Under fire, Dean takes it easy

[Khephra]

Under fire, Dean takes it easy

By Holly Ramer
Associated Press

GOFFSTOWN - Ignoring the increasing attacks from his rivals, Democratic presidential hopeful Howard Dean cast his opponents in a positive light instead Wednesday.

The former Vermont governor has become the favorite target of rival campaigns hoping to stop his surge in New Hampshire and other key states. But after a week spent defending his statements on the Middle East, trade, race and Medicare, Dean was noticeably subdued during a speech at Saint Anselm College.

Gone was the claim that Dean is the only white candidate who talks about race to white audiences. He made a point to recognize that Sen. Bob Graham of Florida also has experience appointing judges. And he gave his rivals credit for trying to protect the nation after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

Asked whether he would repeal the Patriot Act, Dean said he believes some portions of the anti-terrorism law are unconstitutional, but that his opponents shouldn’t be blamed for the ensuing abuses of civil liberties.

Congress was under tremendous pressure to pass something quickly after the attacks, Dean said. It was up to President Bush to appoint judges who would ensure the government doesn’t overstep its bounds, he said.

"All the people I’m running against who are in Congress voted for the Patriot Act, and I never criticize them for that," he said. "The reason I don’t criticize them for that is I know what it must’ve been like two or three weeks after 9-11 ... I criticize the president for not having judges who will sort that out."

more...................

http://www.seacoastonline.com/news/09182003/news/50751.htm

[AngryYoungMan]

1. Pretty wimpy answer.

I'm surprised.

[Jim Sagle]

2. He's the front runner now, so it pays to bash w more...

and his fellow Dems less.

[PAMod]

3. It is time to start uniting the party & look ahead to the real battle.

It's called leadership. Hopefully the other camps will follow Dean's lead, again.

I know the primaries haven't hit yet, but all of the candidates need to be thinking beyond right now.

[LuminousX]

4. Other Camps Can't

They are all stuck on trying to bring Dean down, as well they should. Dean is playing this exactly right. He is currently the front runner and needs to act like he has this thing sewn up to give an air of inevitability to it. Clark kind of throws a curve ball into that plan but all in all it is a sound strategy until such time he is in the thick of the primaries and he isn't getting the support he needs.

[renie408]

5. I would like to say

that Edwards has stayed out of all that from the start. Dean isn't leading him on this. Just in polls.

[PAMod]

6. Edwards has run with a positive message.

He is a true star in the Democratic party. Everyone who has followed this race thus far has noticed this.

I believe that Edwards has a great shot at the presidency some day, and I would be proud to support him.

[Feanorcurufinwe]

7. I like Edwards

but running for President as a freshman Senator is a long shot at best.

[virtualobserver]

15. or as a senator period <grin> n/t

[PAMod]

16. Amen, v.

[dfong63]

8. good strategy, class act

[DrFunkenstein]

9. Any Toes Left To Step On?

Let's see: Democratic wing, Bushlite, second-tier candidates, talking to whites, BS "misled" comment, and that's just off the top of my head.

Dean has been one of the nastiest campaigners in the field. No, I'd say he has been the single nastiest campaigner out there. Now that he's pissed everyone off, he acts surprised that they can dish it back.

Dean's platform - while lightweight - is certainly moving in the right direction (save on Sharon). However, his tactics have really put a bad taste in quite a few mouths.

Perhaps if he made those comments to the other candidates' faces it would be a different story.

[JeniB]

10. Wow, Dr. Funk. I'm impressed!

I know you don't like my candidate, but I'm happy to see someone else defend all of the other candidates on fighting back. I'd like to copy this and attach it to a bunch of other threads(I won't though). You said it exactly right!:toast:

[mbali]

11. Nicely said

Thanks.

[whirlygigspin]

12. Dean shift

Sure, Dean was like a pit bull, he couldn't afford
to let himself be Gored.
Now that he's in the lead, i'm happy to see that he's
showing leadership qualities and mending fences.

[tpub]

13. True, Dr. Funkenstein

Thanks

[RUMMYisFROSTED]

17. Roflmao.

See if you can spot Waldo:




..."nastiest"..."lightweight"..."single nastiest"..."bad taste"..."he's pissed everyone off"..."(save on Sharon)"...





Goebbels would be proud.

[bushisanidiot]

14. Good For Dean

He's giving credit where it's due.