Because Al and Wes haven't announced, I don't really have a candidate yet.

[MoonRiver]

But if I had to choose among those who are running right now, it would be Edwards.

No way would I support Clinton, unless she is the nominee. Then I will of course.

I like Obama but just don't think he can win in the general election. I have a feeling he has some closeted skeletons. That scares me. Also, I really doubt Americans will elect a black man president. Wish that weren't so, but I fear it is.

Richardson, if he ever got some momentum, might be the most "electable" of the candidates. But I dislike his close association with the Clintons and DLC. But winning is good, so after Edwards I would probably back him.

Edwards has so much going for him. I love his hard work and dedication toward ending poverty. His health care position is excellent. He is charismatic and totally sincere, imho. And of course his wonderful, loving relationship with Elizabeth is absolutely inspiring. TALK ABOUT FAMILY VALUES!

The odd thing is I didn't feel this way about Edwards in 2004. Frankly that constant ranting about his mill worker dad and the tiny house he grew up in really irritated me. Fortunately, I haven't heard this mantra lately. His IWR vote was infuriating. But he was the first to disavow that vote and he did it very convincingly.

Anyway, so far, among those in the currect pack, I favor Edwards.

[Ishoutandscream2]

1. Are you my twin?

Gore and Clark are mine as well. I guess I may be leaning toward Edwards, but I'd still like to learn more about Obama. Senator Clinton is not even under consideration for me because she is, yes, too far to the right for me.

[Donnachaidh]

2. Can I add a "Me Three"?

Don't like any of the main faces. But Edwards gets my vote, if Al and Wes stay out.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

3. I'm with you.

I'm holding off supporting anyone until I know for sure whether Clark and Gore are running. Right now it looks like Gore isn't, and Clark is still (apparently) on the fence. Those two are my absolute top choices; everybody else is a distant third.

If they don't run, I'm also leaning towards Edwards. I didn't care that much for him in 2004 (and I still have some concerns about his relative lack of experience), but he's WAAAAAY better than Hillary. His positions on poverty and health care are very good; he had the guts to stick up for gays in the military while Hillary waited for her focus groups to tell her what to say; and he's handling Elizabeth's illness with real grace. So I'm getting to like him a lot more than I did.

I like Obama but I think he's better VP material at this point. Richardson's experience is a plus, but I also don't care for his DLC connections.

Clark is far and away my first choice. I really hope he can get enough financial backing to make the decision to run -- soon.

[Ilsa]

4. Five. I supported Clark last run.

Worked on his campaign from home in Texas during the primaries.

I'd love either Gore or Clark, but I can understand why Gore wouldn't bother. I'm hoping Clark will announce soon.

I'm somewhat moreopen to listening to what Edwards has to say these days, also.

[loudsue]

5. That's where I am, exactly.

I don't think there are any two more qualified men to turn this country back around than Gore or Clark. Both are brilliant, devoted to their country, ethical, strong and experienced.

And, same here about Edwards; I think he's a truly great man, as well -- a good person, and smart. The thing I fear about Edwards is his Jimmy Carter similarities. I'm afraid the mafioso crowd would crucify him, tie his hands, and generally leave us with another ronald reagan in 4 years, only worse. I say "only worse", because the right wing keeps coming up with more powerful and more dangerous assholes every time.

Nixon was AWFUL, but at least he had a good quality or two.

The next repuke president, Reagan was HORRENDOUS, because he was so "charismatic" that he could do even more damage to our country, and bring more people along with him who couldn't see through the charm.

Then came poppy bush, who brought in the mafia drug lords and arms merchants to oversee our government. And now, THIS disaster; the dictator-tot.

We need someone in the Democratic party that is a fighter, and that will prosecute the traitors for all the laws they've broken, and all the money they've stolen. Someone who won't blink.

That's why I think we need Gore or Clark. Either that, or some kind of superman who will help to expose how close our country has come to a fascist totalitarian state, and clean the mess up, so people can once again see what propaganda and lies can do. Someone who can manage to bring the government back around to serving the PEOPLE, instead of the military industrial complex.

:kick:

[Sparkly]

6. I'm with you on Gore and Clark, but not on Edwards.

I guess if neither run, I'd take a closer look at Richardson, but I just don't know.

[MilesColtrane]

7. Maybe I'm nitpicking..

but, Edwards has not disavowed his IWR vote.

I think you meant to say that he's admitted the mistake of his vote.

To disavow means to refuse to acknowledge responsibility.

[MoonRiver]

12. Well, yes that's what I meant.

The fact that he was the first to admit his mistake, before it was the clearly politically correct thing to do, makes his statement seem a lot more sincere than others who followed suit later.

[Avalux]

8. Add me to your club -

of course I will support whomever ends up being the nominee, but I must admit my enthusiasm isn't there at this point, even for Edwards. That said, of the current candidates, he's my favorite. I'm still waiting......

[montanacowboy]

9. Add another member to the club

I would not vote for Clinton under ANY circumstances

I want Al Gore or Wes Clark

I am really unimpressed with other choices

[bklyncowgirl]

10. I'm in the same boat. If I had to vote today for a declared candidate I'd go Richardson.

I want the Democratic nominee to not only be a successful candidate but also a successful president. Like Howard Dean said the other day, we need someone who knows how to run things. I tend to look at it as if I was hiring someone to do a job.

Of the declared candidates, only Richardson has executive experience. I like his positions on environmental and energy issues. He seems to have modified his views on NAFTA to something I could support. He's saying the right things on the war and does not have to explain an IWR vote.

On the issues, I find myself very close to Edwards but find it hard to get around his IWR vote and his lack of executive experience. Obama was right on the war but like Edwards, I don't see the experience running something--something large. Both these candidates could convince me. I want to fall in love, I really do.

Clark and Gore pass my executive experience test. Gore is my first choice. I wasn't thrilled with Clark's performance last time around. If he annuonces it will be interesting to see what he's learned.

The primaries are a long way from today. Right now I'm having fun watching the show and letting these guys & of course Mrs. Clinton sell themselves to me.

[phillysuse]

11. Waiting for Wes

or, I guess Gore.

In the meantime, Edward's health care plan is the best and most detailed of the lot and he has the guts to talk about how to fund universal health care.

He still has no foreign policy/military/international experience but neither does Barack and Hillary doesn't have much herself - being First Lady doesn't count here.

But I admire Elizabeth Edwards tremendously and think that what they have done for patients with cancer is important - the disease is chronic in many cases and you still have a life to lead despite the illness.

[DesertRat]

13. I haven't decided yet, but if Gore doesn't run

I'm leading toward Richardson. I've decided that I won't support a candidate in the primary who voted for IWR. Especially someone who cosponsored the resolution.

I really like Richardson's experience, having served in Congress for 15 years, served as Sec. of Energy to Clinton and served as the Ambassador to the UN before serving as two term governor of NM.

He has wonderful relationship with Barbara, his high school sweetheart, whom he's been married to for 33 years. She's been a great First Lady of New Mexico. I would love to see her as the nation's first lady if Tipper isn't an option. :)