Help this undecided AZ voter

[ThoughtCriminal]

OK - frankly I have not done enough homework and time is short so help me out. I won't say who I'm leaning towards, but I will say I am very impressed with several candidates.

1. Who can handle the economic, fiscal and foreign policy mess Bush will leave the next President?

2. Who can work effectively desite the inevitable smear attacks both before and after the election. I find it very sad that this should even be a consideration, but not only do I expect the meanest campaign in US history, but the next Democratic President can expect "Hunting of the President II".

If you really want this vote do not waste your time attacking the others, just tell me about your favorite.

[dorktv]

1. Well let me tell you why I support Dean.

1. He was a governor. Most of the time we have administrators (i.e. Governors) as president because they have a better understanding of how to handle the administrative tasks that a President will handle.
2. He has a VERY good record of being a governor. He got 96% of the kids covered by health care but 99% are eligble. He equalized education in his state.
3. He does things that are right no matter what the consequences are. Example is the Civil Unions bill. He signed it because it was right NOT because it would get him re-elected. And you know what? IT did hurt him but he went on to win.
4. He can unite people. A lot of the people in Vermont were cheesed about the Civil Unions bill and he worked to bring those people back to the rest of the state.
5. He gives me hope.

[sandnsea]

2. Two things

One, cranky me, checking out policy is what web sites are for. Yikes. Sorry.

Two.

Summer 2002. Kerry up in polls, Bush down in plls.

Winter 2002. Dean UP in polls, Bush UP in polls.

Now. Kerry up in polls, Bush down in polls.

Kerry does a better job of exposing Bush. It's not the wildness of the rant, it's the accuracy and credibility of the one ranting. Kerry has that ten times more than Howard Dean, at least to the general population and that's what counts.

[democratreformed]

3. Wesley Clark

Clark has the necessary experience in several areas:
1. He has a degree in economics.
2. As a military commander, he was responsible for many "domestic"
aspects of his unit or base. In Europe, he was responsible for
the livelihood of families from a variety of nations.
3. He has allies and friends in leadership positions in many foreign
nations that will help him with the Iraq situation.
4. He has a genuine concern for his country and its citizens that
will guide his policies.
5. As SACEUR, he was responsible for not only military operations
involving 19 nations, but also for the political consequences of
those operations on the leaders of those nations. In other words,
he definitely had to engage in diplomacy to gain acceptance from
all those involved.
6. He participated in the Dayton Peace Accords.
7. He has a variety of policy postions up on his website - not all of
which I have perused I'm ashamed to say. If you are particularly
interested in a subject, I will be glad to post a link to that
one.

Those are just a few of the reasons I believe that Wesley Clark is the best choice. I still haven't perfected my articulation of how strongly I feel about him and why.

On edit, here's another important reason why I think he is the best person:
8. His career has exposed him to many different cultures. He has a
knowledge and admiration of many of those cultures. He is not
arrogant enough to take the attitude that our country is too good
to learn something from another one. His tax plan, for example,
is modeled after the one used in Europe.

[lostnfound]

4. Dean's experience as governor will help greatly on economic & fiscal issue

I've always thought being governor was better preparation for the presidency than being a legislator.

Like presidents, the buck stops at the governor's door -- they have a complex range of issues and complex resources available to handle them with. Finding a balance between opposing goals is a central task of being a good governor. He also is well-equipped to recognize the problems and resources of the states, which will be beneficial to the coming crisis, since state economies are also suffering.

As governor you don't get experience in foreign policy, but I would submit that the problem with our foreign policy is less a problem of experience and more of a problem of common sense, integrity and principle being sold out to the special interests of empire-building (oil, power, corporate goals, greed).

Governor Dean doesn't "belong" to anyone -- he's not obligated to pay back any particular corporate interests, and he's not an ideologue. This will give him a freer hand in doing what's right for the country as a whole when it comes to Iraq, etc., instead of being in a position of having backers that try to inject their interests into foreign policy and thereby end up warping his international goals.

[Zomby Woof]

5. see this recent DU thread

From a fellow DU Zonie:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=239521&mesg_id=239521

[indie_voter]

6. I am leaning Clark

I live in CA, so who knows if I will get the chance to vote for him.

I think Clark can handle the mess the best. Granted his biggest area of expertise is the foreign policy. I believe he has garnered the respect of many in the international realm from his stint as commander of NATO.

I also think he is a very sharp man who learns fast.

He doesn't have hands on experience with fixing a broken economy, however if I read correctly, he majored in economics at Oxford. I believe he will actually listen to the Treasury Sec., engage the person, ask questions and LISTEN.

Unlike Bush (sorry smear alert ahead), who was bored by Paul O'Neill.

Clark seems to me the best qualified followed by Dean.

[Bad Thoughts]

7. Go Wes

1. Clark's military experiences include intensive work in diplomacy and peace making. He practically lived at the state dept during Clinton's administration.

2.He has put a clear doctrine of diplomatic engagement and alliance in order to deal with global problems, one which has become the mantra of all the candidates. He will get NATO into Iraq in order to deal with security (UN is broke on peacekeeping missions).

