Simon: Biggest 2012 Threat for Obama May be Dem

When it comes to re-election, President Barack Obama may have more to worry about from a potential Democratic challenge on the left rather than the current crop of potential Republican candidates, says Roger Simon,  Politico’s chief political columnist.

“I don’t think Barack Obama will have a hard time defeating his Republican opponent in 2012, barring a financial meltdown or a major foreign crisis,” he writes. “It’s a Democratic opponent he should worry about. Obama continues to anger progressives in his party and has created a huge amount of running room to his left.”

Obama has upset liberals by continuing tax cuts for everyone, including the wealthy; increasing our commitment to the war in Afghanistan; leaving the Guantanamo Bay detention center open; and deciding to resume military trials there.

Potential challengers include Howard Dean, Hillary Clinton and Dennis Kucinich, Simon says.