What Do You Expect from President Dean???

[Starpass]

No, I'm not a Dean supporter. So, you tell me, what do you expect from President Dean?? Do you expect peace in Iraq and no more war, ever, for any reason--if so, tell me what he will do to solve that minor piece of business (especially with a repuke congress). Do you expect healthcare reform--if so, tell me about it. Do you expect we will fund (really fund) education--tell me how he will make a repuke congress do that or even his desire to do so. Do you expect he will defend us better against terrorism--tell me how. Do you expect him to save your ss and medicare--tell me how he proposes to do that. Do you expect him to save your job and keep jobs from going abroad--gosh, tell me what you think he will do. Do you expect him to defend to the death the right to organize?? Do you get the picture??

I'm sick of the fact that he can get a bunch of internet people yelling "go, Dean, go"---now it's up to you to convert me and the rest of the nation to Dean and tell me all the stuff he's going to do for me. And don't you ask me to tell you what any candidate of mine will DO for you. It's simple....my candidates (and there are a couple) know D.C. politics and how to play the game. They ain't no Jimmy Carter, who didn't and got killed, along with the American people. They will give a little, take a little and their focus will be more pro-people than the repukes or they won't get re-elected (re-election is the sacred grail of them all---remember Bush said "he didn't care if he was elected or re-elected--hahahaha, so he so doesn't care that he's out whoring at every money raising event he can. And that's what all of them will do, including Dean).

Nothing is going to create your "Brave New World"--it's just a matter of whether you(and all average Americans) get some bigger bread crumbs if we own the WH and the Congress or whether we get no bread crumbs and start eating each other if the repukes own the WH and the Congress. Stop thinking any of these candidates will deliver your paradise--they not only will not; it's not possible. In fact, the only dude we have out there working for us is Dennis Kuchich (sorry, Dennis, I probably spelled your name wrong 'cause that's how popular you are). And that's sad. Even Dennis would go to the Oval Office and be totally inept because the whole Congress which would be heavily repuke (but also any remaining Dems in Congress) would do nothing that this man pushed for---a true voice crying in the widerness. That's why I laugh at the Dean drunken insanity. The Congressional Dems fear Dean not because he's so popular with the primary crowd. They fear him because they know Bush will eat him alive and there goes their chances for re-election. Are you going to say that these seasoned political hacks are dead wrong and Dean will deliver them to places they have never gone before?? Get real. They know politics and their constituients...and they are trying to tell you something. I want you to tell me what Dean REALLY can do and deliver for the American people and what is DOA if he walks into the big white house. So many of you seem to think that if he's elected he will simply 'decree' things. That doesn't happen. But, I'm also concerned of what, if he had the power, Howard of the Silver Spoon would "decree". I'm not a Dennis supporter....but he's "everyman's soul". Dean is someone the American public still does not know but a lot of us in New England do know....(clue--he ain't Christ).

[durutti]

1. Not Much

I expect him to abandon the pseudo-progressive rhetoric and settle into his role as corporate puppet, just like every Democratic President.

[sfwriter]

5. I like the puppet....

who brings us eight years of relative peace and prosperity. Maybe those evil corporate bastards are playing us for fools. Pulling that old "good cop/Bad cop" routine? After Bush we'll welcome our evil Democratic masters...

;-)

-Sandy

[friendofbenn]

14. 8 years of peace and prosperity

what like under clinton?

[Ein]

66. Deployed troops more than any president in history...

according to the History Channel.

[friendofbenn]

13. agreed

n/t

[usregimechange]

57. The end result, Bush President Justice Stevens replaced with Scalia clone!

United we stand divided we fall!

[lifelong_Dem]

67. Wow

Ignorant statements like that are a big part of the reason that the lefty-left is well on its way to political irrelevancy in this country.

[Bertrand]

81. Maybe you can tell us

how he is wrong.

[lifelong_Dem]

83. Kind of hard to do...

...given that he didn't present any facts or arguments in his post, just baseless, empty rhetoric.

[Keithpotkin]

2. rock on, your a brave man for saying whats sorta got to be said.

but come on....say we did have a "perfect candidate"...there wouldnt be much they could do either, thanks to the repuke congress...and courts.

[Abe Linkman]

3. It's about time someone asked that simple question.

Dean is a conventional, status-quo protector from a privileged background, with a bit of a mean streak and a track record that lots of Eastern Republicans support. He has a disdain for those who need help, a lack of respect for the rights of citizens accused of crime, and has said and done nothing to suggest that he will do all in his power to make life better for ALL Americans.

If you liked Clinton, you'll like Dean.

[KC21304]

26. I liked Clinton, but what does that have to do with Dean ?

I don't understand your Clinton reference.

[MODemocrat]

76. Well count me in, because I love Bill Clinton

An old woman told me once that most of the time, every knock is a break, and I believe it's true in Dean's case.

[w4rma]

4. Some return of reason back into American politics

and a stronger more unified Democratic Party that works *with* our activists instead of trying to hide them.

