Candidate Challenge

[iluvchicago86]

Okay guys. We need a bit of a lighter note in here, so this is a thread where we look at the brighter side of things. Most of us have a preferred candidate, and we are dedicated to helping that guy/gal succeed in the primaries. But the challenge in this thread is to name a nice or very admirable quality in another opposing candidate, even though you don't necessarily support that person in the primaries. I am for Dean (yeah ignore my sig line guys lol) but I really admire the way Kerry has used his senate position to stand up for things like the environment. Massachusetts is VERY lucky to have him. Also General Clark, though a rookie to professional politics, has proven to be excellent on the stump and rounding up more supporters by the day. Quite an accomplishment, and good for him and all his supporters. No flames or anything in this thread please guys. It's a thread of good spirit because the holidays are here. Now your turn!

[JohnKleeb]

1. Ok

I like Kerry's views on the environment and I covet that Bobby Kennedy Jr endorsement but it is well deserved IMO. Clark though inexperienced is well informed on the issues. Dean I admire his fundraising ablities. I like Edwards' "I am fighting for the people I grew up with" populism and what not. Gephardt I feel he does a great job for labor. Sharpton he really livens up a debate. Braun seems like a nice lady with good ideas. Lieberman he has pretty good domestic ratings. Thats all of them isn't it. That wasnt hard.

[TexasPatriot]

2. Clark supporter here - saying DK rocks

Here's a guy who just says it the way it is. He's much more of the 'democratic wing of the democratic party' than some. He's one of those guys you wish was president.

[JohnKleeb]

3. kick

[HFishbine]

4. Dean supporter here who likes Kucinich's

idealism.

[curse10]

5. I'm a Kerry supporter who likes Edwards, DK, and Clark

:-)

I think they would all make wonderful presidents!

[UrbScotty]

6. Okay! I'll chime in about all of them!

Clark and Kerry both know something that Duh-Bya doesn't: WAR IS HELL!

Kucinich has many great ideas.

Braun has a nice, charming smile.

Sharpton? Well, just hear him speak.

Lieberman is the Elected VPOTUS.

Gephardt and Edwards have fought like crazy for working families for decades.

Dean, well, you know!

[ModerateMiddle]

7. Ok.

Clark makes me feel safe. I think he probably needs more experience learning how to temper his answers in a world where every single word is parsed and disected, but he's an admirable man, and I love that he wants to be a part of the country's political future.

Dean has run an amazing campaign, and either he or Trippi was remarkably prescient in their initial use of the internet, blogs and MoveOn.org to generate widespread support for Dean.

Edwards is probably the most JFK like of any of the candidates. He has a wonderful domestic policy plan, and has real vision for what it will take for the middle class - the "backbone of America" - to be able to succeed in America. If he had more foreign policy credentials, I would strongly support his candidacy. Unfortunately, because of 9/11, I think this election is going to have as its "ticket to admission" strong FP creds.

Gephardt has a long and solid history of service to this country. I love that he is from ordinary roots and has suffered things in his family that ordinary Americans can identify with so closely.

Kerry is probably the most rounded candidate, although he doesn't spark the excitement of someone like Howard Dean. He has a long and consistent history of supporting pragmatic solutions to problems while remaining steadfast in his fundamental beliefs (i.e. education, support for servicemen/women, environmental protection).

Kucinich has an amazing, spiritual vision for this country and the world.

Lieberman is consistent. He is too hawkish for me, but he's been consistent about this. I do not believe that his is "Republican Lite", it's his hawkishness that leads people to say these things. I love that he worked for civil rights in the south when things were so horrible there.

Mosely-Braun is a real lady. She has interesting positions, and has remained above the fray of the political attacks. Probably because she hasn't got a chance at the nomination, but it still serves as a shining light in the forums/debates.

Sharpton is very interesting in the debates. As a preacher, he obviously is the most comfortable speaking in public. I can't take him seriously about a candidacy, though, because he supports universal health care, but doesn't have a clue about how much it would cost.

[Nadienne]

8. DK Supporter

Really like Kerry's record with environmental issues.
I hear Edwards is very good at turning repugs against each other. Gotta admire that.
Clark, as a man who's been there, has credibility in issues of war.
I love Sharpton's sense of humor.
Braun is articulate, maybe even the most articulate.
Lieberman and Gephart... I'm sure they'd be better than Bush.
And Dean has a presence. Unmistakable.

[sandnsea]

9. Good group of candidates

Wes Clark is probably a genius and I think he is sincerely distressed at the direction of the country. He'd be an amazing President. Edwards and Gephardt would really look out for the people and change this country to one where families and workers are respected again. Dennis, who doesn't love Dennis. This campaign is going to really allow him to have a more influential voice and that will be great for the country and the world. Good people out there making a difference!

[LSdemocrat]

10. Dean supporter - Nice things about other candidates:

Clark - great record of service to the country. I truly admire him a great deal.

Edwards - Definitely a rising star of the party. Great potential president, I just wish he would have gained additional political experience before running for president

Gephardt - good record of standing up for ordinary Americans. As a Missourian, I rank him as one of the greatest Missouri Democrats of my time.

Lieberman - Consistent, stands up for his beliefs.

Sharpton - Excellent public speaker, I hope he stays involved in politics

Braun - I think she is a wonderful person and a breath of fresh air in this race.

Kucinich - Admire his commitment to his beliefs.

Kerry - good overall record as a Senator

[JohnKleeb]

11. kick

[Hoppin_Mad]

12. I'm a Dean supporter who admires them ALL - except Joe

I would be happy to call any of them President, and will campaign for and vote for whoever the Dem nominee is.

[JohnLocke]

13. kick

[LWolf]

14. Let's see.

I've done specifics on several of the "say something nice about the other guys" threads over the past several months, so I'll just say this.

During the last 2 debates, I was inspired by all of them. I found something to like about what I heard from every single one. Agree or disagree with specifics, still they gladdened my heart and gave me hope for the future. Because every last one of them is a huge improvement over the mess we've got now. We're going to win.