Kerry/Dean Ticket Promoted on CrossFire. Dean Rep. Says Very Viable!

[Sensitivity]

Steve McMann of the Dean Campaign just said on Crossfire that a Kerry/Dean ticket was very viable. The Kerry guy agreed, no questions.

Both Dean and Kerry are Ivy-leaguers, highly educated and probably share similar social circles. They should be able to get along personally (as opposed to Gephart or Clark). For the sake of the party Kerry should be able to put difference aside and work with Dean in the Whitehouse the way he has worked well with Ted Kennedy in the Senate.

As candidates they are incredibly complementary – where Dean is weak, Kerry is strong and visa-versa. Together they should be able to sew-up enough electoral votes and take back the Whitehouse and win back the house and senate.

Here is my take on the Dean/Kerry advantage:

ON PERSONALITY:
Dean can face-down Bush with confidence and toughness.
Kerry can be nuanced, measured and reassuring.

ON ISSUES:

Dean can better champion Health-Care and other social issues.
Kerry can better articulate national security and foreign policy.

ON GETTING OUT THE VOTE:

Dean can rally the labor vote with fair trade commitments.
Kerry can comfort Wall-Street and the business types with his free-trade record.

Dean can use his Vermont record to at least hold-off the NRA attack dogs and perhaps even get some of the “fiscal conservative” voting block.
Kerry can use his Senate record to keep the environmentalists and super-liberal types motivated.

Dean can use his country-doctor appeal to the rural voters in their “pickups”
Kerry can use his tall soft-spoken stranger image to appeal to the Western and Mountain Voter.


Another factor on the horizon is NADER. Nader has said he would back Kucinich. Nader and Kucinich have both said that Dean is hijacking the progressive movement. With Kerry on the ticket, I think the green party could block Nader from jumping in with Robert Kennedy and all the major environmentalist groups now supporting Kerry. Kerry/Dean together could save us from a Nader run.


Would Dean supporters be as happy to join a Kerry ticket as Dean’s advisors obviously are?

If Dean is supporting this ticket shouldn't we? Or is something else going on?

[edzontar]

1. I doubt it.

nt.

[ibegurpard]

2. If Dean were to veep for Kerry then I would know that I had been had.

Nothing he could do could make me lose all respect for him more than that.

[NNN0LHI]

36. I am saying this as a friend and fellow Democrat

We are trying to pick a ticket of two fallible human beings who can beat Bush in November. We are not looking for the second coming of Jesus Christ. Give Dean a break on this one.

Don

[BL_Zebub]

41. Oh now, you had to bring HIM into it, didn't you?

Please don't ruin my amusement at mortal politics with JC references, ok? :evilfrown:

[oasis]

3. Fuggedaboudit.

[On the Road]

4. They DO Complement Each Other

and I hope they can get over the mutual attacks.

Kerry is circumspect and presidential. Dean can generate emotion and excitement at the grassroots. If he's not on the ticket, a lot of his movement will just go away.

Kerry has the military and foreign policy thing going. Dean does not.

Dean is a good hachet man, which is traditionally the VP candidate's role.

The geographic thing is overplayed. It's become a national campaign. The Clinton-Gore ticket was a good one.

I think the candidates need each other. I would also personally like to see the good doctor in the administration, even if it's not as president.

[Name removed]

13. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[lancdem]

26. If Dean couldn't survive Kerry's alleged dirty tricks

Do you honestly think he could've survived Rove's? Think about it.

[D G]

27. LOL

So much for hope for "getting over mutual attacks"

[NewYorkerfromMass]

28. I think Dean played the biggest part in Dean's current difficulties

I always had reservations about him and they were well founded- not imagined, not fabricated by any media influence, just plain old objective observations.

[Octafish]

37. Yeeargh!

Dean's mouth has always been his problem. In fact, all the guy is is talk.

[Debi]

50. Yes....

And Kerry's all forehead...nice smooth, wrinkle free forehead...