3. He plans to build a department do deal with conflict resolution and humanitarian crises so that problems can be addressed without military force.

4. He plans to depoliticize the military and reform policy toward homosexuals in the army.

5 . Wes has a masters in econ/phil/politics from Oxford. He has worked in the White House Budget Office.

6. He plans to give out $100 billion in order to stimulate Job growth: $40 bil for training new first responders, $40 bil for local government programs, $20 bil tax incentives for businesses to create full time jobs.

7. Tax reform to favor lower income families: no federal income tax for two parent/two child families earning less than $50,000. Other tax rebates for other families. Let's share the pain of a bad economy.

8. Federal same-sex civil unions

9. $6,000 per year for two years for a family earning less than $100,000 per year to send a child to college/post-secondary school.

10. Full enforcement of existing environmental laws--prosecution of polluters (he had a new proposal yesterday, but I have not read it.)

11. Full disclosure of all meetings between politicians and lobbyists

12. Complete abortion rights

13. Universal pre-school

14. Universal child health care

15 Bring Ashcroft to Congress to testify on his misuse of the Patriot act

16. Labor and environmental protection in trade agreeements: slow down their implementation
Other things I will bring up later

[SW FL Dem]

8. Why I am voting for Clark

I don't live in AZ but I was raised there. My mom and sister live in Chandler and are both voting for Clark.

My reasons (in no particular order):

1. Clark is clearly one of the most intelligent men I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. He graduated first in his class from West Point and is a Rhodes scholar.

2. I honestly believe Clark has the best chance of beating Bush. There are many unhappy Republicans and Independents. In my area, which is heavily Republican, our Clark meetups and houseparties are filled with people who have never voted for a Democrat in their life. These people are actively working for and donating to Wesley Clark. They like his military experience, lack of political experience and his integrity. I don't see these people voting for any other Democrat, especially Kerry or Dean.

3. Wes Clark has held positions of incredible responsiblity. He has been "under fire" and has stood up to the pressure.

4. Clark is widely respected in Europe and has good relationships with many of the European leaders. He is in the best position to heal the wounds caused by the current administration.

5. Clark is actually quite liberal in his social and economic positions. He is pro-choice, very concerned with the environment, supports current gun laws but can't be considered "anti-gun" with his military experience and his hunting background. He has an incredible tax proposal that will really help working families. Even though,I will end up paying more under his tax plan, I would be happy to give back my tax cuts to help provide funding for education, Social Security and healthcare. I encourage you to visit the ClarkO4 website for more details on his positions.

6. I think that it will be very difficult for Karl Rove to come up with an effective campaign against Clark. The ONLY thing they can say is about his "firing" from his post as Allied Supreme Commander. This issue can easily be countered. Furthermore, it opens up the door to questions about Bush's military career (or lack thereof).

7. Wes Clark genuinely cares about this country and its people. He isn't a career politician and running for President wasn't his idea. He was drafted by millions. He has a strong record of standing up for those people he was in charge of. He supports affirmative action and actively practiced that in the military. I would also encourage you to watch the video American Son from his website, I've seen it at least 3 times and it still gives me goosebumps.

8. The world isn't the same as it was a few years ago. As a mother, I think it is really important to have someone with military and international experience leading and protecting us. I am truly afraid for my son, if Bush is re-elected and continues his nation building. Our armed forces are inadequate to continue as we are. Our troops don't have enough support or the right equipment. Troops are not reelisting and the drain on our reservists is getting worse. If we allow Bush to continue his nation building, I am afraid he will reinstate the draft. The Selective Service is already gearing up.

9. Wes Clark inspires me. I used to be involved in politics, but then life and family took precedence. I always voted, but didn't do more than that. This is the first time I have ever donated to a campaign. The last time I volunteered for a campaign was in 1976. I know I am not alone.

I know I have missed something. Hope my fellow Clark supporters will add to this (and add links to the website - I don't know how to do that!)

[MidwestMomma]

9. Please consider voting for Wesley Clark

I am supporting Wesley Clark because he is in this race for one reason only...to help the country his loves.

Wesley Clark did not ask to be president. People looking for a solution to the problems in this country went to him and asked him to run. He could have said, no, I've already done my duty to this country but he didn't.

I believe Wesley Clark is a great American and that's what we need right now. Someone who unabashedly LOVES this country and is willing to do what it takes to get us back on the course to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

His message of strength and hope are the anti-thesis of the Bush message of fear and distrust. His quiet leadership is the just what we need as a response to Bush's bragging bravado.

And I think with his appeal across party lines, he can deal Bush a resounding defeat.

Please go read the article below. It is an excellent summary of what Clark is all about. Thanks for your interest. Let me know if you have any questions.

http://www.normantranscript.com/story.php?story_id=5872&c=1

Go Wes!

[For PaisAn]

27. Great article

The comments at the end of the article are also a good testament to why Clark is the best candidate. Read those too.

[AbbeyRoad]

10. I thought I'd just add to...

what some of my fellow Clark supporters have already said about Wesley Clark. I support him for the reasons they have mentioned and more.

