Dean's supporters are getting blamed for things they don't do

[democratreformed]

Today, I have noticed several threads on here where criticism of a candidate is immediately responded to with "And Dean did so and so".
Some of you must not be paying attention very well. Many of these are coming from other camps.

No, I'm not a Dean supporter. But, the constant blame thrown at them on this board is even starting to bother ME.

[Lisa0825]

1. Thank you!!!

I appreciate a supporter of another candidate expressing that sentiment.

Thanks! :-)

[sangh0]

2. the rules

3. Posts about the "messenger" rather than "message" are categorically forbidden in the GD: 2004 Primary forum. You may not make any statement whatsoever about another member of this message board, unless it is unambiguously positive. You may not post anything that is insulting or rude to any other member, even if it is extremely mild.

4. Broad-brush statements about all or some of the supporters or opponents of any Democratic Primary candidate are forbidden. Don't paint people as disruptors or cult members.

[arcos]

6. this doesn't break any rules and you know it! n/t

[library_max]

11. No, it's just against the rules to reply to it in any way

except to agree with it. So I guess I'm agreeing with it.
:shrug:

[Hep]

3. You just defended A) Dean or B) his supporters

you're in some serious trouble now!

[democratreformed]

4. Should I duck and run?

I just think there is some serious misconception on some of these.

[Hep]

8. Just be ready

They can come from any direction.

[slinkerwink]

5. thank you for noticing the obvious!

[Anwen]

7. Thank you democratreformed !

You are quite observant :) Things are really getting out of hand.

[nomaco-10]

9. Thanks,

What they don't realize is that they do their candidate more harm than good. Some segments of posters here have turned me off so badly to their candidate, that I wouldn't even consider voting for them under any circumstances. That's really a shame, but I give up, it's the only way I know to register my complaint about the blatant negativity and flame throwing that goes on way too regularly. You have to wonder what kind of candidate would draw this particular brand of supporter to their campaign. It speaks volumes in my opinion.

[democratreformed]

10. What's really alarming to me is that the posts I mentioned

seem to indicate that others will be turned of by Dean (using your logic, of course) unfairly. Some of them think every bad thing about their candidate comes from Dean supporters when, in fact, it is coming very strongly from at least two other camps that I can readily tell. I just think it's important to realize where the stuff's coming from. Lest one get the wrong idea...

[Forkboy]

12. I've been pointing this out to no avail

Everyone seems to use another candidate (usually Dean) in defense of their own candidate.It's really unimpressive to someone like me who is not too crazy about either of them.

The treatment of Dean by the Dems has been pathetic,and is the biggest reason why any hope I had for this party after 2004 is down the drain.I'll be voting Green after 04...and maybe even IN 04.

The party I've always believed in is no more.It's become a bastion of people who are scared and will defend the status quo until the earth stops spinning.I find it all rather sickening.

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

13. His supporters are not at fault for Dean actually deeping the divisions

in the party by pretending to be something he's not: THE ANTI-POLITICIAN.

Dean claims he is from the Democratic wing of the Democratic party and has been quite populist in his message but his record in Vermont demonstrates otherwise in SEVERAL regards from underfunding environmental programs, his OWN quid pro quos with contributors such as Monsanto while as governor and his equivocating back and forth about civil rights (Patriot Act versus his very public statements about criminal defendents having too many rights) and his failed rail project which came in way over budget and was canned.

His statements this weekend calling Kerry and Clark Republicans combined with his BOTOX Cheap shot (this is a DOCTOR who should know BOTOX has several medical uses including pain control)were shit.

If he is the one who can attract cross over votes because he worked with the Repub legislature in Vermont (a state smaller than the city I live in), why would he insult Republicans by calling Kerry and Clark this as a pejorative?

If HE works with Republicans it is cooperation but if the Dems in congress and the senate work with Republicans it is spineless?

[Southsideirish]

14. I must say the Clark people are very likable - as is their candidate.

If I weren't a 110% Dean person I would go for him as I think he speaks straight from the heart as does Howard.

[Straight Shooter]

15. Oh, the sweet scent of a breath of fresh air on DU

Thank you, Southsideirish :)

[chocolateeater]

16. It is counterproductive.

It makes it seem like they don't believe in their candidate. If the best they can come up with is "And Dean did so and so", then maybe they don't think there is a defense to the criticism of their chosen candidate.

[Mass_Liberal]

17. Thank you

so much. Ugh, I hate dumb generalizations.