Clark, Dean, Edwards, Kerry: a challenge to their supporters!

[Sparkly]

Clark, Dean, Edwards, Kerry -- they aren't running against each other right now. They aren't bashing each other. Could we try one thread where their supporters in the primaries don't bash each other, or them?

I propose this: State who you supported, then say something sincerely positive about the other three. It can be just one sentence, but please, no sarcasm, and nothing followed by "but." Nothing about who'd be good or bad or better of worse for any particular job or position. No comparisons at all.

They are all Democrats and they've all fought for Democratic principles in their own ways. If this sounds just too pollyanna-ish, skip it! (No flames please!)

I'll start:

I supported Clark.

Dean is a smart leader, media-saavy, draws people to the party, has great energy, and would make a terrific DNC chair. I hope he gets the job.

Edwards said the other day that poverty is a moral issue, and that he was going to start a new initiative to study ways to fight poverty. I think he's right, I think he really means it, and his ideas are good ones.

Kerry is an American hero for his service and for his anti-war protests, he's smart and well-spoken and he was really superb in those three debates.

Now... Can YOU take the challenge?

[mdmc]

1. I supported Dean (voted for Kucinich)

Kerry had poise. Clark had a war record.
Kerry had a national identity. Kerry was an anti war hero.
Clark registered as a Dem.
Edwards could stay on message and was good looking.

[mdmc]

4. ps - thanks for this thread!

nominate!

[salin]

2. couldn't support any (too late of a primary)

but think all.. including Kucinich (left off the list) provide great positives and leadership to the party.

[Sparkly]

3. I only left Kucinich off for one reason

I'm not seeing so much flaming about Kucinich -- I could be wrong, but it seems to me the arguments tend to be somehow related to these four in some way or another.

[mdmc]

5. Kucinich is God

all others were GOP lite. But lets not bash on such a warm thread.

[autorank]

10. You just did, haha (you're sneaky, keep an eye on you mdmc)

:evilgrin:

[mdmc]

14. doh!

Where is my David Cobb? :~)

[autorank]

45. Here's you David Cobb, as requested.

(see first pic)
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=203&topic_id=272275

[stray cat]

6. I like everyone of them and support each.

Any one of them as president would be a tremendous advantage over what we have now.

I support Clark - I think he is a smart critical thinker who sees potential problems clearly. I nearly always agree with his insights.

Edwards is a populist. I think he really sincerely cares about the working class. How I wish that were true of more politicians.

Dean is a grass roots individual who knows how to rally the troops. He has the right message. I would like to see him as DNC chair because I agree with him on most issues and I think he would be a great energizer.

Kerry was an acquired taste for me. The more I listened to him in interviews and read about him in books, the more I admired him as a politician and a person. He is deliberate and thoughtful and would have been a great president.

[FreedomAngel82]

56. I like all of them

I don't know too much about Clark but from what I've seen I really like him. He's been outspoken against all the Iraq stuff which is good for us!

Edwards- I like how he's for the working class. Of course the republicans tried to turn this into a smear campaign because he was a lawyer.

Dean- I like his committments, ability to get people excited to fight and support each other. I liked how after the primaries he stud with Kerry and Edwards.

Kerry- I'm with you dmordude. I learned more about Kerry and the more I read and learned the more I liked. He's my hero. :loveya: I've never had a hero before so hehe.

I also like Mr. Cobb. He's a great speaker and fighter!!

[Dr.Phool]

7. I started out working for Dean

When Kerry was the eventual nominee, I went to work for him. On the trail I got to meet all 4 and they were all good, likable people.

They all joined together to help elect Kerry.

[Coexist]

9. I would get chills

to see any one of them sworn into office as my President.
Honestly.

[autorank]

8. Well, alrighty then...

Clark is proud to say he is a liberal and a Democrat.
Dean breathed life into the corpse that was the Democratic Party.
Kerry ran a campaign (with a bunch of our money) that didn't overspend.
Edwards gives a great speech.
Dennis K is a friggin' trip.
Bob Graham tells the TRUTH.
Lieberman does not run over adorable kittens on purpose.