[Octafish]

61. It's from having a good character.

Kerry didn't run out on his country when called to duty. When he came home a hero, he did all he could to stop the war.

OTOH, Dean dodged the draft and went skiing. So, now he's free to talk all he wants about stopping war -- wrinkle free.


EDIT: typo from a furrowed brow.

[Debi]

65. Oh...No...Stop...

And they tell Dean supporters not to drink the Kool Aid!!

[HFishbine]

83. "...did all he could to stop the war..."

once upon a time.

[jeter]

66. NOT going to happen

No way. Kerry would be stupid if he gave Dean the VP slot. What would Dean give Kerry?

Another northeasterner. He won't help in the south or west.

His temperment will make others say "this guy is one heartbeat away from being President."

I don't see any benefit.

[LuminousX]

5. Ain't gonna happen

Strip the issue of personalities and look at it from the point of regionalism and you quickly realize - Two New Englanders do not make a good ticket.

[papau]

12. regionalism - Gep or Edwards makes more sense - But I'd prefer Dean

I like truth telling!

[D G]

6. OMFG....

Let the collective GD2004 pants-shitting begin!

[NNN0LHI]

45. Why? There is no surprize here. This is politics

Ain't pretty. But so what? Thats the way it works.

Don

[D G]

51. You're not at least a LITTLE surprised?

And I believe the trouser-pooping has already begun in this thread.

[NNN0LHI]

56. No. Here is one of my posts from a week ago

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=132&topic_id=237676

NNN0LHI (1000+ posts) Fri Jan-30-04 10:05 PM
Original message

I suspect these guys get along better than we really know?

Democratic presidential hopefuls former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean (news - web sites), left, talks with U.S. Sen. John Kerry (news - web sites) , D-Mass., during a commercial break in their democratic debate in Greenville, S.C., Thursday, Jan. 29, 2004. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)



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[D G]

58. Well obviously -

Dean is about to slap Kerry for calling him a name. ;)

Just KIDDING - it's just considering the Dean/Kerry animosity on DU (which I know is not the real world) I found this news pretty wacky. I was less surprised when I read Al Sharpton had a GOP guy on his campaign.

[NNN0LHI]

62. I forget sometimes and start thinking that DU...

...is the pulse of the nation too. We are listened to I am sure, but I honestly think that is about as far as it goes. Take care.

Don

[Frances]

7. I don't see Dean as VP material

but I could see him as Surgeon General. I think we Dems owe him tremendous thanks for his courage in standing up to Bush. (I donated to his campaign) But I don't think it would be smart to have him as VP

[Eloriel]

16. Another nice insult. Thanks very much.

The arrogance of such an idea: Surgeon General.

And who is it you want me to support instead of Dean? Fuhgeddaboudit.

[lancdem]

29. How is that an insult?

The poster didn't call Dean a name.

[D G]

33. How insulting is it to be offered a position in the executive branch

of the United States government?

If Dean gets offered Surgeon General in a Democratic administration, he would be a FOOL not to accept (unless he had some other plans).

[lastknowngood]

8. No chance it would be sleeping with the enemy

after the crap Kerry's congain has done. They don't want Dean they just want the money he can raise. The DNC has raised a total of 30 mil to finance all of the elections throughout the country and they can't get more because the corporate slime they whore to know they have nothing to offer.

[lancdem]

10. Then why is Dean's campaign promoting it?

[JI7]

21. yup, it was dean's campaign that said it

and the kerry guy just agreed to it. but brought up first by dean's campaign.

[drfemoe]

52. "Dean's Campaign"???

I haven't seen that and until I do, I do not believe it.

[D G]

9. By the way...

I personally feel no need to be "saved" from a Nader run. Nader can do whatever he wants. Thanks for the offer though.

[mot78]

11. Won't happen

They've already gone after each other enough that if they join on the same ticket, Repukes will run ads of them attacking each other in the primaries.

