Can Dean and Kerry connect with the public?

[fujiyama]

Personally I like Kerry. I think he has a hell of a career in public service and a great background fighting for liberal causes. IMO, he'd make the best president of those running.

I also don't really have any real substantive problems with Dean. He has some interesting ideas. He has brought great enthusiasm and energy to this election and I like how he's raised much of the money.

I do however see a hint of that elite Northeastern born and educated mentality to both of them. Dean seems somewhat awkward and somewhat clueless about the south, while Kerry often doesn't speak to the point... Note, I'm not ripping on them, but I don't see either of them connecting very well with voters in the rural areas, and working class neighborhoods. Dean and Kerry will do well with upscale liberal voters and upper middle class whites in wealthier suburbs, and Dean might be able to draw some Nader voters into the dem. fold.

Yet, I don't see this as being enough to beat Bush in states where it really does count (and I'm not going to include Florida because of the Jeb Bush political machinery/chicanery/thievery in that state) -- states such as WV, Pa, Oh, and perhaps Nevada and Arizona. This is not to mention the great lakes states of Minnessota and Wisconsin, which we must hold on to, if we realistically wish to win.

I think Edwards has a great economic message, which I hope other democrats will adopt. He has had some of the sharpest and most compelling arguments against this administration's economic policies and calls crony capitalism for what it is. Clark has a great resume, and seems capable of drawing in McCain type independants in larger numbers than anyone else, partly because of his military background and partly because he DOESN'T have any traditional political experience.

Now, obviously we have enough time left, where we may see Dean more at ease, espousing a more optimistic tone, and Kerry able to give more straightforward contrite answers. Personally I don't mind the nuanced arguments, as it has shown Kerry's knowledge about the various issues at hand , but as the IWR vote has shown, many people are turned off by complex, and somewhat convoluted reasoning.

Al Gore obviously had some trouble connecting with people, as people thought he was too mean during the debates. I think a lot of anger rarely helps in a general election. We need a hopeful and optimistic message, which I believed is embodied best by Edwards and Clark.

[dofus]

1. In my opinion Dean connects

to people. With people?

I first noticed him at one of those dinners where all the candidates got to speak their piece back in the spring and I was mightily impressed. Since then I've been able to meet him three different times, and he comes across as a regular guy. Keep in mind he was a family practice doctor before he became a full-time Governor, and his wife still has her practice.

I've heard stories about him such as, when he was Governor and one of his kids played soccer, and there was a carpool to get the kids to the games/practices. Howard Dean himself generally drove when it was his turn, and when he just couldn't make it, he'd call another parent himself (not have an aide do it) and make other arrangements. Just like any normal parent, not like an out-of-touch politician.

Personally, I think Kerry looks a little too much like Lurch on the Addams Family to inspire much confidence, but his supporters are loyal, and I respect them for that.

[Northwind]

2. Well...

Dean does so already. Kerry has failed to do so, utterly.

Both played some guitar for the cameras once. Kerry played classical guitar, Dean played blues. Who was connecting more with common people?

Kerry keeps having those photo ops of him with his Harley. Someone should tell Mr. Kerry that a Harley-Davidson motor cycle has for many years been a very expensive toy for the upper class types. Not many common men can afford them these days.

[CMT]

3. Dean seems to connect very well

many columnists have written about the way he speaks to people without speaking down to them. All of this nonsence about someone from the northeast not being able to connect is just that--nonsence. JFK was more new englandy and blue blood than Kerry or Dean and he certainly connected as did FDR.