What Your Candidate Needs To Do To Beat Bush

[Tim The Enchanter]

I would like a thread that abstains from bashing each other's candidates. Instead, I would like DU'ers to voice what it is they believe their candidates need to do to beat George Bush. None of the candidates are perfect, and even those that come close (like Kucinich) do have other areas to work on. I would like to read some constructive criticism, and I believe that would come best from the supporters. I believe all of these candidates have a chance, and I will support whoever gets the nomination because they are all Democrats. Despite voting records, waffling and other undesirable features we bash each other over, any one of these candidates will be surrounded by great minds and will have the country's best interests at heart when in the White House.

I am currently a Dean supporter, but I am keeping my eye on everyone. In my mind, Dean needs to "lay it out" soon. I think he should be up front about his inconsistencies and present a comprehensive platform in a public (not over-the-top stump speeches). I realize that sounds a little idealistic and politically risky, but it would solidify my support for him. I want him to articulate where he stands and to acknowledge his missteps along the campaign trail. That is what I am looking for in a president- someone who is human (which George Bush is apparently not). Also, I would like Dean's debating skills to be honed, because, to be honest, I feel just about every other candidate (especially Kerry) could tan his hide. Dean has been lucky so far, and I am looking for someone who will tear GW a new * next fall.

Well, that's my input for now. I would like to hear from other supporters who have constructive criticism of their own candidates. Thank you.

[genius]

1. Kucinich can easily beat Bush.

Kucinich has the issues and he's the best debater of all the Democra.ts. Kucinich will once again get support from Republicans, Democrats, third party members and declines to state in the general election. The only obstacle is the Dean lie about electability and it's effect on the nomination. Too many Democrats, afraid of Bush and feeling hopeless are not thinking clearly and are thinking of having a race between Bush and Bush-lite. People from other parties think we're silly for our hesitation about nominating our best candidate.

[wryter2000]

2. Dean needs to...

Dean needs to convince voters that he can run a government as large as our federal government. His accomplishments in Vermont are fine for a small state. (Offering a home visit to every mother in the hospital, for example.) But they can sound pie-in-the-sky when you're talking about the whole USA. His ideas have to translate to a bigger picture.

Also, all the candidates need to figure out their position on getting the heck out of Iraq. This is crucial. I don't think it's responsible to just shift into reverse and leave after the mess we've made.

[Vikingking66]

3. definately lay out an alternative

I think this is a fairly consensus-ready position:

Some form of universal or near-universal health insurance, paid for by a partial or whole repeal of tax cuts; An internationalization of Iraq, allowing a dimunition of U.S presence and a focus on Al-Qaeda and improving homeland security - a renewed commitment to international law, with Kyoto Accord, weapons treaties, and ICC un-unsigning; an alternative energy strategy, more or less in line with the Apollo Project; a sunset/repeal/diminishment of the Patriot Act.

Anything else?

[Tim The Enchanter]

5. Homeland Security without the FEAR

What has turned me off most about the current administration is the fact that they use fear as the switch and security as the carrot. Well, I'm one donkey that wants this monkey off my back. Whatever proposals are offered up by the candidates should include an assurance that our civil liberties will not be compromised in the name of fear. Even if a Department of Homeland Security is reinforced by the Deomocrats in good faith, what could happen in the future if the GOP gets a hold of the reins again? Homeland Security needs to be clearly defined and there needs to be safegurads to protect our freedoms.

[ErasureAcer]

4. All Kucinich needs to do is put a light bulb on his site

with a bunch of millions next to it...and then just sit back and watch the donations come in.