[alcuno]

6. I would expect the truth.

And I don't care what the Congressional Dems think because they have shown themselves to be incapable of leading; look at the 2002 election. I want a president who doesn't call things what they are not. For example, the "Healthy Forest Initiative" is really a plan to cut down the forests, the "Clear Skies Initiative" is really a plan to increase air pollution.

I want a government that at least tries to be honest with the American people and that is Dean's appeal. Kerry, Gephardt, Lieberman, and Edwards have a long way to go to get to that point.

[searchingforlight]

20. ditto

[stickdog]

7. What's better, infinitely powerful love for all or Howard Dean?

I'll take the former. Is it running for President?

[RetroLounge]

8. Oh look, another Bash Dean masturbation thread...

Hey, I'll start, then all you others start the bashing...

Boring, circle-jerk, as usual.

So who's your candidate, and why don't you sayt something positive about him?

Desperation rears it's ugly head...

[Starpass]

17. the ony reply you people have---shut up and put up

I told you what my candidates would do in my post (and I have several candidates) -- again, if you people would read for once -- I said they will bargain and give and take but will be on the side of people 'cause otherwise they wouldn't be re-elected. I said tell me what your brilliant boy would do---can't answer that one, can you?? We are just to have faith, not ask and beeeeeelieeeve. You sound like fucking Falwell.

[RetroLounge]

25. What does Fucking Falwell sound like?

The thought of that sound frightens mankind...

[Cha]

31. You haven't read all the threads ...all you do is scold like an..

well I won't say it cause I don't want to get deleted! But all you do is Scold!

[Forkboy]

43. When people read the last time you told them to

it made you look foolish.

[Cha]

18. LOL!

[poskonig]

9. Better foreign policy, economy, and judicial appointments.

While there is only so much a president can do, Dean will have an immediate impact on foreign policy. Dean will particularly heal the damage in Iraq and North Korea while working to prevent weapons proliferation, ethnic cleansing, and international terrorism.

The economy is a no-brainer. We need to take measures to stop jobs from hemorraging. One way to do this is be serious about the environment and workers. Not looting the treasury for the very rich will be a step in the right direction.

Given that Dean signed the civil unions bill in Vermont, we know he'll make decent judicial appointments. Some think flooding the federal benches with Pickerings and Estradas is a good thing; I do not.

On the campaign side, the Dean campaign has a lot of talent. Many in the Democratic establishment are worried they might be displaced if Dean controls the executive branch, but they'll warm up as Dean continues to do well in the primaries.

[Starpass]

23. posk--and, tell me, you don't think all of the other candidates, excluding

maybe Joe would do that???--then you have not been listening.

[poskonig]

24. Kerry & co think the Iraq war is pretty cool.

The four horsemen may tell you they oppose it, but when the shit hits the fan, they are pro-neocon all the way.

[KC21304]

38. That is not true and you know better than that.

Well, second thought, maybe you don't.

[poskonig]

53. 23 Democrats opposed the war resolution.

Too bad Kerry wasn't one of them.

[Cha]

34. We listen! It's you that cotton in the ears!

[Jim Sagle]

10. Looks like a nice bedtime reading thread.

[Cha]

27. If you're goin' to bed early!

[Pavlovs DiOgie]

11. I expect

the power to be given back to the people. Dean has clearly done that in his campaign.

I expect a balanced budget. Dean has done that for 11 years in Vermont.

I expect fixes in the health care system that can be passed through Congress. In Vermont, Dean tried to get health care for everyone, but it didn't pass. So he then tried to get health care for all children, and it passed.

I expect the UN to be MUCH more involved in our Iraq efforts. Now that we are there, we can't just walk away, but clearly the UN should have a much stronger hand in fixing the problems we created. Dean has promised to do that.

I expect to be heard. Dean has listened to his supporters (check out the blog, you can see evidence of he and his staffers implementing ideas, and giving his supporters the freedom to campaign for Dean as they see fit).

I expect life to be infintely better than it has been under Bush's regime.

[caledesi]

12. Simple: clean the mess up. Bring back a Clinton peace & prosperity.

That's it.

[friendofbenn]

19. america always has peace and prosperity

this is because you dont have a u.s embassy in washington

[Cha]

42. No America doesn't always have Peace and Prosperity!

Wrong!

[Upfront]

58. A Chicken In Every Pot

Dang, now I have dated my self. Starr mouth, I suggest you go to Deans web site and read his ideas. I would expect him to TRY to do what he says. Now, if we could somehow quit fighting long enough to get control of congress, then I would expect him to DO what he says. If you can read and understand, then that is your answer.

[MODemocrat]

79. Caledesi, where did you find that gorgeous photo of Dr. Dean?

Even more, how did you transfer it to your post? Thanks, Marian

[soleft]

15. I expect someone who is not a fundamentalist fanatic

Somone who will base his decisions on reason and logic and not a belief that a war God has to be appeased.