[Monte Carlo]

14. If Dean were to, would Kerry still be no better than Bush?

Just a hypothetical. I get the feeling that the Democratic primary is a lot like the WWE - a lot of fighting onstage, just earning a living backstage.

[ibegurpard]

22. See post #2

eom

[Monte Carlo]

40. I think you take it all too personally, then.

Dean and Kerry are both Democrats, and sometimes you've got to be a team player. Anyone who gets involved with these primary elections should know once it begins that in the end, we must be united, double for this election.

[Eloriel]

23. If Dean were to, he'd lose ME, that's for sure.

And I didn't think there was anything that could make that happen. And I'm sure I'm not alone.

[lancdem]

38. Please don't take this the wrong way

but didn't you know he was a loyal Democrat? He cares about beating Bush in November, as we all do.

[Monte Carlo]

42. One less vote against Bush in November...

... I wonder what Dr. Dean would say about that. Let's not forget why he got in the race in the first place.

[Raya]

15. Saw CrossFire. Was SHOCKED that Kerry Guy suppoeted the idea!

Don't these guys take Dean attacks seriously. Is it all a joke?

I, for one, don't think that will work. Why are they even talking
about it at this point?

[TexasSissy]

17. Nope, won't happen. Two reasons:

(1) Dean just said some more insulting negative things about Kerry this week, adding, "I just want the people to know who they would be voting for."

(2) Dean's not a southerner.

[pacifictiger]

18. is this another media hatchet job in the making?

Im a Dean ABB supporter, but linking them together may very well tick off many in both camps. Either that or it is an acknowledgment that Dean support is stronger and more tenacious than they figured and they cannot just write him off out of hand.

[WiseMen]

86. Heard this floated from Dean himself.

[blm]

19. No.

Way.

[Feanorcurufinwe]

20. Didn't you notice him laughing while he said it?

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

24. ROFL

The comments thus far indicate why Dean's support might be an inch deep.

Dean knows the value of half a loaf versus no loaf at all (or at least his agents do)

[Terwilliger]

35. oh cripe...what are they...Rove plants?

Don't tell me you're going to blanket condemn Dean supporters.

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

43. Sorry do I need to clarify further?

I did say the comments thus far? Those comments must be representational of something...I see them everday and not by the same people.

But to clarify...no I do NOT blanket condemn Dean supporters...I don't even blanket condemn those comments..they simply indicate NO COMPROMISE and NO COMPROMISE/TAKE NO PRISONERS is only valuable if the numbers are behind you to assert that.

Really I was NOT making a statement about ALL supporters of Dean....read the posts up to my own.

[NashVegas]

25. I Don't See It

And think it's more likely the Kerry guy was humoring to look good to Dean's base. Two New Englanders on the ticket? Doubtful. Highly doubtful. If for no other reason than because we've seen the power of cynicism this season.

[Raya]

34. Who in Dean camp is PUSHING this to CNN. Clark, Edwards are not. Why the

push at this time. This can't be an accident since most
candidates flatly refuse to consider V.P.

I hope Kerry isn't considering it. Anyone knows?

[JNelson6563]

46. You don't actually believe it do you?

No one in this party is foolish enough to think two guys from the northeast are going to win.

There is no way this is real talk, it's nonsense.

Julie

[BL_Zebub]

30. Strictly speaking as the Devil's Advocate here

Which is easy enough when you ARE The Devil....

This would be a good vehicle for uniting the party, which is probably why it has been tossed out to the media sharkpool.

However, I see it as being more a Kerry proposal than Dean, because it would only be a win for Kerry. If Dean teamed up with the Bush Lite Washington Insider, it would be a nullification of his entire campaign message. He would, in essence, be selling his soul.....

...not that there is anything wrong with that, of course :evilgrin:

[lastliberalintexas]

73. LOL!

Welcome to DU, Satan! We needed someone with a sense of humor around here these days! :-)

[maddezmom]

31. sounds like the campaigns might be floating the idea

to see if the troops will accept it.

