Dean supporters, tell your story here.

[mzmolly]

How long have you been involved/interested in politics?

Did you grow up rich/poor?

Are you a Democrat? And, if so how long have you been a Democrat?

How long have you supported Howard Dean?

I am attempting to break the sterio type that 'we' are all rich, white and new to politics.

Although rich, white, new to politics Dean supporters are most welcome ;)

[mzmolly]

1. I'll tell my story first.

1. Well, I have been interested in politics from a very young age. In fact my first vote was for Jesse Jackson in the Dem primary race many moons ago. However, my first Presidential vote was proudly for Walter Mondale.

2. I grew up very poor (family on public assistance) much of the time etc..

3. I am a Democrat, and have been one for 20 years (officially), though I was registered as an independent until about 3 years ago.

4. I have supported Howard Dean for about the past 8 months with some trepidation because of the 'things' I'd heard, and the fact that 'we' don't agree on every issue. However, when I looked into the issues in question for myself, listen to Howard Dean speak, and examine his record in Vermont. I am assured of his potential to be a great and balanced leader.

[w13rd0]

2. Sure, I'll take a shot...

How long have I been interested in politics is a different question than how long have I been involved. Been interested for years, but mostly as a sideline observer and occassional critic. It's only been since the 2000 election that I'd consider myself "involved".

Grew up relatively poor, have worked my way up to lower middle class.

Am I a Democrat. Well, I'm a registered Democrat now. Registered as a Democrat about 2 weeks prior to IWR, inspired by Wellstone to do so, and to get involved and invested personally. So a little more than a year. Before that, I was registered as (I)ndependent.

I was torn between Gore and Dean when Gore was still a ? in regards to support, but when Gore said he wasn't running, Dean's statement on Gore's withdrawl sold me. So I guess I could say I've been a "Dean supporter" since I knew he was considering a run (shortly after sElection 2000, before S11), and a "Deanie" since Gore's withdrawl.

On Edit: I'll add that I voted Gore in 2000 following a last minute Damascus moment (I was going to throw my vote away), and Perot in 1992 & 1996. 92 was the first election I was eligible to vote in.

[indigo32]

3. OK here goes

1. I've always been pretty interested in politics. I grew up under Reagan...(10 - 18) and you can believe I heard the Iran Contra hearings and Farm Aid and all the rest. I had liberal parents... but I was the one who brought them into actually doing a little campaigning and going to the caucus in 88.

2. I grew up middle class (with a dad who was a tech professional and a mom who staid home)... surrounded by working class. It was suburbia but not particularly rich suburbia.

3. I am absolutely a Democrat... and have been since the day I could vote.

4. since I heard he was running.

[Kamika]

4. Me: the stereotype

I been interested since i was about oh.. 17.. im 21 now.

I grew up pretty rich and ofcourse I'm a democrat(my parents are uber republicans but solely because of religion not tax cuts etc) I've been a democrat since I became politically aware. And I've supported him since he said he'd run.

But atleast I'm not white, college educated, or a guy :p

[Padraig18]

5. My demographic

How long have you been involved/interested in politics?

--- about 8 years

Did you grow up rich/poor?

--- middle-middle class

Are you a Democrat? And, if so how long have you been a Democrat?

---Yes, since I was naturalized.

How long have you supported Howard Dean?

--- 10 months

[GumboYaYa]

6. I'm a Dean supporter.

I have been interested in politics most of my life. One of my first memories is watching the Watergate hearings with my grandmother when I was four. I vivdly remember Nixon getting on that helicopter and leaving the White House.

I have also been a Democrat all my life, except for a four or five year period in college when I called myself a Socialist. I still lean pretty far to the left.

I went to my first meetup in August. I was leaning Dean but not a strong supporter at the time. Since then, I continue to be more and more active in his campaign.

I was raised by a single mother who was a rural school teacher. Poor but happy would be an accurate description of my family. We sewed our own clothes, grew most of our own food and generally struggled to survive. Nevertheless, I was raised with strong values and a driving desire to be educated. In my adult life, I have been very fortunate and look to my humble childhood as a constant reminder that not everyone is as fortunate as I am.

[killbotfactory]

7. Okay

I've been interested in politics most of my life, but never actively involved until Bush 2: The Revenge came along and started doing absolutely mind-bogglingly stupid things to the country, I realized he must be stopped and had to do something.

I grew up wavering around poor to lower-middle class.

