What could have been: Was Paul Wellstone going to run for President?

[arissa]

Imagine how different the primary would look right now if Paul Wellstone were alive, and had entered into the race for the nomination. I personally believe he was planning on doing so, and I think he would have not only won the nomination, but beat the pants off Bush in November.

Wellstone was much more widely known and respected than Kucinich and Dean, and would have easily won over the liberal base of the party. But unlike Kucinich who, although in my opinion is the best of the current candidates, doesn't appeal to a lot of people, Wellstone was loved and very popular nationwide. And unlike Dean, who has a tendency to alienate potential voters and scare them off, Wellstone, in my opinion, would have brought these people into his corner while at the same time giving scores of disgruntled voters a reason to get involved.

Wellstone would have presented a very clear and hopeful alternative to Bush in the GE, rather than someone like Kerry who seems to be just another politician who follows the polls and votes accordingly. Americans would have had a clear choice, and the Democrats would have reclaimed the left-behind progressives with a Wellstone candidacy while not only keeping the moderate vote that didn't like Bush, but also I think would have seen record turnout for new voters, given Wellstone's charisma and ability to energize voters no matter how apathetic they were.

Thinking about all this makes me very sad that we'll never get to see that happen. It's one of those "would-be's" that leaves you a little hollower inside knowing it will never come to pass.

R.I.P Paul Wellstone.

[salinen]

1. I think Kucinich

is much like Wellstone. I will never forget Paul Wellstone.

[Freddie Stubbs]

10. Wellstone voted for the Patriot Act and the Defense of Marriage Act

Wellstone, although liberal, was much more pragmatic than Kucinich. This is a quality that he shares with John Kerry.

[tinanator]

11. you call that "pragmatic"?

I call those my rights, and anyone who cant respect them doesnt deserve a lick of support in this country.

[Freddie Stubbs]

12. I guess that Wellstone was just another politician

Or perhaps it is possible for good Democrats to have an honest disagreement over an issue.

[goodhue]

14. yes

He made a number of votes that were not consistent with his progressive base over the years. Motors in the BWCA for instance. Wellstone was never as green at heart as the bus he rode. But DOMA was the first one that really upset me. Having known him as a professor at college, I felt let down. The Patriot Act was another let down. Feingold was the only Senator to vote against it.

Also, remember Wellstone's vote on IWR could have gone the other way. He was lobbied both ways and had peace protesters demonstrating via sit-ins in his office in St. Paul. Thankfully, he made the right decision on this occasion. In some quarters it was felt to be politically unwise but as soon as it was cast the wind in his reelection sails really picked up. He made the right choice and it also played well politically because it was a vote of conviction. His campaign really looked up at that point and the reelection seemed certain. Then the crash. Worst day I can recall since Cobain suicide.

But then I met Dennis Kucinich and hope was restored.

[mouse7]

2. Wellstone was leaning against running (very bad back).

Paul Wellstone had some very serious back problems. He openly discussed that he didn't think his back would stand up to the rigors of a Presidential campaign in 2004.

[trotsky]

3. Wellstone was considering it for 2000

But his back & leg problems made him drop out. (He was developing a form of M.S., I think.)

The thing that I miss so much about him is just that even his opponents said if you disagreed with him 100% politically, you just couldn't help but like him. It's what endeared him to so many Minnesotans, that's for sure.

[snoochie]

4. unelectable

people would still be supporting the presidential and electable kerry

[trotsky]

8. Careful

People thought he was unelectable here in Minnesota, too. (OK, back in 1990 when we still were a liberal state.) He just had a certain charm, and was very effective in a debate. I think he would have had a really good chance had he chosen to run.

[Sensitivity]

5. Kerry's Lifetime record is closest to Wellstone's than any other senior

senator. Kerry is the next best to Dean as a candidate to take back
our country. I am really tired of the propaganda that makes Kerry into
some evil flip-flop demon.

Kerry and Wellstone worked together for many years on the Clean Money
Clean Elections bill which was the most far-reaching effort to
reform the U.S. political system.

[sallyseven]

7. Wellstone was a wonderful person

He was encouraged by many members of congress to run in 2000. He said no he would for personal reasons. Many people were very sad about it. However Kerry had the same voting record as Wellstone so I will go with that.

[JasonBerry]

6. Wellstone suffered from MS

Paul Wellstone had multiple sclerosis. He decided back in 2000 that he couldn't withstand the rigors of a national campaign. Wellstone also knew he would never be anything but a protest candidate. No way would he have been able to raise the money or present his case to the American people without being labeled a fringe candidate. He knew that, and it's too damn bad. He would have been fun to watch in a national race.

[revcarol]

9. Paul Wellstone's picture from the Nation, with him clenching his fist

and yelling is on the wall right next to Dennis' poster "The Eyes That See Through the Lies!"

Brothers for the people.

[goodhue]

13. NO

bad back and other health issues (ie MS).

[andym]

15. Feingold is alive and would have been fantastic

Why didn't he run?

[Awsi Dooger]

16. No chance, Wellstone understood his physical limitations

And not merely the MS and bad back. Unlike Kucinich, Paul Wellstone had a real world view of physical characteristics and how critical they are in a national campaign.

During his '02 Senate race, a television reporter asked Wellstone about a potential presidential bid. Wellstone was typically charming, but critiqued his stature, hair, general appearance and wobble in regard to how they would play nationally. The piece ended with Wellstone and the reporter laughing in unison.