What if Paul Wellstone had run this year?

[Ficus]

Never mind my avatar for a second.

What if he had lived and done that? I know he had considered it in 2000, but did not for his health reasons, making this year unlikely too.

Okay this is hypothetical...I know the season is long and there are so many variables, you can't really say.

I was just thinking what a shame it is that he never had his chance.

Imagine how he would have lit up this race. He wouldn't have destroyed himself like Dean - and he would have presented himself better than Dennis Kucinich.

Don't get me wrong, we've had a stellar field, including Dr. Dean and Rep. Kucinich!

http://www.wellstone.org

[demnan]

1. That would have rocked!

He wouldn't have won, but it would have rocked - I'd have loved being there.

Wellstone was born in Arlington, VA so technically he was from the South. Not sure how many people knew that.

[Ficus]

2. yeah he went to NC too

was a wrestler there I believe.

[WhoCountsTheVotes]

3. I'm pretty sure I would have voted for him

Wellstone was great!

[madaboutharry]

4. What if....

I think Wellstone would have been out there, if for nothing else, serving as the conscience of the democratic party.

I really miss him.

on edit: Bob Dylan for President

[West Coast Democrat]

5. Yes, besides his position on the important issues.....

he had the ability to really connect with voters, as well as his fellow politicians. He was an extremely likable guy who could never be painted as insincere.

[Paulie]

6. I still have my Wellstone 2000 button!

We were gonna Draft him. :D

[Ficus]

9. are they still available anywhere

or do you have extras? I'd SO buy one for my collection of campaign stuff.

I still got my Wellstone! sticker on my car, and I (granted lived near) but didn't even live in Minnesota.

[Ficus]

7. Paul's legacy

I'll also make a pitch for Wellstone Action! here. They are a great group of activists and former Wellstone staff who now have turned his memory and lifelong knowledge of grassroots organizing into a great organization.

They are advocates for things Paul cared deeply about (like Mental Health Parity) and also teach people who to get active and better ways to organize. They also are teaching the next group of candidates and staffers to help be/elect the next Wellstone.

I don't give money to a lot of groups, but if you have a chance

a) sign up for a Camp Wellstone near you (it's worth it)
b) contribute to Wellstone Action! (they really are the good guys)

http://www.wellstone.org

[goodhue]

8. Wellstone would not have run

because to his health (MS). He may not have destroyed himself like Dean but I'm not certain the national media would have treated him with that much more respect than they treat Kucinich.

[Ficus]

11. you may be right

but Paul was a master at organizing. DK actually was contacting Wellstone's staff for tips before he ran back in 2002.

Wellstone at least had a national following before hand as well. But the media would have probably tried to destroyed him, youre right.

[gottaB]

10. Never Mind

Never Mind

[Ficus]

12. never mind me either

[Feanorcurufinwe]

13. Why did you put 'never in a million years' after No?

Is it really necessary to slant the poll that way? Did you ever consider the possibility that someone might respect Wellstone but still favor one of the other candidates in this hypothetical matchup? :shrug:

on edit: unable to vote, no good choice.

[Ficus]

14. sorry I'll edit

didn't mean to slant.

on edit: I hope the edit is an acceptable choice.

[Feanorcurufinwe]

17. Cool.

Wellstone was a unique and irreplaceable force for good. Sometimes, however, it's not a choice of the lesser of two evils, it's a choice of the best candidate.

[Ficus]

18. I agree

I went from DK -> Edwards at my caucus.

[SeattleRob]

15. I miss him and would have been an enthusiastic supporter.

I guarantee he would not have been silent in the run up to the Iraq war.

He was an enthusiastic speaker who would also let out an occaisional scream. I am sure the media would marginalize him and paint him as crazy.

[JailForBush]

16. If Wellstone was a candidate, he'd get my vote. However...

the Republicans would probably assassinate him sometime in October.

[Ficus]

19. kick

as I leave work for the day...thanks everyone for your responses/thoughts/vote so far.

[denverbill]

20. Yes, I woulda been pro-Wellstone.

But the DLC would've made sure that didn't happen, just like they did with Dean.