Best '08 U.S. Presidential Candidates

The best candidates from the 2008 U.S. presidential election cycle, ranked by policy positions, debate performance, and overall campaign quality. Barack Obama's historic campaign and John McCain's maverick reputation dominated the general election, but the primaries featured a deep field.

Hillary Clinton's primary campaign pushed Obama to be better. Ron Paul energized libertarian voters. Mike Huckabee won Iowa. The 2008 cycle is remembered as one of the most consequential in modern history — it produced America's first Black president and reshaped both parties. Rankings reflect the full primary and general election field.