Rate the Candidates

[the_sam]

Rate the 9 Dem candidates, on a scale from 1 (worst) to 5 (best), in the following areas: politics, integrity, and electability, and explain why you rated them the way you did. Feel free to add any additional ratings you might think up.

I'll start.

Howard Dean: Politics 3, Integrity 3, Electability 3

Dean's a moderate -- very conservative on some issues, actually. But he takes progressive positions on a handful of issues that are important to progressives. However, he's really trying to con some Democrats into thinking he's a bona fide leftist, which is a dishonest tactic. He's charismatic, experienced, and articulate, but could come off as arrogant, and has some unpopular views.

John Edwards Politics 3, Integrity 4, Electability 3

I don't know too much about Edwards.

Dick Gephardt: Politics 3, Integrity 2, Electability 4

Pro-labor, but not leftist in any sense. Political chameleon who was once very conservative.

Bob Graham: Politics 2, Integrity 4, Electability 3

Very moderate, but willing to take unpopular positions (spoke out against the war). Not at all charismatic, but a good strategist and fundraiser.

John Kerry: Politics 3, Integrity 4, Electability 5

A coward, not willing to take tough positions. But will beat Bush if he wins the nomination.

Dennis Kucinich: Politics 5, Integrity 4, Electability 2

Excellent politics. Seems to have genuinely changed his mind on the abortion issue. Repeatedly stands up to big business, but gets a 4 for voting to ban flag burning. Unfortunately, it will matter to many people that he's odd-looking, odd-sounding, and vegan.

Joe Lieberman: Politics 1.5, Integrity 3, Electablity 3

Too conservative (his ACLU rating hovers in the 40s). Could take Arlen Spector's place in the GOP. Has waffled on some issues. Not very charismatic, but has plenty of experience.

Carol Mosley-Bruan: Politics 3.5, Integrity 4, Electability 2

Not really seriously campaigning. Generally a solid liberal, but has shown support for Nigerian dictators and some fiscally conservative measures.

Al Sharpton: Politics 4.5, Integrity 3, Electability 2.5

Lots of skeletons in his closet. Still, people underestimate his electability.

[RummyTheDummy]

1. How do you give Mosely Braun a 2? More like .10

On the electability quotient.

[lcordero]

2. To me

Bob Graham and Kucinich came across as personable and charming.
I like Kucinich because I feel that he believes in what he says.
I also think that Kerry might have been unfairly labeled as wooden, I particularly liked the way that he talked to the old vets on CSPAN.

[Regice]

3. Al Sharpton electable - no way

If Charlie Manson could run from prison, he would have a better chance than Al Sharpton.

Electability -7.3214213213^10

[DemocratSinceBirth]

4. Respectfully

it would be impossible to underestimate Al Sharpton's electability.

[chimpymustgo]

5. Edwards and Kerry get highest marks IMO.

Candidate Politics Integrity Electability
1. Dean 3 3 3
2. Edwards 4 4 5
3.Gephardt 4 3 3
4. Graham 4 4 4
5. Kerry 4 4 5
6. Kucinich 4 4 1
7. Lieberman 2 2 2
8. Mosely Braun 4 3 1
9. Sharpton 4 3 1

[CWebster]

6. Howard Dean

.

[German-Lefty]

7. What about that Clark guy?

He seems pretty damn electable. Southern, military general, taught economics at West Point, Rhodes Scholar. I just read a bit about him this mourning so I can't say I know that much about him, but so far it seems like he's a electable and relatively liberal.