[Terwilliger]

32. It DEFINITELY won't happen with vitriol...didn't you hear Teresa Heinz?

"We're all just going to get along."

[JI7]

49. she kind of defended dean's "scream" speech

when asked about it she said something about how everyone has good days and bad days and made it seem like the speech wasn't anything big.

[DrFunkenstein]

39. Nader On Kerry

NOVAK: You indicated that you think Dennis Kucinich would be a pretty good presidential candidate. Any of the other nine Democrats you think would be a good candidate?

NADER: You want me to rank them?

NOVAK: Just name another one that you think is good.

NADER: It all depends on how strong the base is for the citizens. They're not good, per se, unless they're representing a mass movement. I like John Kerry, for example. I knew him when he came back from Vietnam as a young veteran.

http://www.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0307/01/cf.00.html

Nader's caveat is that he thinks he could bring more people into the process than Kerry, but not insurmountable differences on policy matters. In fact, Public Citizen rates Kerry very, very highly.

[ibegurpard]

44. I don't give a flying f*** what Nader says.

eom

[Raya]

48. If NADER supports Kerry, why won't the Dean folks get on board?

Why do we need Dean. He has been very vicious attacking kerry for the last year.

[JI7]

54. Kerry said he wasn't worried about Nader

said Nader running in the general election wa something the the democrats can deal with and still end up winning in the end.

[Sensitivity]

55. Also Heard Nader folk support Kerry, but Nader wants promises from Kerry

as a condition for his endorsement.

[BurtWorm]

47. Is this the alleged "Dean would accept VP job on CNN?"

Then we've been hoodwinked in another thread.

[D G]

53. I believe the other thread was quoting Judy Woodruff. n/t

[woofless]

57. I will bet a month's pay

he won't be asked. As an ardent Kerry supporter I don't want him on the ticket and don't know anyone who does.

[ibegurpard]

63. Ardent Dean supporter here

I don't want him anywhere NEAR a Kerry ticket. A couple other candidates I could live with but not Kerry.

[NNN0LHI]

59. NYT link - Dean Hints He Would Accept Vice Presidential Slot

http://www.nytimes.com/2004/02/06/politics/campaign/06CND-DEAN.html

By JODI WILGOREN

Published: February 6, 2004


Acknowledging that his bid for the Democratic presidential nomination is "a longer shot than it was," Howard Dean suggested today that he would accept the No. 2 spot on a national ticket if it were offered.

"I would, to the extent, do anything I could to get rid of President Bush," Dr. Dean said on a morning radio program in Milwaukee. `I'll do whatever is best for the party. Obviously, I'm running for president, but whatever's best is what I'll do. Anything. We've just got to change presidents. We're really hurting right now.`

Asked whether he would endorse any of his opponents, Dr. Dean said: "Probably not at this point. We are planning on winning, so we're not thinking about endorsing anybody else."

The line of questioning in Milwaukee — in a sharp shift from the months when Dr. Dean, considered the front-runner, was peppered with inquiries about how he would select a running mate — came during a lackluster day of campaigning in Wisconsin, whose Feb. 17 primary Dr. Dean has told supporters he must win in order to continue his two-year campaign.

more

[maddezmom]

60. So Dean hints

then his rep and the Kerry rep say they think it's viable. Again, I say they are floating the idea to see how their supporters react. Wonder what the talk on the blogs will be the next few days?

[seaglass]

68. My thoughts are that the candidates do not "despise"

each other as much as some of their supporters do. Maybe they both figure it's getting out of hand - and it is.

In any case, I wouldn't expect this to actually happen.

[maddezmom]

72. agree with you on some points

they know it's politics,but a lot of us (myself included are more attached)want our guy over the other guy. However, in the end it's about getting bush out and a dem in for me. JMO

[seaglass]

75. I didn't mean to infer that anyone should abandon their

candidate, if that's how you took it. I just see some blind hatred that gets in the way of the ultimate goal - removing Bush; and I wouldn't be surprised if the candidates see this too.