Democrat now, used to consider myself independent.

I've supported Howard Dean since late-Feb early-March when I first found out about him. I identify with his non-ideological approach to politics, loved his approach to universal healthcare, civil unions. And he got me through the War hysteria with my sanity by being against it and not backing down. Thought he was a long shot, but would do great things for the country, and I like people who aren't political cowards, so I'm backing him till the end.

[denverbill]

8. My story.

1) Always been interested in politics, but never donated except $40 to Bill Bradley's primary campaign in 2000. Never been real involved in campaigns, just interested.
2) Grew up middle/upper middle class. Son of a junior college professor.
3) Officially, I'm a Green, but just cause I haven't gotten around to changing to Dem yet. I voted Republican in 1976, and Democrat in every election since then.
4) I've supported Howard since late last year, Nov/Dec. I heard about him here on DU (I think from Armstead). I read his stances online, read reviews and articles about him, and decided it was time to take a stand. I wanted a candidate that I really liked, policy-wise anyway. I decided early so that my small $250 could really have an impact on the primary. I didn't like Dukakis in 1988, Mondale in 84, Clinton in 92 or 96, or Gore in 2000, although I voted for them. I was hoping this year I could vote for someone I really liked, rather than checking the box next to someone I was pretty blase about.

[ryharrin]

9. here's mine

1 I'm 21 and I've been interested in politics since around June 2002

2 I grew up very middle class. I've never got any concrete numbers, but I'd say my parents made around $50,000/yr (together)

3 I've been a democrat since about a couple months ago. I was a green up until I changed in order to vote for Dean in the primary.

4 I've supported Dean since February. I was at the first Syracuse Meetup, there were 3 of us, there are now well over a hundred.

Oh, yeah, and I'm a white, college educated male. I guess I fit in the stereotype pretty well.

[BuelahWitch]

10. Ok here's mine

1. I've been interested in politics since I was about 10 or 11. My Uncle John used to come to the house and rant and rave about Nixon. I thought this was fascinating (and Watergate was happening about that time too).

2. I suppose I grew up poor or lower middle class but I didn't know it at that time. I never wanted for anything and there didn't seem to be quite so much an emphasis on consumerism as there is now (there were always "in" fashions, but when I was growing up you didn't have to have certain names attached to your clothing).

3. Not only lifelong Dem, but third generation Dem.

4. I've supported Dean since mid-March or early April. Ever since the debate that ABC did on C-Span in the early spring. Thought he had better ideas and presented them better than the others. I was going to half-heartedly go with Kerry before that.

[Woodstock]

43. wasn't that a great time to grow up?

we really had great Democratic heroes in those days and a lot of good progress was made by them

[Cha]

11. Good for you, mzmolly!

I gotta go right now but I'm marking this so I can get back to it later tonight! Interesting :)

[poskonig]

12. Dean's not the only candidate I "support," but here goes.

I have been interested in politics since I was sixteen, which is about eight years. My father is an electrician, therefore I grew up working class. I consider myself a Democratic-leaning swing voter. I've been interested in Dean since March, though Kerry has really captured my enthusiasm as of late.

[mgc1961]

13. I vote regularly,...

but haven't been very political outside the voting booth.

I grew in a white military family. Lower middle class. As far as I know, my parents have always voted Democratic. Dad was from very humble beginnings in eastern KY. Dad was sixth out of seven boys to serve (Fortunately, only one combat death amongst them) although he was the only one to put in carrer numbers ('54-'74). Air Force general inlistment. Base housing. We didn't have the luxury of choosing our neighbors. Very egalitarian. Some of Dad's commanding officers were true friends who occasionally came over for dinner. One I even called "Uncle Lucky."

I don't know which party I called mine when I first voted in 1980. I haven't, until recently, much identified with either party. I'm ashamed to say so but, since my first Presidential election I've voted the following: Reagan - Reagan - Bush I - Clinton - Nader - Nader. I guess I was a little late to come around, but I'm hoping there's still some room at the table for a reformed quasi-Republican. I like to call myself a progressive. Self-applied since reading Franken's "Lies..." followed by Paul Krugman, Michael Moore, Michael Moore, Jim Hightower, and Molly Ivins.

Though I prefer Kucinich, I'll happily vote for Dean since seeing him answer some questions in a one-on-one broadcast of CSpan.

