I'm 12 and I have a question for you

[b-ballgurl]

When the news about the race for the white house started and you heard about the candidates who were competing, who did you want first?
Did you change your mind after you found out more about that person?
I personally wanted Kucinich in the beggining but my mom wanted Dean so after I read more about Dean I decided to stick with him. I think if there was a candidate who was liberal like Kucinich and had ideas like Dean and tied with parts of the other people running that would be the best. This question came to mind when I was listening to the other kids in my American Politics class that I do in school as a afterschool activity. :shrug:

[xultar]

1. I learned about Clark by talking to my Dad. He's been my

candidate ever since.

[Cuban_Liberal]

2. That's a very good question.

Initially, I liked Sen. Graham, because he opposed the Iraq war, but after he dropped out, I went to Gen. Clark. Now I support Sen. Edwards.

:)

[bigwillq]

13. Why did you switch from Clark to Edwards?

Just curious.

[kayleybeth]

3. Hello and welcome to DU

I supported Dean at first, but I've been a Clark supporter ever since he got into the race :-).

[asjr]

4. I support

Howard Dean.

[MuseRider]

5. Welcome to DU!

12 huh? Good for you. I love to see younger people here.

Funny, I started liking Dean until I read the "Prayer for America" by Kucinich and I have never turned back.

I wish my kids had had an American Politics class! Their government classes were done pass fail with a CD to use at home, they only had to show up for 2 tests. Thankfully they know a lot because their dad and I are interested in politics. BTW, they are both voting for Kucinich in our caucus with me.

Anyway, welcome to you, I am glad you are here.

[b-ballgurl]

14. kool

I think it's the same with me as a kid I was infuensed by my parents, I just started the class yesterday.

[MsUnderstood]

6. How I decided and changed

I decided on my candidate first by playing a Whack a Pol at slate

(this version of the game talks about who is most elecatble http://www.slate.com/id/2094189/) and I settled on Dean.

After watching the candidates, I began leaning towards Clark. However, based on the new whack a pol, Kerry is the guy I should watch.

HOWEVER, I am totally in the ABB frame of mind. Anything but Bush will suit me fine!

[isbister]

7. I first liked Kerry

and then I went to read all I could about the candidates; how they voted before and what they said about their ideas for the future of our country.

I liked Kucinich a lot but thought that, in the end, when I considered everything, Senator John Kerry was the best man for the job at this time.

[Cuban_Liberal]

8. Oh! Welcome to DU!

;hi:

[w4rma]

9. Gore, until he dropped out after Saturday Night Live.

Then undecided until Gov. Dean showed up, the next year, on my radar.
Then a few days before the 2nd quarter ended (end of June) I donated to Gov. Dean and have supported him since then.

[THUNDER HANDS]

10. the first person I fell in love with was Kerry

Then I switched to Dean, then to Clark. Now I'm back to Kerry.

I've liked Kerry as a candidate since the day after the election was decided.

[meow mix]

11. i liked dean

but then clark entered

and i thought, here is a candidate that can beat bush even better..
AND
be a stronger leader.
one who will be able to implement the policies that are more to my liking than those proposed by dean.

its just perfect =)

[Iverson]

12. hi, b-ballgurl.

At first, I wasn't much interested in the Democratic field and was just waiting to see who the Greens would nominate. Since then, I've become somewhat interested in Kucinich and much entertained by Sharpton.

Most of us start out greatly influenced by our parents. I think it's great that you're showing an interest in the political world at 12.

[bigwillq]

15. Have always liked Dean

and I'm sticking with him.

Welcome to DU!

[b-ballgurl]

20. oh ya

I say that's easy, stick with your fav one and go for it!
:toast:

[Kathleen04]

16. The first candidate..

I noticed on TV that I found likeable was John Edwards, but I really started paying attention in late September when Clark got into the race.

So, I started out undecided between Dean, Clark, and Edwards until I decided to support Clark some time in early December. :)

[Individualist]

17. Welcome b-ballgurl

The first time I heard Dean speak, I was convinced that he'll be a president of, by and for the people rather than of, by and for corporations. I've wholeheartedly supported him ever since then.