He grew up in a middle class family. His mother was a secretary in a bank. He can identify with the majority of Americans, who, like me, weren't born with silver spoons in their mouths. He also values both diversity of culture and experience. He filed an amicus brief last year with the Supreme Court when they were reviewing the merits of affirmative action in the University of Michigan case. I admire and respect him for standing up to let his voice be heard on the subject, when he didn't have to speak up.

I pulled this from www.clark04.com:

Wes Clark worked hard as a commander to take care of his soldiers and their families - advocating for better housing, better health care, and better schools for their children. "You can't build a strong Army just with great generals; you have to have great people at every rank. You have to give everyone a chance to be all you can be.' It's true for the United States Army, and it's true for the United States."

"I'm running to bring back the core ideals of our democracy - personal liberty, open debate, and opportunity for all. These ideals have made us great. They will make us greater. They will make us safer and more prosperous. Join me. We can have a new kind of patriotism in America. We can have a new kind of America."

He has proposed a tax plan that will do for the poor and middle classes what Bush's tax cut hasn't. Plus it won't add a single cent to the deficit, because it would ask that the wealthiest in our country take a 5 percentage point increase in the amount they pay. Any family of four making less than 50,000 would not pay taxes at all.

He has a wealth of foreign policy experience, which some have previously detailed. He has the leadership experience to take control of the situation in Iraq, and to bring us out of it safely. I also believe that he will re-engage us in the peace process in the Middle East in a meaningful way, so that we can get closer to the roots of the terrorism that has been plaguing the world lately.

[SW FL Dem]

11. Kick n/t

[buckeye1]

12. Clark.

Getting shut of Iraq is most important. This job may be beyond anyone,but Clark has the best chance of success. A Dem. Congress is unlikely so talk of big legislative changes are just feel good foolishness.
Any dem winner will be impeached and removed. Clark can use his military connections to arrest the Delay/Frist traitors and send them to Cuba for who knows how long. We can coup too.

[Eloriel]

13. Dean --

1. Who can handle the economic, fiscal and foreign policy mess Bush will leave the next President?

Proven track record of economic and fiscal responsibility -- balanced VT's budgets for 11 years even tho there's no requirement in VT to do so AND created a rainy day fund which left VT in better shape than most if not all the other states for THIS Bush economy. KNOWS that balanced budgets create jobs and provide the ability to provide for social justice and social spending.

Knew enough about foreign affairs to know, unlike those who voted for IWR, that there was no "there" there re WMD, no imminent threat, and no reason to go to war. Understands that the U.S. ceded the moral high ground with its pre-emptive war stuff and is bound and determined to get the U.S. back to a position of moral leadership in the world through cooperation, trust, etc. Has basically the same plan as everyone else re Iraq: internationalize it and stop "the U.S. occupation."

2. Who can work effectively desite the inevitable smear attacks both before and after the election. I find it very sad that this should even be a consideration, but not only do I expect the meanest campaign in US history, but the next Democratic President can expect "Hunting of the President II".

He's the ONE who can and does best stand up to the smear tactics. He's kept his peace a little too much so far re the dirty tricks in IA and NH for my taste (I presume he's waiting on more proof), tho he has spoken up.

But just see how he handled both Russert today (transcript) and Hannity the other day (audio) and tell me if you can envision any other candidate doing nearly as well:

Dean on Hannity
http://www.arthoward.com/audio/deanonhannity.ram

MTP Transcript - Feb. 1, 2004
http://msnbc.msn.com/id/4112959/

Also recall how the big flap over his Iowa speech did NOT totally sink him (as it was intended to do) -- how deftly he handled it by going on Letterman, having the interview with Diane Sawyer, etc.

Here's Daily Howler's comments:
Daily Howler on Press Coverage of Dean
http://www.dailyhowler.com/dh012904.shtml

And The Black Commentator's remarks were accurate, tho chilling:
The Awesome Destructive Power of the CMP
http://www.blackcommentator.com/75/75_cover_dean_media.html

Dean is a thinker/doer -- someone who can, and does, get things DONE. He has a great vision of where he wants to take America, and it doesn't include business as usual but rather a reinvigoration of American Community and Values. I like his June 23 speech very much:

June 23, 2003 ANNOUNCEMENT SPEECH
http://www.deanforamerica.com/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=6455&JServSessionIdr002=egd9mbtdw1.app196a&security=1&news_iv_ctrl=1321

and his speech on racial issues was so soaringly impressive, even the Dean detractors on DU could think of precious little to criticize or remark negatively about:

Restoring the American Community - SC, Dec. 7, 2003
http://blog.deanforamerica.com/archives/002565.html#more
DU thread: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=104&topic_id=844281#846961
Black Commentator http://www.blackcommentator.com/68/68_cover_dean.html

IMO he would be one of the great American presidents, in the tradition of both Harry Truman (for his blunt outspokenness, the polls be damned) and FDR for his devotion to the social contract (See his speech on the subject: A New Social Contract for America's Working Families
http://blog.deanforamerica.com/archives/002754.html#more ).

Finally, with Dean what you see is what you get, with a few warts and all.

