OK, Kerry, Edwards Folk. How Would You Incorporate ex-Dean Folk into GE

[Sensitivity]

OK. Are there any Kerry supporters here anymore. Any Edwards folk.

Look like it is Kerry or Edwards going forward. Kerry obviously has a more progressive record than Edward (despite what the Edwards folks want to say these days), so my group is leaning towards working for Kerry. Most of us are still open though.

So, what is the biggest reason for Dean supporters to join your camp?

If you want us to join your camp, what the process?

Do you have an ex-Dean package. There is no Kerry or Edwards campaign office or meetup in my town?

How do we get involved and make a difference working with one of your campaigns?

[DoctorMyEyes]

1. This is a very good question

I hope we get some useful suggestions.

Let's not let all the energy out here "rot on the vine".

[disenfranchised]

3. My case to Dean supporters

I'm not the best pundit, but here is my opinion.

Howard Dean energized the party. He has brought new people to the process that used to feel left out. John Edwards is also bringing people to the party. Look at how many independents are drawn to him. Look at how many young voters are excited about him.

I don't want to slam Kerry, but was he involved in the Dean/Osama ads? Did he attack Dean when Dean was the front runner? Well, Edwards never attacked Dean. Not in the debates. Not by robocalling.

As for getting involved. Go to the Edwards web site. There is a blog of extremely excited people. From the web site, you can find local places to volunteer. You can write letters--make phone calls. Ask over on the blog how to help. It's what I did and I've since met a wondeful community of people on the internet and in my town.

Good luck. I hope you join us.

[DoctorMyEyes]

8. Not a pundit?

Well, you done good! You wrote from the heart! :)

Thanks for the suggestion. I'll check out Edwards site. The primaries are over in my state - but I want to be ready to do my part for the general election candidate, so I want to start preparing now.

I think I'll study up a little more on things I don't know about Kerry and Edwards platforms as well as I know Deans, so that I won't be left with answering "I don't know" if someone asks me a question. I'm going to need to know where to get my yard sign, bumper stickers, etc too!

I like both Edwards and Kerry, though I do think Edwards is more "engaging". I'll be happy, and happy to work for either one. (Or maybe both!)

[disenfranchised]

9. Thanks for the smile.

This is my first time being involved in a campaign. I've always voted for democrats, but I never really payed close attention until Bush. This time I watched all the debates and I fell in love with Edwards. I really connect with his message.

Last week, I saw him speak and I know I chose the right guy for me. If you are a Dean supporter, I'm sorry for your roller coaster ride. I've had more downs then ups, but I'm happy to still be riding and I'm glad I can get my stamps out again and fire off some more letters for Edwards.

[Carni]

2. I am ABB

BUT I have to give Kerry credit for testifying before congress as a returning vet during a time when protesters were being labled traitors etc. That couldn't have been easy... money, silver spoon in mouth and otherwise the man had balls.

For Edwards fans ...I waver between Kerry/Edwards because Edwards is young looking and energetic and best of all he voted against NAFTA so the man definitely has his good points.

I just urge Dean voters... whatever happens please don't be so pissed that you go third party or stay home!

Bush sucks- NO ONE is worse than bush!

[surfermaw]

5. Dean helped Edwards tonight in Wis.

The words from Dean he would prefer Edwards over Dean, I truly think helped Edwards... I think and though all along that there would be something between Edwards and Dean...WE surely need the Dean people in our camp.I think first of all the two of them sort of attracted the same type of people...Welcome Dean people, we will be glad to have you...No matter what,Dean will be an influence in the Democrat Party for years to come.....I think he will help with h health care.

[DoctorMyEyes]

7. ABB first and foremost!

I would have little use for any self described dem sitting out this election no matter who ends up being our candidate.

[Uzybone]

11. Slight correction

Edwards never voted against NAFTA. He wasnt in the Senate at the time. He only says that he would have voted against NAFTA.

on edit: Also Edwards doesnt plan to withdraw from NAFTA if he becomes president.

[madison]

4. I will support and work for the nominee -- no matter who it is

I am a devoted Dean supporter and, as I have said from the very beginning, I will support and work for whoever is the eventual nominee.

I have no particular grudge against any of the Democratic candidates; I could happily support any one of them over Bush. I think both Edwards and Kerry have negatives and positives; but I don't think any of their negatives would be a problem for me personally or for voters in November.

All I care about is getting Bush out of there. The rest we can fix later.

There have been times when I have stated my commitment to support the eventual nominee and have asked the supporters of other candidates if they would make that same commitment; for that, I was often bashed.

Well, I said it then and I'll say it again, I will work to elect the Democratic nominee, whoever he is. Anything less would be ridiculous.

Having said all of that, I hope Howard Dean continues to speak out and help lead the Democratic Party back to being a strong force for good in this country. He has made a marvelous contribution to our national political life and I, for one, am deeply grateful to him.

[surfermaw]

6. An excellent post

We will all have to support the man left standing at the end of the primaires no matter who.

[blm]

10. If you read Kerry's actual record of the last 35 years

and leave aside all the mischaracterizations of him as a Washington insider, anyone could see that he has FOUGHT the DC powerstructures for his ENTIRE career in the public eye.

From battling Nixon to the Reagan and Bush administrations, and uncovering their illegal wars along the way, noone comes close to matching Kerry on exposing government corruption - BCCI, IranContra, CIA drugrunning.

If government corruption matters to you, John Kerry is the man to take on Bush.