I just returned from a Kerry rally in OKC

[RedEarth]

There was an enthusiastic, overflow crowd of at least 600 people and Kerry did a great job of explaining his stance on the issues and in going after bush. There was a large number of firefighters, educators, professional people and young people at the rally. Bottom line it was an excellent event and I wouldn't be surprised if Kerry would take Oklahoma also.

I spoke to a number of people who previously had been for other candidates, but after the rally came away Kerry supporters. Most people there fell into the category of ABB and just want someone that has a strong chance to beat bush.

At this time, I am still trying to decide between Clark and Kerry. One of the main factors that impresses me about Kerry is his campaign savvy. Without question, the bush attack dogs will be all over our nominee and I'm starting to think Kerry might be more experienced in deflecting these attacks.

Regardless of who we nominate I will strongly support our candidate. As my sig line says(courtesy of a GI that just returned from Iraq), " I would rather vote for the rotting carcass of a dead rat, than vote for bush."

[Eric J in MN]

1. I think Wesley Clark would be the most difficult for the Bush

I think Wesley Clark would be the most difficult for the Bush campaign to portray as a liberal who is soft on terrorism, because Clark is a retired general.

[Vis Numar]

2. here's something to consider

in relation to Clark vs Kerry

would you like to vote for a monogomous guy that's a truth-teller, or someone that has multiple marriages, bachalor affairs, and probably lied about using botox?

[ShaneGR]

3. bachalor affairs??????

Isn't that an oxymoron?

[fujiyama]

4. I could care less...

about his multiple marriages or botox.

If you're going to attack, attack him over something substantive!

[NNN0LHI]

11. Now, now. We have to keep our priorities straight

:crazy:

[David Dunham]

5. FDR and JFK Had Affairs and Lied about their Health, But WON!!

[isbister]

7. Clark

is being accused of using botox now too? This is just getting silly now.

[RedEarth]

9. As I mentioned, right now it's a toss up between Clark and Kerry

As far as multiple marriages and botox is concerned, I could care less. Affairs while he was a bachelor? Not quite sure what you're referring to.

[isbister]

6. Most people there fell into the category of ABB

Got to love it... let's trounce those republicans this fall!

[RedEarth]

13. That's what encouraged me also...

Most people there are angry at bush and just want someone who can beat bush and get rid of that monster in the white house.

[Feanorcurufinwe]

8. I'm watching it on CSPAN right now. n/t

[OKNancy]

10. Now, Red Earth, do you think that Kerry

could get more votes than Bush in Oklahoma? The only chance we have is with Clark. As soon as the Bush machine starts smearing Kerry, he'll get less than the 38% Gore did.

[RedEarth]

14. OKNancy, quite frankly, I doubt any Democratic will be able

to beat bush in OK. I hope I'm wrong, but honestly I don't see bush getting beat by any democrat in OK. I'm afraid Gaylord and the oil industry are too powerful in our state.

Nancy, as I mentioned, I like Clark, but I tend to think Kerry's experience in politics and the way he can reframe a questions might enable him to beat bush. If I knew Mickey Mouse would be able to knock bush out of the white house, Mickey would get my vote. Right now I want ABB.

[krkaufman]

22. Swing voters

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.

[dtseiler]

12. Botox

If Kerry is elected, will the Republican congress impeach him for lying about botox use? I can just see the Botoxgate coverage on cable news now. I'm sure CNN is already working on some flashy graphics and theme music for the botox coverage.

My wife hates politics and when I told her that some nutjob (Drudge) was splashing this crap in huge font on his website she said "who the hell cares".

Yes I'm pulling for Kerry but I honestly think the botox thing, true or false, shouldn't be news. For what it's worth, I think Michael Moore is an American hero and Howard Dean's Iowa scream is something to be lauded. If the RWers are that desperate that they need to try to attack someone over cosmetics then they truly have nothing in the tank. We should put the message out that if good looks matter then they can vote for Fabio. Although I suppose he's not eligible. Tom Cruise then. I don't think Gropenator "Arnold is numero uno" Schwarzenegger is eligible either. I'm sure he'd get a lot votes. Certainly the man who single-handedly took on the Predator can save us all from the Ay-rabs. Maybe with Jesse "I ain't got time to bleed" Ventura leading the War Department.

[Skwmom]

15. Clark is our best shot.

I can hear the joke now: When asked Democratic voters said they were most concerned about nominating someone who could beat George Bush - so they went to the polls and nominated a Massachusetts liberal who was Dukasis's running mate and who voted against military funding for equipment critical to our success in Afghanistan.

Vietnam service does not inoculate the nominee from being perceived as weak on defense.

[sandnsea]

17. Did you watch C-Span???

That guy in Oklahoma City was no Massachusetts liberal. That was an American talking about how to change the country. The "Massachusetts liberal" is offically dead.

[sandnsea]

16. They loved him!!!

And he was great! I am totally relieved. If he can wow 'em in Oklahoma City, it's all over for Bush. I don't think I've ever seen him so completely relaxed and connecting with people. Excellent, excellent, excellent!

[abburdlen]

18. Saw it on C-SPAN

During the summer I leaned toward Kerry without much looking mostly because of his veteren status. When Clark got into the race I jumped on the train and the closest thing I heard that made me question was the Flag burning issue. I'm still a Clark guy but watched the Kerry rally to see how firm my commitment is and to see what the excitment for Kerry is about.

I'm still wondering why Kerry is drawing big crowds. On television he ranks right up there with Lieberman. Maybe it is his 'campaign savvy' but that's what turned me off to Dean campaign - I heard so many people talking about the campaign rather than the candidate.

Kerry has his history/experience in Washington as his selling point over Clark. I'm not sure middle america will buy it in the general election

[sandnsea]

20. Aaawww

they loved him and you know it. He had that crowd in the palm of his hand. Don't even try to pretend.

[dae]

19. Well RedEarth, if GI's are coming back from Iraq making statements

like that on your sig line, anything's possible anywhere.
Personally, I'm voting for who I feel is the most qualified, that's all you can do and sleep well.
BTW, you have a fellow Okie out there, I read his web site as often as possible Bartcop.com. One of the best.

[Maddy McCall]

21. Red Earth...either way you can't go wrong

You are choosing between the two best candidates in the field. You can't miss with either, so go with your heart.

But please try to catch a Clark event before you decide. :-)

[Lisa]

23. the dead rat doesn't smell as much as Bush and his policies!

That's for sure.

[loudsue]

24. I wish one of the Dem candidates would pick up on this and GO with

it....

The thing about Kerry and botox.

What a GRAND opportunity for ANY of the candidates to grab hold of! If the republicans are already smearing Kerry over a botox statement, Kerry (or ALL the candidates) should start right back with....

"are we going to make this botoxgate? The values of the bush followers seem to be missing something! Impeachments, recall elections, and now botox?? How about LYING TO THE AMERICAN PEOPLE WHICH SENT OUR TROOPS TO BATTLE AND TO THEIR DEATH OR LIFETIME DISABILITIES?? Are THESE the values of the Bush followers?? How about the biggest utility fraud perpetuated on innocent citizens in the history of the country by the bush/cheney energy task force? People in this country are going hungry, losing everything they've worked for, losing benefits, and the new right wing agenda of this administration is botox???"

...well, you get my drift. If the Dem candidates would take this opportunity to get the train back on its tracks -- in unison!! -- they might be able to call these nasty tricks for what they are!

Question the things they (the right wing & bush) value by what they attack in their opponents, and what they're guilty of themselves!
The repukes are the ones opening that can of worms...I think we should make 'em eat the darn things!

:kick: