Dean supporters...What issues of his are you rock solid for?

[bhunt70]

Which issues does he tackle with pin point precision that hits the nail on the head with you?

[HFishbine]

1. Defeating Bush

Direct talk about the failings and dangers of the Bush administration along with clear alternatives.

[rucky]

2. Guns

I don't own one, nor am I a real big fan of them, myself. but I think his take on it is the solution to the whole gun debate.

[candy331]

4. This may not be an exact issue but

I truly would love it if we could take this country back.

[pasadenaboy]

3. Cooperative foreign policy

and pragmatic sensible economic policy.

[the populist]

5. Guns, but

that's about it. And it's not like I care that much about 2nd-amendment issues to begin with.

All he has going for him is his good oratory skills. He's not an issue candidate as he's changed his position on everything from Israel to taxes. I actually supported him when he promised evenhandedness when dealing with the Palestinians, but when he started preaching AIPAC talking points a few weeks ago I told myself I might as well vote for Gephardt, who at least has a concrete agenda.

[bearfartinthewoods]

6. you aren't going to get any detailed answers on this

only broad generalities because citing any detail is risky if you are talking about dean.

[ThirdWheelLegend]

14. harsh...

not necessarily wrong in all cases though.

You are not a Dean supporter! What are you doing on this thread? :P

TWL

[SadEagle]

7. His overall approach.

Although I am pretty much a textbook liberal, I like the idea of pragmatists running the executive branch --- and Dean is very much one. It is nice to see someone approach governing with the idea that one must try to be objective in solving problems, to listen to various viewpoints, to evidence and counterpoints. A collary to this is the willingness to learn. How he came away from the VT civil rights court is an example of this --- he obviously learned a lot about politically charged issues he did not know much of before. See also how he became aware of problems in NAFTA (one could, perhaps criticize him for not seeing them soon enough, and that would probably be fair, except I am not sure these problems should have been considered by a VT governor). With Dean, I am sure that even when I would not agree w/his decision, I will be confident that they were reached in good faith, using the best evidence and considerations available.

[edzontar]

8. Breaking up media monopolies is a good one..

Also repealing the Bushco tax cuts.

[windansea]

9. better question..what issue is Dean solid on?

the little weathervane on his beanie is spinning to fast

[cavebat2000]

10. By that you must understand that he is a centrist

There for according to you he may not have a solid stance on anything. I however find his central positions to be very solid stances. His centrist record and policies will help him win the general election.

[dsc]

11. Here are several specific things

Unlike that poster below claims you will get some.

Both his position on and his actions in regard to gay rights. He has, despite the lies you will hear on this forum, been a steadfast supporter of gay rights for his entire tenure as governor. He signed a gay rights bill he was instrumental in passing months after he assumed the governorship. He extended benefits to domestic partners of state employees. He extended adoption to both parents in same sex couples. And he signed and campaigned on having signed civil unions.

Dean was and is a friend in deed on this issue. He won't drop us an anchor. He campaigns the same way on this issue in the Republican county by me as he does at gay pride.

I agree with him on the Bush tax cuts. They need to go. Even with some middle class tax cuts of his own he is still better on the defict than anyone else and I think that issue matters.

I don't agree with his position on guns but it is the best we can get and much better sell.

I like the way he is raising money and the fact he won't be owned by big donors.

[dd123]

12. My # 1 priority: Fiscal sanity

People ask Dean how he will do it...He doesn't need to tell me because he has already SHOWN me.

Other things he has shown me: He uses a veto pen VERY WELL.

Some other issues:
Corporate power seizing political power
Lobbyists writing legislation or having too much influence
Invasion of Iraq based on pre-emptive doctrine w/no evidence of imminent threat
Emphasis on de-escalation of hatred toward U.S.
Higher ethical standards in Corporate America and using enforcement by Govt regulatory bodies (not going to let them get away with it!)
Re-regulation of media
Re-regulation of utilities
Success by Six like programs emphasizing care of kids from birth
Health Insurance
Jobs flowing out of the country
The hollowing out of America (inability of rural areas to survive in current environment which greatly favors large corporations)

and on and on and on

The thing I really love about Dean is that if it really means something to him, he has an absolutely dogged determination to get it done.

I heard a criticism of him that when his single payer type health plan fell through in Vermont, he was quick to declare it dead. BUT look what he did... he knew the 1st bill wouldn't pass so he FOUND OTHER WAYS to get it done, i.e. incrementally. LOVE IT!

I also love that he is creative in his solutions. Take nursing homes...Dean realized that the Govt will pay for a very expensive nursing home stay, but will not pay for home care even though home care is 1/2 the price and seniors would much rather be at home (wouldn't you?). So he got a WAIVER to allow payment for home care and made a lot of seniors very happy while saving $.

[poskonig]

13. Foreign policy.

Dean is very blunt about this, even when the truth might not be popular. I'm also favorable towards Dean's approach with civil liberties. I like balanced budgets as a goal, though I'm not sure how Dean will do it without modifying his position on the obscene defense budget.

Kerry's issue positions are the best for me, especially on the environment and security priorities. Kerry doesn't seem very proud of them, which I find unfortunate.

[unfrigginreal]

15. It's all about beating Bush

And Dean's the one.

[YellowDawgDemocrat]

16. I don't vote on what a candidate says

I vote on what he has done. They all wiggle and lie, but with a track record, you can at least gage which direction they lean. I'm probably one of the few who put a bit of stock in endorsements. I'm Labor, so their endorsement is the clincher for me if I think the candidate has a decent chance at winning.

[MIMStigator]

17. Getting rid of medicare

:hi:

[w4rma]

18. You are a Clark supporter. (n/t)