3 months before first caucus; still undecided - Who else is with me?

[a_random_joel]

So, I am at a crossroads. As time winds down, I am feeling the need to start finalizing an opinion on the nominee. Granted, I will support ABB - even (sigh) Lieberman.

Here's where I am at so far:
Dean - I really, really want to like him. I agree with him on most of the issues. I think he has definite presidential qualities, I would vote for him in a heartbeat over *. But, there is something - can't quite put my finger on, that gives me pause...

Clark - Of course the idea of seeing a 4-star General in a debate with the shrub is very appealing. Of course the idea that his experience trumps the "National Security" issue is appealing. He seems very presidential, even-tempered, and intelligent. There is still a small sense of doubt, again, nothing obvious.

Kerry - I was initially on the Kerry bandwagon until he made some comments that really ticked me off. I'm starting to come around and warm up to him again. I don't like that he seems kinda wishy-washy at times, seems to always want to have things both ways. I do recognize this is often a political necessity. I think he is perhaps the most "presidential" of the candidates, at least in terms of presentation and delivery. His VietNam experience, like Clark, is something that will make for a lively debate with *.

Sharpton - Gotta love Al for his quick wit and humor. Love his stand on most issues. Kinda hesitant about electing a Reverend. More hesitant about his lack of experience and some of the bones in his closet. Most hesitant about him being able to beat * in a general election.

Gephardt - Gephardt strikes me as honest, hardworking, and a generally nice guy. I think he caves in too quickly, as he did on the Iraq vote. I appreciate his values and his stand on most issues. I think if he is the nominee - he will be "Gored".

None of the others make my list, so here's a quick word on them. Not meant to bash, just calling it how I see it.

Edwards - Liked him at first, don't think he's ready. Way too supportive of the Iraq war.

Braun - Not ready for prime-time, IMHO. A charming woman with an obvious warm heart.

Kucinich - On many issues, he is strong. He is too wild, IMHO. Some may appreciate this scrappiness, but it will not bode well in a general election.I do not believe he can beat Bush.

Lieberman - That voice... Sorry, had to be said. Also, the constant religious references(and I'm Jewish) really gets to me. Oh yeah, and the fact that he's a DINO on most issues. And the Iraq thing.

Mix it up, peeps! But, mainly, I want to know who else is undecided, which way you're leaning, etc. and not hear a bunch of pitches from all the Pro-this-guy or that-guy people. I've heard them all before, and I'm still undecided.

[HFishbine]

1. Clark?

Do you have concerns about profiling and pre-emptive detentions? What about the government building survelience dossiers on its citizens? FWIW:
---

Retired Gen. Wesley K. Clark helped an Arkansas information company win a contract to assist development of an airline passenger screening system, one of the largest surveillance programs ever devised by the government.

Starting just after the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks, Clark sought out dozens of government and industry officials on behalf of Acxiom Corp., a data powerhouse that maintains names, addresses and a wide array of personal details about nearly every adult in the United States and their households, according to interviews and documents.

<snip>

The privacy impact of anti-terrorism initiatives is certain to be a major issue in the presidential campaign," said David L. Sobel, general counsel at the Electronic Privacy Information Center, an advocacy group in the District.

"The public is extremely skeptical," he said. "He owes the public an explanation as to how, if elected, he would limit the government's expanding collection of personal information about citizens."

www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/ articles/A7380-2003Sep26.html

[Bertrand]

5. Didnt you claim you werent anti-clark

if so then why are you spamming this in every thread that even has anything favourable to say about him? It's people like you that force the need for regulation, because this board is becoming less and less a place that i (and many others) like to come to.

[ShaneGR]

9. Lol, got Clark fever?

I take it you don't like Clark, who do you like?

[Booger]

2. still totally undecided

After near 40 years on the planet, I've learned to have patience.
While there is much to like about the "firebrand" method of pre-election politics, I've decided to wait and see how things come together when the real race starts.

Dennis K. has my respect for principles, but I just don't see America voting for him.

Edwards, Kerry, Dean, and Clark are all appealing to me, but I'm still waiting to see how it all gels in the weeks to come.

[Flying_Pig]

3. Moi...

n/t

[livinontheedge]

4. I'll vote for whoever looks strongest against Bush

I don't really care which candidate wins as long as they can beat Bush in the general.

[newyawker99]

7. Hi livinontheedge!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[GOPFighter]

6. I feel the same way...

My top three are Dean, Clark, Kerry (in that order).

Next is Dennis...I love the guy, but I seriously doubt he can beat Bush.

I respect Gephardt. Some of his stances on working men and women are very good, but he can't beat Bush.

Edwards has real potential but needs more seasoning (but could be a great VP candidate).

Sharpton has too many skeletons for me - I have a lot of trouble forgiving him for the Tawana Browley fiasco.

Braun, I love her. But not for President.

Lieberman...I would vote for him, but he can't beat Bush.

[hippiegranny]

8. moi aussi

i was totally for dean until clark came along and now i am torn. i sort of like kerry too. i am one of those americans who is waiting for the knight in shining armor to come along and whop the legs right out from under the big awol fake. so far clark comes the closest to that ideal, i guess, but dean sure is a scrapper. so, yep, still not sure.