I don't really understand about Dean.

[Patroklos]

Dean hasn't been the best self advocate, perhaps he should lay off the antiwar rhetoric a bit, since everyone has gotten that point already, and get the rest of his platform out.

Bush bashing will only get him so far, he needs to attract some more attention on the issues Che said, but I don't think he will do this. His record is skipping, and though there might be alot more song after the scratch, who would know?

[Boris Godunov]

What's so fringe about Dean's stance on gay marriage? He doesn't support it.

[DinoDoc]

Originally posted by chegitz guevara
Frankly, all these folks saying Dean can't win, were also saying he'd never get the nomination in the first place.

Considering that not a single vote has been cast, I think assuming even that is a little arrogant. However his continual whining about attacks from Democrats & his continual flip flops on substantive policy issues doesn't give reason to think he'd do well when the Republicans come calling.

[Jack_www]

Originally posted by chegitz guevara
Don't believe the spin, Lancer. Dean is pro-gun, pro-death penalty, and fiscally moderate to conservative. He is pegged as a leftie because he is an outspoken critic of the war, the President, and the Democratic Party. He's rather the to right of McCarthy, but becuase the media is lazy and the Repubs love to lie (and because the other Dem hopefulls will say anything to knock Dean down to try and get the nomination themselves), it's "convention wisdom" that Dean is some kinda leftie.

Frankly, all these folks saying Dean can't win, were also saying he'd never get the nomination in the first place. I think it's time to stop paying attention to the pundents and the "conventional wisdom." Stop being lazy and actually do some research on the candidates.

I myself do not like Dean, but I like the movement around Dean, which is exceedingly (small d) democratic.

Well I see what Dean is doing. In order to win the Democratic nomiation he is using the anti Bush feelings to the left wing of the Democratic party to win the nomiation. Of course when he gets it he will try to get back to the center, but some of the things he has said about the war and Bush dont make me think he will be able to pull it off. The Republicans dont have to lie, they just point to his anti war stance as proof that he is liberal. I think right now Dean wants to be seen as a liberal.

[Harry Tuttle]

Lack-o-substance. The guy hasn't put together a solid platform yet and has flip flopped so much it doesn't look like he'll be able to decide by the primary. All I'm hearing from the guy is "Bush did that, Bush failed here, Bush killed some kittens yesterday". Right now he's a major liability for the dems as he can't seem to send a clear message. Ultimately I think his candidacy will hurt the party and solidify another 4 years of Republican dominance.

[chequita guevara]

I think that there is a fair amount of substantial criticism in this thread. I think a lot of these critiques were made about Bush 1st time around, too.

[Ogie Oglethorpe]

The whole move to the center is what both party's candidates are about.

Bush has gone left on a whole slew of issues in order to pickoff portions of what normally is solidly Dem votes.

His pre-emption move on Medicaid appeals to Seniors.
His anti free trade stances appeal to union interests.
His latest move to legalize illegals suggests a cozying up to Hispanics. The thing that all these moves suggests is that Bush/Rove may actually be worried about Dean else they wouldn't have sold out on those issues.

OTOH Dean is on record with a numberof very questionable statements that mostcertaibly willbe exploited by Repubs whenhe tries to go right towards center. I doubt his ability to convince voters he is centrist.

[Ramo]

Don't believe the spin, Lancer. Dean is pro-gun, pro-death penalty, and fiscally moderate to conservative. He is pegged as a leftie because he is an outspoken critic of the war, the President, and the Democratic Party. He's rather the to right of McCarthy, but becuase the media is lazy and the Repubs love to lie (and because the other Dem hopefulls will say anything to knock Dean down to try and get the nomination themselves), it's "convention wisdom" that Dean is some kinda leftie.

I wouldn't go that far.

[Shi Huangdi]

While it's true Dean was a centrist governor, he has since moved to the left.

[Boris Godunov]

Originally posted by Ogie Oglethorpe
His pre-emption move on Medicaid appeals to Seniors.

Except senior by and large are not in favor of the bill or are at best unmoved by it. The AARP has caught tremendous flak for supporting it from its constituents.

His anti free trade stances appeal to union interests.

He blew any political benefit by rescinding the tariffs, as it just pissed off the unions again.

His latest move to legalize illegals suggests a cozying up to Hispanics.

This actually has merit, but I doubt it will garner him any significant support among Hispanics beyond what he ordinarily would get. It does solidify what support he would have, however.

Dean is on record with a numberof very questionable statements that mostcertaibly willbe exploited by Repubs whenhe tries to go right towards center. I doubt his ability to convince voters he is centrist.

Don't be so sure. Politics involves short memories. Most Americans aren't paying attention to the race now. When they start paying attention, Dean will be playing the part of Mr. Centrist.

[DanS]

He's doing really well for where he started (a nobody). However, the presidential campaign takes discipline above all else -- to say what you precisely mean to say in the venue you mean to say it. Dean hasn't shown much discipline so far.

[Ramo]

However, the presidential campaign takes discipline above all else -- to say what you precisely mean to say in the venue you mean to say it.

Like Shrub does so well?

[Ogie Oglethorpe]

Boris I didn't say Bush's move to center were well received. personally I think they were bungled/ill advised.

Even the legalization of illegals polls poorly for Hispanics voters.

As for the short memories. Be well advised the warchest for the repubs is well stocked and more than ready to remind the voters. One thing is assured its going to be ugly with lies flying on both sides. Prepare to feel sleazy.

[DanS]

Shrub is a very disciplined politician. He's on message all the time. That's how he won the debates against Gore, for instance

[Nubclear]