[Hoppin_Mad]

16. You ever find those stats Starpass ?

You started one Dean bashing thread just a few hours ago by saying that 2/3's of NH Dean supporters believe that Bush will win anyway.

You haven't either documented that claim, or admitted that you were playing fast and loose with whatever facts you might have thought you had a grasp on - out of your hatred of Dean.

Now you start ANOTHER anti-Dean thread - after not even having the diginity to clean up the vomit of the last thread you left ?

LOL !

[Name removed]

21. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Forkboy]

48. Nic is in a class of his own

[Cha]

22. I like your "name"!

What he/she said!

[Starpass]

30. Hoppin, baby, come on give me the stats, the articles, the sworn statement

of Howard that will put me into orgasmic pleaure this eveing of what he's gonna do for you and me..........I live next door to Howard here in Maine. We know who Howard is....................oh my god are you (unless you are flaming DLC) gonna just puke in your shorts when you know who Howard is. Howard came from Wall Street aristocracy and Howard bleeds just like Wall Street aristocracy does for the common man. And Howard ain't gonna bleed too much for you. Gay marriage support covers up a lot in Vermont's other politics and Vermont (I just hate to tell you) isn't like balancing the US budget--and if it comes to a real drive for that balance, Howard will cut your balls off to make it happen.

[poskonig]

32. You are sounding irrational.

Some of the other candidates are from much more elitist backgrounds than Dean, but I'm not going to go there.

[Cha]

33. So you're jealous of Howard's money!

That's why you have such a hatred!

[Starpass]

39. Ya zidiziiii--just like all them their evil doers are jealous of our

freedoms here in Amereka....no, honey, it's because Howard is a national disaster just waiting for Rove and Bush to devour along with a whole bunch of our congresspeople who will go down the crapper with him. I want someone who will defeat Bush. Not a vanity candidate that we can all cry about and bemoan the ignorance of Amurekans on the day after elections '04. Howard turns you on........he turns off most voters...'cause, remember, (like it or not, honey) most Americans are "proud to be an Amurkean"--haven't you read bumperstickers lately or looked at flags or those fading, shitting yellow ribbons??? Howard plays to a small crowd. I need somone to play to the big house when it counts.

[Cha]

45. I don't believe you!

[poskonig]

49. You want the 2002 Daschle-Gephardt surrender strategy again.

Sorry, not buying. Especially after Landrieu won her LA seat she was supposed to lose by turning out Democrats.

[Forkboy]

51. I love when people call people honey

and dont mean it! Nope...not condescending at all.

[Ediacara]

63. I always hear that...

Dean is a disaster just waiting for Rove to happen?

Can you articulate why?

The only person EVER to articulate that to me was a freep disruptor who said "gay marriage and against war on terror" (he shoved the Iraq invasion into the WOT). I think both of these issues are rather lame as people for the Iraqi invasion and against gays were likely never to vote for a democrat in the first place, and independants are more open minded and issues oriented than freep would like to think.

So can you articulate why HD is a disaster waiting to happen? Or is this another non-event like Kerry's campaign taking out Dean "any time they want."

[Ediacara]

101. no reply?

can any anti-Deaner give me an honest and logical response, or just more recycled Freep arguments?

[Nazgul35]

93. I see....so you hate...

FDR, JFK, RFK....democrats who came from money but had the average hard working American in their hearts....

perhaps if you stopped waving the red flag there comrade you would consider a person's actions, and not their unbringing...and before you go on about Dean, consider that many of the same argument you have been using hear against Dean were also used against FDR, JFK, RFK....

It'll be fun to watch everyone's head explode when Dean takes the oath of office in Jan. 2005....

I really gotta question indvidual's attempts to slame fellow democrats when we consider just how F*CKING IMPORTANT THIS NEXT ELECTION IS TO THE VERY EXISTENCE OF OUR COUNTRY!!!!!

PS: Love the contradiction....seems that the issues of repug control of Congress will juts melt away if one of the Cong. candidates gets elected...cause the repugs have never done anything to undermine democrats before...or have they...my attention span is only about...huh...what was I talking about?

Wake up! Dean has been critised for cooperating too much with the repugs in Vermont, now he wont be able to do that in Washington...perhaps the problem is in your thought process...you see, no dem president will be successful if all we do is vote and go home....this fight is going to last a few years and if you don't "have the balls" to stick with it...be involved, than you deserve everything that's going to happen to you!

[Jack Rabbit]

28. For starters, good judgment

Many of us appreciate that Dean opposed the invasion of Iraq, but what I find most impressive is that is opposition was measured and well-reasoned.

It is ludicrous for rightwingers in the Republican Party or the militant moderates in the DLC to attempt to portray Dean as weak on defense because he opposed a war predicated on lies that has created more problems than it has solved. That doesn't show a weakness on defense, that shows good judgment and clear foresight. There is nothing in Dean's opposition to the invasion of Iraq that suggest that he would hesitate to go to war if it were absolutely necessary.

[uptohere]

29. a little help with jobs would be nice

Wall Street is actually bitching about it so getting support for stemming the flow of middle class jobs out of the country ought to be doable.

