Reply #15: I think you're accidentally conflating two issues, Will. [View All]

[hedda_foil]

Yes, there are many people working hard for Dean who have never actively worked for (or donated to) a candidate before ... or who haven't done so for a long time. However, the vast majority of these folks are smart, savvy, pragmatic and determined. This isn't the same breed of political newbies as the idealistic kids who supported McGovern and McCarthy way back when. In fact, most aren't kids at all.

I think I'm pretty well qualified to judge here, since my first campaign was Kennedy's (JFK) when I was 15, I'm a director of one of the most influential Democratic organizations in Illinois, and I'm a Cook County Illinois ward chair.

Frankly, I haven't seen a real winner in Democratic presidential politics since RFK ... until this year. Yes, I've worked for and supported every candidate all this time, but none of them had the whole package, including Clinton. In my opinion, and that of my friends who are old-time politicos, Dean is the real deal. The enthusiasm of his supporters reflects that. But I haven't met a single one who takes any damn thing for granted, or who doesn't think it will take immensely hard work to capture the nomination and win the general election.

We're in this for the long, hard, grinding haul. Because, Will, you know as well as anyone that taking this country back and beginning to turn it in a positive direction will be the most difficult ... and the most important ... thing any of us has ever tried to accomplish.

I believe that if anyone can do it, Dean is the right candidate, at the right time, with the right campaign organization and the right approach to voters. But DAMN, the obstacles are enormous, and winning ... even winning the presidency ... is just one step in a journey of a thousand miles.