I've made my choice and my second choice is...

John Edwards.

I'm still 100% for Dean and expect him to be the nominee, but anything can happen in politics and if Dean somehow doesn't go the distance I want a fall-back candidate.

Why John Edwards?
I'm not happy with his vote on Iraq, but I am happy with the kind of positive campaign he has run. Some people say he lacks experience, but his six years in the Senate compare more than favorably to Bush's six years as a Governor of a state where Governors are constitutionally rather weak--heck, the Lt. Governor handles budget issues. I also like his humble background and the way he has used his skills as an attorney to help "regular folks."

To clarify, I will only back Edwards if Dean withdraws from the race because I honestly do think Howard Dean is the best man to lead this country in the next four years and has a demonstrated record of accomplishment as a Governor which compares favorably with the dismal record of the Bush administration: Dean balanced budgets, provided health insurance for children, prescription drugs for seniors, created jobs over the coarse of his governorship, raised the state minimum wage,ect. His views on the Iraqi War resolution are in line with my own feelings and applaud the vigor in which Dean has taken on the Bush administration on many different fronts. Dean has also proven he can compete with Bush after the primaries in the field of fund-raising.

I like John Kerry, but don't find him an inspiring candidate. I think Dick Gephardt is a good man who failed to lead congressional democrats against Bush. I am impressed by how articulate Al Sharpton is. I think that Carol Mosley Braun radiates on the stump and has been a positive factor in this race. I think Dennis Kucinich has a admirable record on behalf on progressive causes but think he should try for the Senate or Governor in Ohio--and maybe later try for the presidency. I'm glad that Wes Clark decided to become a Democrat, but honestly don't feel comfortable with his past GOP votes and support.

Edwards is also on my short list of people I would personally like for Dean to choose as VP--a list which includes: Bob Graham and Tom Harkin.

i don't really have a 2nd choice yet, but my husband is with you...after dean he would most like to see edwards in

He's really turning it on in Iowa these days. Showing the kind of vibrancy that wasn't quite there early on. I had switched my 2nd to Clark, but the more I think about having a Democratic candidate who supported Reagan's policies, the more I realize how ridiculous that is. Wes has got some 'splainin to do before he gets my vote.

I really think he just hasn't received enough media attention. If more people have a chance to see him in action, I think they'll be quite impressed.

Clark is still my #2, but I'm not impressed by his writing off Iowa, etc. . This is not a sign that he 'gets it', politically, IMO. I think he needs better advice from his staff. I'm almost ready to make Edwards #2, if he continues TO 'get it'.

You said: "I like John Kerry, but don't find him an inspiring candidate."

I hear you. I've been disappointed by many of his campaign appearances, too. But I attended his rally here last night, and I'll bet anyone who was there would beg to disagree about "uninspiring".
http://muscatinejournal.com/articles/2004/01/13/news/news3.txt


Glad to see your mention of Harkin. He'd be a good VP choice for any of them.

I think the election is going to be decided in the midwest and Harkin would be an excellent choice for almost all of them.