[jdots]

11. I would vote for any democrat other than Zell Miller

What people don't realize is the democratic party is a big tent instead of a small palace.I voted for Al Sharpton along with several dozen other people but got very behind Kerry and Edwards.To me the most sold out yuppy democrat is still better than a neocon fascist who is niether a republican or democrat but just plays the system for thier demented little game.

[cali]

12. I fear the people posting on this thread

are going to be the people that don't engage in gratuitous bashing, but I'm glad to join in the hosannas.

I supported Dean, but actually voted for Kerry in the primary.

Kerry is resuming a leadership role in the Senate. His proposed legislation on insuring children is a smart way to draw attention to the lack of healthcare for kids while backing repubs into a corner. He's thoughtful and smart.

Clark: I admire Clark for his positions and for speaking out on behalf of democratic ideals. Glad he's a dem.

As you mentioned Edwards is trying to keep the issue of poverty in the forefront. That's a noble goal. He's articulate and exudes an air of sunny optimism.

[TomClash]

13. How about this?

I like all of them and would actively work for, contribute to and support any of them against any Reoublican in 2008.

[mdmc]

16. not bad, Tom

:kick:

[dogman]

15. My first choice was Kerry.

I entered the Draft-Clark however because I felt he would have broader appeal. I admired the abilities of Dean and Edwards to connect with a large segment of the Dem base and energize the anti-B$$$ sentiment.

[flpoljunkie]

17. My response.

Clark exudes decency, sensitivity and intelligence--a patriot.

Dean worked loyally and hard for he Democratic ticket--from top to bottom after losing the nomination.

Edwards is telegenic, energetic and seems genuinely committed to improving the lives of all Americans.

Kerry is a committed liberal who has fought all his life for our democratic ideals--a man of courage and integrity. He would have made a fine president, made us proud. and once again, respected in the world.

[Sparkly]

24. Nice one!

Thanks, flpoljunkie! :hi:

[zeemike]

18. I supported Dean

All of them have the good qualities expressed above and one could add Kucinich, Brawn and Sharpton to the mix.
But the most positive thing they could do is to ban together and kick the Democratic Washington based leadership to the curb and take back the party for the people.
That would show me that they all are true Democrats that believe in Democracy and reject the politics of personal gain.

[Adelante]

19. Here, Sparkly, for you

I admire John Kerry as a great Liberal Senator

I admire Howard Dean's organizing his base into DFA and working to change the system from the bottom up

I admire how John Edwards connects with an audience

This is what I admire about Wes Clark: the sense that nobody, no matter who it is, is above common decency.



"To put it simply, presidents are public servants - they shouldn't be in government to serve themselves or narrow special interests. They should be open, honest, and up front with the public about everything possible - and especially about themselves. Because, when it comes down to it, true leaders shouldn't have anything to hide from the people who elect them."

[Sparkly]

21. Thanks, WesDem!!

:hug:

[Clarkie1]

20. Great topic.

I supported...well, it's kind of obvious, isn't it?

Edwards connected with people and his "One America" speeches were great in substance and delivery.

Dean brought great passion and energy to the party and organized to grassroots in ways never before achieved. He was and is a trailblazer.

Kerry is thoughful, deliberative, and won every one of those debates hands down.

They're all great democrats and Americans.

[Sparkly]

22. Thank you, Clarkie1!

:hug:

[thecorster]

25. I'm a Kerry man myself

Kerry: I value intellectualism, and I think he has it. He is a brilliant man who ran an honest campaign.

Edwards: He's sort of an Everyman that the working class can relate too. He speaks well.

Dean: Truly innovative and committed to the party. Plus, he's a doctor which is pretty cool by me.

Clark: I appreciate his service to the country and think that's a wonderful background to become a leader.

I don't support any of them for a 2008 run. We need some fresh faces, someone the Repubs haven't conditioned their base to hate. Can you imagine if some guy (or gal) came out of nowhere and took the Repubs by surprise?

Of course, if it is only familiar faces that run in 2008, I'll gladly support one of them.

[DaveinMD]

23. I love all Democrats

most of my posts here are to try stop folks from bashing other Dems

[Sparkly]

26. You've been even-handed

and one of these days, I hope we'll work together for a Democrat in Maryland! (O'Malley, perhaps? Or even Mfume, for something?) :hi:

[DaveinMD]

27. I hope so

I'm still waiting to talk to those O'Malley people for a role on their campaign.

[elshiva]

58. O, yes please

MDer here will work for O'Malley or MFume or whatever Dem is running against Ehrlich (we call him "Hitler Hair").

[realFedUp]

28. Group hug

It is interesting that it's usually
Clark supporters who want us all to
join them in a group hug...

It's a little too early to start
campaigning again isn't it folks?

[Sparkly]

36. Thanks

It's nice what you said about Clark supporters.

Yes, it's early to start campaigning, and the most we're hearing from any of them is that they haven't ruled out a run. But it's understandable that lots of people are really enthusiastic about the candidates they supported (or still support), and in this particularly bleak winter, with all that's happened and where we are in election cycles, it's helpful and hopeful to have a hero.

(I just think it's also healthy not to go crazy out of our way to bash each others' heroes, or each other. Free speech is fine, but a little exercise like this never hurts, either!) :grouphug:

[IronLionZion]

29. Deaniac here

Edwards is a handsome guy who knows the meaning of hard work and how anyone can make something of themselves if given the opportunity for education.

Kerry is kicking ass on health care for kids issue right now as we speak.

Clark makes Karl Rove piss his pants. Clark is a great man who saved a people from genocide and knows war first hand.

All three would be great leaders. And my man Dean is changing the party and the country right now, whether he gets to be DNC chair or not.

[DaveinMD]

31. great post

here here

[IronLionZion]

32. thanks

:hi:

[DaveinMD]

34. I think most supporters of all candidates

are like you. I think the trouble is only caused a few people. I supported Clark, but I like all the candidates alot. I agree with them on most things. We are all Democrats and need to keep our eyes on the prize.

[ZombieNixon]

30. I supported Dean (couldn't vote, too young).

Dean - He gave us back our balls and he's a brilliant, media-savvy organizer.

Edwards - When I say "sunshine boy," I mean that in the best possible way; we need optimism. Plus, he's one hell of a speaker.

Clark - He's a general, a GENERAL, honey, who's proud to be a liberal Democrat, and won't take any shit.

Kerry - I took some time to take to Kerry, but I was behind him all the way after the convention. He kicked Chimp's ASS in the debates, and holy hell the man is smart!

I'd vote for any of these four in 2008 without hesitation.

[Rowdyboy]

33. I was a strong Clark supporter because he is a personal inspiration

When he lost, I proudly supported John Kerry because he is an authentic American hero and a liberal.

John Edwards was the perfect choice for vp because he's a southern poor boy who made it to the big time, and he's cute as a speckled puppy.

Howard Dean has as much passion as the above three and wants to use it to fix the Democratic party. I think he can.

PS...Thanks for the thread

[Mz Pip]

35. Any of them would be better

than what we have now.

I supported Clark because I thought he had a broad appeal and might have been able to heal some of the divisiveness that is poisoning our political discourse. I also believed he had an ability to bring allies together and would do well on foreign policy.

I liked Dean because he wasn't afraid to seriously attack Bush on the war, for his energy and his ability to instill hope.

I liked Edwards because he was smart, articulate and understood the importance of including all Americans in the political process - not just the rich.

I liked Kerry because he came forward 35 years ago and said the things about the war that needed to be said. I admired his service to our country and was most impressed with his record on the environmnet.

Mz Pip
:dem:

[xultar]

37. I like Dean's passion. Mostly because people accuse me of being too

Passionate. I like the fact that he speaks his mind regardless of what other people tell him.

I don't agree with some of Dean's stances...The confederate flag thing was one. But, if I supported Dean from the start it the CF issue wouldn't have been enough for me to pull my support from him on that issue alone.

I do agree with Dean that we need to study Medical pot before blanketly approving it. I agree with Dean on how we should open a channel of communication with the anti-choice moderates and right. Perhaps we can work together to make sure that abortions like Clintion said legal, safe and rare.

Dean isn't an Anti-War candidate Dean more specifically was against the Iraq war. I didn't agree with the Iraq war either. I do think like Dean however that we should have gone into Afghanistan and FINISHED the job and let it end there.

I agree that we should steer the party with issues and not rhetoric. I liked it when he said that we should concentrate on what affects real americans instead of the DLC and that the DLC has no real power.

I think Dean would make sure we show a united front to the right.

When Dean speaks to the media he will point out the hypocracy of the right. I also hope that Dean will HAND PICK our pundits so that they show a unified front to the American public. I think Dean would make sure that our pundits will say on message and beat the shit out of the regressive pundits everytime they try to blame stuff on Clinton.

I think Dean will be able to bring enthusiaim back to party and we won't appear to be lame and tired to the American public.

That's why I like Dean the man. He's a good guy. I don't think he is as Liberal as a lot of people think. But that's o.k. No one is perfect. There are some things that I don't agree with Clark on but I don't support him any less.

[Sparkly]

38. Hey Xultar! You're not done yet.

Please say something positive about Edwards and Kerry! That's the challenge -- saying good things about all three of the four that weren't your top choice, whether it's easy or not easy.
:hi:

[xultar]

47. Edwards is HOTTTTTT, smart and an excellent husband. Kerry SMART!!!

A war Hero, should be President right now and Edwards should be our Vice President. Kerry and Edwards are presidential in their decorum. Above and beyond what we are experiencing now.

[Sparkly]

49. Alright, xultar!! :)

You met the challenge!! :toast:

[ClarkUSA]

55. Still composing...

[Blue_In_AK]

39. I too support every single one of these people...

...and the bashing of any of them makes me sick.

[mvd]

40. My turn

I like Dean the most of the 4 - and here are my positives on the others:

Clark: has a good shot against the neo-cons - very direct like Dean sometimes

Edwards: has a positive outlook for America, and lots of charisma

Kerry: a very honorable man who would have made a great President

[rockymountaindem]

41. I'm a Kerry supporter, but there's lots to appreciate from everyone.

Clark and Kerry are the Republicans' worst nightmare. Clark (like Kerry) can speak about defense and religious issues with sincerity. The fact that their experiences and beliefs make them liberals is great, and it pisses off the conservatives no end.

Edwards is a good populist and I hope to see him around these next 4 years.

Dean is very outspoken and his aggressive style motivates a lot of people whose contributions to the party over the last year have been critical. He doesn't wait around for things to happen, he makes them happen himself.

[PopSixSquish]

42. Edwards Supporter Here

His speeches about poverty and the lack of education in this country really resonated with me. And dang it, he is one of the few folks who could talk about these issues without putting people to sleep.

John Kerry is a thoughtful, deliberate, and kind-hearted person who has worked long and hard and often without fanfare to better the lives of average Americans. We would never hear "bring 'em on" from him on any subject.

Wes Clark is a patriot and an incredibly smart man. He's able to talk about very complex national security issues in a complete, common sense manner.

And Howard Dean understands the meaning of activism, grassroots involvment and getting people excited about being part of the process.

And I hope each of these folks stayed involved in Democratic Party and public policy. If we were to lose any one of them, we as a party and as a country would be the lesser for it.

[Sparkly]

44. Nice one!

Thank you! :hi:

[Sparkly]

43. Come on now!

We're hearing a lot from some candidates' supporters and not so much from others'... It really doesn't hurt to say something positive, so please join in! (And we're all outnumbered by those who've said they like them all equally, which is nice!)

:kick:

[Tom Rinaldo]

46. OK here goes

Clark is my guy, so I will just say that he is brilliant fearless and true, a man who has always put honor duty and service first and foremost (but I could say so much more).

Dean was so right about needing to stand up to the Republicans and about having to rebuild our Party from the bottom up. He inspired so many.

Edwards always spoke up about the pain of average Americans who this Administration could care less about leaving behind, so long as their Corporate profits are in recovery.

Kerry will always be a hero to me. I honor his bravery in Viet Nam, but his anti war leadership upon return was a true gift to America, and ever since he has never stopped trying to make a positive difference.

[Colorado Blue]

48. I thought Clark would have been a shoo-in and I hope he

throws his hat into the ring once again.

Kerry REALLY has grown on me, though and I voted for him and would do so again. He is SO smart - that sometimes confuses people but I think he'd be an excellent president.

I think Edwards could win. He has STUFF - charisma - and he's brilliant. He can talk to folks in the South and West - very very important.

Dean, he got us off our butts. Long Live Howard Dean and I hope he remains active in Democratic politics - we NEED him.

Best to all and I wish peace to all.

[Donna Zen]

50. Thinking...thinking....

At the beginning of the primary process, I needed a "yard stick" by which I could make my decision of who to support. The three categories I settled on are ordered by the progress of my logic, not by their importance:

Policy: Although I wanted to win in 2004, I'd never sell my soul. I needed to know where each person stood on the issues that I considered important.

Electability: If we were to win, a stark consideration of the electoral map, and tempered by each candidates personal attributes--strengths and weaknesses--was an important factor.

Ability to govern if elected: This may seem a component that puts the cart before the horse, but I didn't see it that way. Being able to push someone--anyone into the White House only to see them unable to build a coalition and lack the credentials to govern, would in the end, damage any future chance we would have of building a stronger party. Many of the most important things that need to be done for our country and us, are long term projects.

All of the mentioned candidates met the Policy test. While I might disagree with specifics or even entire proposals, there was nothing that broke the deal. Electability was tricky because one had to predict what the over riding issues would be, but there were also pluses and minuses. The ability to govern meant understanding the personalities of each candidate and their past experiences.

I did my research. It is not a matter of the 4 named here not having the right qualities, it was a matter of: to what degree did they possess those qualities.

I love Dean's attitude and his political savvy. Although he is more conservative than I am, I thought that since his core values were so intact, it was a "good thing." I am glad to have such a fighter on our side.

I've met Kerry before all of this primary stuff took hold. One of my friends worked with Kerry in Vets Against the War. What impresses me the most is his commitment to alternative energy and the environment. He knows his stuff. We need to get out of the resource wars.

John Edwards came on the radar shortly after the 2000 election. His freshness and optimism are needed in the party. A new voice and a smart voice with a winning personality and a story to tell.

I never ever would have dreamed that one day I would support a General; but damn I did. And I would again. Clark was shot in February of 1970; I was shot at by my government in May of 1970. Strange twists. I looked at all three categories, and I couldn't ask for more. He simply blew me away.

I've tried to stay out of bashing threads. I honestly don't even understand the point of the trash posted there. At times I've stayed away from DU, because I couldn't write the same rebuttals to the same non-readers one more time. It is depressing and distressing. Q: how do people type when they cannot read?

Thanks for this opportunity. Really.

[MasonJar]

51. I truly think that all these men are true statesmen, who are not out

for personal glory, but are rather trying to promote a better world for the people of America and throughout the world. They are not beholden to anyone but their own conscience. Unlike Bush they are not dry drunks or not so dry drunks, who have a misplaced sense of superiority. Kerry was my man from the beginning. I also adore his wife; she is a tiger. I love the life he has lived by his service in the war, after the war and in Congress. I totally admire Dean; I love doctors anyway and this one is all-American in my book. And I especially approve of the respect that he gives his wife and her need to continue as a physician. I hope he becomes DNC chair. We need him. Clark is a true patriot, who has served his country with great distinction. I admire his relationship with Gert and his obvious character of being who he is. Edwards and his wife are wonderful. They have faced some of life's greatest tragedies with such grace. I admire them both as individuals and I think that John is a man of his word and a man who genuinely cares for his fellow men.

[AP]

52. Edwards supporter...

...because I thought 2004 was a battle between HOPE and FEAR, and Edwards embodied hope better than anyone.

Dean made it OK to say what was wrong with Republicans. I didn't think this race was going to be won by telling people what you were against, but somebody needed to say what was wrong with Republicans. Dean did it.