[Fovea]

18. I went for Kucinich when he entered the race

I remembered him fighting against big energy way back when, and I can't help thinking that he could actually stop the corrupt amoral groups of energy sellers, professional investors, and business leaders who are getting filthy rich destroying everything America stood for that was fair, noble, or intelligent.

Sure, there are other candidates I like, but I think Dennis is the best hope America has to live in a future that is humane, as opposed to Orwellian.
I can only hope that the world you actually grow up and work in will be half so good as the one Kucinich envisions. Anyway, that is why I starte d out supporting DK, and never found anyone more to my liking.

Thanks for asking.

[diamondsoul]

25. I miss the original website address-

www.spiritoffreedom.us

It still takes you there but it's not the one most people use. I loved that address, and it was funny because I converted an old forum I had to a Kucinich support forum. The webtag is "spirithome", and I used the original website address as the homepage link for the forum. Corny as hell but the forum webtag really fit how I felt after I discovered this amazing candidate.

[incapsulated]

19. Welcome to DU, b-ballgurl!

Well, I started off with Dean but I really wanted another choice. I was going to switch over to Kerry when Wes Clark got in the race and I've been with him ever since.

[diamondsoul]

21. I heard about Kucinich first-

How's that for a shocker?! LOL Seriously, though, a friend who stays pretty informed about politics was reading my rant about the Iraq war. She posted back "You sound like Dennis Kucinich." and I answered "Who?!". She gave me the link to his campaign site, and I spent 2 hours wandering through his policies. Before I left I volunteered to help with the campaign and haven't stopped yet.

Until I read his positions, I really was the typical apathetic American. I just didn't care because it didn't make any difference anyway. If he drops out before the end, it'll be tough to overcome that again, but I think this time I'm awake for good.

I never ever expected to be inspired by a politician, but I can't sway myself from the fact that I have a chance to help a man I really DO want to become the next President of my country, probably for the first time in my life.

[texasmom]

22. I didn't have a candidate

for the longest time. I liked Edwards when he first started visiting New Hampshire, but I guess it was too early for me to commit to a candidate. No one jumped out at me for a long time. Finally, I discovered General Clark after reading an Esquire article about him last summer. I immediately began researching his background, quotes, stands on issues, and was sold. I joined the Draft Clark movement at the end of July, and I've never looked back. His strengths of being a leader and coalition-builder would make him an excellent president--for our country and as a leader in the world.
Anyway, it's great to see a 12 year old in this forum. I teach 12 year olds, and I work very hard to get them interested in the political process.

[funky_bug]

23. Welcome to DU, young Democrat!

Before I tell you my story, I want to tell you that YOU are really an inspiration to me! I am so impressed that at 12 years old, you are taking an active interest in the democratic process. I don't know you, but you make me PROUD!

So my story goes a bit like this...

I took some time, looking for a candidate that really said stuff that I could identify with. All of the candidates running had great things to say, but I was looking for something more.

I was referred to Edwards, and I read about him, and I liked him! He reminded me of Bill Clinton. I'm from Florida, so you can imagine my excitement when Graham decided to run. Then this weird thing happened...I had to write a research paper on the Interent (I'm a 34 year old college student). That's when I found out about Wesley Clark. One of my google searches brought up the Draft Wesley Clark site. I read and read and read, and I really found what I was looking for... that thing I couldn't put my finger on... though I liked Edwards, and really liked Graham, Wesley Clark was the one I identified with. My dad was a career military man, and I understand the values that come with that life choice.

I didn't jump right in, I sort of splashed around in the Democratic pool. I guess lots of life savers where out there, but Clark's was the one I grabbed onto.

Now, before you go to bed tonight, I want you to do one thing: I want you to hug your mom, and thank her for being such a good influence on you. You are so blessed to have the opportunity to learn and get involved at your age. All I can remember my mom saying when I was growing up was, "Nixon was a crook" and "Go clean your room."

[Indiana Democrat]

24. Three things...

First, my best answer to your question...

