"Please don't judge Americans on the behaviour of our president," Dean

[madfloridian]

http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/Canada/2004/10/26/686286-cp.html

SNIP..."MONTREAL (CP) - The United States under George W. Bush has lost its moral leadership and disrespected allies including Canada, ex-Democratic candidate Howard Dean said Tuesday.

The outspoken former Vermont governor told a luncheon speech that Democratic presidential challenger John Kerry would strengthen relations with Canada that have eroded under Bush's leadership. "Please don't judge Americans on the behaviour of our president," Dean told a conference analysing U.S. election issues."

SNIP..."Dean accused Bush of giving the cold shoulder to traditional allies, such as Canada and Mexico, that didn't support the U.S.-led war on Iraq. The policy has damaged America's reputation and credibility abroad, said Dean.

"We've already lost the moral leadership of the world," said Dean..."

Former U.S. presidential candidate Howard Dean and Bloc Quebecois Leader Gilles Duceppe laugh during introductions prior to addressing a conference analysing U.S. election issues Tuesday in Montreal. (CP/Paul Chiasson)

[Parche]

1. yeah for dean

YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHOWWO

[Fleshdancer]

2. I love Dean

He says what we're all thinking. That, my friend, is leadership. :)

[madfloridian]

4. Just said it simply and clearly.

I think that every day when I write friends in Europe. Well-said.

[cali]

3. I love

my former Gov. What an inspirational guy. As far as I'm concerned he single handedly re-invigorated the Democratic party. If we win, to a large degree, we owe it to him.

[madfloridian]

5. .."United States under Kerry would be a bridge-builder between nations..."

http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/mini/CTVNews/1098830758067_94239958?s_name=usElection2004&no_ads=

SNIP...""Under a President Kerry you will see great improvement in the tone of international relationships, particularly this extraordinarily important relationship with Canada,'' he said to warm applause.

The former medical doctor, who ran against Kerry but now supports his campaign, said the Nov. 2 presidential election is the "most important election of our time.''

SNIP..."He said the United States under Kerry would be a bridge-builder between nations instead of a unilateral actor on the world stage. Dean noted that unlike Bush, Kerry supports international initiatives such as the Kyoto accord to reduce emissions. However, Dean said the deal needs improvements."

SNIP..."Kerry would also reduce America's reliance on oil from the Middle East in favour of renewable resources, said Dean. Energy partnerships with countries such as Canada would also follow a Kerry victory next Monday, Dean suggested....."

[hedda_foil]

6. Another cool quote

Political scientist Pierre Martin, also at the speech, said the Democrats may have made a strategic error in keeping their outspoken colleague on the sidelines during most of Kerry's campaign.

"They might not have felt that Howard Dean was useful to them to reach the middle (American) voters,'' said Martin, who teaches at the University of Montreal.

"Perhaps some in the Democratic camp might regret not having him as a weapon to convince their own core supporters to turn out to vote in the states where it matters.''


(Of course Howard has been out there working like crazy for Kerry, but it's flattering, nonetheless.)

[madfloridian]

8. And another good pic of the event.

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/041026/481/xpch11110262323

Former U.S. presidential candidate Howard Dean (news - web sites) is applauded by former Canadian ambassador to the U.S. Raymond Chretien, left, and other members of the head table prior to addressing a conference analysing U.S. election issues Tuesday, Oct. 26, 2004, in Montreal, Canada. (AP Photo/CP, Paul Chiasson)

[indepat]

7. Americans should rightfully be judged on the behavior of their President

unless they vote against him in numbers too overwhelming for the election to possibly again be stolen IMHO.

[madfloridian]

12. I partly agree, but then I think of the media's role.

Yes, we in many ways are responsible. I think that our activism in various groups has FINALLY gotten the media to tell the people the truth about things....mostly the TV just spun and spun since 9/11.

I make no excuses, but I do forgive the ones I know who are good people, who trusted the news shows to tell them the truth.

[RaleighNCDUer]

9. If we let the repugs take this election, legally or otherwise (I fear

otherwise), then we will deserve whatever harsh judgements the free world may make for we will no longer be a part of it.

[ScreamingMeemie]

10. Thank you so much for posting this madfloridian!

:yourock:

I always look forward to your threads. :hi:

[madfloridian]

11. Thanks.

:hi:

[wrate]

13. We'll judge Americans for their choice of president. n/t

[madfloridian]

14. Well, I am working very hard.

Many others are as well. We have tried to convert the brainwashed who think Bush was chosen by God.

I hope your judgement will be less harsh on some of us who have tried.

[wrate]

15. You are right. I was harsh. But to be fair I have spent almost

a year in this place (DU) and I believe I understand the political situation a lot better now. I will not be judging anyone. I just hope you guys can get the chimp out and I wish I could help. And I respect most everyone in this place. You people give Americans a good name. Good luck!

[madfloridian]

18. Thanks, appreciate it.

But I do understand the anger others have toward our country. I share that anger, and so does my husband, everytime we see Bush's face.

We want to throw things at the TV if we accidentally catch a segment without changing channels.

My husband yells "Bastard!" when he sees him. So we understand. I have a friend in Belgium who quit writing me for months after the invasion of Iraq. Finally we worked it out, and he understands now...but it took a while.

He was not angry at us, but at our president. He finally could sort it out.

[Lisa]

17. we appreciate your hard work!

Of course, the "hard work" done by Bush is only in his own mind.

[sangh0]

16. Thank you Dr Dean

You've always been the one to put it into words.

That was nice to hear.