Clark showed people you can support the military and be a Democrat. Some people think those things are incompatible. Clark proved they weren't.

Kerry didn't make a single slip. He was steady and he always said what he meant to say. The Republicans made up shit about him, but he really honestly didn't give them an inch. He was also exactly what people wanted -- a little bit of a war hero and lot of progressive heart -- and he was able to show it.

[FrenchieCat]

53. Ok, here I go....

Howard Dean is a man who clearly understands what leading is about. He stood up when many were sitting down and told it like it was. He made hopeful many who had given up on the idea that the people have the power (or the people should have the power). I remember that time of darkness when he spoke to and for the masses, and for that I will always be greatful to him. He made life a little easier to bare for a lot of Democrats.

I admire John Kerry and I feel that he would have made a wonderful President. His protest of Vietnam did change things at the time that he stood up and led with courage. He saw what things were wrong in that war that we were fighting and brought issues out into the open that the Nixon Administration wanted kept hidden. John Kerry has always been a thoughtful and reasonable liberal who wants what's best for our country. I hope that during this term in the Senate, he will bring forth solutions to many of the problems that as Americans we all face.

John Edwards has a wonderful life story that has shown that politics is not always reserved for the cynical. He entered into politics fr the right reason, and one can tell that he truly cares about the most unfortunate of us all. The story of his son had me in tears when I first read about it. He is a man of family, of dedication and of hope.

Wes Clark is certainly the one that I most admire and feel would make the best President. I believe that Wes Clark transcends party and is interested in what is best for all Americans as well as for the world. He is an intelligently tough, pragmatic, analytical leader. He is the most honest public person that I have ever met,and most likely the smartest as well. Wes Clark will tell you what "it is" before "it is"--a true sage!

Mario Cuomo probably gave the best description of him in that famous quote...."Wes Clark is a man of whom you can ask a question, and he will look you directly in the eye, and give you the most truthful and complete answer you can imagine. You will know the absolute truth of the statement as well as the thought process behind the answer. You will have no doubt as to the intellect of the speaker and meaning of the answer to this question....
So you can see, as a politician, he has a lot to learn."

Honesty is the value that I most truly treasure in any man that would serve as President of the United States. And maybe that is why I consider Wesley Clark a true American treasure.

[melnjones]

54. What an awesome thread...

I'm a Clarkie 100%, but really do respect the others.

Dean was my pick before Clark entered, and I admire his outspokenness and his ability to mobilize from the grassroot level.

Kerry speaks deliberately and clearly and has a long history of service to our country- in the military, as a senator, and otherwise- that I think is quite honorable.

Edwards- I love his focus on the issue of poverty. It's too often ignored, even by dems.

Kucinich- I admire him for many many things, but in particular for his stance on the issue of abortion. Since he formerly was pro-life, I believe he's one of the few people who holds some middle ground on the issue and could facilitate true positive changes that both sides could agree on in the area of family planning and sex education.

[elshiva]

57. Thanks Sparkly, I take the challenge

I supported Howard Dean during the primaries and support him as Chair of the DNC. Here he is hard at work:


As for Kerry, I sincerely supported him once he got the nomination as did dear ol' Dean. He is a great hero to me because of his work in the VVAW and his work in the Senate for gay rights. The HRC gives him a 100% rating. I am what is known as a Derryiac, someone who loves both Dean and Kerry.

Edwards was great against Cheney in the VP debate, especially when he said, "You're still not being straight to the American people!" Also he gave a great anti-racist speech at the DNC. I wish him the best of luck.

Clark I know very little about. He is a good leader, though, and campaigned well for Kerry.

Also, I love Dennis Kucinich because he wants to establish a Dept. of Peace in America, so that we can spread the message of non-violence.

[LittleClarkie]

59. Okay

I support Kerry (I know, I know, I'm Little Clarkie. But I was a Clarkie for Kerry after a while. Clarkie was me politically with training wheels on.)

Dean could be the guy who can organize and modernize our party. With the party starting to show cojones, we can use his tough talk in the Chairmanship.