1) You've already answered your own question...Your approach to your politics is right on target...Always keep an open mind...Always keep learning...Never be afraid to learn new things and change your mind. Well done!


Now some chatter...

2) Stay interested in politics, this country NEEDS you.

3) Keep listening to and learning from your mother, and you'll never go wrong.


Thank you for your comments! :)

[b-ballgurl]

30. thx

I hope to go to law school and become a senator or a governor.

[Indiana Democrat]

31. No need to stop there...

...Ms President.

[xultar]

26. I need to play Mama DU,

Please don't give your age on the web. There are some really bad people prowling around. I'm confident they aren't here @ DU but we can't control who surfs here.

Please be careful! Your parents raised you well if you are a Democrat!

Good Luck

Mama DU

[populistmom]

43. From her RL mom

She posted her age because I didn't want anyone to be too hard on her, but she's not allowed here (or anywhere yet) without supervision at all times. Plus, e-mail and PM is turned off at her age. There's many strange people out there, but she's definately well-protected.

[xultar]

47. Great, I was so concerned. There are some seriously

freaky people. My mom was molested by a Freeper in a chat room she wondered into a month ago. My mom is 56 years old. I was like mom stay away from the chat rooms.

[snoochie]

48. May I just say

That I was impressed with the fact that you've raised your child to be interested in things that matter. And I'm more impressed with your dedication to her that you've shown with this post. You should write a book on parenting. :)

And one more thing: I LOVE your sig. :D

[xultar]

51. I agree! n/t

[mikehiggins]

61. I have only supported Clark and

my story is not a happy, cheerful one.

I am almost 60 years old and I have been active in politics since I was only a little older than you. I was 15 and a sophomore in high school, which may seem old to you at 12 but not to me at my age.

I was in college when JFK was killed, and then Bobbie Kennedy and Martin Luther King. I lived through LBJ's administration and then Nixon and Ford and Carter and Reagan and Bush and Clinton.

And then came George W. Bush. People tend to exaggerate, and especially as they get older, but Bush is literally the worst President to hold office since before I was born. That is just the simple truth.

So this year I was desperate to find a candidate to support who could have a chance of defeating Bush. I couldn't. All of the candidates running were people I had seen before. By that I mean, politicians who had been around, who were well known, who had records that were full of the small (and large) compromises and accommodations that are part and parcel of holding office in the real world. Good men (and one woman) all, but not people who I believed could defeat the man in office, no matter how hard we tried.

So I went looking for someone else, and stumbled over Wes Clark. I can't say I was happy about that. I do not think that a man who has succeeded in an environment such as the military is necessarily experienced enough or sophisticated enough to be the kind of President I would ordinarily support. Still, he appeared on cable television frequently as an expert in his field and he appeared moderate enough, and balanced enough, for me to pay attention.

And unlike the rest of the field he seemed likely, albeit with a lot of work and effort, to be able to defeat George Bush. It would not be easy, but it might be doable. I would not have even considered it, though, if I thought other candidates could do the job. I didn't and I don't.

A man out of your history books, a man named Henry Kissinger who did a lot of things I consider evil, once wrote a paper about why the Nazis were able to attain power in Germany after WWI. His idea was that the people in power in Germany (who were no saints themselves) just were unable to grasp how unlike the Nazis were to anything they had dealt with before. They could not understand or believe that the Nazis would literally do anything necessary to achieve power. They could not recognise that the Nazis were, in truth, something they had never truly seen before. They just couldn't "get it" and the world suffered horribly as a result.

I don't consider the Bush administration to be "Nazis". I do believe that the present crop of politicians just don't understand what they are dealing with, and that they will be defeated as a result. So that is why, as unlikely as it might be, I was willing to join the "draft Clark" movement (with a young son of my own, I hate to even use the word "draft") and do what I could to persuade this man to run for office.

Certainly,I wasn't born yesterday. I am pretty confident that he really wanted to run anyway. Still and all, it was our grassroots organizing that gave him the justification for trying, and the possibility to get his campaign foo the ground and moving. And some millions of dollars. The people in the "draft Clark" movement donated money before we even had a candidate to spend it. That is pretty remarkable in the real world.

