You know, wouldn't it be wonderful if...

[helleborient]

This were a forum where we could actually discuss the candidates and even air our concerns about our candidates as well as celebrate the positives.

I'm guilty of not doing that.

I've posted hints elsewhere that I do have concerns about Gov. Dean's candidacy, but then I spend time responding to posts that seem to be of the variety that Howard Dean is some sort of "uber-evil" threatening the world.

And responding to left-wing journalism characterizing John Kerry as speaking with an "oily tongue"

And DUers stating Richard Gephardt is a Republican.

And accusations that Wesley Clark is "bloodthirsty."

And comments that Dennis Kucinich is "just a loser."

And the use of scurrilous right-wing journalism to attack both Howard Dean and John Kerry because "any weapon" is valid in this contest.


To me, Howard Dean is not a perfect candidate, but I think he is as good as any other candidate in the race.

I add to that my personal perception that his campaign is one of the best run we've seen in recent years in the Democratic Party. I consider myself pragmatic and that's why I made that choice.

I get frustrated with myself responding back in anger to ridiculous accusations at any and all of the candidates.

I would love to talk about concerns as well as positives about any or all of the candidates, but for now I keep that to "real world" discussions like the one I had the other night with a Howard Dean supporter who was expressing concerns about the "meat" on the bones of Howard Dean's speeches. That kind of discussion does seem impossible here.

[benddem]

1. ABB

All the candidates have something I don't like. Lieberman has a LOT I don't like. But Howard Dean is the best in my book. :kick:

[eissa]

2. Ditto

I get upset with myself when I've responded in anger regarding another candidate. My main concern is not that we don't discuss these issues on DU (if not here, then where?!) I just worry that the really "low blow" attacks and the repetition of RW garbage will have an affect on the democratic nominee (whoever that might be). I still fear the freepers on this forum using some of these comments for future attacks.

[MuseRider]

3. It is difficult.

You are probably the most obviously (to me anyway) fair of all posters. I know who you support but you are always there with a nice thing for the others. While some may see this as silly, I find it very nice and wish I was that kind of poster. I also occasionally have concerns about "my" candidate, usually not big ones since I feel he sticks to his positions well but to post them here is inviting derision and I have really had enough of that for a while. Anyway, thanks. For now I do think you are right, there is too much riding on this election and emotions run pretty high for all of us.

[LuminousX]

5. You are correct

In this closed partisan environment, if you make one statement that is mildly negative about someone you support, it will be seized upon as to why he can't be elected.

"My candidate has halitosis."

"Halitosis is the number one reason why Democrats lose elections!!"

[unfrigginreal]

4. I've had the same thoughts.

I wish that there was a way for DU to give each candidate their own forum to be moderated by supporters.

It would be great to be able to express both the strategies and concerns that we have about our candidates without having to fend off the Deanhaters that would ultimately hijack the thread.

[helleborient]

6. In fairness...or the Kerry haters, or Gephardt haters, or Kucinich haters,

Etc....

[DakotaDemocrat]

7. Same here...

On our candidates' blogs, there's nuttin but love baby, but then when we all get together, it gets raucus because people are not INFORMED about the other candidates. Half-truths and zingers are the only things that stick out on candidates because all the backers have to kick the posts to INFORM everyone else about their candidates true position (i.e. Dean's flag, Clark's vote, Kerry's staff, etc.)

For me, a Clark backer, I've been to the Dean blog infrequently. The real experience I have with him is during the debates. As for the other candidates, pretty much zilch. SUGGESTION: More debates, but with fewer people in each debate. Split them up. 3-5 people per debate.

I'm sure I've taken pot-shots in the past, so there should be no stone-throwin from this playa...ABB

SUPPORT THE TROOPS - ELECT ONE!
CLARK '04

[Rowdyboy]

8. For Gods sake, I have concerns about ALL our candidates...

including my own. But, as has been said, you dare not admit it or you'll be deluged and deliberately misrepresented. That handful of people (from all the candidates) totally prevent honest discussion. Its a shame.

I've even posted positive threads for Dean-he's my second choice and I want all our guys presently properly. To bad we can't discuss him withour a flame war breaking out.

[Sully]

9. John Kerry Internet Town meeting.

My understanding is that they permit dissenting views (unlike some candidate's blogs) but enforce a standard of politeness that prohibits name-calling. I'm sure you would be welcome there. The discussion is all fact-based and very interesting. A few small spats but no flame wars! Check it out:

http://forum.johnkerry.com

[drfemoe]

10. Wow . there are so many of us with the same concern ..

I have infrequently posted on Dean's blog .. that thing moves like a roller coaster; and since anyone can post, it is hard to develop continuity and relationship to really stay on a discussion like you can in a forum.

It is and always has been open to all, and people do give their opinions, positive or not re: Dean and the campaign. The couple of forums set up for Dean haven't gotten the same level action. Folks love the blog!

Like you all are expressing, there are things that I would like to vent or talk over, in a mutually respective environment.

I like the suggestion in the thread of candidate's supporters having a protective forum here at DU, but it is probably not pragmatic for DU to try that option.

On the positive side, when I read someone's negative opinions about Dean, it often sends me on my own research mission. I can't just 'fake it' .. I need to be informed about any and all issues that other DUers present. But, for any doubts I may have, DU is not a safe venue to discuss. It's likewise difficult to get straight, thoughtful responses from other camps, possibly because most of us are defensive, given the blood letting we have encountered.

I'm glad you posted.

[Punkingal]

11. As a moderator of this forum....

I want to give you a big:thumbsup: for this post. It is heartwarming, because sometimes I fear bloodshed here!:evilgrin: But no matter how:mad: all of you get, you are never:boring: Sometimes I want to:spank: some of you, and then someone posts something like this. It just warms my heart!:loveya:

[dajabr]

12. Hang in there Punkingal...

Its crazy now, but in a few months, this forum will be a unified Dem "War-Room" to oust chimpy (I hope... :scared: )

Here's :toast: to a fine job!

[Sully]

13. I understand!

I think the mods here are doing a great job! It's a bit wild and edgy right now but after the Dem convention there is going to be an all-out war on the neo-cons, and right now we have to try to not step on each other's toes (too much). But when we all get behind a candidate
we will face a united onslaught from the right! I think that whoever beats "undecided" in this Dem Primary is going to become a lightning
rod for abuse from the Right. I think it's a good thing that we are getting thicker skins and learning how to debate facts and issues effectively. It will serve us well in the war to come!

[helleborient]

14. Thank you!

I really appreciate that!

:-)

[deutsey]

15. That's why I don't post much here anymore

Why bother? The same old posters with the same old gripes keep beating the same old dead horse again and again.

I check DU for news headlines and article links, but don't feel motivated to participate in many threads anymore.