Editor's note: Even though the presidential election is not until 2008, potential candidates to succeed President Bush are already making their way around the country. When they visit the Triangle, The News & Observer will try to ask them a few questions.

Indiana Sen. Evan Bayh was in Raleigh over the weekend to speak at the Democrats' annual Jefferson-Jackson Day dinner when reporter Rob Christensen caught up with him. Bayh was twice elected governor in Republican-leaning Indiana before being elected to the Senate in 1998. He is looking at running for president in 2008.

Q: What do the Democrats need to do to win back the White House?

A: "We need to make this election a referendum on the future of the country. What it's going to take to make that future what it ought to be for the middle class in America. That's going to involve growing the economy. Restoring our finances. Improving our energy situation and providing security for this country in a way that is both tough and smart.

"We also need to reach out to people in the Midwest and the South and let them know that we are not cultural elitists. We share their values."

Q: How is the war going in Iraq?

A: "Iraq, unfortunately, is a tragic situation. There is no military answer to this issue. ... So the first thing we have to look at is: Can the Iraqis get their political act together and make the hard decisions necessary to make that country work. If they don't, then there is no answer to this and we have to leave sooner rather than later. If they do get their political act together, then with our help they can begin to provide for their own security, and we could then begin to withdraw.

"There has been a long litany of mistakes that have made Iraq much more difficult than it otherwise would have been. ...

"The president did not help matters by saying, basically, that troops levels and the time line to withdraw is something for the next president to address. That tells the Iraqis we are there for another three years no matter what and takes the pressure off them to become more independent."

Q: Why do you think we should abolish the Electoral College?

A: "I think our president should be chosen by the majority of the American people. That is ordinarily the case. But in 2000, as we all recall, we elected this president with fewer votes than the other candidate got. I just don't think in the modern era that is appropriate."

Q: Who is the better jogger, you or John Edwards?

A: "Hah, it depends on the day."

Q: How about most days?

A: "One of the reasons I like running with John is that I think we were a pretty good tandem. When I was feeling tired, he would pull me along, and when he was feeling tired, I would try to do the same for him."

Q: How does a Democrat win in Indiana?

A: "I think there are two or three things that are important. In my races for governor, I let people know I was fiscally responsible; I cared about balancing budgets; I wanted to be a good steward of their tax money. So they knew I wasn't just a wild-eyed taxer and spender. I left the largest surplus in state history and went eight years without raising taxes.

"I championed economic growth, working with business and labor to attract investment and great opportunity. Many people mistakenly think that Democrats don't care much about that or know much about that, and that is not true.

"I reach out to all the citizens of our state and let them know that I care about them and their values. I am not an aloof figure, I hope.

"Finally, they have to know when they go to bed at night [that] you can be a good steward of our national security. Too many people think, nationally, that the Democrats are weak and can't be trusted on that. I don't think that is true. We have to let them know we are capable on that issue."