Great Dean comment on FTN

[VelmaD]

when asked about the Rethugs accusing him of flip-flopping on some issues.

Dean responded (I'm paraphrasing here) that he's a doctor and he believes that you have a theory and if you run into a fact that contradicts your theory you throw out the theory...the republicans believe you have a theory and if you run into a fact that contradicts it you throw out the fact.

Too fun.

Feeling a little better about ol' Howard this morning after that one. :-)

DV

[CMT]

1. I believe it makes some sence

and I thought his comments overall were pretty well presented today on FTN.

[Dudley_DUright]

2. My thoughts exactly

see:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=104&topic_id=421974#422020

[Gin]

4. This flip flop charge is diversion....I like a person who rethinks his

position enough to make a change in his policy. Clinton listened to all side, then made a decision. THAT is intelligence.

On the other hand we have a weasel in the white house who says..The house is not burning and I stand on that belief..as the embers fall down around him. THAT is a sign of stupidity!

[KittyWampus]

3. So When Dean Changes His Mind He "Evolves"

But when others change their stance they "waffle"

This is true of all candidates, of course...

But Dean is NOT the "straight-shooter" that so many here profess he is. He does manage to project that image fairly well but cracks are beginning to emerge.

[Closer]

5. "but cracks are beginning to emerge"

HAHA, just watch!

[HootieMcBoob]

13. I think what you meant to write was...

butt cracks are beginning to emerge. Please correct me if I'm wrong. :evilgrin:

[Dudley_DUright]

6. As voter, I have always found the waffling charge to be least effective

since as a scientist I have always valued the ability to keep and open mind and to change a position as the facts warranted. What I hate are ideologues who cling to obviously flawed theories like religious dogma (supplied side economics comes to mind) in the face of massive evidence to the contrary. I think it was refreshing that a politician admitted that they have an open mind.

[KittyWampus]

8. You Are Correct And I Agree

Changing one's mind is the correct thing to do if more information comes in to warrant a change in direction...

But with politicians, the changes happen when that information is popular opinion- not just empirical facts/statistics.

Anway, ALL candidates bash one another when an opponent or rival change or "modify" their stances.

Dean is no different then the rest... he is a politician. He will change, modify, finesse when his stances, comments or voting record
demand he change them.

He will also bash his rivals when they do the same.

And ultimately, he and his rivals will end up saying essentially nothing but milquetoast platitudes so as not to endanger their popular support.

[Eloriel]

18. For me it depends a lot on what and how they waffle

An evolvement in positions, which I've clearly seen with Dean, versus putting wet finger to the wind, which is what we see too often in politics.

Too bad some people can't understand -- or care -- about the difference.

Eloriel

[Gin]

7. I think he has flaws...I am not looking for a perfect person to run....

I do not agree with everything he says...but "Overall", his views reflect my views.

The "chosen one" in our house isn't doing a very good job.

[liberalnurse]

10. We are on the same page!

See my reply!!!! Well, close anyhow....Think harder, you will see the light at the end of the tunnel.

[Cha]

16. Yeah! Dean Is a Straight Shooter...he may not always be right

but Dean is the real Deal and that is what is "emerging"!

[liberalnurse]

9. That is the reality of all life's events....Life is linear!

We move forward, grow and learn from sharing, interfacing and assessing situations to evolve and become knowledgable and accountable.


I think this statement will be repeated.

I'm most impressed with the clarity of his message regarding republicans. Boy was that on target or what!!!!!!

Perfect!!!!:bounce:

[Tandalayo_Scheisskopf]

11. We have dogma...

In the White House, right now. See where it has gotten us?

Whoop-dee-friggin'-doo. Yip-friggin'-eeee.

I think a lot of people need to examine their stock of debating phrases, culled from the right. "Waffling" is quite tired, tawdry and tedious. Gimme someone who can learn and has the confidence in him or herself to be able to admit it.

[nannygoat]

12. It's kind of what Clinton said at the Harkin Steak Fry a couple of weeks

ago.

"They believe in government by ideology, enemies and attack. We believe in government by experiment, evidence and argument.
We actually think we may be wrong once in awhile and have to change. Not them....When practical people get in a hole, they say 'Stop digging'."

[Dudley_DUright]

14. Excellent quote

Which is why Clinton was a very successful president and Bush is not.

[maggrwaggr]

15. Yeah and then Gephardt was on MTP repeating those eight-year-old comments

like they were present day.

That really bothered me. I know Gephardt is running against Dean, but he sure seemed sleazy to me.

Dean was good, except the choice of people to sit behind him (a black woman and another woman who looked possibly hispanic) seemed a bit contrived.

Personally I have way more respect for a guy who changes his mind based on new facts and is willing to admit that than I will for, well, people who don't.

[Cha]

17. Thanks for this VelmaD! I love the way Dean puts it so succinctly!

"Dean responded (I'm paraphrasing here) that he's a doctor and he believes that you have a theory and if you run into a fact that contradicts your theory you throw out the theory...the republicans believe you have a theory and if you run into a fact that contradicts it you throw out the fact."

:toast: