What I Like about Dean.

He's been exceptional, so far, at knocking the wind out of people he's running against.

I would willingly accept any candidate to be nominated besides Joe Lieberman, who seems to have 0 chance now anyway. But Clark and Kerry, in particular among the top runners, have exceptional qualities that I think would make them strong candidates. Even if Will Pitt is right and it will take a civil war to nominate anyone but Dean, I would probably have little problem supporting whoever that person would be. But I don't see how anyone is going to overcome Dean's brilliant tactics and strategy--with the possible exception of Karl Rove. But if I were Rove, I would be getting more nervous with each passing coup Dean pulls off in this race for the nomination. With someone like Dean, you don't know where or when the next bomb is going to hit.

I'm disappointed that so many of my fellow Democrats who support other candidates have their noses so bent out of shape over their guy's inability to break through that they can't see the advantage of having a candidate in the running who seems to be expert at blindsiding expectations. I can understand hurt feelings and disappointment. And I think questions about Dean's vulnerabilities are necessary. I have many myself. But I don't think it's wise for Democrats to learn to hate Dean just because their candidates--whatever their many strengths may be--don't seem to have the strength to stop him.

Well put!

(I've always wanted to use that phrase--I just love it)

That's why I think flame wars on this board are counterproductive. I agree that pointing out weaknesses is important, as is figuring out how to turn those weaknesses to strengths. I also think it is important that we know as much as we can about each candidate, which means that it is important for their supporters to give us facts or links to facts, speeches, etc. I see the election as one where all Democrats, including all the candidates, need to work together. I sincerely hope that the defeated candidates will do what they can to bring out the vote when it comes to the general election, and that their supporters do the same. We must stop Bush if we want to keep America a country of the people, by the people, and for the people.

I also think that Dean's story is, frankly, better than any of these other guys.
He's the come-out-of-know-where candidate who propelled himself to the top through the internet and reaching out to the grassroots by campaigning like a demon.

And a good story is important. It's what Al Gore didn't have. The press wants to write good stories. We need the press on our side in 2004. Therefore, we need to give them a candidate that they'll like to write about...and Dean has a good story.

Could you imagine the headlines if Kerry wins the nomination: "Annointed One Pulls Through"....boring!!

Or Gephardt: "Million-time (or however many) re-elected Democrat gets nomination"

I think this time we need an outsider who will give the press a good story...(not to mention someone with solid ideas and passion)

(other than his grassroots support and fundraising ability) is that the GOP has become complacent about him. The best way to lose is to underestimate your enemy.

We need someone to:
Out Bush, Bush
Out Rove, Rove
Out Card, Card
and we get to laugh when Rush gets sent to prison to get over his drug habit.

Karen Hughes had it right, go back to Texas early!

Dean is feisty, not nicey nicey.

Democrats in 2004!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast: