My Republican friend liked Dean!

[quinnox]

I can't believe this, I told my friend to watch the debate on Thursday, and to tell me his impressions. At first he said he didn't like any of the candidates, but when I pressed him, he said if he had to choose one it would be Dean. I was disappointed, and a little surprised, as I thought Dean was average at best in that debate.

[rjx]

1. Go Dean Go!

Average? Why?

[tsipple]

2. Dean Did Very Well in the Debate

His fundraising spiked up during the debate, and the big moment was Dean's dramatic response to Gephardt's "he stood with Newt" comparison. The post-debate reviews were generally quite positive. You know you done good when Gloria Borger and Pat Buchanan both say you won. :-)

It is true that Dean is attracting independents and Republicans to his campaign, and probably in larger numbers than other Democrats. The polling data would seem to suggest that, anyway. (Clark may be able to do that too, but it's too soon to judge for sure.) Some of it is ideology -- balanced budgets, some libertarian streaks in his positions, etc. Some of it is his ability to (more often) answer questions directly. You'll notice that he actually answers Yes/No questions with the word "Yes" or "No," followed by an explanation. What a concept!

I want to yell at the TV when I hear politicans, from both parties, who can't manage to do that. "Do you think child poverty is a problem in this country?" "Child poverty is one of the top priorities of my campaign...(drone, drone)." No, Senator! "YES, it's shameful that the United States, with all its riches, has millions of children in poverty. He's what I'm going to do about it..."

So, yes, I can understand what independents and even some Republicans see in him.

[quinnox]

3. Interesting you said this

That is exactly why my friend said he liked Dean. He said because Dean's answers were the most direct and he actually answered the questions.

[rjx]

4. My vote has Dean all over it

Well I am a Liberal Dem and AS OF NOW Dean has my vote. The way he presents himself is that of a great leader. I like what he says, and love how he comes across. When he speaks he looks the most sure of himself than the other candidates. Wether you agree with what he says, you have to admire his passion regardless of what party you represent.

[Cha]

5. I gotta say! Welcome to DU, rjx!

:yourock:

[rjx]

6. zidzi Thank you

Dean For America baby!
:toast:

[Cha]

7. Yeah!

[KaraokeKarlton]

8. Dean has always had very broad appeal

In Vermont, he always took around 20% or better of the Republican vote. Some years he got pretty damn near half of that vote. He WILL appeal to swing voters. He's very sensible, is honest (which shows) and is able to say things in a way that just makes sense to people. People can relate to what he says very easy, regardless of what party they belong to. Dean will DEFINITELY take some of the votes Bush is counting on away from him. Combine that with all the new people he has brought in to politics and as long as the Democrats vote for him there is no way in hell Bush can beat Dean...NONE. If Dean is the nominee it is a SURE THING. Some of the others might be able to win, but Dean is a lock.

[NNN0LHI]

9. Did he say he would vote for him? </fingers crossed> n/t