Reply #38: Dean could do bad [View All]

[NewJerseyDem]

I wouldn't say that he will definitely do bad if he is the nominee but I think that he probably will. There are several reasons.

1. He is too angry. He is currently in the primary where his campaign strategy is to bash Bush as much as possible and liberal democrats love it. But, moderates don't hate Bush and will be turned off by his anger at Bush. He may be able to change his attitude in the general election though.

2. The media has portrayed Dean as very liberal. I don't think that this is some big conspiracy or anything but sometimes the media just portrays people badly. Because Dean was against the war everyone seems to think that he is some sort of communist. So, the media portrays him as a real lefty that is out of touch with mainstream politics but they don't focus on his more moderate views on gun control and deficits.

3. Dean is from Vermont. A democratic northeasterner unfortunately has a disadvantage in a presidential election. He can't pick up Massachussetts again, so he will have to focus on picking up states outside of his region while other candidates like Gephardt and Edwards can appeal to their regions for more electoral votes. It is just hard to see states like Missouri, Arkansas or West Virginia voting for a democrat from Vermont.