Democrats' Rallying Cry: Anybody but Bush

Democrats want a winner, above all else. Policies, endorsements, leadership posts, Washington experience - even a candidate's history with the party itself - mean less than usual in this year's primary fight. Democratic voters say a single quality outranks them all: the ability to beat President Bush.

``If he can't take out Bush, I don't care if he's the Lord himself, I'm looking for another candidate,'' said Matt McGrail, 35, of Laconia, N.H.

Interviews with dozens of Democratic voters and strategists in the past three months reveal lingering resentment over the contested 2000 election, mounting disgust with Bush's agenda and little patience for any candidate who looks vulnerable to the White House re-election machine.

This is not the time for candidates fueled by ideology, such as Eugene McCarthy in 1968; promoting chief executive experience, such as Michael Dukakis in 1988; pushing a raft of policies or an up-from-the-bootstraps biography, such as Bill Clinton in 1992; or blessed by the party establishment, such as Al Gore in 2000.

Kathleen Sullivan bares the secret to this year's race. It is found on a campaign button she wears around New Hamsphire, where she heads the state Democratic Party. ``Anybody But Bush,'' says the button with likenesses of nine Democratic candidates.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/uslatest/story/0,1282,-3275394,00.html

I like the part where someone says there was nowhere near this animus toward Poppy or Reagan. I agree. Personally, I dislike Chimpy much worse than I ever did his dad or Reagan.

at least 20%. It will be the worst defeat in the history of presidential elections.

As a political observer, writer, and participant for over 35 years, I have NEVER seen such animus for a president or candidate as there is for Bush. People who would never normally think of getting of their asses and voting, will be beating the doors down this time.

There will be no apathy. It's going to be smash-mouth politics, and with all of the scandals coming to a head, Bush will be toast, either before the election, or after the votes are tallied. The scary part is, I think Bush knows he's headed for real trouble and defeat. What kind of evil will he conspire to, if he feels he's going down?

Anway, bookmark this. Bush loses by 20%. I'll come back after the election, and take praise, or a boot in the butt, but I doubt it will be the latter.

Hope springs eternal. May your prediction cup runneth over!

Can you just imagine the kinds of things he would pull as a lame duck after November if he lost by that much? Ugh.

candidate.

I wasn't counting on that to be a factor among yer average voter anymore...I hope it keeps up.

...Suggested we nominate Bush in 2004, assuring a Democratic win. Something clever, like, "this is no time to be quibbling over minor policy differences!!" :)

I don't agree, but it's a funny thing to say. :)

Anybody But Bush. (Except Bush).

Yes, ABB cus' Bush is a disaster, but man I wish we could actully make some serious issues a part of it too.

Satan is ABB. Hell Osama is ABB. So be Zell Miller (d/R)...

the dark side of ABB: issues? what issues?

Hey I love my Democrats but if we are going to pull this thing off we have got to get our shit together. More than anything we gotta get out and vote and make sure others of like mind vote as well.

I wouldn't tell any Democrats to go to repugnation hang outs and rip out their car batteries or slash tires on the day of the 2004 election. But, if anyone did and got caught I'd make your bail!