Question: Would you feel more postive about Dean if he showed a little

"vulnerability" - sort of like Gephardt did today. Gephardt received a lot of support and sympathy today... It's much more acceptable for a man to show these sorts of emotions nowadays.

I'm not saying that he needs to cry but I know I would be "sticking up" for him and would feel some "empathy" towards him if he let his guard down a bit. His hard shell and "tough guy" act make it very hard to feel "humanize" him and feel for him. Maybe if we saw more of a human side to him he would be easier to like. He always seems to have his "guard" up and it doesn't show his "human" side.

This loss has to be absolutely devastating to him yet we didn't see a "glimmer" of his true feelings. Why must he "pretend" to be upbeat about it? Be "real" Howard - is my advice.

If Gep had cried and stayed in the race, I don't think he would have gotten much sympathy.

Truthfully, I think Deans main problem in my eyes is that I perceive him to be the guy at the party who you want to stay away from once he gets drunk. As a type of person, he doesn't fall into the category of one I would normally associate myself with. People can be strong of character without seeming agressive. For me, its like watching the newest action hero in a movie, at first thinking its great, but in retrospect it's a limited performance. A little humility or connection with people other than their anger with Bush would go a long way with me.

Dean is the guy I want around in a crisis because he makes solid snap decisions.

but when she "admits" she's hurt it really makes me like her much more.

His family ties (Dean/Witter and HMO/pharma types) alone kind of bother me. I'll vote for him if he's the candidate, though.

"family ties (Dean/Witter "

He needs to show some sensitivity.

Some people are like that. You either like 'em or you don't.

To try to act sensitive when he's not would come off as fakey.

I know people like him--- intensely private, inwardly, while gregarious outwardly. I will admit that I definitely had an "Awwww" moment Sunday when I saw him with Judy, and the genuine smiles they exchanged when they looked at each other.

I really dislike bad losers.

If Howard Dean showed some "vulnerability," you'd get everyone but people supporting Dean laughing, Will Pitt saying that sadly, yes, he HAS to blame Dean for this "one," etc.

Later.

RJS