Edwards has given us the "two Americas" talking point, and it's a good one that we should continue to use. He would have been more of a factor in the election, except the media pretended not to know where he was.

Clark was my first love. Just about when I realized what was going on and woke the hell up, he was the first to say what was going on in my head, that Bush didn't have a blank check dated 9/11.

I'm continuing, 'cause I like it.

Kusinich was a good and loyal Democratic supporter and I thank him for staying in the race to help frame the debate and for keeping things like the war in the debate.

Sharpton was a breath of fresh air. He told it like it was, and made you smile while he was doing it.

I wish I could say something about Brown, but I don't know her.

[dsc]

60. Dean supporter

Clark is clearly a brilliant man who took a path brilliant men often don't travel. The Kosovo campaign was among the most able uses of military might in history. He also took courageous stands on issues important to me.

Kerry did things as a young man that virtually no one ever does. It is rare for a person of priviledge to go to VietNam much less see real combat once there. His protest of that war when he came home was powerful and honorable. He also was courageous at times in his Senate career (DOMA and investigations come to mind).

Edwards was hands down our best speaker. He also tried to get our party back to helping the poor. After living in NC for a time, his 1998 victory becomes even more impressive. He also didn't go out and find a trophy wife as many in his position do. So may handsome men who find themselves well off divorce and find a 20 something dilitante to marry. It shows level headedness on his part not to have done so.

[Enquiringkitty]

61. They all have wonderful points in their favor.

Dean: Anyone who can deliver that much energy and passion has to be dedicated to the good of the country. He woke up many people to the importance of knowing what is going on in politics, especially the 18-25 crowd. He showed them the importance of their one vote and also that politics can be exciting.

Kerry: His intellect and keen grasp of the depths of an issue is really impressive. He doesn't just look at an issue from one or two points of view but dissects it from the inside out trying to see just what the ramifications of it will be on the American people. We haven't see an intellect like his in many years.

Edwards: This man is the American dream. He embodies the average working man and represents every father's hope for his son. He knows how to present himself and how to defend his opinions. He brings hope for a bright future and a kind of loving energy to the political forum ... an outstretched protective hand for the unheard, the little man, the folks who have given up that anyone in Washington cares about their lives.

Clark: This is a man who comes across as calm, self-assured, a steady hand at the wheel. He would be fantastic at foreign policy. He knows how the Washington insiders manipulate things and how the military fear machine works to promote their own agendas.

All of these men have great things to bring to the White House. I would back anyone of them. I was for Edwards and was very glad when Kerry chose him for a running mate. I would also like to see Al Gore through his hat in the running once more. I wouldn't blame him if he didn't wish to go through it again but his time as VP gives him a unique edge and since we don't know who the reps are going to run next election, he might be a good choice. Anyway, whoever we run, we need to get out and work and fight and do all we can to get this country back on track. It's no telling what we will face when Bush is finished in 2008. We are starting to look like the 70s again and I for one don't want to go back there.

[Crunchy Frog]

62. What a wonderful idea for a thread Sparkly!

I think it's pretty evident that I supported Clark.:)

I admire Kerry alot. I admire that he volunteered to put his life on the line at a time when so many others of his social class were doing everything in their power to avoid service. I admire him for speaking out so strongly against an unjust and immoral war after he got back. I admire him for his many accomplishments as a Senator. I think he is a good and decent man.

I like Howard Dean. He was the first candidate that I supported for the nomination early on. I admired his straight talk and his willingness to sharply criticize the Bu$h administration and say the things that needed to be said, back when it seemed that everyone else was afraid to. I also have admired him for his insistence that the Democratic party stick to its ideals rather than abandoning them in hopes of reaching the illusory "center". I'm hopeful that, if he becomes DNC Chair, that he will do alot of good for our party.

I admit that John Edwards was never a great favorite of mine. Nevertheless, I admire him for being such a compelling and eloquent speaker. I admire that he is talking about poverty as a moral issue. I think his focus on economic justice is very important, and something the party needs to embrace. I believe that he did very good work as a lawyer, to help people who had been victimized and had nowhere else to turn.

