The Records Come Home To Roost. Dean Endorsers and Media Pundits in Panic.

[WiseMen]

The Big Media pundits and high-flying Dean endorsers are in panic. This was not supposed to happen!

The Big Media boys had already posted the official story: It is either “Dean the Doomed� or “Clark the Conservative,� everyone else are hopeless “Washington Insiders.�

“What the hell are these IOWAN’s doing trying to look at the candidates’ record? Haven’t they heard all the big boys endorse Dean�?

Just today I have heard several Republican pundits gasping “No, No, No. Dean is the one. He is the only one with “the message,� as they try to dismiss Kerry.

Unfortunately, that is the problem with Iowa. These small town editors have time on their hands and start comparing the candidates’ records – so far mainly endorsing Kerry. And these Iowa’s have the time to read! Whoa! Don’t they get CNN?

Iowan’s have started to focus on the record and the stories coming out of the small towns of Iowa show that Kerry’s long record of fighting for progressive causes and his storied past of military service is coming to the rescue!


GLENN F. HULTQUIST a veteran of Burlington: . . . more and more people are asking which Democratic presidential candidate will be able to face Bush in a national security debate? . . . I believe it will have to be someone who fought in battles, won medals, and then came home to fight to keep the horror he faced from facing others. We need a candidate who constantly fights for fair treatment of veterans.

There is only one candidate running for president who fits this criterion. I support Sen. John Kerry in this election. He has constantly fought for us veterans, and now it's time for us to fight for him.

http://www.thehawkeye.com/daily/stories/le2_0113.html


Drew Larson, Iowa State Daily Columnist: John Kerry is a real American hero and a real progressive activist. That's what it will take to stop Bush.

Kerry is the Senate's environmental leader. On environmental issues, Kerry holds an unmatched 96 percent lifetime rating from the League of Conservation Voters. He led the fight against drilling for oil in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, protecting one of the few remaining pristine landscapes in America. He heavily promotes the development and implementation of renewable energy sources, including a progressive plan to achieve 20 percent of our energy from renewable sources by 2020.

John Kerry boasts the most foreign policy experience of any candidate in the race.
.
If Kerry were President, we would never be in Iraq.

http://www.iowastatedaily.com/vnews/display.v/ART/2004/01/13/400358a7b6fdd


John Pohlman of Ames, Iowa: I recently read where Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a famous environmental activist in his own right, has endorsed John Kerry's run for the presidency.

Now I hear that Fred Kirschenmann, a noted regional conservationist, also endorses Kerry.

As a Democrat and an individual involved in conservation activities in Iowa, I agree with Kennedy's and Kirschenmann's endorsements.

http://www.iowastatedaily.com/vnews/display.v/ART/2004/01/13/4003566a0157e


DAVID M. HALBFINGER (NYT, 1/14/2004) says Iowans are now listening to Kerry’s record of service and are becoming believers in his cause.


He is no firebrand preacher, but more and more Senator John Kerry is seeing audiences that sound like revival meetings.
"Amen! Aaaaamen!" Barry Cheeney, 44, a father of two, screamed when Mr. Kerry promised on Saturday in Davenport never to make American "sons and daughters" fight overseas to defend America's dependence on Mideast oil.
. . . . . . . .
Even Republicans raised their hands and announced conversions on the spot.
"I'll be very honest with you," Shirley Cohen of Hollis, N.H., said. "I was a Republican. I changed to become independent two months ago. I was very strongly leading toward another candidate. But you've very thoroughly convinced me tonight."
. . . . . . . .
After hearing Mr. Kerry on Monday in Muscatine, Ray and Sharon Kapteina, who caucused for George W. Bush in 2000, said they were re-registering as independents to caucus for Mr. Kerry.

"He makes me feel like he's a leader," Mr. Kapteina, 56, a contract analyst, said.
If this is a revival, it could not have arrived at a more crucial time. With six days until the caucuses, Mr. Kerry is battling from well behind in the polls. An unexpectedly strong showing could send him back to New Hampshire with buzz and momentum, and anything but a strong showing could end his candidacy.
On Tuesday, Mr. Kerry campaigned across eastern Iowa with fellow military veterans, whom his advisers say could prove a stealth weapon of sorts. Steve Warnstadt, a state senator from Sioux City who was in the Persian Gulf war, said that 3,000 Iowa veterans had signed up as supporters and that thousands more had informally agreed to caucus for Mr. Kerry.
. . . . . . . .
"The more I hear, the more I like," Ms. Groh, a retired teacher, said after hearing Mr. Kerry take questions on Monday in Fort Madison.
Dorothy O'Malley, a retired insurance agent, said, "I've been waffling between him and Edwards."
But Mr. Kerry's warmth won her over. "In person, it comes across," she said. "And my son was in Vietnam, too. I think I feel a real kinship, without a doubt."



