Democratic Underground Latest Greatest Lobby Journals Search Options Help Login
Google

If it's Gephardt, we are DOOMED

Printer-friendly format Printer-friendly format
Printer-friendly format Email this thread to a friend
Printer-friendly format Bookmark this thread
This topic is archived.
Home » Discuss » Archives » General Discussion (Through 2005) Donate to DU
 
DrBB Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Mar-30-04 08:14 PM
Original message
If it's Gephardt, we are DOOMED
Edited on Tue Mar-30-04 09:11 PM by DrBB
Kevin Drum (Calpundit) is reporting the appalling news that Kerry insiders are leaning toward Gephardt for the Veep slot.

The bland leading the bland. Oh god, please no. Please let Kerry be smarter than that. He already has the "Senator-itis" vulnerable spot in spades. Never use one word where fifty could say less. But pleeeeeeeease let him be smarter than this. Oh the gods could not hate us that much could they? Pleeeeeeeease say it's not so.

edit: can't type when I'm pissed off. And oh GOD am I pissed off that they would even trial-balloon this.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
Nlighten1 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Mar-30-04 08:16 PM
Response to Original message
1. For the LOVE OF GOD!
No!
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
rumguy Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Mar-31-04 09:48 AM
Response to Reply #1
43. If he picks Gep. it's over
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Walt Starr Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Mar-31-04 09:49 AM
Response to Reply #43
44. Yep, Gep as veep means Bushfor four more
No doubt about it, putting Gephardt on the ticket is a sure sign Kerry wants to lose.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Prozac Donating Member (44 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Mar-30-04 08:16 PM
Response to Original message
2. Gephardt has the aura of a has-been surrounding him.
People have Gephardt for President burnout. He's run and lost so many times he's kind of like the NY Mets of presidential races.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Racenut20 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Mar-30-04 08:20 PM
Response to Reply #2
9. he ran twice, 16 years apart.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Prozac Donating Member (44 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Mar-30-04 08:25 PM
Response to Reply #9
10. Hmmm, I thought he's run more often than that. I retract my statement.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
worldgonekrazy Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Mar-31-04 02:56 PM
Response to Reply #2
77. Two boring CAREER politicians is NOT the way to go
Edited on Wed Mar-31-04 02:56 PM by worldgonekrazy
Kerry needs somebody relatively inexperienced with a fresh face to guard against his image of being a "lifelong politician." Gephardt is certainly NOT that guy. Edwards? Richardson? Clarke? Sure, but not Gephardt.

edited for spelling
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
RobertSeattle Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Mar-30-04 08:17 PM
Response to Original message
3. This could be a floater
Kerry campaign letting it out and see how the Dem's respond. I'm negative too - he's too bland for me too.

Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
DU9598 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Mar-30-04 08:18 PM
Response to Reply #3
5. No
I agree ... a big NO on Gephardt. Great man, but not great on this ticket.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
DrBB Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Mar-30-04 08:53 PM
Response to Reply #3
25. That was my thought too. In which case
...we must communicate in every way possible that the answer is

NNNNNOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!

Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Luvpurp Donating Member (105 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Mar-31-04 10:53 AM
Response to Reply #3
53. The fact that this would even be floated
is pretty clear evdience of incompetence. Are these guys really this out of touch?
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Cocoa Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Mar-30-04 08:18 PM
Response to Original message
4. "rumors appear to be flying"
they're not even sure if this is a rumor?

Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Wapsie B Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Mar-30-04 08:18 PM
Response to Original message
6. If that is true,
we just as well put Holy Joe back on the ticket. Better yet, let's dig up Dukakis. If they don't have someone like Clark or Edwards in the veep slot, the fix is in.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
VolcanoJen Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Mar-30-04 08:19 PM
Response to Original message
7. Most. Boring. Ticket. Ever.
It's just gotta be Edwards, in my opinion. We need a passionate veep candidate, out fighting a second front, keeping it positive, intelligent, and on-topic.