I still think he is our best hope for victory, no matter how the primaries work out. Like many people of my frame of thought, I will do my best to defeat George Bush. I believe him a real danger to the future of my nation and of the kids like yourself that are its future.

It really doesn't matter to me who defeats him, which is true of most of us who support Clark. We have a goal, and Wes Clark seems the best suited to us to reach it.

It is as simple as that.

Now go clean your room and do your homework.

And never, never, never vote Republican.

[youngred]

66. There are other young DUers who have given their age out

and name, and location.

But better safe tahn sorry, especially with Freeper types monitoring our site...now THOSE are some scary people

[On the Road]

27. Welcome, b-ballgurl!

:hi:

I was hoping Al Gore would run. When he decided not to it was a big disappointment for me. Then when I heard Howard Dean speak I felt he right attitude to campaign against Bush. He is also very responsible with money, and Bush has been very irresponsible.

Thanks for asking!

:yourock:

[edzontar]

28. I started with Kerry, but did not like his war vote

I found Dean, who was saying everything that needed to be said.

He made me feel hopeful after many years of despair.

And I will stick with him now, until he wins or his race is over.

Thank you for your question--speaking as a teacher, I must say that your analysis is considerablt more thoughtful than most of what I read here from the so-called "adults."

I predict that you have a bright career ahead of you in whatever you decide to do.

ed

[LeftPeopleFinishFirst]

29. hey!

You're lucky, when I was a kid they didn't really have American Politics classes afterschool... actually I was a kid not too long ago. :)

By the way, when I first heard about the candidates I really wanted Kerry for his environmental stances. I briefly switched to Dean, then saw a better man in Dennis Kucinich and grew sick of Dean. Then I decided to give Kerry a try again because again, it came down to his environmental stances. Guess my first opinion's always right. Now I'm a Kerry, Kucinich, Edwards supporter.

By the way. I'm 16. I came here when I was 13 so you know what? You came along at a good point in time. =)

[NewYorkerfromMass]

32. Started with Kerry, briefly considered Dean

and settled on Kerry.
He was the "heavyweight" to begin with. Dean seemed like a "breath of fresh air" but then.... the air got a little too hot and stale and I could no longer consider Dean. So I guess my line of thinking has always been- "why on earth would I NOT vote for Kerry?"

[onecitizen]

33. Wow! I'm impressed!!

Hi b-ballgurl!!

I read a little article about this guy who was a doctor in VT who wanted to run for President. So, I emailed him and asked some questions and he graciously emailed me back. We did this a couple of times and each time I became more convinced that this was the guy for me. First, it was his position on the war. Next was his desire to balance the budget. And finally, his position on Health Care. Our guys (Dems) were not addressing our concerns, or I should say MY concerns. Dean did. It was not instantaneous for me but more of a slow awareness of the Doc and his positions. After checking out the other candidates at that time, I decided on Dean.

I sure wish I could get you to talk to other kids around the nation and clue them in. :-)

[pansypoo53219]

34. i remember that when i was in grade school WE elected Carter who beat RR

i discovered C-span around 18 years old and loved it, but then i like PBS and discussions stuff there. at art scool i became a hardcore NPR listener. after 88, my first presidential race i figured out how it goes in the REAL world, so i KNEW Clinton to win. I LEAN towards Dean, but like clark. Kerry should have known better than to vote for the IWR, but it all comes down to ABB. because i learned you , IF YOU DON'T VOTE FOR THE LESSER OF 2 EVILS, YOU WILL GET EVIL. so i do not have a dean avatar.
bcause it should be ABB.
and it;'s great you have started young. don't let what anybody says, especially the media, because what they say is nothing for us.
join me and become a fire-breathing democrat and fight for what is RIGHT, not RITE!
and welcome.

[in_cog_ni_to]

35. Welcome to DU, b-ballgurl!

It's nice to have you here! I love it when kids are interested in politics...I'm very impressed! I started out as a Dean supporter and when Wesley Clark entered the race, that was it. He was MY perfect presidential candidate. His position on the issues, spoke to me.