Leave guns and morals issues alone. De-federalize the airport security (what a disaster that was). Get baseball back to DC.

Contiue getting Iraq back in capable and friendly Iraqi hands. Continue to work with China to get the irratable bowel of N.Korea settled down.

Anything more would be pipe dream material. I'll settle for this.

[Starpass]

35. uptohere--I don't get the "defederalize" airport security remark??

Why would he want it back into the hands of the 'private sector"?? They didn't do such a nifty job with 9/11, hence the push for the federal gov to step in. Once that happend and the Senate went over to the repukes again, they started to get rid of security people (apparently one of the mastermind plans to beef up homeland security????--duh). I would expect that Dean and any others would push for more fed regulation and staffing of airport security...how many aliens and felons did our great private companies have on the job???

[uptohere]

40. obviously they did a terrible job before

but all that was necessary was to require standards to be met. They are not requiring their own screeners meet any standards, including (according to reports I read) the very same aliens and crooks.

I was for doubling the pay of the same people (for motivation) and making them accountable for meeting requirements. We doubled the numbers AND made a huge increase in pay with NO effect. Well, except for shaking down blue haired ladies and encouraging even more theft of personal items including cash.

I respect that you are entitled to your opinion but I do not see how to look at what happened as positive in any way.

[markbark]

36. Well maybe....

he could start by calling all Congressional Republicans "enemy combatants" and toss them in Gitmo.


OK... so I'm just yanking your chain on that one... So sue me. :P


In case it has escaped your attention, this country was bought and paid for generations ago. The quadrennial reshuffling of the deck chairs on this particular Titanic provides the proles with the illusion that "their voices count".
The biggest problem with the current occupant of the White House is that his handlers got a little greedy and let the curtain on the control room slip a little. The general public has gotten a small glimpse of the reality instead of "The Wizard" and now must "re-inserted" into the Matrix (OK, I'm not only mixing metaphors here, but movies as well.... maybe I should be getting a little more sleep these days ;) )

I'm throwing my lot in with Dean, not because I think he's the best man for the job (although he could very well be) but because I think a match-up between Dean and Bush will provide the highest potential for entertainment in the coming months. Think of the possibilities!
Two highly competative guys, neither of whom have a very long fuse. What are the odds that one or the other will have a HIGHLY entertaining blow-up on national TV during a debate? (assuming that Bush's handlers will let him on TV without benefit of TelePromTer)
Now THAT'S "Must See TV", kiddies!

Looking forward to the next 15 months! :hi:


--MAB

[PAMod]

37. Ah, President Dean - sounds great, doesn't it !

Geez, starpass, I will settle for integrity and leadership.

Will the Republicans in congress give President Dean everything he asks for? Of course not (depends on the election pluralty), but then again, they won't have a partner in crime in the White House like they do now. If all Dean does is stop them from running SS aground, and stop them from turning the US into a police state - well that's worth his election alone!

Regarding "your" candidates who know how to "play the game" in Washington; THEY are the reason Bush has been able to ditch our economy, betray our Constitution & ruin our standing in the world - all with impunity. They are part of the problem, starpass.

Although I think all of the Democratic candidates are immensely qualified to lead, and will support the nominee regardless of who it is, I think the insider candidates have a lot of nerve running for president in 2004.

[Starpass]

44. PMod--so you think Howard will stand as a shining knight to the end

and that, unlike all presidential candidates, he isn't playing the suckers for the primary vote now and will turn into Mr. DLC when he goes national for the big prize???-----you don't know Howard. He will. And a lot of people here will be doing the repuke logic dance to explain everything away until they are voting for Bush not-so-light and convincing themselves they are voting for da' Savior. Personally, I don't think Howard will get that far. Even he said he doesn't relish having Clark for opposition (wonder why??--maybe 'cause he knows the 'defense' thing will kill him).

[PAMod]

56. SIR President Howard Dean...

may pander on occasion along the road to the White House, as will all of the other candidates. It is both shameful and embarrassing, but candidates in both parties know that what is palatable to the undecideds next November, might not play very well with to the faithful in Iowa & New Hampshire this winter.

That's how you "play the game" in presidential politics. Geez, looks like Dean is a fast learner - we have nothing to worry about!

Seriously, you can't govern, starpass, if you don't get elected.

Dean has not lied, however, regarding his positions (to my knowledge) and frankly, I don't think he has to lie. He has a pretty good record as governor and has put together actual plans for governing in Washington. Check 'em out << www.deanforamerica.com >>

I don't expect him to turn into "Mr. DLC" - nor does the DLC, apparently. They seem to be going out their way to topedo his movement.

You think your insider candidates would fair better than Dean in November 2004. I, along with a pretty fair number of others here at DU and elsewhere, disagree.

One more thing: whoever the nominee is (except Clark, who will of course have other problems) will have a "defense thing" deficit, but hell, Bush II was probably the most unqualified president in history in that regard. Dean's biggest problem in that regard is what the other Democrats are saying!