I would yawn my way through a Kerry-Gephardt ticket. Kerry's bad enough, as it is.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Vickers Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Mar-30-04 08:19 PM
Response to Original message
8. My email to Kerry campaign HQ
"I was reading DU and it mentioned a rumor that Gephardt might be picked for the VP slot. We will lose if you do that."
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
onecitizen Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Mar-30-04 08:30 PM
Response to Original message
11. I know........
Kerry is already back to his ho-hum self. A sad sack. I thought he had changed. Well, he had changed for about 3 weeks. Now he's all sad and boring again. Oh how I miss Dean. I miss Dean so much. I miss him. I really, really miss him. AND I am afraid that he will pick Gephart too. What will I do if that happens?
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
justjones Donating Member (596 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Mar-30-04 08:35 PM
Response to Reply #11
13. Did someone say Dean?
My gosh, I miss Dean too. Very, very, verrrrryyy much. :cry:
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
aquart Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Mar-30-04 09:05 PM
Response to Reply #13
32. No one is going to say Dean.
It might be wrong. But it's true.

Gephardt .......hmmm. A stronger speaker than I would have thought. He would be loyal rather than striking out on his own.

Yah. There are pluses but I'm still not at all sold.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
eileen from OH Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Mar-30-04 08:30 PM
Response to Original message
12. I share your view. . .
however, Gephardt is very, very popular in the Midwest. In the Ohio polls (until he dropped, obviously) he was way ahead of everyone else.

At our caucus,next to Dean, he had the largest number there (including a lot of kinda scary-looking teamsters).

eileen from OH
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
yorgatron Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Mar-30-04 08:36 PM
Response to Reply #12
14. NO
nononononononononononononononononononononononononononononononononoNO!!!
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
billbuckhead Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Mar-30-04 08:45 PM
Response to Reply #14
21. A total bet on the midwest, but Clark, Edwards or Landrieu would
be better choices in IMHO in the battle of the border states+Ohio.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
calimary Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Mar-30-04 08:41 PM
Response to Reply #12
17. Unfortunately, it's the south we need to whore to...
PREFERABLY not a Senator, although we have two good ones: Edwards and Graham. Two REALLY good ones.

I wish they'd let it slip that Gephardt is gonna be Secretary of Labor or some such intriguingly intelligent and well-reasoned positioning.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
thinkingwoman Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Mar-31-04 06:09 PM
Response to Reply #12
82. I'm in the midwest, and
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

can't stand the idea. It's a loser. Big time.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Junkdrawer Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Mar-30-04 08:38 PM
Response to Original message
15. At this stage of the game, veep rumors are a kind of tip-o-the-hat...
and a way of garnering support.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Karenina Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Mar-30-04 08:39 PM
Response to Original message
16. NO. NO. NO. Bitte nicht.
NOT.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Piffle Donating Member (5 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Mar-30-04 08:42 PM
Response to Original message
18. Gephardt is a good, faithful and honest Dem
What is your real problem with him?
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
DrBB Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Mar-30-04 08:57 PM
Response to Reply #18
29. Yup. I agree. Good. Faithful. Honest. And living DEATH
...on the ticket.

Sorry. It's an emotional reaction. Know what elections are decided on? Emotion.

Gephardt is the most boring Dem since Mondale. Who I also think is a fine guy.

It's about losing. Okay? I don't want to lose.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
dae Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Mar-30-04 09:10 PM
Response to Reply #18
35. I'm a good, faithful, and honest Dem (not quite as honest) but I
wouldn't want to hurt my party's chances of winning this fall. Which is just what Gephardt would do. He'll be great in a cabinet-level position, some one mentioned Sec. of Labor, great.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Walt Starr Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Mar-31-04 09:55 AM
Response to Reply #18
46. It would be the kiss of death
If they run Gephardt, you might as well stay home because the Democratic Party would stand no chance whatsoever.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
IronLionZion Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Mar-30-04 08:43 PM
Response to Original message
19. Gephardt can not deliver Missouri
without losing a lot of other states. Kerry needs Clark or Edwards or Gore(who is NOT boring!)
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
IronLionZion Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Mar-30-04 08:43 PM
Response to Reply #19
20. If he picks Gore
then Clark can be Sec of State and Edwards can be Attorney General
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
knight_of_the_star Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Mar-30-04 08:45 PM
Response to Original message
22. PLEASE GODS NO!!!!!!!
Not Gephardt!!! That combo WILL put the country to sleep! If Kerry does that then sadly we DESERVE to lose!
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
latebloomer Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Mar-30-04 08:46 PM
Response to Original message
23. Oh, the horror!!
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
floridaguy Donating Member (751 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Mar-30-04 08:46 PM
Response to Original message
24. Please, say it isn't so . . .. (n/t)
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
wildmanj Donating Member (611 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Mar-30-04 08:53 PM
Response to Original message
26. maybe gephardt
if that be the case they can kiss this democrat goodbye----have voted a straight democratic ticket since 1984----do not intend to pull any lever with gephardt name anywhere on the ticket
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
mdmc Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Mar-30-04 08:55 PM
Response to Original message
27. I liked Geps for Dean. Why not Kerry? Who better?
John McCain?
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
IronLionZion Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Mar-30-04 08:56 PM
Response to Original message
28. they were two peas in a pod during the primaries
and Gephardt got Dean kicked out so maybe Kerry owes him?