I've never felt this way about any politician anywhere in my entire adult life (soon to be 56) -- and I don't expect to ever again, unless Dean is as successful at changing the political landscape as I would like him to be. His honesty and integrity are beyond reproach, despite hyped distortions to the contrary. He is an honestly GOOD man, who wants to be President for all the right reasons: to fix what's broken and mend what hurts, and restore political power to The People, where it rightfully belongs. With Dean, you do NOT get good-sounding political rhetoric -- when he says he wants to take back the country and remake the Dem Party, those aren't just slogans.

I could go on and on. I'll spare you the book I could write. ;-)

Eloriel

[drfemoe]

14. Howard Dean

has said, our best defense is a strong economy. He balanced VT's budget something like eight times even though the state constitution doesn't require it. He represents a real change from business as usual in DC. A vote for Howard Dean is a vote against the corporate barons that would have us as serfs.

[Hep]

15. My favorite wants actual change

His name is Howard Dean. He's the only one advocating your involvement in the party. The others want your vote, but don't give a rats ass about who you vote for in your mayor race or your state legislature races. Dean cares, because he knows that a D president isn't enough to stem the tide of RW takeovers at every level.

Everyone else wants you to address the symptom, while Dean wants you to attack the root of the problem.

If you are willing to get your hands dirty as you fight for change, vote Dean. If not, vote for any of the others. It won't matter.

[tinanator]

16. Kucinich

The facts are out there. But you can only lead a horse to water.

[Desertrose]

17. Dennis Kucinich

Dennis Kucinich has proven he can get things done as a member of Congress who is currently head of the progressive caucus- he know what is really going on (He voted no on IWR!)...he has a 98% voting record in Congress-his job is first & foremost. He is already working for the people.

Dennis has thoroughly detailed the ways he will address all your concerns above. www.kucinich.us

Dennis has a proven record and in the only candidate in this race who has repeatedly and continually spoken the truth, irregardless of his political career.

Dennis is not a waffler and has stood his ground. He is the only one runnng that sees the need for changing our focus from corporate govt to a more inclusive less militaristic world nad has the plans to back it up.

Simply- Dennis can not only kick W's ass but has the vision and ability to take this country down a better path.

Peace
DR

[mopinko]

18. dean is a cheapskate

even tho he was raised a rich kid. he has been known to duct tape his shoes. he drove his staff crazy, insisting they use both sides of the paper.
they have thrown their worst at him, and the best they could do was a doctored piece of video. his supporters still believe. if he can come back from all this bs to win the nomination, he can beat *.

[ludwigb]

19. In 8 words....

Clark has the best chance of defeating Bush.

[tinanator]

20. in 5 words (name that tune?)

what makes you think so?

[laruemtt]

21. another for wes clark

he can't be flustered. they've all tried and failed to get him flustered. he's proven with his life what he's made of and we're darn lucky to have the opportunity to vote for him for our president! i trust him - he's a wonderful mix of intelligence and ideals.

[fiorello]

22. Kerry is great

Why I am voting for Kerry:

(1) I want a candidate who will agressively attack the Bush foreign policy, but who will do it from a "patriotic American" perspective, not a pure-antiwar perspective. That's either Kerry or Clark.

(2) Kerry's positions on foreign policy, health care and the economy seem consistently intelligent and thought-out, rather than just wild campaign promises.

(3) Responing to smears: Kerry is a legitimate war hero! Two years ago the Republicans smeared a war hero (Max Cleland) and got away with it; Kerry is one Democrat (along with Clark) who is absolutely ready and able to respond!

Clark could do it too- but Clark is a political newcomer. The last month has convinced me that Kerry can do it better.

(4) Kerry has a strong background and record on all domestic issues, whereas Clark is just now learning. It shows. Kerry has a long, consistent record... on issues such as the environment and health care; on opposing militarism (Kerry fought the Republicans over Iran-contra, when Reagan and Ollie North were SAYING all the things the current Republicans are DOING.) By contrast, Clark blows hot-and-cold:

I had been just waiting, thinking about Kerry - he'd be the best President if only he could campaign effectively - and now he's shown that he CAN campaign effectively. So now I can actually vote for the candidate I like best, and also think he's likely to win in the general election YEAHHH!

[mopinko]

26. huh?

"(1) I want a candidate who will agressively attack the Bush foreign policy, but who will do it from a "patriotic American" perspective, not a pure-antiwar perspective. That's either Kerry or Clark"

kerry? he is so vulnerable on this issue. he has so much vietnam baggage. and has tried to play both sides on this issue.

[newyawker99]

37. Hi sanfo!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[in_cog_ni_to]

23. Clark is the guy!

he will wipe the floor with Bush! He's not afraid of a fight. He has the best foreign policy experience, executive experience, he's pro-choice, pro-Affirmative Action, and pro-labor. He will stop our job outsourcing. He will close all tax loopholes for companies who DO outsource. He will give incentives to companies who keep jobs HERE. He has an outstanding progressive tax plan. He has a health care plan that makes sense. He's for equal rights and PAY for women....there's SO much more. You can read all of his policy papers at:

www.clark04.com

He will be an extraordinary president!

Go Wes!

[genius]

24. Dennis is the best on both and you can be proud of your vote.

Do you want to tell you kids you voted for someone popular or for the best?

