Keller @ Large: Pros, Cons Of Patrick Running For National Office

BOSTON (CBS) - Gov. Deval Patrick says he may be interested in being a candidate for national office some time in the future, and who can blame him?

It's standard operating procedure for politicians to keep that door open. It allows them to raise and spend money, and keeps their name in the mix, which can have plenty of benefits even if you have zero intention of ever running again.

Listen to Jon's commentary:

Beyond that, why wouldn't Patrick harbor some national ambitions?

He's arguably a better retail politician than his friend Barack Obama, he's built up a national image and modest political network over the years, and far stranger things have happened in the past than Deval Patrick on a national ticket.

And you Patrick haters out there won't like to hear it, but the governor has plenty going for him, charisma, executive experience (far more than Obama had when he was elected president), and a compelling personal story.

But now it's time for you Patrick sycophants to take a little medicine too.

There are also plenty of reasons why Deval Patrick is unlikely to be ordering new drapes for the Oval Office.

For starters, he would be arguably the most left-wing nominee in modern-day Democratic party history, closer to George McGovern than President Obama. Some years back when his name was being floated for Attorney General, a close ally of Patrick's told me "he'd never make it through the confirmation hearing."

Plus, his management record as governor hasn't exactly been stellar.

Still, you never say never.

After all, Deval Patrick is from Massachusetts, where every politician from selectman on up figures it's only a matter of time before the nation comes to its senses.

You can listen to Keller At Large on WBZ News Radio every weekday at 7:55 a.m. You can also watch Jon on WBZ-TV News.

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