I wanted to add, my admiration for Kucinich. I found him overly idealistic for my taste, but I believe that we need idealism to tell us fundamentally who we are and where we should be going. I ended up voting for Kucinich in my state caucus, and was a delegate for him going all the way up to the state Convention. I attended a number of Kucinich meetups after Clark dropped out, and the people there were some of the nicest people I've ever met. Most of them were very active locally in working to try and get Kerry elected.

Kudos to everyone who is contributing to this thread, and trying to contribute to improving the atmosphere here on DU. :toast:

[VOX]

63. I supported Edwards, but Kerry, Dean and Clark are *all* honorable men...

I can easily perceive the excellent qualities in each, and could support any one of them as candidates. Kucinich, too. The are all good Democrats.

If one of these gentlemen is our 2008 candidate, I will support him 100%.

[etherealtruth]

64. I greatly appreciate this topic being discussed.

For a very long time I simply read what others posted and responded to on the DU, as my perception was that if you didn't support Dean you were not / could not be a liberal. I do not believe the man's record is as liberal as it has been portrayed, I think his experience was as a governor of an extremely small state--------a state that is fairly affluent and homogeneous. I believed, with all my heart, my values and concerns would be better represented by others. However I respect those that fervently supported him and I respect the energy and organization he did bring to the party.

With that said, I think the position of DNC chair is ideal for Howard Dean. His talents are ideal for that position and he may well mature enough politically in that position to run for national office and win.

Not that something as trivial as physical appearance would effect my vote, but...

John Edwards IS HOT, HOT, HOT (and a populist which is very appealing,also)

[MarianJack]

65. I Supported JK From the Word Go,...

...but I also remember posting, when Gen Clark got in, that we now had a double figure # of candidates who would be better presidents than **.

Here goes!

Dean. I will forever be grateful to him for giving us back our fighting spirit. He's DEFINITELY my choice for DNC chair!

Clark. An articulate, intelligent and, IMHO, a downright NOBLE man. My hope for him in a Kerry/Edwards cabinet was for him to be Secretary of State or National Security Advisor.

Edwards. A great speaker, a great advocate, a great running mate and, most important to me, a great husband. Even before we heard about Elizabeth's health, it was obvious that he was just HEAD OVER HEELS in love with her. That's just the way I feel about my wife.

Kerry. I would have been proud to point to John Kerry and tell my son that THIS MAN was our president. When I was his age, JFK was elected and he was the first image I had of a president. I still hope for that some day.

I still have great respect for Gep, CMB, Dennis, Al and Bob. I, like most here, can live without Lieberman, but he would have been better than ** (but not much).

BTW, great post, Sparkly! :bounce: :thumbsup: :kick: :headbang: :yourock:

[WI_DEM]

66. Dean Supporter

Kerry--Did an excellent job in all three debates with Bush.
Edwards--could identify with the common man.
Clark--good looking and media savvy.

[Name removed]

67. Deleted message

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

[Sopianae]

68. You can also hide a thread.

No need to piss on one.

[hopein08]

69. Good idea...

I supported Edwards.

Clark...brings a unique perspective to the party and new and unique perspectives are the key to expanding the party and winning.

Dean...developed the interest of a new group of people and got them to believe that they could make a difference. We must build upon that, hopefully with Dean as chair of the DNC.

Kerry...fights constantly for what he believes in and is a hero for being so outspoken against Vietnam.

Again...this is a great idea!

[FrenchieCat]

70. thanks you for this thread......

cause we really shouldn't be at war with each other....and it appears that there are many who feel the same way. Good to know...cause for a while, I was starting to wonder.

[eridani]

71. Kucinich supporter

Liked Dean's grassroots approach and decentralized organizing, Kerry's environmental record and his asskicking of BCCI, Clark for being the only guy besides Kucinich to advocate cuts in defense spending, and for being a fast learner, Edwards for the "Two Americas" theme, Gephardt for his history of being pro-labor and his advocacy of the Apollo project, Sharpton for being the best orator of the bunch, and Carol Moseley Braun for advocating single payer health care. Oh, and Graham because he wanted to drop a dime on the Bushies and their Saudi connections.