Reply #22: Swing voters [View All]

[krkaufman]

The main criteria I'm looking for relative to "electability" is who is most capable of grabbing swing voters in the swing states. I view Clark as best able to do this; heck both Kerry and Dean have called him a Republican! :)

Truthfully, I'm most inspired by Clark's integrity so far in the campaign (no slandering other candidates, even in the face of vicious attacks on his character), and his vision for trying to bridge the divide that's grown in our country since the early 80s (see my signature).

Clark's truly what we've all been asking for for a long time, a different kind of politician.

And don't think that Clark doesn't have political skills. You can't advance to 4-star general without being politically adept. But politics is only a small part of advancement in the military; there, accomplishment reigns supreme, whereas elective politics is more about schmoozing, connections and money.

As for the "he's a Republican" slander, I haven't seen a lot of Republicans talk about reinstating the Fairness Doctrine and turning back to a progressive income tax approach.

Some may think that Bush is vulnerable and that we just need to run about any Democrat up against him, but I'm worried enough that I'd like to shoot for someone that I *know* can beat Bush. Independents and border-Republicans in the swing states are much more likely, IMO, to be willing to vote for Clark.

I want my starting quarterback (Clark) going into the Super Bowl; and I'd rather not play for another tie and again have the game decided in a sudden death overtime in the Supreme Court.

And we can't expect that, come November, the conditions in the country will be the same. It is quite possible that the administration will have started another war, and, at that point, 4 years in the Navy 30 years ago may not be enough to instill confidence that Senator Kerry could hit the ground running. I pray that this won't be the situation we're faced with, but I simply don't trust the current Administration and feel that we need to plan for the worst case.

Best of luck with your decision, RedEarth.

Regards,
Karl K.