John Kerry is now battling against all the media plugs (‘can anyone stop Howard Dean?�), against all the pundits New Year predictions, against all the Big Name Endorsements, against all the Union muscle, and against the unbelievable Dean Machine.

But, Kerry is a fighter. And then there is that record.

[XanaDUer]

1. He is a fighter

with a long history of fighting for liberal , Democratic causes.

:)

[Maddy McCall]

2. Yes he is.

I am a Clark supporter, but I will gladly cast my vote for my number two guy, John Kerry.

[Cocoa]

3. Kerry's fighting is pretty impressive

I like Gep and Kucinich before Kerry, but Kerry really strikes me as someone the Bushies and the whores are hoping against hope will go away. He poses a serious threat to them in so many ways.

[evil_orange_cat]

15. yes, Kerry put up quite a fight against going to war

:eyes:

but in Kerry's defense, his only mistake was trusting the Bush admin to at least get UN support... I can't fault the man for not being as cynical as me. :D

[The Magistrate]

28. Marvelous Signature, Mr. Cat

You made me laugh out loud, which is not easily done....

[NewYorkerfromMass]

21. hoping against hope Kerry will go away

Thanks. That is quite a compliment and very true.

[Hep]

4. Labeling Dean endorsers (aka Dean supporters) as "in panic"

is a pretty unfair characterization. I didn't see a hint of panic in the eyes of Dean supporters who gather regularly. In fact, all I've ever seen is focus, energy, and optimism.

I feel as though you can talk Kerry up without lowering yourself by slipping in negative comments about Dean supporters.

[WiseMen]

9. Sorry: Referring to "inside the belt-way" rumors of shock at Kerry rise

I a not at all referring to supporters who are as enthusiastic
as ever for their candidate and their cause.

Good luck.

[Hep]

17. Thanks for the clarification

n/t

[bearfartinthewoods]

45. it has been fun, watching the talking heads eat their words

[Sensitivity]

56. Most are still saying Dean will win

[bearfartinthewoods]

67. yes, most are saying dean will win iowa but the nomination is a different

thing. the whole inevitability deal is no longer being pushed.

[TLM]

12. Don't worry it will be short lived...

Expect Dean's numbers to jump in the next 3 days with the CMB endorsement helping solidify support with minorities and women. And with the Carter event coming up... that will help too. Remember Dean always does best in the last few days... that when his supporters really pull it out.

Also, remember that polls can't show you the massive effort on the ground, where Dean is leaving the other guys in the dust. Dean has some massive unions, lots of volunteers, and very motivated Iowans on the ground. That is what makes the difference in the caucus states.

In a caucus state like Iowa, what matters is that Dean's support base is strong and holding, and he's also the number 2 pick for a lot of people who are supporting candidates who won't get 15%.

I also think that the DK folks in Iowa will, for the most part, throw their support behind Dean and Gephardt if DK doesn't get 15%.

And who knows what Sharpton's supporters will do, but I think CMB backing Dean may influence them to do the same if Sharpton doesn't get 15%.

The real X factor will be the Lieberman supporters. Where will their support go? Will they move as a group to another candidate or just split off in different directions?

[Raya]

18. UnfortunatelyTrue. Dean has a great organization.

[lurk_no_more]

34. Well it is 3 days later than your post

Kerry is ahead by 6, CMB's endorsement seems to have done nothing, Carter said NO to endorsing dean, 3 for 3, not bad.


Wesley Clark....and then there were none!
” JAFO”

[TLM]

35. Care to point out where I said Carter was endorsing Dean?

I said the Carter event would help, and it will. As will the CMB endorsement. Thought the help will be in the caucus, not the polls.

As for Dean's poll numbers I have seen polls which show him a few points ahead and a few points behind over the last few days, but all show an increase in Dean's standing since monday.

[WiseMen]

36. Congrats on a great Org. You are still the envy of all.

[TLM]

5. I'm glad to see Kerry finally finding his legs....

but it's too little too late for him to win. At best he'll take Clark out of the running for second, which is a good thing.

But he's had to mortgage his home to get even this far, and the CMB endorsment and Carter showing for Dean in the next few days will be more than Kerry can overcome in Iowa.

Dean had one really awful polling day on Monday 18% to Kerry's 25% right after that Shrpton stunt, but has been coming back stedy since monday, closing that to a 1 point difference today. And that doesn't include numbers after the CMB endorsment.

And then the Carter thing coming up... I think Dean has it locked.