:hi:

[Padraig18]

14. As of 5:00 p.m., CST...

...we don't seem to be a terribly 'elitist' group, do we? :)

[ulysses]

15. ok

How long have you been involved/interested in politics?

Can't remember a time when I wasn't.

Did you grow up rich/poor?

Just middle class.

Are you a Democrat? And, if so how long have you been a Democrat?

Pretty much since birth, yes.

How long have you supported Howard Dean?

I don't remember. Some months, anyway.

[DisgustipatedinCA]

16. Interested since 1976, on and off

I stayed in my classroom in the third grade at lunchtime to watch the Carter/Ford debate. I've been interested in politics since then, but that doesn't mean I was terribly well-informed (I fancied myself a Republican during my junior high school years, but then discovered drugs in high school and left politics alone for a number of years).

I grew up very middle-class. My parents sometimes struggled paycheck-to-paycheck, sometimes they didn't.

I'm a Democrat. I've identified as a Democrat since about 1989.

I've supported Howard Dean since I heard an Internet streaming interview with him on a Boston radio station in the summer of 2001. My wife and I agreed, "this guy is going places". However, I supported Al Gore until he chose not to run again. Since Gore made his announcement, I've supported Dean, while being open to the other candidates.

My personal politics are very hard to the left; I may be a socialist, don't care to try to make that determination right this minute.

I also think Carol Mosely-Braun and Dennis Kucinich have platforms I agree with more than with Dean's, but I'm a realist.

My favorite color is blue, and I like long walks on the beach and good conversation. :)

[MissB]

17. Mine

I've been interested in politics most of my adult life. I only became involved after the 2000 election. I volunteered for a campaign for the first time last year.

I grew up upper-middle class to middle class. We dipped a bit there.

I've been a Democrat since age 18, though I did register initially as a Republican.

I've supported Dean since August. I was initially a Kerry supporter. Dean is the first political campaign that I have actually donated cold, hard cash to.

While I did not grow up rich, my family probably doesn't fit the middle class definition. I don't know where the dividing line is. At any rate, I'd guess that I pretty well fit the rich, white and new to politics stereotype.

[ComerPerro]

18. Well, I don't know much about my story,

So I will just sum it up using generalizations I have seen on TV and at various websites about liberals/Democrats/Dean supporters...

Let's see...

I was born sometime between 1745 and 1985 (Dean supporters, like all Democrats, are usually decesed, but they vote anyway. Its not voter fraud, its a common tactic used by us Democrats to illegally force our will on the unwitting, silent majority). Although I may or may not be of legal voting age (or alive) and my citizenship status may be questionable (or non-existant), I can assure you that I, like all other Democrats, have voted hundereds of times in my life, usually ten times per election in each district, and in as many as fifteen districts. I ride the bus that Democrats drive around on election day, picking up vagrants and the homeless and paying them five dollars to vote Democratic. But other than that, my involvement in politics is minimal, seeing as I am just nothing more than a useful idiot who is ready to belive any lies the liberal media tells me.

As for my personal life: My parents were wacked out, drugged-up hippie communits. They were also vegans, and would go around the country denying people of their God-given right to eat meat by hitting them with a big hammer, and then injecting them with LSD and the marijuana. Of course, my parents did not belive in discipline, so I grew up to be a ill-mannered, pot-smoking, cocaine-using, unwashed hippie communist. Luckily, however, in my government job that pays me way too much hardearned taxpayer money, I was able to meet another unwashed pinko commie hippie who I thought was a very attractive woman.

I live in a commune with my common-law wife, whom I impregnate four times a year just so we can go out and have a late-term abortion. Although we both have nice, high-paying government jobs, we are also on welfare. So we go out a few times a week to the store with our thousands of dollars in food stamps to buy beer, grain alcohol, lottery tickets, and cigarettes (which we give to our children).

Now remains the question of how I began supporting Dean.