And they wonder why people vote Green!
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
IronLionZion Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Mar-30-04 08:58 PM
Response to Original message
30. Contact Kerry's campaign immediately
www.johnkerry.com and tell them not to choose Gep if their lives depended on it.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
DrBB Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Mar-30-04 09:02 PM
Response to Reply #30
31. If it's a trial balloon (which please god I hope it is)
...then we must shoot it down as rapidly as possible.

Look. How about choosing somebody who--how can I put this--actually ran in the money during the primaries? I mean, Gephardt didn't even make it to square one. And it isn't the first time he's tried either.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
AgadorSparticus Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Mar-30-04 09:05 PM
Response to Original message
33. NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!
Give him some cabinet position. But for the love of god, NOT the Veep!!! That would be stupid of Kerry.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
DrBB Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Mar-30-04 09:08 PM
Response to Original message
34. Safe. Uninspired. Unimaginative. Cautious. Timorous.
Edited on Tue Mar-30-04 09:09 PM by DrBB
Can you think of any other adjectives for such a choice?

Could anyone seriously portray it as anything but a craven choice? "Bold" may be too much to expect. But "craven," or even "cautious" will NOT do it.

Kerry has to show himself as decisive, positive, leaderly, creative.

Do any of those adjectives apply to such a choice? I rest my case.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
dweller Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Mar-30-04 09:45 PM
Response to Original message
36. okay, if not Gep, how about Kucinich?
ahahhaa, nevermind, that's out of the conceivable realm of most here.

minds packed like parachutes, but never intended for use, uh huh.

Happy landing,
dp
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
caledesi Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Mar-30-04 09:51 PM
Response to Original message
37. No, No, No!
Edwards
Clark
Grahamn

Anyone, but Geppy!
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
newsguyatl Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Mar-30-04 10:00 PM
Response to Original message
38. i've thought all along it'd be gephardt...
i still insist a backdoor deal was made just before the iowa caucuses...

that's my story and i'm stickin' with it.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Walt Starr Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Mar-31-04 09:58 AM
Response to Reply #38
47. If it's Gephardt, get used to Bush
I might have to work for Nader if they pick Gephardt because Nader will be the only chance left to defeat Bush.

Picking Gephardt would eb akin to throwing in the towel, IMO. It's a guaranteed win for the Republicans. Zell Miller would be a better choice.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
welshTerrier2 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Mar-30-04 10:01 PM
Response to Original message
39. We need a midwesterner BUT ...
not Gephardt ...

Gephardt would bring some midwesterners along ... he would bring along some unions ... he would bring along a number of centrist dems ...

and he would bring along a disaster ...

Gephardt is a very high risk choice ... yes, he's an experienced campaigner ... yes, he has lots of name recognition ...

the problem with Gephardt is that not only is he a "Washington insider", but he's also from the Congress ... I also would be very concerned that the heated struggle in Iowa between Dean and Gephardt could cause Deanies to stay home ...

Gephardt would be a disaster ... it would be very hard to generate any real enthusiasm for that ticket ... would I vote for them, of course ... but selecting Gephardt would make it very hard to get out there and do what needs to be done ... let's hope this is just another baseless rumor ...

I've narrowed my Veep picks down to two: Vilsack because he's a midwestern Governor and Edwards because he's a popular pick even though i don't see him helping at all in the South ...
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
DFLforever Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Mar-30-04 11:57 PM
Response to Original message
40. I wouldn't be surprised if it were Gephardt
He took the hit on the Osama ad and the Dems behind it owe him big time.

