I'm undecided, and in Florida - at that point, will my primary vote count?

[darknemus]

Even with everything I read and see, I still haven't truly made my mind up on who to vote for in the primary. I think ALL of our Candidates have something to offer and bring more to the table than Shrubster ever could. So, what do I do? I mean, does my vote even matter at that point? Here's how I see it.

Kerry: Obviously the media's 'boy' right now. But that can change in a heartbeat - and we all know how people follow the media.

Dean: Sorry, Doc. I really do feel bad for you - the Iowa speech thing just made you look foolish - I know it's not your fault - and I don't blame you one iota for being that embroiled and passionate - its just that it scares John Q. Public. Sucks, too - because I think you're probably one of the best qualified of the bunch. (Please note: I'm not discounting Dean by saying this. It'd be nice to see him pick up some votes and some delegates.. to present a real challenge to Kerry.)

Clark: When he first announced, I was rather impressed. I even saw him speak locally - but he just doesn't seem to be able to draw up the.. fire in voters like some of these other guys do. Again, I'm sure alot of that is media perception as opposed to reality, unfortunately.

Edwards: Ok - this guy strikes me as an enigma. From what I've read of him - it doesn't look like they'd have much to attack him on. He seems level headed, and his charisma just oozes. That can go a LONG way to persuading the voter who is truly 'undecided' until the last possible moment. I'd love to see this guy get some more delegates.. but I wonder what's 'best' for the party (more at the bottom)

Kucinich: Wow.. amazing guy. Passionate to a fault, almost. But I look at the reality of the situation, and I don't see any possible ability for him to pick up the nomination.

Sharpton: See Kucinich.

Ok, with all of that being said - here's my dilemma.

I want to vote for the person during my primary that is 'best' for the Democratic party, as a whole, to continue to prosper. I realize that alot of people here on DU feel that the Democratic Party is too far to the right right now or whatever - and I dont necessarily disagree - but the problem is, we need to make changes in small, imperceptible steps before we bombard the right with 'shock and awe' so to speak. The clandestine approach, while it may suck now, could truly be best for our party in the future - when my kids, grandkids, etc, have to live in this country.

So: Who's the best choice to further the success of the Democratic party? What's the right option? And, even more so, by the time Florida gets around to voting - does it even matter.

-darknemus

[ScreamingMeemie]

1. Vote your conscience. This is the only chance you may get to

vote for the man you would like to see as President. You'll get a chance to vote for whoever wins the nomination in November. But make a stand in Florida based on your convictions. Also, reading your post I think you answered your own question.

:hi:

[bryant69]

2. In agreement

I'm in Florida too, and I plan to cast my vote for Candidate X. He's the man for the job. And even if he doesn't get the nomination at least I know I voted for the guy I thought was best for the job.

Bryant
Check it out --> http://politicalcomment.blogspot.com

[deminflorida]

3. We could use your help....

As a fellow Floridian...and a Dolphins Fan....

Join our ranks....if we hold out till March 9th, We'll have a real chance to send a shocking message to both parties.

Regular Grass-Roots Americans who are tired of Washington Insiders, DO COUNT....

www.emeraldcoast4clark.org

Check out the website, and look for the other ones in Florida. Give us a hand, we need you.

[Democrats unite]

4. Well from a fellow Floridian

Vote with your heart, forget the media. You know in yoor heart who you want to vote for & that who it should be. Don;t worry about anything else.

I may not like who you choose, but hey this is America! I'll get over it. All I ask is you be true to yourself & screw everthing else. At that point you will have made the right decision.

[Ninga]

5. Hey, you really have to decide for yourself,

having said that, I have not waivered from my support of Dean.
It's simple.

He's strong.
When new information is presented, he reconsiders.

He has already acccomplished good things for his people in Vermont.

And he says he will not promise the moon, because it can't be delievered.

From day one, I called, wrote and marched in protest of the war with Iraq.

Dr. Dean, stood strong when it was not popular, and he didn't care that his patroitism was questioned.

All the other guys heged their bets, squirmed and worried about re-election and have given Bush everything he has asked for.

Are these good enought for you?

Pick a candidate and be passionate and vote your heart.

[bluedog]

6. just vote

I hail from St.Petersburg....whom ever is left by March 9 choose who you think is best.

.but by all means get to the polls and take a friend....show Jeb and Co the Democrats down here are going to fight his brother bush and that WE do out number the Republicans.....

Now is not the time to back away from the polls...

[Lydia Leftcoast]

7. The primaries are your best opportunity to express your opinion

about where you think the Dem party should go.

Don't jump on any bandwagons if you don't like the direction they're going. Study the candidates closely and vote for the one who most closely reflects YOUR issues, not the one you think everyone else will like.

This is the future of our country, not a high school popularity contest. As they say in the wedding service, "Speak now or forever hold your peace."

[SW FL Dem]

8. I'm from FL too

I hope I get a chance to vote for Wes Clark, but in any case I am ABB.

[fiorello]

9. Why Kerry is good

Not just the media darling, I think.

I want a candidate who can attack Bush on foreign policy and especially who will make Bush look UNPATRIOTIC. That's Kerry or Clark.

I want a candidate who can also attack Bush on the range of domestic issues - the economy, health care, stooging for the rich, the deficit, etc. That's Kerry or Edwards.

I suspect that it will be good for the party for someone who presents himself as a 'responsible adult'' - in contrast to Bush, the spoiled child. Kerry does that the best.

Kerry is the candidate who can combine ALL sides of people's dissatisfaction with Bush.