If Dean articulates his vision of America's position in the world, people will be attracted to his ability to lead our military.

[Pavlovs DiOgie]

46. Nice post

100% on the mark.

[haymaker]

41. Vote for Bush then.

And let the Dean voters vote for Dean.

[Starpass]

62. haymaker--why the fuck would I vote for Bush??

I'm looking for a winner and someone who is more liberal than the real Mr. Dean. Sweetie, stop being so Freeperlike---you know, vote for Dean or you are a repuke, Bush lover, slimebag, etc. There are more Dems than Howard (who said he was the Dem branch of the Dem party and then screams on every show that he isn't LIBERAL)---so what the fuck is the definition of a Dem to Howard??--a rightwinger????

[Pavlovs DiOgie]

69. Wow

You should see someone professionally about your anger issue, sweetie.

[Forkboy]

97. having people point out how pathetic your arguments are

ususally pisses people off...maybe that explains all her anger.

[MODemocrat]

80. Starpass, may I ask who you support for the nomination?

I don't understand your disdain for Howard Dean. That's not the way I feel toward your favorite candidate. Any democrat that wins the
nomination will be fine with me, I do like Howard Dean the best as of now though.

[dkf]

47. I expect:

Vetos of wasteful porkfilled legislation.
Accountability in Federal Spending
Scrutiny of Saudi Arabian dealings with Al Queda
Respectful but tough negotiations with N. Korea and Iran over nukes.
A new cooperation with the world in dealing with terrorism
Renewed scrutiny of corporate practices
Federal oversight to prevent gouging
Crackdowns on polluters
Stem cell research and other types of medical research unhindered by right wing ideologues
Policy making based on short term, mid term and long term goals
Investment in infrastructure creating jobs
Emphasis on renewable energy policies

Howard Dean has shown that he is a very good money manager (I would trust him with my money!) and that he is smarter than all the bozos that voted to give * the authority to go to war.

He is also unafraid to do the hard things necessary for the long term viability of our country and our world. He is a LEADER.

[dean4america]

50. well

for one, a fact-based understanding of truth, not a faith-based one. and, if he can be like Clinton, I'd about jump through the f'ing roof with joy, since that ear compared to the shit we have now is a masterpiece (and IT was f'd up, too).

ANY Dem president is going to have to face with Iraq, a (likely) rupublican house & senate, and a shitty economy. but, as we remember with clinton, hope goes a long way. it is often said that clinton succeeded because the american populace just "needed a hug and some understanding." now, i think, we need some tough love and a some common democratic sense to get things turned around. would kerry be a fine president? yes, no doubt. same for gephardt, graham, clark, etc. will they beat bush, who knows. will dean invigorate the electorate and actually offer a choice between two polls - YES.

[Cheswick2.0]

52. I would expect him to govern as a centrist, status quo

I also would expect a lot of buyers remorse on the left.

[dsc]

78. If you think a centrist

would be status quo at this point I wonder what you are thinking.

[proud patriot]

54. A Fair Ear

:hi:

[JaneQPublic]

55. What a remarkably insulting and infantile post

To answer your question, what I expect from Howard Dean is a president with the backbone and strength of his convictions. Specifically:

-- Someone who can show that a Democrat can be strong, forceful leader who will try his damndest to deliver and who gives people reason to vote for more Democrats in the House and Senate... not someone who masquerades as a member of the other party as soon as the other side seems to be doing better in the polls.

-- Someone who can stir the imagination of the American people and show them that they can have a voice and a hand in shaping the direction of the country... not someone who has been nestled inside the beltway for so long they believe their consultants and advisors have a better idea what the American people want than the people themselves do.

By the way, I'm not buying that crap that "Oh, I know all about Howard Dean and you don't because I come from MAINE!" Big woop, sister. I guess the people in Vermont don't know Dean as well as you do, since they voted him in as governor over, and over, and over. Don't you dare insult us with your insinuation that we haven't done our homework on him. Every thing you've said about him intended to shock and horrify us Dean supporters -- we already knew. We know what's hype and what's not.

And nobody's impressed with your cowardly little ploy: "I'm not going to tell you who my candidate is, and besides I like more than one anyway!" All that tells me is that, instead of thoroughly researching the candidates, choosing one, and working hard to get him/her nominated, you're diddling away your time launching multiple anti-Dean threads. Great, so you hate Dean more than you like any single other candidate. Great way to get Chimpy out of power.

Yeah, you sound like someone who's opinion we should value -- not.

[Starpass]

60. How sophomoric , dear

You truly believe that what you see is what you will get??? But, I suppose this will be like the freepers....you know, even if they are fucked over and over and over, they will scream "I love it, I love it"...I was right so I can never admit what I got. I'm so waiting, if Howard gets the nomination (and I don't think he will) to hear all the excuses as he becomes more DLC than the DLC to get votes. It should be interesting reading........now, I'm awaiting word from Gen. Clark (and so is Howard---he said to Wolfe that he doesn't like the idea of running against Clark---maybe it's the damn "defense/war" thing......think????????????????????