On the other hand it would be a disaster as far as personal appeal is concerned. It would give us not just one but two candidates without an iota of charisma.



Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
wildwww2 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Mar-31-04 11:15 PM
Response to Reply #40
90. Every candidate with no charisma. Bu$h & Dick have less than dirt.
I don`t have to look charisma up in the dictionary. To know that dog poop has more charisma than this court appointed bunch of murderers.
Peace
Wildman
Al Gore is My President
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
yellowdawgdem Donating Member (972 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Mar-31-04 03:33 AM
Response to Original message
41. It shows Kerry hasn't picked anybody yet
There are too many nibbles in the water, so that's my take on it. He is figuring with the (phoney or not) drop in polls that he won't do well in the Southland even with a Southern gentleman. Maybe he thinks a midwesterner can help in MO, Indiana, and Ohio. I wouldn't Gep being on the ticket, I doubt he'd hurt Kerry's chances. Might help. I guess at this point I am getting kind of sick of all the floating vp's, and don't really care who he picks. I mean, even McCain wouldn't bother me so much at this point. It seems clear he won't pick anybody who is a risk, and that would include a woman candidate. However, I think a female vp would be just the thing that would energize people to vote. It'd be something different, it would automatically give him lots of free press, and it would signal a real change from politics as usual. I'm not faulting Kerry for being cautious and looking at it from all angles. But I'm way over who he picks. Just aint happenin'.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
nonkultur Donating Member (165 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Mar-31-04 09:46 AM
Response to Original message
42. NO!
Ewwwwww. I see Gephardt and the albino from the Goldie Hawn movie "Foul Play" pops into my head.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
nickinSTL Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Mar-31-04 09:55 AM
Response to Original message
45. Gephardt as VP
I think picking Gep would be a mistake. Good guy, but BORING.

He also failed to lead in 2002, didn't do (what I felt was his job as the most visible, senior Dem in Congress) what was necessary to develop and put out a message for the Dems.

I also don't think Gep can guarantee Missouri. He'd bring his home congressional district, along with the St. Louis City/North County district, but those are already pretty solid for the Dems. I question his appeal in rural areas.

Kerry has a tendency to be boring on occasion. We don't need a repeat of 2000, with Stiff and Boring on the ticket. Kerry has to loosen back up again, and pick a dynamic running mate.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
niceypoo Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Mar-31-04 09:59 AM
Response to Original message
48. I agree, If Gephardt is picked its all over
He needs to pick a shaker. Someone that would shake up the base and the indies. Clarke maybe? Edwards would be a good one. Al Franken comes to mind........
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Skittles Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Mar-31-04 10:05 AM
Response to Reply #48
49. did you mean Wesley Clark ?
Dick Clarke already stated under oath he would not accept a position with Kerry.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
HootieMcBoob Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Mar-31-04 10:16 AM
Response to Original message
50. Sweet Merciful Crap!
Edited on Wed Mar-31-04 10:16 AM by HootieMcBoob
Gephardt is a nice enough guy but NO CHARISMA!

They have to take into account that leaders need to be charismatic. That's just the way it is.

I'm pulling for Wes Clark but there are dozens of better choices than Gephardt.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
dryan Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Mar-31-04 10:29 AM
Response to Reply #50
51. Rep. Gebhardt would be a bad choice
With all due respect, Kerry/Gephardt would be a snoozer of a ticket. We need a real firebrand on the ticket and I think that Rep. Gephardt just isn't that person. I have met him several times (especially when he ran before for President) and one-on-one he's great. Remembered everyone's name at a cocktail party I attended with 80 people--no exaggeration--and he is a tireless campaigner. I know someone that worked on his campaign for re-election and its nothing for him to go 18-20 hours on jus a sandwich. Unfortunately, he comes across as very wooden on TV.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Cuban_Liberal Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Mar-31-04 10:30 AM
Response to Original message
52. Sweet sufferin' Jesus, NO!
If he picks Gephardt, I'm making sure my passport is valid, because a 2nd Bush term is pretty much guaranteed... :puke:
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
JNelson6563 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Mar-31-04 11:05 AM
Response to Original message
54. Bland & blander
Edited on Wed Mar-31-04 11:06 AM by JNelson6563
Ugh!!

