The ideal candidate in my mind would contain the following characteristics:

-Intellectual
-Self made
-Well educated (legitimately, and with honors)
-Lifetime of great achievements (again, self made)
-Military experience at high levels (leadership position preferred)
-Command of the english language (well spoken)
-Solid experience in foreign affairs <--very important

No other republicans were running against Bush so I was stuck looking at democrats. Wesley Clark impressed me the most out of all the democratic nominees. He is especially strong in the military/foreign department. Kerry came out of nowhere and won though. I would choose Clark, but McCain isn't too shabby either.

My hope for this election is that John Kerry wins and gets America back on the right track so in four years we can elect someone impressive. It's a long shot though