[krkaufman]

25. Wes Clark

One Clark supporter's view... (my apologies to DK & Sharpton supporters for limiting my comparisons to the "top" four)

As for who can BEST challenge Bush... Clark is arguably the best of the 4 "viable" Presidential candidates. However, I feel that any of Clark/Kerry/Edwards/Dean could beat Bush this fall, given the right circumstances, but I'd rather go in with the strongest candidate (whom I think will crush Bush), rather than just an adequate one.

Not only did Clark not vote for IWR (since he couldn't ), he testified against it stating unequivocally that a resolution should not authorize the use of force and that Al Qaeda needed to remain our focus. Two of the remaining "viable" P-candidates gave Bush a blank check to go to war at his discretion. His criticism of Bush's handling of 9/11 and the Iraq Diversionary war have been detailed and harsh.

Clark has executive leadership experience; Dean is the only other "viable" P-candidate with some of same. (Clark can hit the ground running.)

Clark has already worked in the White House, in the past. No other candidate has. (correct?!)

Clark has 34 years military experience, including leading a modern army to victory in war; Kerry is the only other "viable" P-candidate with any military experience. Kerry's anti-war activity on his return home may be an issue in going for critical Independent and crossover-Rep swing voters, and Dean's medical waiver for Vietnam will also likely be used against him. Also, Clark's extensive military experience will deflate any Rethug insinuations that the Dem candidate wouldn't be able to hit the ground running in an ongoing war.

One of my other main reasons for favoring Clark is that the Pentagon budget will need to be addressed if we're going to gain control of discretionary spending. Clark will have more authority for pushing this reform than any other candidate, and doing so is a key plank in his platform. Are any of the other 4 viable candidates taking a stand on defense spending?

Clark's unique international diplomacy experience both working on the Dayton Accords and during the Kosovo conflict set him apart from the other viable P-candidates. Clark's election would lend to rapid forgiveness and cooperation from the international community, and would restore, more than the other candidates, credibilty to America's word.

Clark is an elective political outsider; no other "viable" P-candidate can claim this mantle. Dean is a Washington outsider but 12-year Gov; Edwards has only 4-years of Senate experience, so is not entrenched. Clark's newness to politics will make it easier for swing voters in swing states to vote Dem in November.

Clark has Southern roots; Edwards is only other "viable" P-candidate with same. Useful for swing voters in swing states.

Clark graduated 1st in his class from West Point (one of the most difficult school's to gain entry to academically), and became a Rhodes Scholar.

Clark reads, but then all the candidates can take Bush on that issue.

It's Clark's all-in-one package that makes him best-suited to crush the itshay out of George W this fall, across the spectrum of issues. No other candidate comes close to the total package that Clark represents -- when you look at the paper, rather than listen to the siren songs.

Good luck with your decision.

Regards....

[0rganism]

28. Not my fave, but you should vote Clark in AZ

Clark actually has a chance to beat Kerry there, so you'll be keeping the field more diverse up to the convention.

[KaraokeKarlton]

29. Easy answer

1) Executive experience, a VERY successful record, common sense and an ability to get things done. This is what is needed for what you listed under number one. Howard Dean is by far the most experienced in running the show. As a Vermonter I can assure you that the man was a great governor and if he does just a fraction of the things he did for my state, the US will be well on it's way to recovery and a higher moral purpose in no time.

2) As you probably already know, Howard Dean signed the Vermont Civil Unions bill just 6 months before the 2000 election. Over 70% of Vermont opposed his decision. People were angry, and things got extremely ugly here. All the national religious right wing whack jobs came up here and coalesced behind nasty Ruth Dwyer and the "Take Back Vermont" campaign. Basically, it was a hate campaign run against everyone who voted for or supported Civil Unions. Dean received death threats, had his vehicle vandalized, received threatening and harassing phone calls at home against both himself and his family. On the campaign trail he was spit on, called a "fag", "child molestor" and every other crude name you can imagine. The man had to wear a bullet proof vest in public. There were signs plastered all over the state by both sides of the battle and even schools and school kids were being targetted and harassed. I'm telling you what...it was the most disgusting, evil and hatefully disgusting thing I've ever witnessed. How did Dean handle this? Most people would have either dropped out of the race or hid out and hoped it would all eventually blow over. Not Howard Dean. He went all over the state and made his entire campaign about dignity, tolerance, diversity and respect for human and civil rights. He worked his ass off and won people over. It wasn't easy. Virtually all of the Republicans who had voted for Civil Unions faced the same kind of treatment. Many Democrats did as well. A good many of them were defeated handily. Not Dean, and believe me, they tried with everything they had...and with help from national figures. Dean won. I assure you, there is NOTHING that Rove and Bush can throw Dean's way that could even remotely compare to how horrible that election year was...NOTHING. Also, look at all the months that Dean has been relentlessly attacked. If anyone else had been put to that kind of testing they would be out of the race by now. Every time the pundits are convinced Dean is done for, he stands back up, brushes himself off and gets back to work. He's got the determination, the drive, the ambition and the willingness to work his ass off for the people and the country. "Electability" is purely subjective. Dean has the most appealing and electable record out of all the candidates. If it weren't for him taking it to Bush hard none of the others would have and Bush's ratings wouldn't have sunken so much. If it weren't for Dean, NO Democrat would be electable against Bush right now. How can you NOT support Howard Dean when he has given so much and worked so hard to preserve our democracy for the people instead of the special interests? I think the choice is quite simple...Howard Dean.