[not systems]

75. Let me see if I have this right?

If I don't think Dean is an alien plant faking his
social tolerance and belief in basic fairness in
goverenment -- I am being sophomoric.

You act like anyone who supports Dean is a blind fool.

I like that he is from the professional class and not
a lawyer or buisness man CEO type.

I expect that he is educated, intelligent, and able
to make his own judgements about the issues.

Do somethings about him bother me? Yes.

But believe me I added up the score and Dean is my man.

[Forkboy]

99. projection Starpass

pure and simple

[HFishbine]

103. Right on John Q

"Someone who can stir the imagination of the American people and show them that they can have a voice and a hand in shaping the direction of the country"

Yep! And while some blinded by cynicism and fear may describe that as sophmoric, I think it's refreshingly optimistic.

[depakid]

59. I expect the best & the brightest

to once again be at the helm of government agencies and advisory panels and I fully expect that he will listen to them in formulating rational regulatory policies.

I expect that he will not appoint hacks and ideologues (like Micheal Powell) as Clinton did, and I do expect he will use the power of the executive forcefully (as the Bush's administration has- and as the Clinton administration repeatedly failed to do).

I expect that there will be policy decisions that I don't agree with, but that we will all have the honest rationale behind them explained to us. I expect notice and comment to mean something again.

None of these are unreasonable expectations based on Dean's record and his public statements. The first term of Dean's presidency is not going to be an easy time for anyone. By the time January 2005 rolls around, so much damage will have been done to the economy, the environment, state and local government- in short- on every front, that it's going to take several years just to bring things back to some semblance of normality. But I expect that steady, incremental and responsible changes will eventually make everyone other than irrational Republicans more than relieved that Howard Dean is president.

[Ediacara]

61. that all depends on Congress

If the dems have a healthy edge in both houses I expect to see legislation introduced that the dems have been attempting for decades, like national health insurance.

I also expect to see all of the Bush administration's environmental decrees reversed.

I expect to see a gradual withdrawal of US troops from Iraq as well as an increased UN presence in the country.

I think Osama bin Laden will be found. In Crawford :-)

I expect to see a genuine dialogue with North Korea and Iran, and possibly ending sanctions on the latter. I expect to see a dialogue with Cuba and probable relaxation of sanctions (despite recent comments).

I expect him to repeal most (but not all) of the 2001 tax cuts. The economy will get back on its feet, and people will have jobs again.

But what I most of all expect to see is a new national mood. Remember 1993? Remember how happy, hopeful and relieved we all felt? Remember 2001 (even before 9-11), remember how terrified and mean everyone felt? A new mood is above all, what I expect.

EDIT: added some more stuff

[retyred]

64. First

I expect him to recind ALL of bush's executive orders, then kick ALL the special interest groups out of the White House offices and stop the secrecy and be honest and open.



Retyred IN FLA.
“Good Night Paul, Wherever You Are”

[Eloriel]

65. No, Starpass,

It's NOT up to us to convince you.

I'm sick of the fact that he can get a bunch of internet people yelling "go, Dean, go"---now it's up to you to convert me and the rest of the nation to Dean and tell me all the stuff he's going to do for me.

I fucking don't like your attitude. I don't care WHO you vote for. I don't like that you purport to be asking for information and in your very request for information is slam after slam at a candidate you PRETEND you want to hear more about. Bullshit. And frankly I've had enough bullshit for one day out of varous DUers. Apparently there are others here with more patience than I, and if so more power to them. At this point I don't even WANT you to be smart enough to support Dean.

Go do your own damn research. (It's not like he isn't THE most accessible candidate out there, bar none.)

And after that, go soak your head.

Eloriel

[hedda_foil]

70. What Eloriel said!!

Damn, where's the go-soak-your-head icon when I need it?

[Ediacara]

72. Damn right!

You and I got off on the wrong foot Eloriel, we have more in common than I realised :-)

[Pastiche423]

87. Uh...

:wow:

That should have been said as post #1!

Great going, Eloriel!

:bounce: :bounce: :bounce:

[dsc]

68. Some things

First of all politicos aren't infallible beings. After all many of these people were involved in 2002 and frankly didn't aquit themselves all that terribly well. Even in June of 92 many political pros were convinced that only Mario Cuomo could beat the mighty Bush jugernaut.

As to the first part of your post. I will divide this into three things. Things Dean will do no matter what Congress looks like.

He will appoint a cabinent, judges, regulaters, federal prosecutors, and others that we can be proud of. They will work to ensure our rights not eliminate them. They will be diverse. They will be skilled. They won't be Ashcroft, Scalia. etc. That alone would be terrific.

He will use the executive order power to help workers not hurt them. A President Dean wouldn't have made the government hire corporate cheats, allowed arsenic in our water, eliminated overtime, reinstated the gag rule, killed ergonomic regulations, and a host of other dasterdly things. Those can be undone just like Bush did them. I would expect any Democrat to do that.

