In private conversations, Gary Hart “sounds pretty certain” he’ll run for President, according to his longtime New Hampshire friend Dan Calegari.

“But whether he can generate the kind of enthusiasm he did in 1984 remains to be seen,” Calegari says.

1984 was the year Hart shocked the nation by upsetting former Vice President Walter Mondale in the New Hampshire primary.

Calegari said that Hart’s affair with Donna Rice, which took him out of the 1988 Presidential primary campaigns, wouldn’t be a serious issue. “After all,” said the ever-blunt Mr. Calegari, “Bill Clinton made him look like an amateur.”

Calegari said he won’t even back Hart if the former Colorado senator does run because he thinks it’s a mistake. He’d rather see Hart involved in someone else’s campaign “so he can have a major role in a new administration in reshaping government.”

Calegari says Hart, who privately spoke with about 35 people at the Merrimack Restaurant during his visit to the state last week, is expected back in the state later this month.

If Hart did enter the race, he would “elevate the whole dialogue. I remember him predicting this war in 1983, when he said that if we do not develop energy independence, men and women will someday be dying on the sands of the Arabian peninsula,” Calegari said.

Looking good.  I'm a bit worried by all the folks that seem to appreciate Senator Hart as a person and thinker, but would rather he be an adjunct in someone elses administration.  While this would be better than Senator Hart heading back to the mountains again, I'd be worried that his ideas would get diluted in such a role, which may very well be why those who currently hold power in the political world would rather see him as an adjunct.

[via Political Wire]

Dennis Miller, in his heart of hearts, in his deepest darkest fantasies, wants to be the next Rush Limbaugh.  I give him 1 year before he's got his own ass-clown right wing radio talk show.

Whee!

He hasn't declared yet, but that hasn't stopped Project Vote-Smart from putting up some useful information on the Senator, including links to transcripts of interviews (including the Sputtery and Colmes interview I mentioned earlier,) biographical info, and eventually position statements.

Also, Salon has an article today about the Senator's proposal last fall for a reasonable resolution of the situation in Iraq.  It was ignored by the Democrats, leading to the mess they find themselves in today.  I think it provides a good view of his position on the war.

Lastly, don't forget that tonight is National Gary Hart Meetup Day.  If you're interested in talking with other Hart supporters and especially if you are interested in volunteering, be sure to check out your local Meetup.