Now, coming from a mom, I'm so proud of you for showing enough interest in your country to come here and ask this question! Voting is one of our most precious rights...when your 18, I know YOU will exercise that right. Thank You! You give me hope.

Now, GO TO BED! :7

[name not needed]

36. I first liked Dean

Then I began to lead towards Clark. I have been between the two recently but switched to Kerry. I never really paid attention to Kerry until Iowa.

[Valjean]

37. Advice for a junior

Kid,

I wouldn't put too much stake in labels. I'm sorry to say that adults let kids down and "redefine" words to suit their immediate needs.

When I was your age, I LOVED Ronald Reagan and then Bush Sr. And I really had to go through soul searching to change my mind before I cast my first democratic ballot for Clinton.

So just remember don't get attached to any one person. Find the issues that YOU believe in. Don't let those guys lead you around by the nose. You will be disappointed.

[uconnyc]

38. I'm for Edwards

b-ball girl,

You should be for Edwards because Dean Smith supports him :-)

At first I was anybody but Gore. I was really impressed with Dean when I first heard him announce his candidacy on Meet the Press. Later I came to the conclusion that he was unelectable and he did not inspire me at all.

When looking to volunteer for a candidate, the most important thing for me was electability. That immediately ruled out Sharpton, Braun and Kucinich. Being originally from CT, I never liked Holy Joe and again I did not find him inspiring.

Basically it was between Gephardt, Edwards, Graham and Kerry. Just felt Edwards southern roots and his ideas in "real solutions" were the ticket to the presidency.

I must admit when Clark joined the race I went to his rallies, but he stumbled in the initial debates and I had issues with those videos where he praised Bush (it was not the praise, but the fact that Rove will use that against him in the general election.)

In the end it was good old JRE.

[arewethereyet]

39. I learned about all then I picked Edwards, I still pick him

its always a good idea to learn as much as you can before you make a descision. Thats the same advice I give my 10 year old daughter.

If you learn about them first then you don't have to switch unless, like Senator Graham, they drop out. I also liked Senator Graham but I thought Senator Edwards would have a better chance of getting elected.

[StClone]

40. Clark/Edwards

Both newcomers, both Southern otherwise totally complementary and seemingly compatible and potent.

[JohnLocke]

49. I disagree: Edwards/Clark

[welshTerrier2]

41. It's great to see a 12 year old interested in politics !!

I wish more people of all ages understood that politics is not just a bunch of people arguing with each other ... Things will not get better in our lives until more people get informed on the issues and participate in the democratic process ...

I congratulate you for taking an interest !!

To answer your question, I considered supporting Howard Dean just as he was beginning his campaign ... He seemed to be the only Democrat willing to be very outspoken against the insanities of the bush (i always write this in lowercase letters) administration ... Too many Democrats seemed afraid to speak out because bush had very high popularity ratings after 9/11 ... But I came to feel uncomfortable with Dean's position on the war in Iraq ... It felt to me that he was exploiting the situation for political gain ... On several occasions, he seemed to take positions on both sides of the issue ... after repeated emails back and forth to his campaign aides, i decided not to support Dean ...

Until recently, I've been very undecided. My top two candidates have been Kucinich and Kerry. I suppose I would consider Clark as well. Well, tonight, after hearing Kerry speak on C-Span, I'm very close to endorsing him. I love Kucinich ... and I know this pains many of his supporters, but I just don't believe America is ready for his ideas ... I hate to put pragmatism (winning) over idealism (beliefs), but I think it's important to be realistic ... We just cannot afford another four years of bush ...

Give Kerry a good listen ... he has a lot of great ideas to help your generation ... and mine too ...

[maxr4clark]

42. First Kerry then Clark (long)

During the attacks on Afghanistan and Iraq, I watched Clark tell us what was happening, and what it probably meant about how things were really going for the soldiers--not just ours, but the Afghanis and the Iraqis. Wars are terrible things; lots of people get killed by accident, and even more get hurt in a way that will last the rest of their life.

