My leanings for the nomination.

[Birthmark]

Well, I haven't made a decision yet, but I'm closing in. I won't say anything bad about anybody. I like them all to some degree. I'll divide my leanings into three categories: Favorites, Impressive, and Good. These are based on my own opinions of the candidates' positions, electability, and whatever...

Favorites

Clark - He quite obviously has a commanding presence. He is intelligent, and well-spoken. I think that he has broad appeal.

Edwards - Another intelligent, smooth, and personable candidate. He needs more exposure in the media. I was surprised at how impressive he was.

Dean - You don't get to be a doctor by being stupid, and Dean proves that. He's also very passionate. (Needs to work on his media skills, though)

Impressive

Kerry - Competent, intelligent, and experienced.

Moseley-Braun - She's great! If she has a drawback, it's that she's too cerebral, IMO.

Graham - He's experienced, sincere, and strong. I liked him as Governor and Senator. He'd be a fine President.

Good

Sharpton - I love Al. I suppose it's no secret that he won't win, but I would gladly vote for him.

Kucinich - If this was the good old days, I'd happily burn a vote for Dennis. My heart is with him.

Gephardt - I admire many of the things that Dick has accomplished in his long career. His willingness to endorse ideas that he believes are right even though they may not be politically popular makes him worthy of respect.

You will probably notice that Lieberman is not listed anywhere. I have eliminated him from consideration. That's all I'll say.

I was very impressed with the debate.

[mourningdove92]

1. Wow, I love your perspective.

I agree with all you said. Especially about Clark, Edwards and Kucinich.
How fortuante we Democrats are to have such an awesome selection. All so much smarter, more eloquent and so very much better for our country that the pretender currently in the white house.

[Birthmark]

4. Good looking, too!

My wife says that Clark/Edwards or Edwards/Clark would be the handsomest ticket in history. If that's what it takes...let's go for it!

[Kool Kitty]

7. Hell, yes!

No argument there. Fine-looking men.

[Arugula Latte]

11. Dean is sexy, IMO

That smile...oooh la la.

[lanlady]

2. Dean turned me off

I've been a Dean supporter (more or less) but he always seems to prickly--you're right, he needs to work on the media skills. Just doesn't come across as personally likeable (although in reality he is probably quite likeable).

I've said some nasty things about Edwards in the past, but he's sort of grown on me. In 10 terms, he'd make a great prez.

Love Carol. She scored so many points--I loved the fact that in the discussion about SS privatization, she brought up Enron.

Clark did remarkably well considering this type of format is so new to him. When he has time to arm himself with more policy specifics, he'll be outstanding.

I really liked Graham.

[Birthmark]

3. Carol really impressed me.

That was a nifty point that she made. I hope others pick up on it.

[PurityOfEssence]

10. I could use more posts like this

to take the edge off of my largely self-induced semifoul mood.

We should all be in the assessing phase; that's why primaries evolved the way they did. Making them shorter and jockeying for position to queer the pitch does nobody any good.

I keep thinking about 1984 and the foreshortened primary season designed to coronate--as it did--Walter Mondale. Had the schedule been stretched out more, Hart could have recovered; he really did have "new ideas". Hell, just think of all the money we'd have saved if we'd reconfigured the military into one integrated armed service (like the Canadians) and eliminated the duplication and waste-causing competition. I like Mondale as a person, and he got treated most cruelly by the '02 Senate debacle (well, let's just call it "convenient death aftermath") but I don't think he's the best presidential material. Hart, on the other hand, is, and he's been a star-crossed national treasure.

I'm more or less in accord with your take on things, but I'm less thrilled with the prospect of Clark hitting his stride; he's too far right for me. I'd say that the Dean you're starting to see more of is the "real" Dean, too. That's the kind of service that long primaries provide...

Time will tell, and we still have some.

[JanMichael]

5. Summed them up nicely.

I'm still undecided but I'm sure I'll be happy to support whomevr get the nomination.

[Name removed]

6. Deleted message

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[Kool Kitty]

8. You know, we have a great set of candidates to choose from.

And, as my girl Martha would say, that's a good thing.

[im4edwards]

9. can't agree on the Clark assessment

He was neither commanding nor well-spoken. His broad appeal has yet to be plumbed.

I obviously like Edwards so I fully agree with you except that I was not at all surprized. It certainly would be nice if the media would stop ignoring him and had the moderator givem him full quarter tonight.

I was pleased to see Dean raise his level of performance tonight. Ad Kerry was very sharp. Braun doesn't have the grasp of the big picture, rather she focuses on a few pet ideas but thats the reason she and Sharpton are running which is OK. Gep's act is getting tired Joe was a little off (both suffered from so-so material to speak to and could not find a way out). Kucinich spoke well but fails to make his case. Al is, as always, Al.