[TheDonkey]

6. I like kerry but he would be torn in shreds as well

if he were the frontrunner. He can be blasted for "washington insider", "too liberal", "scary looking" whatever the hell the right wing could come up with.

It's a sad fact that politics is a battle and no politician is safe.

[WiseMen]

32. Remember, He was the front-runner as was torn to shreds, Jan-Sept

[End Evil]

59. The worst thing I can say about Kerry

is (lifted from Bill Maher) that he looks like the tree from "The Wizard of Oz" - well, he does!

[kerry-is-my-prez]

7. I'm a Clark supporter but I'd be happy if Kerry got in.He's a true Liberal

not a "pretend" one.

[End Evil]

60. I agree.

I believe it will eventually be Clark; but, it could be Kerry ... either one can win us back our country!

[Adjoran]

8. Media is a fickle mistress

She goes with whoever catches her eye that day.

I posted an article from New Hampshire Public Radio reporting a poll today showing Kerry LEADING Iowa among definite caucus attendees: Kerry 21 Dean 20 Gephardt 20 Edwards 17. The article was written by their repub commentators, so I don't know what to make of it. The only search reference I could find leads to the Chicago Tribune, which is a subscription site.

Any DUers in Chicago have access? If true, it will be a major story, and a big boost for Kerry and Edwards, trouble for Dean, and probably the death sentence for the Gephardt campaign.

[Tatiana]

10. Zogby has Kerry in the lead by a point.

Jan 12-14
3-day moving average

Kerry 22 (+1)
Dean 21 (-3)
Gephardt 21 (even)
Edwards 17 (+2)
Clark 3 (+1)
Lieberman 3 (+1)
Kucinich 2 (-1)
Mosley-Braun 1 (even)
Sharpton 1 (+1)
Undecided 11

http://www.zogby.com/news/ReadNews.dbm?ID=779

[TLM]

14. Yeah Dean had a bad polling day on Monday... 7 to 8 points behind Kerry

But over the next 2 days polling, Dean jumped back to close that to only a 1 point difference.

[WiseMen]

23. Sure you are right. But advantage Dean has is People. Kerry Needs You!

[NewYorkerfromMass]

11. I think the campus vote will take to Kerry

especially with his Green credentials.

[Raya]

20. Dean folk could go for Kerry. Not a huge diff in goals. Kerry could do

with a better org.

[Sensitivity]

29. Kerry dropped the ball by leaving activist like me to Dean

What was he doing most of last year?

[adadem]

41. He was

recovering from major surgery...remember? After watching him for the year I don't think he really got 'back on his feet' til the beginning of October.

[Raya]

57. Most don't know of that.

[ThirdWheelLegend]

13. If elections where decided by the issues..

and integrity and how one represents the people... and UNIMPORTANT things like that.

Well then..... ahhhh never mind.

TWL

[WiseMen]

27. Then Kucinich would be doing much better. But, If wishes were horses . . .

[Capn Sunshine]

16. I have never doubted Kerrys credentials.

I admire what Kerry has done as a democrat for the past twenty years.
But he's just not electable.

[blm]

24. Yeah, all those fire fighters and veteran groups campaigning with Kerry

really won't be an image the public will notice post 9-11. They really will respond to Howard Dean and his angry version of Elmer Gantry shouting at them.

[adadem]

42. I did some

phone banking for Kerry yesterday with veterans (and firefighters). The vets are totally energized by this...your should hear them on the phone!! They are so proud to be doing this for Kerry...it really shows.

[RetroLounge]

19. I watched Kerry on C-SPAN yesterday

and I would be proud to have him as my candidate if he wins the Democratic Primaries.

ABB

[kayleybeth]

22. I saw that too

Kerry did a great job.

[corporatewhore]

25. Well i dont know about you but i only vote for whoever ted koppel says too

[rucky]

26. Look at it this way:

If Kerry wins despite the endorsements, it takes away the media's characterization of him as an "insider". That's another good thing to have coming into the General Election.

[Sensitivity]

30. Just Heard the first NH Editorial endorsement for Kerry as well.

[adadem]

43. Another...from Nashua, too. n/t

[Raya]

58. Know why so few Iowa papers gave an endorsement?

[WiseMen]

66. where can I find that

[Adjoran]

31. The advantage for Kerry is attention returns

He's getting more airtime on news shows and more talk from the pundits, all pretty positive.

The disadvantage to Kerry is that when he came up with this brilliant (but desparate) strategy of pulling people from NH to blitz Iowa and hope the buzz generats momentum, a strong third place finish would have kept him going, enough of a boost to bring some money in.