My only hope is an acceptable VP choice. Without that I doubt I'll be able to bring myself to muster any excitement about this election.

Choose one who makes up for your weak points Kerry. Someone with personality would be good, a little sparkle, even better--tho' scary for the DLC masters.

Julie

Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
StlMo Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Mar-31-04 11:16 AM
Response to Original message
55. Gephardt should be the VP. NeoCon\Bushies fear Gephardt.

Gephardt should be the VP.

NeoCon\Bushies fear Gephardt.


Gephardt has a long, patriotic history of fighting the NeoCons.

Gephardt led the fight against the critically flawed NAFTA.
NeoConservatives delighted in the lack of worker rights and the absence of environmental protections. Even though many Democrats caved to the right wing agenda, Gephardt stood firmly opposed to the so-called "free trade" attack on America.

Gephardt led the fight against permanent normalized trade with China.
America could have bargained for safe labor conditions and protection against conservation catastrophes, but instead centrists and NeoConservatives used the opportunity to strike a blow against jobs and lives. Dick Gephardt valiantly opposed their plot, but the right wing interlopers prevailed. If only more Congressmen had lived up to Gephardt's example - the world would be a much better place.

Gephardt led the fight that banned discrimination because of gender, race, ethnicity, orientation, age, and religion. Amazingly, NeoConservatives want to drag America back to Medieval social restrictions. Gephardt led the campaign that kept sexual orientation from being an exception in America's effort against discrimination. Gephardt and his allies ended the ban on gay and lesbian Americans serving in the armed forces. NeoCons knew that Americans were becoming more tolerant of different sexual orientations so the NeoCons attempted to institutionalize hate in the form of legalized discrimination. Yet, the NeoCons failed and will continue fail to impose their bigotry on America - because of the brave opposition of leaders like Dick Gephardt.

Gephardt led the fight against the NeoConservative plan to rape Alaska for a miniscule amount of oil. Thanks to leaders like Gephardt, progressives saved that unique piece of America.

Gephardt led the opposition that kept Bush from putting large doses of the poison arsenic into drinking water.

Gephardt led the successful protection of the Department of Education by NeoConservatives that fear an educated populace. Gephardt struck a further blow with the expansion of access to federal student loans to all students instead of a select few - allowing more Americans to build a better life.

Gephardt leads the fight to solve America's horrific HealthCare crisis. It is a high priority for NeoConservatives to protect the gluttony of gigantic pharmacological corporations. NeoCons bribed just enough members of Congress to block Universal HealthCare in the past. A Gephardt Administration would realize what NeoConservatives dread - all Americans receiving medical attention.

Gephardt leads the fight to save Social Security while NeoConservatives attempt to destroy it by transferring its funds to the Robber Barons that lead the NeoCons.

Gephardt leads the fight to save Medicare while NeoConservatives try to wipeout Medicare and all other programs that help the American people (because their masters want the money - and NeoCons just hate people who aren't rich).

Gephardt leads the fight to discover the truth about September 11. The NeoCons are scrambling to hide Bush's failure to take any measures against a terrorist attack that Bush knew was coming. Gephardt had the guts to ask what Bush knew and when he knew it. The truth was blocked in the Senate, but not in the House of Representatives - thanks to Gephardt.

Gephardt leads the fight to establish an International Minimum Wage - a living wage for all people everywhere. Gephardt leads the fight to abolish sweatshops and child labor. It is hard to imagine a concept that strikes more fear into the dark hearts of NeoConservatives than the global agenda of Dick Gephardt.

Contrary to popular opinion, Dick Gephardt did not give Bush what Bush wanted in Iraq. When one goes past the right wing mainstream Media spin, one discovers that Bush entered office (thanks to five idiotic and immoral Supreme Court judges) with the authority to invade Iraq - and to order the U.S. military to remove Saddam Hussein. The constitution also specifies that the authority to conduct more than limited action in Iraq or elsewhere requires an official war declaration. The alleged war resolution signed by George Bush jr. had only symbolic conditional approval for Iraq and the conditions where things NeoCons despise - International support and a requirement for a real threat. It also blocked NeoCon plans to invade Syria, Iran, Lebanon, etc. Gephardt forced Bush to sign a document that Bush did not want.