When President Bush started talking about attacking Iraq, I started hearing Clark ask if there was really a good reason to do this; why not finish what we started in Afghanistan. He said that we weren't done in Afghanistan, that it would take years to be all over there because we hadn't found the terrorists yet and the Afghan government needed a lot of help to get re-started. He talked about there being no jobs in Afghanistan, and that maybe we could help by putting some Afghans to work as policemen and to help re-build the bridges and buildings we had destroyed. I was very impressed with Clark then, and wanted to find out more about who he was. But I had no idea that he might run for President. Michael Moore, the guy who made the movie "Bowling for Columbine" if you know what that is, wrote a funny book called "Dude, Where's My Country?". My wife read that, and mentioned that Moore had suggested that Clark run for President. There was a Draft Clark movement that was trying to get him to run. My wife and I thought that would be great, but went on with life.

All this started me thinking about how important it was to elect a good President this time to fix all the problems Bush has created. My wife suggested that we might like John Kerry. He had a lot of experience, and I agreed with the things my wife said that he believed. Then I saw him on television, and I was worried that he is kinda funny-looking (everyone's entitled to their opinion, including me), and doesn't always do a good enough job of explaining what he means in simple words. George Bush always uses simple words, even if what he says is often not true. Not caring about whether what you say is true makes it easier to say what people want to hear, so President Bush is hard to beat because he says whatever he wants, only in a way that some people like. So I was worried that Kerry might not win.

I started looking at candidates other than Kerry at about the time Geneal Clark said he wanted to be President. I saw him in the news and on TV and recognized him from CNN, and I thought that he looked more like a President than Kerry did. The next day (back in September) I made a sign with my home computer, and waved it at a Seattle Mariners game. A lot of people smiled at me, but a lot more just laughed.

Since then I've read a lot of things Clark has written, including a book called "Winning Modern Wars", and a lot of things other people wrote about him. I've heard a lot of things about him, some good, some bad. I've looked on the Internet for more information about the bad things, and have always found something that explained it in a way I could understand. I've come to believe that Clark is a very good man who likes people all over the world, and wants everyone in America, and everyone not in America, to have a better life. I also think he knows exactly what needs to be done to fix the biggest mistake Bush has made--invading Iraq--and that none of the other candidates would do nearly as good a job of fixing that problem as he will. So, I'm glad that I'm going to vote for him.

I've gone and waved signs so that people will know he's running, which I have never done before. I've given money to him so he has a chance of becoming President; I've only done that once before. I wear a button with his name on it, and talk with anyone who wants to know more about him--like you. Doing the things that I've done, as well as actually showing up and voting for him on February 7th and again in November, is what an adult in the United States can do to help the country have the best President we can.

I know there are people who like John Kerry or John Edwards or some other candidate better than General Clark who chat with each other through the Democratic Underground website. I think that's great, because the more we talk about what is good for our country, the better of a decision we will make when it comes time to choose the President. That's what Democracy is, and I am glad you have a chance to learn about it on your own computer.

I have a 12 year old daughter, Stephanie, and an 11 year old daughter, Elizabeth. They know that whether General Clark wins is important to me, and we've had fun talking about all the different candidates, and how to vote, and all that. All I want for them is that they learn how to be a part of an election by watching me, and asking me about the parts that interest them. Thank you for asking your question; I hope you get a chance to read all the answers you get--and since mine was very long, I hope you enjoyed it.

[dweller]

44. I bet your head is spinning after all this advice

so i'll be brief. Go with your heart b-ballgurl.
It's a long time from now til the election.
Alot can change.

I've been a DK supporter from the start. His time has come in this crazy world to put America and us (you's and me's) back on heart's path.

good luck in your classes!

peace,
dp

[Hippo_Tron]

45. I like John Kerry at the moment...

Basically, I think that almost all of the candidates have very admirable characteristics and would make very good presidents and that all of the candidates would make a much better president than Bush. At this time I think that John Kerry has the best chance of winning the general election.