[maddezmom]

79. *hugs*

I think we see it the same way. :pals: BTW, I'm all for ABB and will be happy with any of our candidates. Wes is my guy until he wins or decides to move on. I'm personally invested not just with money, but with my heart.

[Larkspur]

67. The key phrase to the VP answer is...

I'll do whatever is best for the party

That's Dean the loyal Democrat speaking.

[maddezmom]

74. your right

and the folks supporting him now, should take that to heart. He's willing to do what's best for the country. :)

[On the Road]

64. The Insider and Outsider Wings Need to Unite

This is the obvious way to do it. And it's more important than regional diversity or mutual attacks during a primary.

I don't know if either candidate would be up for it. But it will help the party's chances in November.

[janx]

69. .............

[Debi]

70. I hope the good Doctor

remembers to wash his hands before shaking with Kerry....

http://laweekly.com/ink/04/11/news-ireland.php

[janx]

76. It's more important that he remembers to wash them AFTER.

But he's an M.D. and is keenly aware of that.

[Jerseycoa]

80. Circling lower and lower nt

[janx]

81. Pretty soon we'll see the outstretched talons...n/t

[George_Bonanza]

71. Kerry and Dean united, a great ideal

Kerry with the brains and Dean with the charisma. Not saying that Dean is stupid, but Kerry is more of the quieter ideas man, while Dean is great at inspiring people (not saying that Kerry is uninspiring). However, a bundle of two NEers would be a great risk IMHO. If we can win, however, what a great duo!

[WhoCountsTheVotes]

77. It's like the Lieberman/Gore ticket we never had!

"Dean can rally the labor vote with fair trade commitments.
Kerry can comfort Wall-Street and the business types with his free-trade record."

[stickdog]

88. LOL

[incapsulated]

78. No way, because..

The collective meltdown on this forum would fry the servers for good!

:crazy:

[NoPasaran]

82. I think it's unlikely to happen

Since the Presidential and Vice Presidential nominees are traditionally from different regions of the country.

But even if Dean does not win the nomination the party would be foolish not to do something to capitalize on the enthusiasm and checkbooks of those of us who have been attracted to Dean's message.

We Dean supporters still think we can win. Maybe we're wrong. But we still believe enough in our candidate that we've kicked in close to a million bucks since yesterday morning. And this is all after being barraged with "Dean is dead meat" messages from all quarters. Whether or not we win, we do have some issues we want addressed. Please do not drive us away.

Come November I'll be voting ABB. And I suspect that in the end virtually all of the Dean folks will join me. But I think our energy will be an important asset as well. And that's something that needs to be earned.

[Julien Sorel]

84. The ticket could win Vermont and Massachussets twice

to make up for all the southern and midwest states it would lose. Brilliant strategy!

[KaraokeKarlton]

85. I will NOT vote for any ticket with Kerry being the nominee.

I'd rather sit back and watch Kerry lose and wait for Dean to run again in 4 years. I have been permanently soured to Kerry and there is absolutely NO way it can be healed.

[OneBlueSky]

89. wow . . . you must REALLY dislike women . . .

why else would you risk the almost sure overturning of Roe v. Wade if ther is a Bush Court? . . . just consider concepts like Chief Justice Antonin Scalia . . . or, even worse, Associate Justice John Ashcroft . . . and then consider that they'd probably be on the Court for the next 30 or so years . . . along with a couple of other equally odious names . . .

please carefully reconsider your position . . .

[quaker bill]

91. That is only a threat if

Democrats in the senate have no spine. But on further consideration, I guess women are screwed.

If we nominate Kerry, it is 4 more years of Bush*. Given the complete lack of spine certain Democratic Senators exhibited on IWR, kiss Roe V Wade goodbye as well.

[mitchum]

90. Kerry 2004...it's gonna happen

Happy Sitting

[Upfront]

87. No