Well, this is an interesting story. I was trying to memorize the candidates names and faces, but I was not finding time to do so. I was very busy, with all of the protests, America-hating, and Saddam-loving I had to do because I hate my country so much.
But one day, I remember my common-law wife and I were deciding where to get our next abortion (we were going to do it at a church, becuase we hate God) and talking about how much we hate America when a van pulled up. A well-dressed man stepped out and asked us if we had yet to have a candidate "chosen" for us. We said no, and he told us that we would be Dean supporters.
At first, we protested. We did not know much about Dean. But then the gentleman showed us several clips of different news shows from the liberal media that told us to support Dean. Well, we figured that was good enough for us, so we asked what we needed to do.
"Well," said the man, "I need your email addresses, and checks from you for $1 so we can claim to have thousands of supporters, when really its just a cover for the fact that we are taking bribes from corporations." He then winked.
"Naturally," I smiled and said, and gave him what he needed.
Then we asked him if there was anything we needed to know about "our" candidate.
"Well," he answered, "let me put it this way. Do you hate God?"
"Yes," we answered.
"Do you hate Bush?"
"Yes!"
"Do you hate America?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Yes! Hell yes!" we responed enthusiastically.
"Good. So does Doctor Dean."
"Wait," I said. "Dean is a doctor?"
"Oh, yeah," said the man. "I was so stoned, I forgot to tell you. Dean is a doctor who performs abortions and assisted suicide. But he got his doctorate by killing a guy in a knife fight, so it's not really his. But the liberal media won't question that, they are too busy attacking Bush."
"Amen, comrade," I responded.
And then he gave us two bumper stickers, one that said "Dean" and another that said "Anyone But Bush" and drove off.


That is how I came to be a Dean supporter.

Any questions?

[mzmolly]

19. OMG...!!!

[ComerPerro]

25. Good to see someone can identify with my story

I found it to be very moving

[madfloridian]

26. "Do you hate America?" Heh heh

:evilgrin:

"Do you hate America?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Yes! Hell yes!" we responded enthusiastically.
"Good. So does Doctor Dean."

Ha Ha!

:silly:

[Loyal]

36. LMAO!

You should send that into your local paper or something, it's great. :)

[ComerPerro]

41. For some reason

I think that if I were to send that in to my paper, the humor would be lost on them.

[mzmolly]

20. Wow, it sure is nice getting to know you all.

PS, I am a female and an example of the 'great melting pot'... I am about 9 different nationalities. I should have tossed that in earlier ;)

GO DEAN!!!!!!!

[quaker bill]

21. My story

I have supported Dean since early on in the campaign. I like his message but still have an open mind on the issue.

As a child I was +/- middle class. I did not hit poverty until I turned my back on my establishment family during Vietnam. Comming out of high school I was offered an appointment to a military academy. I knew I could not go to war and turned it down. We parted company at that point.

From there I worked a large assortment of minimum wage and slightly better jobs putting first my ex-wife then myself through college. I ran into a couple of occasions (1974-75 for instance) where I had no job, no cash, and no food. Got to wait in line for food stamps and unemployment comp with a lot of good people of every shade and creed.

12 years and a marriage later, I graduated. I am a professional wetlands ecologist involved in enforcing environmental law. I am now middle class again.

I have been involved in political causes since before high school. I worked as a volunteer in summer programs at migrant farmworker camps, where I was honored to meet Caesar Chavez. I have organized protests, fed the homeless, worked on putting the Green Party in my state together. My many years of restaurant experience putting myself through college have come in handy cooking large meals for hungry marchers.

In so far as direct political experience, I have worked on some local campaigns and did some volunteer work for Gore in 2000.

I have always been a registered Democrat. I have always voted a straight ticket. Unfortunately, that has been pretty hopeless cause locally (except for Carter and Clinton). I will admit I strayed a bit during the Raygun revolution, which is when I helped organize the Greens (I just had to do something more radical).

I am still open minded about 2004, but so far Dean has my $ and my vote.

[FarLeftRage]

22. My Tale

About 30 - 35 years now.

Lower Middle class - just enough to get by.

One time I was a Democrat, turned Socialst and currently I'm an Anarchist.

From the beginning... I live across from Vermont in upstate NY and have been hearing about Dean since 1991.

[dsc]

23. My story

I grew up mostly middle class but due to an illness of my Dad's we were on welfare for a time. Currently I am decidedly working poor.

I have been a working Democrat since 1984 (I was 17) and a voting one since 1986. I worked for Mondale, Dukakis, Tsongas, Clinton (96), and numerous other candidates at the state level. I didn't work for Clinton in 92 due to anger of his and Gore's gay record and didn't work much for Gore due to being in very early sobriety.

I have given money to several candidates but Dean is the only one I will be giving to now due to limited money.

I supported him from the day Gore dropped out.