[snoochie]

46. First of all

You should be very proud of yourself. :)

Secondly, to answer your question, I started off supporting Gore by default. Then he announced he wouldn't run ... I heard about Dean and liked his anti-war, populist message. Then I found out he won't cut the pentagon budget...

Then I found out about Kucinich. I didn't know anything about him at the time, only that he was against the war, and would cut the pentagon budget. But as I learned more and more about him... WOW!

And I've supported Kucinich ever since.

Study hard, it's good for you! :)

[Clark Can WIN]

50. Fellow DU'ers - and B-ballgurl

DUers: Kinda makes you want to be a little nicer and watch your mouth doesn't it? I know it does for me.

B-ballgurl......... WELCOME! :party:

I first liked Dean but then switched to Wesley Clark for a big variety of reasons but the greatest part for me was Wesley Clark's VERY liberal and progressive stands on issues combined with his incredible experience in foreign policy and with the U.N. As his campaign has developed I have only come to appreciate him more and more.

I think that it is wonderful that you are involved in politics and aware of the world around you. I am also very surprised and pleased to hear that there are enough of you interested in your school for this to be a viable after school activity. If only more adults were as interested as you and your classmates, this country would be in a better place right now!

Best of luck to you!
CCW:bounce:

[Syn_Dem]

52. Whoo!

The kids are taking over!! }( (btw I'm 15) Well, I first started supporting Dean....and still am. My mom's a Clark supporter, so to compromise we have both stickers on her car. I have to admit, there were several times my support wavered for Dean, and I've spent extensive time researching all the candidates, but I still have to hand it to Howard Dean....the man's got what it takes.

I would suggest you do some of your own independent research if selecting a candidate to support, checking voting records and what not. See which one align the most with your ideas.

Peace.

[frustrated_lefty]

53. Reply to B-ball girl

You asked: "When the news about the race for the white house started and you heard about the candidates who were competing, who did you want first?"

I honestly didn't shape an opinion until I looked at all of our candidates. My gut reaction was, I wish Kucinich could be elected, but the pundits would kill him early. Next, I wanted Dean. I won't go into why, suffice it to say I respect him and think he has done a phenomenal job in his state. Sometimes I think we, as a nation, don't deserve public servants so devoted.

In order, my next choices, based on policy, were Kerry, Moseley-Braun, and Edwards.

You asked: "Did you change your mind after you found out more about that person?"

Nope. Kucinich wants something that approaches a paradise. Dean balances budgets, he guarantees healthcare for your kids, he institutes policies that reduce both physical and sexual abuse of kids. It was always a hard call for me between Kucinich and Dean, but they both put people first, in my opinion.

Kerry and Edwards are good men. Clark is a good man too. My priorities haven't changed.

You said "This question came to mind when I was listening to the other kids in my American Politics class that I do in school as a afterschool activity."

My reply: If you're paying attention to politics at your age, you will be a benefit to your nation. The best thing you can do is talk about issues with your peers. How far in debt do you want to go just to go to college? Issues like these will profoundly affect your generation, and it will fall upon your generation to re-shape the course of our nation. I genuinely hope we leave you a nation you want to preserve.

[rocktivity]

54. I like the candidates that the Republicans hate most

First Edwards (who could give us the South in a walk), then Dean. But I realize now that maybe the Reoublicans are pretending to hate them in hopes that we'll overlook Clark and Kerry, who they REALLY fear. At any rate, I think Clark has to be the VP choice if he or Kerry doesn't win.

rocknation

[wyldwolf]

55. I was for Kerry right out of the gate until...

Clark jumped in. Believing that a candidate with strong national security credentials is the ticket to beating Bush, I feel that the only thing Clark has over Kerry is he is southern.

I will be almost as happy if Kerry is the nominee.

[OneBlueSky]

56. personally, I really wanted Gary Hart to run . . .

you may not know him . . . he's a former senator from Colorado who ran for president about 20 years ago, but ran into a "bimbo problem" that effectively ended his campaign . . . since then he's written books and papers on a whole series of issues, and imo has a real grasp of foreign and domestic policy and, particularly, domestic security . . . he considered running for awhile, but ultimately decided not to . . . now I'm hoping he'll run for the Senate from Colorado again . . . we could use his voice in national affairs . . .

