From Dean Blog...how campaign can go beyond candidate...

[helleborient]

And the combination of idealism and realism in the Dean campaign:

"As a Vermonter, I have a healthy respect for the good governor Dean. (When you've watched people close up, and for a long time, it's harder to have head-over-heels crush, but that’s okay—campaigns need a blend of realism and idealism). My deepest affection, though, is for the campaign itself. Every time it passes some new mark in money and participation, it raises the hope that democracy may still have a pulse in this country. In a country of 300 milion, writing letters to actual other human beings is about as close as we’re likely to get to what the founders envisioned."

This is about exactly where I am...yes, any of the candidates would make a significantly better president than the one we've got...but it's the campaign in the name of Dean that continues to amaze and invigorate me. My deepest hope is that it will truly transfer to whomever the candidate chosen by the party is. Then we will most surely have victory in November 2004!

[LuminousX]

1. I remain very impressed with the Dean campaign

They innovate. They take risks. That is a trait I admire in this stage of my life when I find myself incapable of taking real risk. The Dean campaign has shown an openess and willingness to work with its supporters like no other campaign. We talk about how it will change future campaigns, but it is changing the other campaigns daily.

I don't go in for that 'Dean did it first, your copying' mentality. If something works, you are a fool if you don't copy it. The fact the other campaigns have mimiced Dean on so many things is an indicator to me that the Dean campaign really is altering the paradigm of Presidential campaigns.

We are looking at history. Sometimes it is hard to see with all the mud, emotions, and passion to support other people, but this is history. Even if Dean loses, Presidential elections will never be the same again.

[dave29]

2. True - but lets make sure he wins

so we can shake up Washington - and put the Democratic party back on the upswing. :)

[helleborient]

3. It's us that will make sure he wins!

We've got good work to do!!