[RevolutionStartsNow]

24. Amerika's story

I have been interested in politics my whole life. My dad was a Goldwater Republican who was raised by a racist Repub (my grandfather, RIP) in Ohio, but he converted to Dem after he married my mom, who was raised in a Kennedy-worshipping Dem family.

My dad became active after his conversion, and I remember campaigning for local Dems in Santa Barbara. We were raised to be socially active, my cause was saving the baby harp seals.

We weren't well off because there were 6 kids (and later 8 when my mom married my stepdad who had his own 2). We always seemed to be struggling financially though not desperately so. Didn't help that we often lived in upper middle class areas and couldn't afford the nice cars and tennis lessons that the other kids seemed to have. Ate a lot of tuna and macaroni casserole. Now that I'm a parent I understand how hard it can be and how much money you really need to raise a family.

I remained politically active until I started raising my own family -- I've always been a registered Democrat, but in the last decade or so I drifted away from politics in apathy and disgust. I tried to stay abreast of the issues, but the Democratic party no longer seemed to represent my ideals, it seemed like Washington politics and partisanship got the best of most of them.

Now Dean. Now I'm back. I've been a supporter since May; I first looked at Kucinich and a bit at Edwards but Dean had me from the day I first heard him speak.

I am still raising my young family, and running my own business, but I have become extremely active on the campaign locally and devote a lot of time to ensuring that Dean gets the nomination and then the presidency.

[onebigbadwulf]

27. Almost typical

1. The second * was installed into the white house I became involved in politics.

2. Grew up middle class divorced parents. I am white.

3. I was indie until * was installed. Now I am hardcore dem.

4. Supporting Dean for 6 months now

[madfloridian]

28. Got angry when the steamroller hit us here in 2000.

Got interested in Dean as soon as he appeared on the scene. So did hubby. Average people, not rich, not poor, 5th generation of my family in Florida. Guess that makes me a native....haw haw.

Educated, fairly smart, and for darn sure we are both smart to know that there is a village in TX which needs to find its idiot and get him home.

Our Dean group here has varied walks of life. Teachers, like me, a nurse or two, a couple of lawyers, a couple of disabled, one union leader, a psychologist, quite a few seniors, and the group is ethnically and racially mixed.
I forgot, two musicians. Also a computer tech. Not sure of the others yet.

B-)

[Upfront]

29. Old Story

I first became interested in politics in 1960. Guess now you know why This story is old. My dad was a factory worker who evolved into management, and a Republican while my mother was a democrat. Saw some real arguments between them. I got out of high school in 1959 under Eisenhower. If you had a good job you were set, if you were like me, and didn't, it was tough. Tried to join the army but it was full and they would not take married men. Another story. lol Still got her and glad I do. lol If I could have voted in 1960 it would have been for Nixon. My dad and uncle had did a nice brain wash job on me. That was as close as I ever came to voting for a Republican. JFK got elected and cut interest on home loans and things started to go. Soon I had a job with a company that I retired from. Lucked out and missed Nam because I was married and had a child. Always felt guilty but also greatfull for that. Enough said. I have learned that one person can make a difference, and it matters tremendously who we elect to high office. If you have had your eyes open last three years you understand what I am saying. About a year ago I heard Dean speak and I have been on board ever sense. He has me more fired up then any one I have ever seen run. I am a retired tradesman with meny years spent in one union office or another. A strike, and my union made me a life long Democrat. Howard Dean is the real deal, stick with him.

[caledesi]

30. Ok. Here goes...

I am an Independent, soon to be Democrat.

I saw Howard Dean about 2 years ago! There was something about him that invigorated me. I have spent most of my life as apolitical...yes <embarrassed> but the first time I voted was for Clinton.

Middle-class upbringing. Mother Dem...Father Repug. Go figure.

I am now very involved. Go to Dean Meetups etc.

This man is a winner!

[MODemocrat]

31. I switched my support to Dean about 5 months ago

I'm from a family of ten siblings; and very poor, money-wise, but had a very happy childhood and a very close-knit family. My Mother was a Democrat, and I always noticed how she helped others through their hard times. She was a mid-wife; she took three little neighborhood children under her wing when their Mother died, and she was always active in our little community. I have been a Democrat ever since I can remember. I worked in politics all my life, for both Republicans and Democrats, and it was an eye opener. Though I liked both parties back then, and loved working with them, there was a huge difference in the two parties, and I registered as a Democrat and have always voted for my party, regardless of who is on the ticket.At first, my support was going to John Kerry, whom I still love and admire, but, Howard Dean hit me head on when it was evident he wasn't afraid to take on the Bush Administration. I've been so frustrated with George W. Bush and his policies, and his arrogance, it was absolutely refresing to see someone like Dean take on the establishment. For the first time in my ever so long life, I've made contributions to the Dean campaign, because he's what's right for America.