Dick Gephardt is a progress populist and the NeoCons correctly fear that Gephardt will help Kerry lead the people against the evil NeoCon agenda.


Kerry Gephardt 2004!
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
cryofan Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Mar-31-04 01:06 PM
Response to Reply #55
71. HEAR HEAR!! VIVE EL GEPSTER!!!
Tell these yuppies and yuppie-wannbe Dean/Clark supporters what is what!
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
StlMo Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Mar-31-04 11:27 AM
Response to Original message
56. Gephardt is not bland.

Just listen to Gephardt talk about how Bush is fucking up the country.

When Gephardt gives a fiery populist speech, he displays a lot of charisma.

Gephardt might seem too serious sometimes, but people want a leader to be serious when they are talking about the worst economic disaster since the great depression.

Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
slinkerwink Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Mar-31-04 11:29 AM
Response to Reply #56
57. hahahahaha, NO! He IS bland!
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
StlMo Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Mar-31-04 11:52 AM
Response to Reply #57
63. No one who publicly questions Bush's complicity in 9/11 is bland.
:dem:
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
sendero Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Mar-31-04 01:52 PM
Response to Reply #56
74. I have seen...
... Gephardt speak eloquently - I agree with you on that. What I have not seen is a real sense of fight in him. I think he has "gone along" way too much.

I have to assume that if they are considering him, it is because they think he can deliver some key states or constituenciies.

I hope they are doing the math or something, because on its face this does not sound like what the ticket needs to me.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
ikojo Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Mar-31-04 09:40 PM
Response to Reply #56
87. Gephardt missed a very important vote on July 10, 2003
when the House of "Representatives" voted on overtime legislation. He has a history of not being present for many votes. I guess that's so he doesn't have to explain his position to his corporate backers.

I think choosing Gephardt would be a grave mistake for John Kerry.

Gephardt stood alongside Bush in 2002 when he voted to support the IWR.

Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
ScreamingMeemie Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Mar-31-04 11:30 AM
Response to Original message
58. Ok, listen...The average union worker seems to be disgruntled.
From what I have seen. (my husband is a machinist) Kerry has no lock on the union vote here in Michigan. While union leaders might be playing footsie with him right now, union employees don't have the habit of listening or following the instructions on mass mailings.

Gephardt could be the very thing that would swing union workers into the Kerry camp. Just my analysis. :hi:
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
BabsSong Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Mar-31-04 11:31 AM
Response to Original message
59. I think you are forgetting that it actually would be a practical move
We need to make sure we get back Iowa, Wisconsin, Minnestoa, Michigan AND we desperately need either Ohio or Missouri. This is where Gep is strong in these union places. Very strong. And has a whole web of a political machine out there. We don't need to appeal to NY or CA or others; they respond to the fact that a Dem is running against Bush, period. Forget about the South---really--we might change a few thousand minds but that's a dent in these bastions of the repukes. So why drag a Southerner around with us?? Sure it's boring. But Cheney isn't exactly the reason people light up and vote repuke either. It's actually a real tactical move.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
SaintLouisBlues Donating Member (755 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Mar-31-04 11:55 AM
Response to Reply #59
64. And Unions get out the vote big time.
This election will be all about voter turnout, and the Unions have the history and infrastructure to do just that.

Yeah Gep is boring, although not as bad as people hear seem to think.
He does very well on the stump and in debates. Don't forget his classic "miserable failure" was one of the highlights of the primary debates.

Boring will not make DU'ers (myself included) happy. But what do we know. It would be Clark or Dean with the nomination if we were accurately gauging the electorate.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Michael Costello Donating Member (179 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Mar-31-04 06:05 PM
Response to Reply #59
80. I preferred Gephardt over Kerry
Of the major Democratic candidates, I preferred Gephardt over Kerry. Republicans talk about how Kerry is wealthy, a Massachusetts liberal and so forth. Gephardt's father was a Teamster, he is a Midwesterner who looks, talks and acts like a Midwesterner. And he stood up to Clinton, who idiotically signed NAFTA. For me personally, his links to labor, and his stances like going against NAFTA are what endears him to me. It is important to me that the Democrat have strong ties to labor, and of the major candidates, Gephardt had the strongest.

