I do not have to like a Kerry/Gephardt ticket

[skjpm]

It is currently being discussed, and I want to express my disapproval. I feel that Dean spoke for me when he described himself as the Democratic Wing of the Democratic party. These two men represent what I think is the wrong direction for the party, and therefore I do not feel it is any any way "inflammatory" to express my disapproval, or to call the prospect of such a ticket a "betrayal" of what I feel are the fundamental values of the party. Before this ticket happens, I would like to make sure that I have said what I need to say--I would feel betrayed by such a choice, and I don't think I could vote for it.

[flamingyouth]

1. I would rather see Edwards or Clark as the VP

if Kerry gets the nomination. I can't get excited at all about Gephardt in this position, personally.

[mlawson]

7. Can't get excited?? No one else will, either.

If this happens, it will prove to me forever, that the Dem powerbrokers couldn't care LESS about beating bush in November.

[ibegurpard]

2. I'm trying my damndest to get past my disgust for Kerry

Ramming Gephardt down my throat as well would be way too much.

[bushwakker]

3. What is wrong with Gephardt?

He ha sbeen aleader in the party for a long time and is great on many of the issues I'm sure you care about (trade). Frankly nothing but a Dean/Dean ticket will satisfy you.

[skjpm]

6. What is the difference between this post and the earlier "inflammatory" on

I'm expressing the same idea.

[bushwakker]

12. We know who you don't want - who DO you want?

[skjpm]

8. Yes, I like Dean

But there are others. I like Edwards. He has a lot in common with Kerry, but not the same amount of baggage. He's a fresh voice. Why not pick him or Clark, someone who isn't the complete Washington insider, just to give us Dean supporters something to cling to? A Gephardt VP is a "slap in the face" to those who supported Dean--it means the work we did didn't matter at all to Kerry.

[displacedtexan]

4. I hope no one begs you to vote Dem in Novemeber.

You've already thought about this and made your decision.
Good luck in the future with your choice.

[D G]

5. Message received and understood.

I support Kerry but am not thrilled with the prospect of a Gephardt VP. All of these pundits throwing VP rumors around are talking from their nether regions, as far as I'm concerned, so I'm not ready to get upset about it yet.

[skjpm]

A betrayal by someone you trust feels worse than simple evil

I expect Bush to be evil (or whatever noninflammatory word works). I invested trust in the Democratic party, and if they nominate Kerry and Gephardt, or some other pair of Washington insiders, when so many of us have asked for something else, it will feel like a betrayal. And a betrayal is harder to forgive than someone you always knew was evil. I can deal with Bush's evil--but if the Democrats won't speak for me, why should I support them?

[skjpm]

9. A betrayal by someone you trust feels worse than simple evil

I expect Bush to be evil (or whatever noninflammatory word works). I invested trust in the Democratic party, and if they nominate Kerry and Gephardt, or some other pair of Washington insiders, when so many of us have asked for something else, it will feel like a betrayal. And a betrayal is harder to forgive than someone you always knew was evil. I can deal with Bush's evil--but if the Democrats won't speak for me, why should I support them?

[D G]

10. If you can "deal with Bush's evil" - why aren't you supporting him?

Perhaps you can get over your disappointment if Kerry is indeed nominated with a VP you also despise.

Consider that the presidential election of 2004 may not be all about you and your feelings.

[JNelson6563]

11. the thought makes me wretch

<gag>

[Gman]

13. Dean never had the right to define what is or is not

the "Democratic Wing" of the Democratic party.

Well, I guess he can say what he thinks, but it sure as hell doesn't mean a thing. I don't support him and I'm a staunch Democrat.