The front-runner as lightning rod (Christian Science Monitor)

The front-runner as lightning rod

Howard Dean's lead going in to the primaries draws unusual party rancor.

By Liz Marlantes | Staff writer of The Christian Science Monitor

WASHINGTON – As the 2004 primary season officially begins, Democrats are facing one of the most unusual - and divisive - contests in decades, with insurgent front-runner Howard Dean sharply polarizing his party even as he appears positioned to capture its nomination.
Two weeks before the Iowa caucuses - the kick-off event in what is likely to be a decisive six-week run of primary contests - Dr. Dean has emerged as the man to beat. He leads in national and most individual state polls, has raised substantially more money than any of his rivals, and has won key endorsements from prominent unions and 2000 presidential nominee Al Gore.
edit ...
Of course, front-runners often inspire intraparty animosity, particularly in the heat of a vigorous primary battle. During the 1992 contest, many Democrats worried that Bill Clinton would ruin the party with his centrist policies (and extramarital affairs).
More ...
http://www.csmonitor.com/2004/0105/p02s02-uspo.html



From 1992
Ominous Polls:
A look at the Gallup polls over the past few moths show why Democrats are becoming increasingly nervous about putting Clinton at the head of their ticket.
In a head-to-head match up on March 20, Bush led by only 52-43 percent and Clinton was indeed within striking range. But as the weekly disclosures took their toll during the ensuing primaries, Clinton's margin fell to 54-38 percent on March 29 and then fell further to 54-34 by the beginning of April.
Edit ...
Quayle campaign committee, "We're following the Napoleonic maxim: Never interfere with the enemy when they are in the process of destroying themselves."
http://www.worldandi.com/public/1992/june/cr6.cfm

I thought Dean did well in the debate. I also feel that except for Holy Joe all the Democratic Candidates looked and sounded better. I love the part where Dean asked for a show of hands of who would support the nominee no matter who it was.

"If you have no enemies, it is a sign fortune has forgot you."
- Thomas Fuller (1608 - 1661)