If anyone wants to stand up and be counted for JK in this tiny section of Kos comments...

[Luftmensch067]

I just let loose with some picspam showing JK being mobbed in response to a comment that no one cared about him as a candidate in 2004 the way they do about Obama and Clinton:

http://www.dailykos.com/comments/2008/2/7/62957/72680/1355#c1355

The guy responded fairly pleasantly but then said he just didn't think the enthusiasm was the same; I begged to differ. If you wish to add comments, feel free! :-)

[politicasista]

1. This may or may not sound right

but I somewhat agree with that poster. I think there is more excitement this time around because the race is diverse, with an AA man (some will say rock star) and a female (aka former First Lady) of the last Democratic President. I think it has a lot of people talking, keeping up and being more politcally involved than never before. I have heard people say that they are tired of voting for "two white guys" every four years. I mean, people that never followed or paid attention to politics until now. Did anyone see a video similar to "Yes We Can" back in 2004? Not to mention early endorsements from politicians and celebs during the primary season?

In fact, many members of my extended family (aunts and uncles) openly said they went out (before the bad weather hit) and voted for Obama, something I didn't hear them say in 2004 about any of the candidates. And though my dad thought that Kerry made a bold move to endorse Obama and go against the Clintons, he told me that he had never seen Uncle Ted smile that much in a long time.

It's not to say that Kerry didn't generate enthusiasm, but I think Obama has people talking because of his message of inspiration, and the Clintons' tactics also has people talking, as well as the thought of a Clinton/Obama ticket. I think people didn't see this because of the media spin. People just are glad that Bush nightmare needs to and he or Cheney aren't running anymore, the GOP is tanking and that there is history in the making in the party, and yes, they want change.


I like the pics in the diary too.

[blm]

5. Informed citizens were THRILLED To have a true PATRIOT to vote for - that was a change.

That others couldn't get excited about that shows their own lack of comprehension for what has actually occurred in their names over the last 4 decades.


Shame that you can't FORCE a voter to be a concerned CITIZEN first.

[politicasista]

6. Different strokes, different folks. I don't think it shows lack of comprehension

They are just paying attention because the Bush nightmare is reality and the MSM is a joke.

I didn't say all that to argue or fight with anyone in here, but I have spent time in the real world, and have heard and read people's reactions elsewhere to supporting the 08 candidates. And I happen to agree to some extent with the Kos blogger. I disagree with his/her post that Kerry isn't a good speaker, but I am hearing and reading things that I didn't hear or read from them in 2004. I also read those who are saying that they liked Edwards, hating that he had to suspend his campaign; and Gore than I hear/read about Kerry. You may see the opposite, but I just see that where I am. There is a reason why Edwards is being pushed for Obama's VP.

People are excited because they don't feel like Obama is the "lesser of two evils." As I said, people are tired for voting for "two white guys" every four years. People are paying attention to politics like never before. My DD was talking about how he had never seen Uncle Ted smile that much in years. :) There is a reason that politicans and others are coming out for each candidate early in the primaries.

They also like Obama's message and his enthusiasm to change things for the better. They see history in the making with an AA man, and a former First Lady in this race, the subject of race in this election has people talking. I know because I listen to talk radio. I know because my family openly admits to proudly supporting Obama, rather than being or voting against someone. I never heard many of my family members talk about voting in a primary before. I don't think it's fair to say that they lack comprehension just because they didn't pay attention then, but are now.

I know you want to think that I am taking shots at Kerry, but I am not. I have been viciously dissed in GDP for bringing up the botched joke, as well as by my blogger friend and HRC supporter saying that the bringing up HRC's response to the joke was dismissed as "revisionist history" and saying talking points (which I have never said to her any of their supporters) about winning at all cost, lack of integrity and open government, yes open government, and being polarizing. Guess what? I was DISSED, yes DISSED and singled out as being a part of the Anti-Clinton brigade, when I have NEVER said anything bad about HRC/BC. I even responded to people who called HRC "John Kerry in a skirt" from people that liked his DNC speech in 2004. And yes, I have been called a "Kerry apologist." And I support Obama.

I will stop right here, because I am going off topic and want to leave the primary stuff outside of the K group.

[wisteria]

2. There was real excitement for Kerry in 2004. This time around it is the excitement of thinking it is...

our year to win. Senator Kerry stirred a lot of people into voting in 2004 even though it was always thought it would be extremely tough to bit an incumbent war time president. Senator Kerry was a real underdog in 2004. He had none of the breaks our candidates have this year yet he almost managed to win. (I honestly think he did win)

[karynnj]

3. I think that starting into the primaries no one really thought a win was likely

I know that there are a few articles in left leaning magazines that claimed we could win - but that was not how it felt. I know that even among friends and family, I knew more people who went to Bush than from Bush relative to 2000. For all the ones I knew, that change happened right after 911. I suspect that % of people who already 100% likely to be for the President at the end of 2003 was very near the number he needed.

the other thing is look how they speak of momentum now. In the 2004 election when Kerry was going up there was RARELY any discussion of it partially as they were showing video of the enhanced security due to the terror threat. This prevented enthusiasm from building up as it did when the media cheered on Bill Clinton showing the best parts of his rallies. Considering all of that Kerry was an incredible candidate. He made some mistakes, but no one could put in those 16 hour days and be letter perfect. But there was nothing like - Bill Clinton's Iraq rant or the unseemly NV confrontations or Hillary's strange loaning herself money and them spinning it today as a fund raising ploy. Kerry also never came close to crying because he has in danger of losing.

I agree that Obama is charming and Charismatic, though I connected faster to Kerry. As to HRC, chalk on the blackboard is not exciting. I feel real dread that we have to see them again.

[MBS]

4. Bingo! especially your last paragraph : ) n/t

[dwahzon]

7. Well-done

Just saw your pics and the whole exchange thread.

You guys are good!