[expatriot]

30. From Yuma, AZ: Dean is best on both:

Dean can win AZ in the generals...

His moderate stance on gun control will defang the NRA claim that he'll take every hunter's gun away.

He has an independent from the hip manner that reminds people of Truman. I personally here it from conservative anglos all the time. They like him. He can win AZ and NV.

He is a pediatrician. He has a brain.

His record as Governor is fantastic... and note that all policy attacks that have been lobbed at him are because of his brush with the pragmatic fiscal conservatism, something that Rove certainly can't attack him on since he'd be risking losing the Repug base pissed at Bush for the deficits jumping ship to Dean.

Long live grassroots.

[bigtree]

31. I've got some endorsements from your state. Hope they help.

Congressman Ed Pastor Endorse John Kerry for President

“John Kerry is a proven champion of the causes that are important to me – education, healthcare, job creation – and are of vital importance to the Latino community. For 30 years, he has stood up to special interests on behalf of working Americans and I know as President he will continue the fight for equality and opportunity.”
-- Congressman Ed Pastor





Henry Cisneros made a campaign swing through Arizona energizing supporters and talking to undecided voters all over Arizona. Cisneros was HUD Secretary under President Clinton, and was the Mayor of San Antonio, Texas.





Former Arizona Solicitor General Scott Bales Endorses John Kerry for President October 07, 2003
PHOENIX, AZ –

Former Arizona Solicitor General Scott Bales today endorsed John Kerry for the Democratic nomination for President.
“From defending his country in Vietnam to making tough decisions on difficult issues in the Senate, John Kerry has shown the courage to do what’s right for America,” said former Arizona Solicitor General Scott Bales. “None of the other candidates running for President can match his experience on both domestic policy and national security. He offers the people of Arizona an inspirational vision for America and the best chance to take back the White House next year.”

http://www.johnkerry.com/pressroom/releases/pr_2003_1007e.html


Reviving American Manufacturing
Over 2.7 million manufacturing jobs have been lost since President Bush took office. John Kerry will save jobs by ending the unpatriotic practice of U.S. corporations moving offshore simply to avoid paying their fair share of our nation’s tax burden. To create new manufacturing jobs Kerry will provide new tax breaks to manufacturers who produce goods and create jobs in the United States. He will provide relief for manufacturers that provide quality health care and retirement. John Kerry will strongly enforce trade laws to assure that American industries are on a level playing field with our trading partners. To guarantee that American manufacturing will be strong in the future, John Kerry will invest in research and development, give tax incentives to help industries upgrade, and work to assure a highly qualified workforce.
See John Kerry's plan to Revive American Manufacturing

State Tax Relief and Education Fund to Create Jobs and Stop Painful Budget Cuts
The Bush economic approach has left states with nearly $90 billion in budget deficits, forcing layoffs, education cuts, and tax increases – all of which hurt economic growth. John Kerry will create a new "State Tax Relief and Education Fund" that will help states so they don’t have to make cuts that hurt our economy with an additional $50 billion over two years. This fund will stop the education cuts, tuition increases and tax and fee raising that are inhibiting our economic growth and causing layoffs. This fund includes $5 billion to stop state cuts in health care that hurt workers and patients and $5 billion for homeland security to stem layoffs of police officers and fire fighters. Kerry will, also, give additional money to states by fully funding the No Child Left Behind education law and special education.

Provide Tax Relief to Middle Class Families
John Kerry has the courage to take on the Bush tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans. However, he believes that we should keep the middle class tax cuts that Democrats fought for in 2001 and 2003. Specifically, he wants to protect the increases in the child tax credit, the reduced marriage penalty and the new tax bracket that helps people save $350 on their first level of income. He strongly disagrees with Democrats who want to repeal these tax cuts because it would cost a typical middle-class family with two children an additional $2,000. These families are often already struggling with higher health care costs and higher state and local taxes. In fact, John Kerry wants to give more tax breaks to the middle class with new tax credits on health care and college tuition. These tax cuts are part of his plan to restore the economy and cut the budget deficit in half in four years.

Prepare Americans for 21st Century Jobs by Opening the Doors of College for All
Over the past two years, the cost to attend a public four-year college has increased by 10 percent, and the cost to attend a public two-year college has increased by 8 percent. Students are leaving college with more debt than ever before and many students are dropping out altogether because they cannot pay the bills. John Kerry believes that all Americans deserve the opportunity to attend college. It is critical to their future and to our nation’s economy. Those who have a college degree will make on average twice as much over the course of their lifetime and seventy percent more every year than someone who does not have a college degree.

John Kerry’s will create a new "College Opportunity Tax Credit" that will make four years of college affordable for all Americans. He will provide a credit for each and every year of college on the first $4,000 paid in tuition – the typical tuition for public colleges. The credit will provide 100% of the first $1000 and 50% on the rest. It will also make this credit refundable so that it helps the most vulnerable students. John Kerry has also proposed a "Service for College" plan, which will provide the cost of four years at a public college to young people in exchange for serving their communities and country in national service for two years. His plan says to all students, if you work hard and give to your country, your country will make sure you can afford a college education no matter who you are.