:loveya: :bounce:

[ozone_man]

32. My life as a Dem.

McGovern was my first vote. I guess I found out that I was a heck of alot more liberal than the rest of the country. Don't blame me, I didn't vote for Nixon.

I never voted for a Republican, well, there was an exception, and that would be Senator Jim Jeffords in Vermont. He was a liberal Vermont Republican, more of a Democrat, who finally gave up the party, after the Neo-Cons took over.

I came from an upper middle class family. My father was always a Republican, but my mother switched to Democrat after Kennedy. She loved Hubert Humphrey, though he didn't make it to the nomination.

The early 80's were my political education, learning what the CIA, MIC and multinational corporations were all about. It was very easy to learn all this under Reagan.

I would consider myself an independent, left wing/Progressive Democrat during the period of Reagan, and evolved into a left wing/Green Democrat toward the end of the 80's. Voted for Nader in 2000, but Democrat nationally otherwise. Locally, there is a Progressive party, which gets my vote, if a candidate is running.

I've supported Dean, since the beginning in Vermont (well, once I voted for the progressive candidate for Governor to make a vote of conscience). I am to the left of Dean, but he is a great compromise candidate for me and can include a broad spectrum of voters to him, hence the centrist label. I thought he was a long shot, when I first found out that he was running, but now I would put his odds of winning at over 50%. I think he has all the right qualifications (Governor for 10 years), a family physician before that, ambition, enthusiasm, and most of all, the right message to make it all the way.

[KaraokeKarlton]

33. Here's mine

How long have you been involved/interested in politics?

I've never been all that interested in politics because I found it sort of boring. Dean has made it interesting to me. I have voted sometimes in the past, but not every election.

Did you grow up rich/poor?

I grew up poor.

Are you a Democrat? And, if so how long have you been a Democrat?

No, I'm an Independent. I didn't register to vote until I was 30 years old, in 1995.

How long have you supported Howard Dean?

I've liked Dean since I moved to Vermont in 1994. I wanted to vote for him in 1996, so I registered to vote. He was the first politician I ever liked enough to actually want to vote. In fact, you could probably say that if it weren't for Howard Dean, I probably wouldn't even have bothered to register to vote. I've been for Dean in this election since before he let on he was running. I knew he had considered it in 2000, so I expected he might consider it this time.

[Cha]

34. I had a Grreat Yoga class!

I've only been involved in politics since the months leading up to the 2000 "selection"! I started thinking about Social Security and that if I wanted it to be there I should start working to help make sure it was.
I wanted Gore to win so much and put all my blood, sweat, and tears into it.

Well, it's a long way from just thinking about "Social Security"..who knew?

I grew up poor and then had some rich years and now it's lean, mean, and green(vegetables)!

I registered Dem in 2000 but have always been "liberal"! Even if I wasn't "registered".

I started supporting Dean about a half an hour after Gore said he wasn't running. It took me that long to recover from the feeling of my heart being crushed and my stomach lurching somewhere in the depths of the Earth. And I was on DU by then and read what Dean had to say about Gore's not running and just started paying close attention to him since he was Not for Invading Iraq which was my numero uno support contingent.

Dean's statement on Gore was very poignant and lead me in the direction that has only gotten stronger with each day!

I enjoyed reading everyone else's story!
Thank you for asking, mzmolly!

And Cheers to all :toast:

[Stuckinthebush]

35. I'm pretty well off, Caucasian, and don't have political experience

:D

Kidding....

Not rich by a stretch - I am white, though (too damn white - I burn thinking about the sun), and I've been involved with the Democrats since 1987.

No story other than Dean was the first that really grabbed me. I had my wife listen to one of his speeches on-line last year, and as she was listening, I looked over and she had tears in her eyes. She said, "He can't be for real. They don't make politicians like that." Well, he spoke to both of us, and we have supported him ever since. I agree with his positions, but I must say that I will work like hell to get the eventual nominee elected no matter who it is.

[Woodstock]

37. great idea for a thread!

How long have you been involved/interested in politics?