[hedgetrimmer]

57. i have and will continue to supported KUCINICH regardless of...

his short comings of my ideals... i have given the candidates a good looking at and it is Kucinich that in my heart represents you, me and every other citizen in this country... as far as i am concerned, there is no other candidate... this country belongs to the people, Kucinich is the only candidate the gives rise to that perception... Kucinich is the ONLY candidate...

[SW FL Dem]

58. Welcome- I am glad to see you here

I have a 12 year old son. We support Clark and just got back from our local house party. I know all the candidates because I am a politics junkie. I chose Clark because I gained a lot of respect for him watching him on CNN during the Iraq war. I also think that he has the ability to attract voters that may not otherwise vote Democratic. My second choices are Edwards and Kerry.

I think it is wonderful that kids your age are paying attention to politics!

[genius]

59. There's a girl out here your age who got her whole familly to back Dennis

She and her brother are really active on Dennis's campaign and the rest of her family has also been really involved in backing him.

Dean's not what he seems. His whole campaign is based on lies. Check it out.

[FreeperSlayer]

60. you go girl!

[Native]

62. I never changed my mind.

Prior to throwing my support behind Kerry (early on), I researched the candidates assiduously. I pulled up their voting records, watched interviews, campaign speeches, Senate floor speeches...,read almost every article I could find on the Net, checked out their websites, subscribed to their e-mail messages, asked the opinions of others, and I even had my kids critique the candidates' speaking performances (it is amazing what kids can pick up with regard to an adult's character). I'm not the kind of person who can dismiss an entire candidate's viability or worth based on one vote - especially when you're looking at a long career in public service, and I'm not blindly swayed by sound bites, polls, or unwarranted criticisms. If I hear something negative, I check it out. I take nothing for granted. I stuck by my candidate when many of his supporters thought his campaign was over, and I donated money to his campaign when it was sorely needed. I have noticed that many (but certainly not most) posters on DU who have flip-flopped on their choices have also posted many inaccuracies about the candidates, and their posts seem to point to less than thorough knowledge about the candidates. It is important to always do your own research and never take anything for granted. By the way, my 11 year old also chose Kucinich!

[cjk]

63. Have stayed true

to Dean. In the lead up to Iraq, I was frustrated and angry at the inevitability of "our" war. I felt like I had to look to the future to try to do something positive to try to influence the next election as opposed to self destruct in my anger. I ran across Howard Deans website, and at a time when everyone, even Democrats, were either too afraid to question/challange the Bush Administration or maybe agreed with the Administration. Howard Dean has since the beginning challenged the Bush folks and the Democrats who went along with them. In spite of the media and other candidates claims, I see Howard as being consistent in his message. I find his speaches to be inspiring and from the heart. He is socially progressive and fiscally responsible in my mind. I am so angry at Democrats that have not been willing to engage in vigorous debate all along. Some finally are, but Howard has been doing it all along.

[creativelcro]

64. I'm 4, and I have a question

Where can I find people my age here ? I don't dislike younger people, but after a while it gets boring, cannot have any serious 4 year old type discussions... :D

[youngred]

67. many of the best and brightest DUers are under 20

and show more intelligence, logic, seriousness and competency than DUers 2, 3, 4 times their age.

[youngred]

65. Welcome to DU

I started off liking Dean, but the more and more I learned about him, the more I disliked him. So I switched to Kucinich as he BEST represents my views on all the issues. He may not win the nomination but I hope he can shake things up a bit. If all else fails Clark, Kerry and Edwards are all Excellent candidates and Dean is not bad either (but my last choice with Lieberman)

[hellhathnofury]

68. I started with Dean and stuck with Dean.

Go afterschool programs!

[bobthedrummer]

69. Welcome to DU, b-ballgurl!

If this were the 1960's your school might have had a Students for a Democratic Society/SDS chapter like mine did.

BTW, I'm voting for Kucinich in the Wisconsin Primary Feb. 17th. My alternative candidate is Dean.
:hi: