Fear & Loathing on the Campaign Trail '72 is a fascinating read for anybody remotely interested in politics. The book is a compilation of articles The Good Doctor Hunter S. Thompson wrote for Rolling Stone while covering the Democratic primaries and McGovern/Nixon election.

So many similarities between '72 and '04. Unpopular Presidents. Unpopular wars. Talk of the "Youth Vote." Sad sack of Democratic challengers. One "unelectable" maverick who's not trying to sell himself as Nixon- or Bush-Light. In '72, McGovern managed to win the nomination before losing a crushing blow to Nixon (losing 49 states and finishing 23% behind in the popular vote). Perhaps because of this, Howard Dean never made it to the general election.

Anyway, reading the book makes me hope the next Hunter S. Thompson is gearing up for '08. Hunter was on the press plane, talking football with Nixon, getting stoned with McGovern's staffers, and writing about it every two weeks. The difference between his political commentary and the widely read political blogs of today is simple -- HST was a reporter. His style may have paved the way for the blunt criticism of today's political writers, but writing about watching the candidates on TV is not the same as being there.

Imagine a fiery, unabashed critic on John McCain's beat? Having a few beers with Hillary's people? Talking baseball with Rudy? Then writing about it each day? That'd be pretty compelling.

I nominate Jellio for this role in 2008.