Now that—perish the thought—it looks increasingly possible that Barack Obama might lose in November, it’s only natural that speculation about Democratic possibilities for 2016 is starting to ramp up. Yes, there’s the obvious caveat that the Democratic nomination is probably Hillary Clinton’s for the taking should she want it. But it’s worth asking: Who else is on the Democratic bench?

There are two names that keep popping up—Maryland governor Martin O’Malley and New York governor Andrew Cuomo. However, two recent crises suggest that both men lack the capability and character for higher office.