Please think along with me

[NV1962]

The Wes Clark for President campaign may be over, but the race to take the White House back for "We, the People" is ON.

And now I have a problem: what should I do next? To make clear what I don't want: I am *NOT* looking for guidance or advice about what candidate to support. I already know who I prefer to take the nomination at this point, in my heart of hearts - as much as that support is, in all honesty, a second and third choice. That strictly personal preference is for Howard Dean and Dennis Kucinich, respectively.

But we have bigger fish to fry than merely settling on a name as replacement with a pre-approved D sticker on the forehead, to substitute the AWOL-in-Chief. Policies need to be changed; needs of communities need to be met.

And that latter is where my "problem" is. I've worked on an outreach effort towards one community for the Clark campaign. I could switch back to continue doing so from a "generic Dem" POV (which I'm already doing, by helping to create a non-partisan regional Caucus) or... I could help another Dem campaign in getting the message across, among members of that community, to vote (in the first place) vote Democratic (in the second place) and vote for one Democratic candidate (in the third place.) And to be sure, there's quite a potential in votes from that community.

So, in essence: I care much, much, much more for "my" community than my enthusiasm for any of the current candidates, to be perfectly frank. That doesn't mean I hate any of them; it's just that I can't get that excited. Moreover, I don't see that many differences among them in that partiular area that I'm concerned with.

Now... My idea (at this point) is to soldier on as a "one issue pusher" - but what do you think? Should I take a second (and third) look at another candidate? See if there's a mutually beneficial synergy - for "them" exposure to that community, and for "me" campaign exposure / attention for that community? Or not?

Right now I'm still in a dazed state, in this day after... Which is why I'm looking for your ideas and suggestions, after all: the Clark campaign may be over, but the ultimate cause that all Democrats share remains. That's what the change of occupant in the White House (and hopefully Congress too) is about.

Thanks for sharing your thought(s)

P.S.: as an afterthought, just to clarify (see? I'm really in a fuzzy state of mind) please accept that I'm genuinely not interested in "shopping around" - it's a strategic choice that I'm trying to figure out here, out of deep concern over real problems and real challenges for real people.

[boobooday]

1. For me, I vote on the issues I care about

And the big ones are health care and education. I'm also looking for a real populist, a real liberal, who isn't afraid to rein in the corporations before we are destroyed by the fascist regime.

I won't tell you who I'm supporting, but if I were you, I'd re-read the candidates' platforms and pick the one who best matches your interests. AND, I think that Wes Clark supporters should keep lobbying other candidates to incorporate some of his best ideas into the overall platform.

http://www.wgoeshome.com

Jeanette

[NV1962]

2. Good point, thanks

[lastknowngood]

3. Take a short break maybe until the weekend and sort out

your priorities. I would step back from the primary campaign as it will not be worth trying to get reset. I suggest you start or keep in contact with the General's ground troops and keep them together.
Perhaps the General will help by being a focal point and to help direct the energy for the fall and the future. The grassroots are what really count not the machine which abused him so badly. I'm a Dean supporter myself and intend to try to do the same for our troops after the machine destroys my last hope, but not until. I think the two groups should try to stay in touch as I feel we have much in common. Grieve, reflect and return to the fight.
May the Gods and Goddess of all time bless and keep the General and his troops. Peace more than a hope a necessity

[NV1962]

6. Amen to that

...and best wishes & kudos to your efforts for your man.

You're right: it's interesting to see in hindsight how many similarities there are in the two campaigns. It would be awesome to put all that effort in synched gear for November.

And you're right, too, about taking a break - but tomorrow I have another interview scheduled... Which is what prompted my basic question of this topic. Obviously, I'll take an ABB tack, if only to poison the well for the GOPers... Plus I have plenty of ammo against Bush; I'm not "in need" of a specific banner to defend.

But it's strange that things have gone into high gear for my local project lately - and now sorta kinda feels suspended in midair, not sure whether to drop or take off... The image of a RoadRunner cartoon scene does pop up.

Oh well... Work needs to be done, let's deal with the unpleasant stuff (i.e., thinking) after the weekend.

[frustrated_lefty]

4. One thought:

your feelings reflect what many Americans are going through. Consider writing letters expressing what YOU feel is important and where the remaining candidates stand on those issues, and how that makes you feel. And send those letters to voters in every state.

If you feel ambivalent, ok. Let somebody else know they're not alone feeling that way, share your views, and help someone make a more educated decision.

Perhaps you may get some replies, through the mail, which help you reach a decision you are confident in? The exchange of ideas can only be fruitful to democracy, and that exchange may only occur when we communicate.

I'm a fervent supporter of MY candidate. I hope, in time, you find one YOU will feel equally as fervent about.

[eaprez]

5. Comes down to this

you vote for Bush or you vote for the other guy - who ever it may be. Although I supported a particular canidate - who it is doesn't really matter - the whole point of the primary process is for the canidates to be tested by fire and by the voters and the one who survives the process goes on to the GE. ANY of the canidates would be better than who we have in charge today. I would prefer any of the canidates appointing judges to the bench then who we have today -- and THAT alone impacts you and yours for generations to come and for ME it is reason enough to support whomever the party puts up.

[NV1962]

7. Yes, but

I hadn't really thought that much about "reverse shopping" - i.e.: selling "my" issue to other candidates.

That should have been an obvious option, but it wasn't to me. (Fuzzy, fuzzy, toldyaso!) So, thanks for bringing that up.

However, again: I'm not really looking for someone to support personally but trying to figure out, instead, whether to support (as in: "equip") a local campaign (or not...)

As far as I know, the current candidates' local campaigns here (in Northern NV) have no one doing what I did. If I'm wrong and there is one, then my problem's essentially solved for me by default; in that case, I can fall back to "generic Dem." Unfortunately, I don't think I'm wrong.

It's just that no-one is carrying the ball right now, and I don't want the GOPers to jump in and poison / spoil the well... I am quite familiar with the "alternative outcome" of Bush being successfully shoveled down the gullible throats of the victims of his policies. The GOP reminds me of goose farmers in France (for foie gras)