Post-election career prospects may also play a role. Which of today's candidates are angling to be vice president, a Cabinet member or an ambassador? Which ones want to start advocacy groups, think tanks or host TV shows? Which ones intend to cash in on newfound fame by fattening up speaking fees and book royalties? These considerations, sometimes as much or more than actually getting elected, can shape presidential candidate behavior.
So, which presidential candidate is most likely to get involved with think tank land after he/she drops out of the race? Is it Donald Trump, who has been talking and consulting more with think tankers? Is it Rick Perry who has been hiring lots of think tankers? Is it Jeb Bush, who has a virtual army of think tankers working to help defeat Hillary Clinton? Or could it be Hillary Clinton herself, someone who has been hogging all the Democratic think tank talent?
