking these kinds of shots at a president of his own party.
Go Ed!!!!
Is Rendell laying the groundwork to be the Democrat who stands in the way of Obama's renomination? Rendell is at the end of his second term in Harrisburg, and soon will have plenty of time on his hands. Is he looking for his next job?
The governor, of course, didn't come right out at this point and declare against Obama, sounding more coy by speculating whether fellow former DNC chairman Howard Dean might choose to challenge the president.
I say, the more, the merrier. That will take the heat off Hillary, if she chooses to run. And if not, I'll take Rendell over Obama or any of the Republicans any day.