Fellow Democrats Pile on Dean

[CMT]

The trials and tribulations of being the front runner.

http://www.msnbc.com/news/965820.asp?0cv=CB10

[RUMMYisFROSTED]

1. Can you say "desperation?"

I knew that you could.

[DJcairo]

2. These attacks will weaken Dean with undecideds

This is why you don't push yourself too hard early ina campaign as he has done. He's tired, worn out, making mistakes and by trying to wrap up the nomination early is vulnerable to attacks.
Dean has don great things for this race, don't get me wrong. But he isn't going to last one round with Rove & Co. if he can't deal with this and soon.

[RUMMYisFROSTED]

4. Nope.

These attacks are a double-edged sword. By attacking Dean, the other candidates are tacitly acknowledging that Dean is the leader of the pack, thereby bestowing credibility to his campaign. It's a zero sum gain.

[mbali]

7. Double edged, indeed

Why is it that Dean's criticism of his opponents is proof that he is a strong candidate but when Dean's opponents criticize him, it's proof of their weakness?

[RUMMYisFROSTED]

9. His criticisms WERE a sign that he wasn't coming from

a position of strength. He was at 3% back then. Totally expected. As are these attacks on him now. Happens every four years.

Who said anything about weakness?

[mbali]

12. But he's still doing it.

Why is he still criticizing them?

[RUMMYisFROSTED]

13. Give me an example.

He probably thinks it deserves to be criticized. And vice-versa.

[wtmusic]

5. You underestimate him

and the hidden message is that Dean is kicking ass. Are you considering his 'even-handed' remark to be a mistake? Already yesterday's news. They're going to have to come up with substance if they want to swing votes.

[Pavlovs DiOgie]

8. LOL

One of the reasons Dean is the frontrunner is because he does deal with things like this without pause. He's Johnny on the Spot. He already has issued statements on all the poo flung his way this week. He's made amends with Pelosi. His numbers haven't declined.

I notice that Kerry's numbers haven't improved much, if at all. Who is doing something wrong in their campaign?

[clar]

10. Good to hear you say something good about Dean

and I think you're right in that if he can't survive this stuff, he hasn't a chance agaist Bush. But I suspect he will handle it. I think the media and his opponents have misperceived a number of things: The loyalty of his backers, his teflon (ability to deflect attacks), and his appeal to potential voters.

I actually wish Kerry was running a stronger campaign, and that he had broader appeal. The more I watch him, the more I believe that Dean is the more electable of the two. Oddly enough, I think Kerry would probably make a better president if only due to his ability to work the legislative process with greater knowledge and finesse.

[unfrigginreal]

11. And you're sure doing your part...aren't you!

Sorry that your hypothesis is all washed up, but most Democrats are SICK of the pansy-assed acceptance of right-wing policies by our congressional members. If any of them faced any kind of challenge for their seats they would probably be beaten.

I'll vote for one of these enablers but it sure won't be with the enthusiasm that I would have voting for any of the outsiders...one exception here, Graham does not fall under the enabler category.

[pansypoo53219]

3. which is stupid because

the BIG ISSUE FOR ALL DEMOCRATS SHOULD BE get rid of the chimperor. we should not care WHO DOES IT, just that it is DONE.

[mbali]

6. Why

is this stupid? One of the purposes of the primary campaign is to toughen up the potential nominee for battle. If Dean cannot handle a little heat from his Democratic opponents, how can he expect to be able to take on BushRove, who have perfected the art of fighting mean and dirty? The little bit of criticism he's been getting lately from Gephardt, Kerry, Lieberman, and to a much lesser extent, Edwards, is nothing compared to what the Bush forces would unleash on him.

Moreover, if it is stupid for the other candidates to criticize Dean, perhaps he should follow suit and stop criticizing his opponents. It's a bit disingenuous for Dean supporters to heap praise on their guy for going after his opponents, offering that as proof of his integrity and forcefulness, yet complain when his opponents come right back after him.

Regardless, Dean had better grow a thicker skin - especially if he intends to keep shooting from the hip - if he wants to move up to the big time.

[genius]

14. And Dean's people are responding by bogging down Dem legislators

Freeper tactics.

[tedoll78]

15. Yes..

because Dean supporters have no right to give feedback to their legislators. They should just shut-up, right?