See John Kerry's plan to Make College Affordable

Making Corporate America Live by America's Values
Our economy does well when our workers are doing well. Today, Americans who are working hard and playing by the rules are faced with higher health care costs, higher state taxes, higher college tuition and limited job opportunities. At the same time, many corporations are bending the rules and shirking their fair share of the burden - and the Bush Administration is rewarding those who break the rules with lucrative government contracts. Kerry will fight for a government that rewards those who work hard and play by the rules and challenges those who don’t. He will restore investor confidence with strong enforcement by the Securities and Exchange Commission and he will stop corporations from keeping bank Accounts in Countries like Bermuda to Avoid Paying Taxes.


See John Kerry's plan to Make Corporations Accountable

Protect the American Worker
John Kerry believes that ensuring there is a fair playing field for workers is important to a strong economy. He supports increasing the minimum wage and indexing it to inflation. He will improve workplace health and safety while fighting for fair overtime rules and a worker’s right to join a union. He also believes that workers need more protections against corporate fraud so they don’t lose their lifetime savings because they are working hard for the wrong company.

Restore Fiscal Discipline to Washington
By borrowing from future generations to give tax relief to those who need help the least, George W. Bush’s economic policies have, for the first time in history, forced the federal government to spend $1 billion more EACH DAY than it takes in. John Kerry believes that we need a smaller and smarter government that wastes less money. He has put forward a sensible plan that will at least cut the deficit in half in his first term, while investing in economic growth and investing in workers. To restore fiscal discipline and strengthen our economy, Kerry will repeal Bush’s special tax breaks for Americans who make more than $200,000. He will cut excesses in government and reign in out of control spending. And he will implement the McCain-Kerry commission on corporate welfare to undermine the special interest groups that make it hard to cut tax loopholes and pork barrel spending projects.


See John Kerry's plan to Fight for Our Economic Future

Earned Legalization
John Kerry supports a proposal that will allow undocumented immigrants to legalize their status if they have been in the United States for a certain amount of time, have been working, and can pass a background check. This makes sense for the economy, provides fairness to people in our communities who have worked hard and paid taxes, and will also allow us to strengthen our homeland security by bringing undocumented workers out of the shadows and into the light of greater accountability.

Close the Pay Gap
Women still earn, on average, only 73 cents for every dollar earned by men. John Kerry believes that we must expand opportunities for women and work to make equal pay for equal work a reality not a slogan. He would start by improving enforcement and disclosure about payment practices.

Expand Economic Opportunity for Women
As the top Democrat on the Senate Small Business Committee, John Kerry has been hailed as the Senate's leader on initiatives that assist women-owned businesses – beginning with the Boston Center for Women and Enterprise, a national model Kerry championed. He has been at the forefront of defending affirmative action, helping women-owned businesses in government contracting and making start-up and venture capital available to woman entrepreneurs. As a candidate, John Kerry has appointed women to the top tiers of his campaign, just as a Kerry Administration will have women of all colors and from all backgrounds in positions of authority across the federal government. And as President he will work to expand the number of women-owned businesses and eliminate the glass ceiling that has kept talented women out of the top positions in government and corporate America.


Restoring Jobs and Rebuilding Our Economy
http://www.johnkerry.com/issues/economy/index.html

[maxr4clark]

32. Clark was endorsed by 55 former ambassadors today,

so add that to the reasons to vote for Clark. He is a fantastic candidate if you care about foreign policy. Kerry was a war hero in Vietnam, and that is great. Clark was also in Vietnam, but was shot four times early on, and (after directing his group out of trouble) was sent back Stateside, where he ended up teaching economics at West Point while he healed. Since then, he has moved up the ranks through the Army, gaining executive experience and an understanding of the world political situation that Kerry simply does not have. So don't be fooled by Kerry: he has more foreign policy experience than Bush did when he took office, but still can't hold a candle to Clark.

Also, Clark testified before Congress against the Iraq War Resolution; his testimony about what would happen in the fighting and in the time afterward has proven startlingly accurate. He spoke out early and often about Iraq being Bush's objective from the start. He said in 2002 that we needed to finish the job of dismantling al Qaeda and bringing bin Laden to justice, which is still not done.

Clark comes from humble roots; he grew up poorer than I did, and I consider myself middle class. He believes in people, not in corporations. He believes that America's best days are still ahead of us. He is brilliant, a Rhodes Scholar like Clinton. There are plenty of people who have worked with him or for him in the past, and who speak passionately on his behalf, including Chris Hernandez who has been traveling with him in the southwest, and the man who pulled him down out of the line of fire after he was shot in Vietnam--Clark was still maneuvering his men to save the rest of their lives, totally ignoring that he had been shot four times.

Clark is Bush's worst nightmare: a capable, compassionate man of impeccable character, who has an incredible foreign policy resume. Bush doesn't stand a chance against him. His only problem is that he needs people like you and me to vote for him, so he can get the nomination.