If he has a horrible Congress (say 20 seats Rep in the House, 4 to 5 in the Senate) then he would be somewhat on defense like Clinton was. There would be no more bad things like those tax cuts but there would be no great stuff either. He could probably repeal some of the tax cuts but not all and not even the majority.

If he has a Congress like the current one (8 seats in the House, 1 in the Senate) or even a Dem Senate he would be able to pass a health care bill, repeal much more of the tax cut, promligate new regulations on labor, enviroment, etc. We might get ENDA and anti hate crimes.

If we get both houses then he will do health care, right to organize, and repeal most of the tax cut. He would be a real progressive President.

As to the war. That depends on the rest of the world. We can't, and he won't, simply abandon Iraq. If the UN won't pick up the slack (and I wouldn't if I were them) then we are stuck. He would certainly let other countries have a say if that would get them in. One hopes that the need for US good will will get them to help us out.

[lifelong_Dem]

71. What I expect...

...is someone who's a strong champion of fiscal responsibility (i.e., no more massive tax cuts for the rich and $500 billion deficits). I expect someone who will ensure a strong defense of this counrty but won't go around starting unncessary wars. And I expect some progressive domestic policies to be implemented (how many will depend on who controls Congress).

It won't be enough for the lefty-left, but then, nothing ever is.

[KaraokeKarlton]

73. What this Vermonter expects...

1) Immediately approaching the UN to ask for a resolution to send international troops to both Iraq and Afghanistan. The control of how things are done in Iraq turned over to the UN...resulting in a substantial drop in attacks against US troops.

2) He'll take a long hard look at the budget and see where the waste is. He'll study the benefit and cost effectiveness of programs to see where any problems are, look at his options and do what he can to tweak things so that they work as intended and are cost effective. If they don't do what they are supposed to and are a waste, he'll try to find a better and cheaper way to get the job done.

3) He'll move heaven and earth to change the eligibility rules for Medicaid, Medicare to give states more control over running the programs. This will set the groundwork for his healthcare program.

4) He'll do his damndest to get rid of the tax cuts and start funding what Bush hasn't funded.

5) He will utilize veto power more often than about any other president as a means to keep our lawmakers on task while making sure they don't all make a rush to get their special interest favors slipped into bills.

6) He will start working towards balancing the budget and will NOT spend at a rate higher than the rate of growth.

7) He will spend the majority of his first 4 years digging us out of the hole we're in. He will also do as much as he can for small business and holding big business more accountable.

8) He will STOP any attempts to drill in ANWAR.

9) He will save overtime pay.

10) He will communicate with those he serves rather than just talking at them. He will listen and he will tell Americans the truth, even if it pisses us off.

He'll accomplish whatever he wants to accomplish...despite how difficult the DC lawmakers can be to deal with. There's plenty more I can think of that's he'd likely do, but those are just off the top of my head.

[MODemocrat]

74. Try telling us what your candidate will do for us as president

I refuse to let you dash my hopes. Ever since Bush was appointed I've been feeling so hopeless. Let me have my dream, just like you have yours.

[IndianaGreen]

77. End the war, bring the troops home.. TODAY, not tomorrow!

and while President Dean is at it, lift the idiotic embargo on Cuba and ask Congress to repeal the PATRIOT Act.

[tjdee]

84. Umm...Dean doesn't want to bring the troops home today...

Last I checked, he wanted to send more troops over there, and has conceded we'll be there for a while. That's what you're expecting from a Dean presidency?

"Vermont Gov. Howard Dean, another opponent of the war who has said the United States can't withdraw from Iraq now, because that could lead to chaos."
http://truthout.org/docs_03/072903J.shtml

[Pavlovs DiOgie]

85. Dean

wants the UN to take a large part in the rebuilding of Iraq, which would enable us to send many of our troops home and shorten their tour of duty.

[tjdee]

91. Don't all the candidates want to do that?

I'm not being a smartass, I've seen IG bring this up before, and I was always like ???

But now your explanation has helped me shake those cobwebs--but isn't this the position of all the other candidates (this particular issue)? Whenever I hear this, I hear it as if it is, when it doesn't appear to be...

[Pavlovs DiOgie]

95. Not entirely sure but

Kerry didn't commit when he was on MTP that he'd allow the UN to have a lot of control, although he'd welcome UN support. I think (no transcripts here) that he said the US would still have to maintain all control of the UN forces and control of the rebuilding effort (i.e. financial control?)

I think DK is entirely for the US pulling out, but I don't know if he would get the UN to take over first or if he just wants us out, regardless of what may happen to the people of Iraq if left to fix the mess we started.

I really don't know about the other candidates' positions, but I'd assume they are close in line with Dean. I'd love input from people who know what their candidate's position on this is!

[DemBones DemBones]

86. Your crystal ball is cloudy, IG. If the new Dem president ended the

war and brought the troops home right away, lifted the Cuban embargo, and asked Congress to repeal the Patriot Act, he'd be President Kucinich.

