Dean? I like him. Clark? I like him. Kerry? I like him.

[TruthIsAll]

I like Dean's fire. I like his anger. I don't care if he gets excited. So do I when I believe strongly in something. Like taking our country back. I like the fact that Al Gore likes him.

I like Clark's Presidential bearing and intelligence. And I like the way he tears into Bush. I don't care if he was a Repub once. I like the fact that he's a Rhodes scholar and was FIRST in his class at West Point. I like the fact that he will get the military vote. I like the fact that he is from the South.

I like Kerry's demeanor and experience. I like the fact that he knows what war is all about. I like the fact that he came back from Nam and was not afraid to speak out against the war. I like the fact that he is from Mass. and his initials are JFK. I like the fact that Teddy Kennedy supports him.

I want this primary fight to last. I don't want a blowout. Just keep bashing Bush. Let it last. Like good sex.

[George_Bonanza]

1. A rare commodity these days

To be rational. Appreciated it.

[ScreamingMeemie]

2. Talk to me...

There are many of us out here! :hi:

It's gonna be a great ride
!!!!!!

[SeveneightyWhoa]

3. Correction:

Clark was never a Republican.

[THUNDER HANDS]

4. very nice

:thumbsup:

[jmaier]

5. I agree and think

that the Democrats benefit from having several, strong anti-Bush voices out on the campaign trail generating enthusiasm and media coverage. It would be a shame if this ended too quickly because the DNC, in its wisdom, thought an early knockout victory was best for the party -- let the voters have time to reflect, compare and then decide.

[Leilani]

6. Terrific Attitude!!!

I think the longer it goes on, the betterit is for Dems.

For once, we're sucking up all the oxygen, & Chimpy is not getting to hold court. The race is exciting, people are paying attention, & the negative stories about Bush are still coming out.

[maxr4clark]

7. If you vote for issues, not parties...

You can call yourself an Independent, and end up voting either Republican or Democrat. THAT is what Clark was, an Independent. He voted for Republicans. He voted for Democrats. He voted for Clinton and for Gore, which means for over a decade, he has agreed with me about who to vote for.

He never registered Republican. He spoke at fundraisers for both parties after leaving the military and before seeking public office. The vast majority of Arkansas residents are Independents; less than 10% register either Democrat or Republican.

Clark was not a Republican. Clark IS not a Republican.

If you don't want Independents to join the Democratic party, your party will lose every election.

Our party has a big tent: tall enough for Kerry, wide enough to welcome Lieberman and Kucinich at the same time, and with a big enough door to let Clark in.

The huckster standing outside, saying Clark is a Republican--that man thinks you're a sucker. And no, I don't mean Dean; I mean Gillespie. Dean is the huckster standing INSIDE the tent and telling you Clark is a Republican. He's just desperate for you to like him; he needs a hug.

[pacifictiger]

10. Nice to see someone

with brains enough to keep their eye on the prize! Go Clark, Go Dean, Go Edwards, Go Kerry!! (alphabetical)

[enough]

8. My sentiments exactly

Thanks, Truth.

[katieforeman]

9. Edwards is the one who will beat Bush!

I like all of these candidates also but I love Edwards. He is the one who will beat Bush.

I grew up in Ohio, an extremely important state for Democrats to win. When I was home for Christmas self-described independents and Democrats alike would say to me- "You know who I like- John Edwards." He connects with ordinary Americans like no other candidate can. He is Bill Clinton minus the sex scandels!

As for John Kerry:

He is a true patriot with a lifetime of service to this country, but I don't think he can beat Bush. Yes, he served in the military and national security will be an important issue in the next election. However, former Democratic Senator Max Cleland lost three limbs in Vietnam. That didn't stop the Republicans from picturing him with Osama Bin Laden. He lost to a Republican draft dodger. The Republicans will totally discredit Kerry on defense by pointing out his votes to cut intelligence and defense spending and for his vote against the first Gulf War.

Kerry's long voting record will be fruitful ground for Karl Rove. They will totally twist and distort his record to turn him into the next Michael Dukakis.

If voters cared about experience Arnold Schwarzenagger would not be governor of the state with the 5th largest economy in the world! I can gaurentee Karl Rove is not worried about an "experienced" politician like Kerry.

As for Dean:
He has some really good ideas and has re-energized the party, but again I don't think he can beat Bush. I know so many people- again back in Ohio- who tell me "There's just something I don't like about Dean." He is not very good on television and makes too many gaffs.

As for Clark:
He helped stop a genocide, but the Republicans will eat him alive. He makes to many contradictory statements. Karl Rove will do to him exactly what he did to Al Gore. Rove will take an honest man of integrity like Gore or Clark and turn him into a liar by focusing on any miststatements. Clark is new to politics. Him running for president against George Bush is the equivalent of learning to swim in a pool of sharks.

We need Edwards to make our case. He knows how to convince a jury. He will be able to convince the American electorate.

[spooky3]

18. welcome to DU, katieforman, from a fellow Edwards supporter!

[King of New Orleans]

11. Like the whole group, heck even Al

I like Edwards. Think his presence has kept the candidates more civil to each other than the otherwise might have been. I even have a fondness for Kucinich.

While I dislike the word synergy. I do think this combination of candidates has made the case against King George far better than any could have individually.

Hopefully that remains the case.

[spooky3]

19. Welcome to DU, King of New Orleans!

[newyawker99]

22. Hi King of New Orleans!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[WyLoochka]

12. TruthIsAll? I like him. nt

[MajorFlaw]

14. I'm starting to believe that Kerry/Edwards is the D's strongest ticket

Kerry doesn't need to add foreign policy or domestic policy gravitas, he's already got both. That leaves Edwards free to be the attack dog, and as a fellow lawyer let me tell you Edwards is very quick and smart on his feet. How could the former CEO of Haliburton simply dismiss Edwards as a "trial lawyer". I'd look forward to that debate. I'd also enjoy seeing Bush lite debate serving your country with Kerry. We might even pick up some Southern states. Yeah, Kerry/Edwards, I like the sound of that.

[spooky3]

20. Welcome to DU, MajorFlaw!

[emulatorloo]

13. Thank You!!!!

:toast:

[welshTerrier2]

15. exactly where i'm at ...

your post was right on the money ...

btw, keep watching for a kerry / clark ticket ... that's what i see unfolding ...

[flaminbats]

16. I like them all...

I may not like Dean's promises not to cut military spending, everything about Kerry's voting record, or Clark's ideas on taxcuts...but overall they are each highly qualified candidates for President. They all seem to be personally friendly, and most importantly..each cares more about the future of our country than his personal interests. I also feel this way about Ralph Nader.

Unfortunately many believe that we must demagogue first, and then make our choice last. Maybe we should listen to all of the candidates first, and then take our time when making the final decision on how to vote.

[Piperay]

17. I agree and

I also really like Edwards. :-)

[yowzayowzayowza]

21. Thx TIA!!!

Nailed it again. We need to keep our eye on the prize and not defeat ourselves.

[Nashyra]

23. The longer the primary the better for the Dems

Clark
Deand
Edwards
Kerry

As long as they can keep from chewing each other up.