[Iverson]

33. hi. short answers.

1. Any of them could, and there are probably no quick fixes.

2. Expect any Democrat to be seriously hindered. The opposition will be reflexive, so differences between the candidates almost don't matter here.

Vote for, not against.

[texasmom]

34. What did you decide, ThoughtCriminal? n/t

[Polemonium]

35. Howard Dean

1. Howard Dean has an excellent record in Vermont. There is a reason most of Vermont is pulling for him. He is a "straight shooter" who has demonstrated how to turn a deficit into a balanced budget. He was outspoken early about Bush's foreign policy mess. He saw it was wrong before it was popular to see it was wrong. Some might see this as leadership, and he has proven that he has an uncanny knack for tuning into what the people want and need.

2. No other candidate has been atacked yet as much as Howard Dean. Yet he is still standing and in the last nine days he raised 1.7 million dollars on line.

The other reasons I support Howard Dean (posting it again)

1. The grassroots support he has inspired is the kind of fire the Democratic Party needs desperately to combat the growing number of people who are cynical about the political process. 630,181 supporters signed up on-line, over 40 million dollars was raised last year from over 250,000 contributors, over 190,000 letters (most of them hand written) have been sent from Dean supporters to Iowa and New Hampshire, there is a growing list of endorsements for Dean from people I respect and admire http://www.endorsementsfordean.com/cgi-bin/dbman/db.cgi?db=default&uid=default&view_search=1 - thousands of people have made the trip to Iowa to help the campaign - including a group from Japan, people I have met with here in Australia are fired up for the first time, and our energy has allowed US citizens in OZ to participate in the Democrats Abroad caucus for the first time.

2. Money. This unfortunately is an important consideration when going toe to toe against *. Howard Dean has raised more of it than any other candidate, and he opted out of public financing so he does not have to be restricted by a spending cap. Most candidates will be restricted, and most candidates cannot raise the kinds of money needed to defeat *, and none of the candidates has a larger number of small donors.

3. Howard Dean speaks his mind, he is smart, I respect the choices that he has made during his life, and he genuinely believes in government for and by the people. http://www.newyorker.com/fact/content/?040112fa_fact He was outspoken when few others dared to be.

4. His record and his platform. His record is solid in Vermont, but what is far more interesting is his platform. It has been guided by some great minds that have been attracted to Dean. http://www.deanforamerica.com/# In other words Dean does not foolishly rely on omnipotence but rather inspires and attracts some of the best thinkers we have to help him form his platform. Look at his foreign policy advisors http://www3.deanforamerica.com/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=10994&JServSessionIdr007=ux60mwjuv2.app196a&news_iv_ctrl=1421 or look at how his decent environmental record in Vermont was improved upon by his platform. http://www.lcv.org/Campaigns/Campaigns.cfm?ID=1957&c=4 Howard Dean's platform has been actively molded by many other intelligent minds as well as many average Americans who are supporting him because he is actively listening.

I am amazed at people who still don't seem to get it. Gore gets it, so does Bradley, Molly Ivins, Paul Hawken, Tom Harkin, Paul Simon etc. A candidate supported by more small contributions from regular Americans is more likely to respond to regular American needs, than candidates supported by the big money that requires a response to the needs of big money. Further, we have in Howard Dean a candidate who is genuinely listening and dreams of an America by and for the people. This is a big opportunity, and none of the other front-runners can ignore their bigger ties to big money. If you're sitting on the fence considering who to support, ask yourself why more people and more money are flowing to Dean. Then ask yourself what effect does a fired up base have on the overall Democratic agenda. Then remind yourself that there is only one candidate who is actively listening to the people, and attempting to get us (not him) to take our country back. This campaign only works if we all take ownership of it. We need to support it with volunteer work, with money, but most importantly with dialogue with our fellow Americans. This election can either be about the candidate who is most convincing or it can be about we the people and a revitalized democracy. HOPE http://www.deanforamerica.com/site/cg/index.html?type=page&pagename=commonsense

[IndianaGreen]

36. The choice is this: vote for a prowar candidate or for a peace candidate

If you love war and want more of it, vote for Kerry.

If you hate war and want peace, vote for Wes Clark.

[katieforeman]

38. Edwards! Please vote Edwards!

1.) Edwards has the intellect and energy of Bill Clinton. Just visit his website to get his very specific plans for the economy and jobs, health care, etc. Because of his role on the Senate intelligence committee, he already has more foreign policy experience than Clinton did when he was elected.

Republicans will destroy John Kerry on foreign policy because of his vote against the first Iraq war and for the second one, his quote from the 1990's saying we spend too much on intelligence. Republicans will use this to attack his judgement and integrity.

2.) John Edwards also has good relationships with republican Senators like McCain. People trust John Edwards. His positive message makes him more difficult for Republicans to attack. He can appeal directly to the American people to help force Republicans to go his way.

Finally, Edwards is the one who will definitely beat Bush. He knows how to connect with voters. His success as a trial lawyer at convincing juries to vote his way (many people on those juries were presumably Republicans who dislike lawyers in general but trusted Edwards)will make him and effective advocate for Democratic values and policies.

I hope this helps.