I've read Dean's statements and he thinks we must stay in Iraq for a long time to stabilize it, thinks the Patriot Act can be "fixed" (just as he thinks NAFTA, GATT, and WTO can be fixed), and is very unlikely to lift the embargo against Cuba.

It's Kucinich who has filed House resolutions and lawsuits to stop the war and promises to repeal the Patriot Act, NAFTA, GATT, WTO. It's also Kucinich who plans to give us Medicare for Everyone -- single-payer universal health care. I've seen people post here that Dean would give us universal health care but Dean himself has stated that he wouldn't try to do that because he doesn't think it can pass. Dean has also stated that if you want big reforms, he's not your guy.

[lifelong_Dem]

89. Got a link?

"I've seen people post here that Dean would give us universal health care but Dean himself has stated that he wouldn't try to do that because he doesn't think it can pass."

Where, exactly has he stated this? Link please. He's talked about his plan for universal health care in great detail.

And he has promised to repeal the parts of the Patriot Act that are unconstitutional, and I don't believe he's taken a position on the embargo against Cuba. Please back up your statements.

[lifelong_Dem]

92. Still waiting on that link...

...to a quote where Dean said he wouldn't try to pass universal health care.

Or maybe you just made that up?

[Pavlovs DiOgie]

96. I don't have a link

but I do recall him saying that during a forum (try Cspan website). He said if universal health care ever reached his desk (as president) he'd sign it in a heartbeat, but he didn't think that would happen, which is why he'd try the pragmatic approach and work it in stages. He said he tried to pass health care for everyone in VT and it failed (his first term, I believe) so he went with insuring all children, which did pass. He tried to have it all, and when he realized he couldn't he worked with something passable in the legislature and helpful to his citizens. If I'm not mistaken, health care was later expanded in VT to include all pregnant women, all families with children under 17, and all people at 150% of the poverty level. He tends to be a pragmatic person, which I really like.

[bitchkitty]

82. Dean has shown

that he listens. That's a great starting point. If, after he wins, he continues to listen to the people who elected him, then I have high hopes for President Dean's Administration. I haven't seen anything that would lead me to believe that he would not keep listening.

I recognize that Iraq is not something we can just walk away from. I think that Dean has the sense and the diplomatic skills to both help and seek help from other nations. Chimpie destroyed a country, and we're going to be obligated to some degree to restore it. It would be nice if we could do the same for Afghanistan.

Paradise does not exist in politics.

[quinnox]

88. I see you have taken a lot of flack from the

Deanies in this thread, which is to be expected. But thanks for raising these important questions, you are right, often all I see Deanies do is tear down and attack other candidates or gush like a cheerleader about Dean, I'm glad to see there are some who actually have an idea of what they expect if Dean were to be elected in mind.

[Forkboy]

100. who says all the people she's getting flak from are deanies

I like Kucinich myself but even I can recognize a bullshit post when I see it.

The fact that you praise it doesn't suprise me at all.

[indigo32]

90. unbelievable...

I am SICK TO DEATH of being preached at like a child for supporting the candidate I choose to support. You want to make any headway in convincing me to vote for someone else? I'd start by not telling me I think my candidate is Christ or that I belong to a cult or some such thing. ENOUGH ALREADY. Look, you don't like him, obviously, why would I waste my time trying to sell him to you? You've already chosen your "candidates", FINE. GO CAMPAIGN, and spare me the lectures about Howard Dean. You can't even get your damn story straight... you want to imply he'll get creamed in the general election, but then you're bitching about what he won't get done when he gets elected. At least get that straight.

[nomaco-10]

98. Well Said Indigo! I agree 100% n/t

[opstachuck]

105. bravo!

it's pretty sad, really.

[gate of the sun]

94. I expect betrayel

N/T

[bluestateguy]

102. If Dean wins

I'm going to throw all that patriotism stuff right back in their faces. I've got the buzz phrases all ready to go:

"If you don't like President Dean, then get the hell out of America!"

"Thank God Howard Dean is our president and God Bless America"

"God chose this man for the presidency. To criticize the president is therefore to sin against God"

"Let's pray for the President Dean"

I will do everything I can to see to it that Howard Dean and the Democratic Party becomes affilliated with patriotism, God and Country and jingoism. Payback will be a bitch.

[opstachuck]

104. the world to end...

in orgiastic glorification of the risen Lord, Howard Dean!!!!

really, if you want a serious answer/debate, leave out all your baggage next time. propaganda under the guise of a question is still propaganda...

"Nothing is going to create your "Brave New World""
"clue--he ain't Christ"

yeah, no shit sherlock. i don't think anyone believes that, so it's clearly a blatant swipe at our intelligence, which actually becomes a swipe at your intelligence because it shows your ignorance of the art of persuasion.

it's this kind of antagonism that makes some posts on this board look really petty. anyway, i'll gladly respond to the same question without all the baggage; otherwise, it's a waste of time.