I live in New York City, and among progressive people I know, Kerry getting wounded in Vietnam, or Gephardt being a church-going, plain spoken Midwesterner might not count for much. But in the battelground states this election (the Midwest mostly), I think it counts for a lot more. And for me personally, I have a lot more faith in the AFL-CIO rank-and-file than I do in the Democratic party rank and file. After all, the AFL-CIO rank and file can have a wildcat strike if need be. There is no such equivalent with the Democratic party, except perhaps a violent revolution.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
GreenPartyVoter Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Mar-31-04 11:37 AM
Response to Original message
60. Gep would kill us for sure
We can find someone with more fire who would bring in the union vote.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Cat Atomic Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Mar-31-04 11:37 AM
Response to Original message
61. We're talking about the VP slot, people.
And whoever Kerry chooses as a running mate, his opponent will be Dick Fucking Cheney, who is universally despised. It's not like you'd have to be a rock star to be more popular than Cheney.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
StlMo Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Mar-31-04 11:48 AM
Response to Original message
62. As a running mate, Gephardt would deliver a huge electoral boost.

Missouri is only the beginning. Gephardt would bring victory in a variety of Mid Western states and would win key battleground states like Ohio. Gephardt has a large and passionate following among union workers and other critical Democratic constituencies. Kerry would be intelligent to select Gephardt for Vice President.

Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
LSdemocrat Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Mar-31-04 01:07 PM
Response to Reply #62
72. Gephardt wouldn't win Missouri
He has NO following outside of St. Louis. Even in St. Louis he isn't that popular. He's spent so many years being a poor (mediocre at best) minority leader, that he's basically ignored his constituency for the past ten years.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
StlMo Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Mar-31-04 02:31 PM
Response to Reply #72
75. You didn't like the incredible Democratic economy in the Clinton years?

Gephardt was a great leader and has solid backing - especially in this state.

Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
LSdemocrat Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Mar-31-04 08:40 PM
Response to Reply #75
85. That economy was thanks to Bill Clinton
Edited on Wed Mar-31-04 08:41 PM by LSdemocrat
Gephardt utterly failed as Minority Leader. He never developed a cohesive strategy for taking back the House.

I really don't think he would win Missouri for us.

In the last poll (Sep 2003) Bush led Gephardt in Missouri by 10 percent!

http://komu.com/html/htmlFall2003/missouripoll091003.html
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
jackstraw45 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Mar-31-04 12:00 PM
Response to Original message
65. HUGE mistake....
Tell John Kerry, as a voter, what you think of that potential pick...
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Cocoa Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Mar-31-04 12:05 PM
Response to Original message
66. Kerry is boring
and he obliterated some really good competition in the primary. So it's not all about excitement.

Then again, Gep lost early, but the general election is very different. A lot of this election is going to be about credibility, and Gep is totally credible.

Gep vs. Cheney is a really good contrast, too. The debate would be awesome.


Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
salin Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Mar-31-04 06:10 PM
Response to Reply #66
83. Whats interesting in the "boring" line of thought
is folks seem to forget to do the compare and contrast to the opposing candidate.

Bush isn't boring, he isn't interesting, he is simply awkwardly inarticulate.

More importantly Bush is simplistic in his answers. Perhaps to some swing voters that seemed a little appealing after the eloquence of Clinton that some (pushed by the right) seemed to find - slick through big words. But the luster of "simple spoken" has long worn off.

This may be the first time in a long time where intellectual and in control of the issues - but perhaps bland - is sought as desirable (as in someone competent and able to get us out of all of the messes the simpleton drug us into.)
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
cryofan Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Mar-31-04 12:42 PM
Response to Original message
67. geppy would be the first populist VP ever, maybe
Geppy is a populist, in a way. So bring up the GEP as VP!
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
bloom Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Mar-31-04 12:47 PM
Response to Original message
68. Gephardt had a Barry Manilow theme song
That, in itself, says it all to me. :eyes:
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
pippin Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Mar-31-04 12:48 PM
Response to Original message
69. Gephardt is a feaking republican kiss arse
Democrats should let the Kerry campaign know that our responses are "No! No! and No!"
If he does it's sure death for the Democrats.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
goforit Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Mar-31-04 12:55 PM
Response to Original message
70. Ahhhhhhh!!..Gepthardt been a looooser his whole self centered life!
Is Kerry truely intentionally thinking of solidifying
the presidency to Bush?

If he is.......Just say hello to the new Socialist America to come
there after!!!

People are just not going to stand for this!!!
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
ElementaryPenguin Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Mar-31-04 01:24 PM
Response to Original message
73. WTF?? Why not Wesley Clark, or Edwards, or Bob Graham?
I might even prefer thAT stupid McCain idea!!

C'mon, Kerry! Don't fucking do this!! Can't Kennedy speak up! We should make the biggest stink possible about this! This is really Kerry's ticket to LOSING this thing - and WE CANNOT ALLOW THAT TO HAPPEN!!

:spank:
:puke:
:crazy:
:argh:
:mad:
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
dryan Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Mar-31-04 02:51 PM
Response to Reply #73
76. Whomever will be eventual VP I will support
Even though I am not sure that Gephardt would make the best choice, whomever Sen. Kerry picks I will support for VP.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
KoKo Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Mar-31-04 04:15 PM
Response to Original message
78. Dreadful! I hope this is either a "tip of the hat" or a wild rumor..
I can't imagine this would even be suggested!
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
tom_paine Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Mar-31-04 04:18 PM
Response to Original message
79. Yes, we are fucked if it's Gephardt
Soemone send this thread to the Kerry Campaign!

Please NONONONONONONONONO!

Almost as bad a choice as Liebermann in 2000.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
neverborn Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Mar-31-04 06:07 PM
Response to Original message
81. Reason not all think of...



Hate to bring up Primary hate again, but the Deaniacs that were hardcore are reaching to support Kerry. You bring Gephardt in, I think they're gone. I'm ABB/hardcore Deaniac, but I'm one of the few I think.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
7 Lazy P Donating Member (41 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Mar-31-04 06:21 PM
Response to Original message
84. A quote comes to mind.....
"Two statues in search of pedestals"
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Lostnote03 Donating Member (850 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Mar-31-04 09:27 PM
Response to Original message
86. No Surprise w/Gephart
........Kerry had better wake up to the fact that the Progressives are tired of being taken for granted.....I am not knocking Gephart because I feel that he has fought the good fight for all of us however his Rose Garden appearance(capitulation) in support of Bushs war fetish signaled defeat for the Dems in 2002.....His actions pulled the rug out from under the efforts to expose the profiteering madness of the GOP and its use of premptive invasion for POLITICAL CAPITAL.....Kucinich led the effort in the House to reverse the momentum and for that alone he deserves to be VP or a cabinet level appointee......I do not expect this to happen....Maybe Tom Harkin?
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
LiberalManiacfromOC Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Mar-31-04 10:59 PM
Response to Original message
88. All I can say:
:cry:
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
goclark Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Mar-31-04 11:12 PM
Response to Original message
89. Lost in the 60's
Edited on Wed Mar-31-04 11:12 PM by goclark

This is 2004 folks!


With all due respect to a very fine and respectable politician,
Gephardt is not the one for VP in this century.

I don't believe that Kerry would be that stupid.
This one is not even worth a trial balloon.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
DU AdBot (1000+ posts) Click to send private message to this author Click to view 
this author's profile Click to add 
this author to your buddy list Click to add 
this author to your Ignore list Fri Dec 27th 2024, 09:59 AM
Response to Original message
Advertisements [?]
 Top

Home » Discuss » Archives » General Discussion (Through 2005) Donate to DU

Powered by DCForum+ Version 1.1 Copyright 1997-2002 DCScripts.com
Software has been extensively modified by the DU administrators


Important Notices: By participating on this discussion board, visitors agree to abide by the rules outlined on our Rules page. Messages posted on the Democratic Underground Discussion Forums are the opinions of the individuals who post them, and do not necessarily represent the opinions of Democratic Underground, LLC.

Home  |  Discussion Forums  |  Journals |  Store  |  Donate

About DU  |  Contact Us  |  Privacy Policy

Got a message for Democratic Underground? Click here to send us a message.

© 2001 - 2011 Democratic Underground, LLC