Since I was a kid - don't want to get too specific, but a relative was an elected official for a good 25 or 30 years, and so it was in the family.

Did you grow up rich/poor?

In between.

Are you a Democrat? And, if so how long have you been a Democrat?

Both parents were Democrats (my mother, as a proud Catholic, identified with JFK), but later in life she fell for Reagan, and progressed from there to solid Republican (bummer.) But I've always been a Democrat. I'm not happy with the party right now - they are not fighting hard enough for us.

How long have you supported Howard Dean?

Since February. I first heard him on CSPAN one day while flipping through the channels. I was ready to keep flipping, but he just kept saying things I liked, so I sat down and listened, well, cheered is more like it. It had been so long since I'd heard a Democrat have the guts to speak up and tell it like it is. I have been hooked since then. I still like him best, but I also like Wesley Clark (am hoping somehow our ticket is a combination of the two.)

[leftofthedial]

38. sorry to piggyback your thread

I apologize for the stupid way I characterized Dean supporters earlier today. I tried to ask a question about the apparent organization, tactics and dedication of Dean supporters and botched it so badly that it was embarassing.

What was I thinking?

Now back to your regularly scheduled programming.

[mzmolly]

40. S'alright....

didn't even notice ;)

[mzmolly]

39. It's been great to read about all of you.

What an interesting/diverse bunch of folks we have here. I hope to hear from more of 'us' going forward.

:toast:

Also, I hope to be celebrating with you all someday when they announce:

"Howard Dean has won the 2004 Presidential Election!" Imagine............................ :)

[Ellen Forradalom]

42. Interested in politics all my life

Stuffed envelopes for McGovern when I was nine years old.

I grew up middle class--not poor as such but most definitely not rich. Parents were intellectuals.

I have always been a Democrat.

I've supported Howard Dean since this summer.

[mandyky]

44. My political life in a nutshell

I am a 48 year old, white woman. I first voted for Carter in 76.

I am from a working poor family background, and have some college.

I have been interested in politics since the RFK campaign although I was too young to vote then. I got discouraged in the 80's, and became politically active in 98 during the Clinton debacle.

I do see the Dean campaign as a movement to reclaim the Dem party, as well as win the WH. I don't agree with him on all things, but I honestly believe he is the only one who can beat shrubby. His stance on guns will appeal to swing voters in rural states.

Last election I voted Nader after being for Bradley, and then McCain.
I am a registered Dem but very independent.

[CMT]

45. My Story

I'm 39 years old but have been interested in politics and government since I was about 10--a big history buff. The first presidential campaign I did volunteer work for was Jimmy Carter's in 1976. He was my first political hero--and in many ways the only one I really have. We grew up poor, but not as poor as many people. My mom and dad divorced when I was 8 and she had custody of the three of us. She still was able to provide for us on her job as a nurses aid. She also qualified for food stamps and we had Medicaid.

I have been a democrat all of my life. I remember talking with my maternal grandfather as a kid. He was a union man and a big time Democrat and FDR supporter ("He saved this Goddamn country"). So I guess it was kind of in my genes.

I've supported Howard Dean since Al Gore got out of the race in NOvember of 2002. I accepted that Gore was moving on and felt I should too and always liked what Dean had been saying especially about the war.

[RetroLounge]

46. Dean supporter here...

How long have you been involved/interested in politics?

Since I was 18. Saw John Andersen on campus and was so taken by what he was saying, that I voted third party for him in 1980. In hindsight, maybe not a good move...

Did you grow up rich/poor?

Middle class, blue collar, Union Printer for a father, mother raised 3 boys. Always seemed that we had enough to get by. A couple of vacations a year. New car every 4 or 6 years. Nice clothes. Food on the table. A couple of years of on-again off-again unemployment for my Dad in the 70's kind of turned me more left-leaning. Then watched him start his own business while taking whatever jobs the union could get him, and working multiple jobs to keep us afloat, while paying for my college.

Are you a Democrat? And, if so how long have you been a Democrat?

Democrat. Since 1 second after voting third party in 1980 and realizing Reagan was the President. Doh!

How long have you supported Howard Dean?

I can't remember exactly, but for quite a while now. I heard about him here and from others. Read up on his web site. Went to a meetup. Then I saw him speak here in Milwaukee and he spoke to exactly my issues in exactly my tone of voice and emotion. I was hooked. And he has only gotten better as a candidate.