Now he has raised the stakes and must capitalize. He needs to finish first or second; even razor-close thirds don't do it anymore. And if he takes only second, it must be behind Dean: he can't afford to trail Edwards or Gephardt lest they get all the glory.

It's an odd turnabout. Dean ran a nearly perfect campaign for almost a year, but has had a rough last month. Kerry stumbled around and reorganized and slipped steadily for a year, but is running one heck of a campaign since Christmas. Dean had longer to recruit and train workers, and much more money; Kerry has the momentum if he can follow through with his Iowa risk.

[lurk_no_more]

33. When Kerry focuses on his positive record

and not the attack dog mentality of trashing the other Dem candidates, his support comes home to roost, anger at bush works, anger just to be angry doesn't....hence the impressive come back in Iowa!

While I support Clark, Kerry is a winner and may very well be our next President.


Wesley Clark....and then there were none!
” JAFO”

[stickdog]

37. Can you cite any illustrations of the supposed panic of Dean endorsers?

[WiseMen]

38. Why do you think CMB drop out and Carter trip was arranged?

[stickdog]

39. Why are any endorsement photo ops arranged?

As a sign of panic on the part of the endorsers?

Please.

[WiseMen]

40. My Info says that these last week effort arranged by specific

Dean backers to try to ensure a win.

[sangha]

44. You must be very wise

I thought the Dean photo-ops were arranged by a non-Dean supporter to try to ensure a Dean loss.

[candy331]

46. Kerry should be held to more accountability

as he has so often says that others should be held accountable. Kerry went to Vietnam and lived through the lies that were pushed for that war. He saw firsthand the soldiers and their being used and came back to lead and participate in war protest. He forgot the lesson he learned or he did not learn a lesson or he wanted to go along to get along and was afraid to stand up. I submit that Kerry forgot or either did not learn from his Vietnam experience. He should have yelled from the rooftops that this was wrong and definitely never should have voted for the IWR. Damn shame but that is the way it is Kerry.

[stickdog]

47. LOL.

Funny is funny.

[Sensitivity]

48. Good that we have Endorsers with pull

[Zomby Woof]

50. Yes

Endorsers who have either lost a general election, a primary challenge (Bradley and Harkin), and even a gubenatorial race - to Chimpy no less.

With friends like that... oh boy I love irony!

[stickdog]

51. Friends like McGovern, you mean?

The insurgent Dean has united some the best people in the Democratic Party behind him.

The only irony here is the fact that any Democrat would try to portray endorsements from Gore (who won, btw), Harkin, Bradley, Moseley-Braun, and Richards and high praise from Jimmy Carter as bad things.

[End Evil]

61. I'm not sure I understand.

Dean seemed pleased to be portrayed as such a man of integrity as McGovern proved to be when he ran.

Now that he realizes Clark is the one he prefers, all of a sudden you don't like McGovern anymore?

Or do I misunderstand your point?

Thanks.

[Sensitivity]

54. Gore didn't loose.

[End Evil]

63. Commenting only on CMB:

I was crushed (I am so naive) when I realized her whole campaign was kept going to keep Sharpton from getting a majority in D.C. (realize not binding, but psychologically important), that she was a Dean plant from the beginning and that's why she really never was a sincere candidate.

Please don't ask for links. Those are my beliefs after watching went down. I am admittedly upset because I liked her and feel genuinely duped.

As to Carter, I have no knowledge on that except common sense tells me he would be supportive of Dean.

[markus]

49. The word "panic" doesn't appear in any of your links

What exactly the hell are you talking about?

These are a set of articles unrelated to you Subject.

I hate to see threads deleted (rather than locked) but this seems like flamebait to me.

[Name removed]

52. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[drfemoe]

53. Where is the info relating to the topic of your thread?

The Records Come Home To Roost. Dean Endorsers and Media Pundits in Panic

If you are suggesting (in reply #38) Why do you think CMB drop out and Carter trip was arranged? that endorsements, other candidates dropping out of the race or campaign trips are indicative of "panic", I would suggest that is not generally accepted to be true. Is there any evidence of "panic" that you can provide?

8. If you make a factual assertion about a candidate that is not generally accepted to be true, you must provide a link to a reputable source to back up your claim.

[Sensitivity]

55. I think a lot of folk are in panic in all the campaigns. Just have to put

on a game face.

[End Evil]

62. Agreed.

The topic of this thread vs. the substance of the initial post are tenuous at best.

[hlthe2b]

64. Why does your post have all the strange characters included?

Off topic, but I'm seeing it in a couple other DUer's posts and just wonder if there is a common problem and solution?

[mdmc]

65. well, I'm not in a panic,

but I really did enjoy reading your information from Iowa. Thanks for posting.