Is it safe to vote for someone other than Dean?

[Trek234]

As of right now it seems either Dean or Clark will get the nomination. So long as nothing drastic happens for the next few months that won't change IMO.

Let me say right now that I support Dennis Kucinich, and I consider Clark to be as bad (and I dare say worse) as Lieberman. I was fairly confident that I was going to be able to vote for Kucinich with almost a certain gurantee that a decent candidate would be nominated in any case. Because of Clarks status this is no longer possible, and I fear voting for Kucinich may be now be like voting Nader in Bush vs Gore. I do *not* want Clark, and I fear voting strategically may now be needed.

Is this a valid fear? Is Dean doing well enough so that it would be possible for someone like my self to vote Kucinich with out a Clark victory? If not I will quite possibly be voting Dean.

I believe these to be important questions, and I am sure I am not alone here. I know people who support other candidates may have the same concerns about Clark as I do, and thus may be considering voting Dean just to play safe.

[kiahzero]

1. I think so

Disclaimer: I am a Clark supporter.

However, if you are as concerned about Clark as you state, you may want to consider a 'vote swap', like those done in 2000. Find someone in a stronghold of Dean's (NH, probably), have them vote for Kucinich, and you vote for Dean.

This is also why I support Condorcet voting - strategic voting should never be a necessity.

[ComerPerro]

2. Vote for Kucinich anyway

I would rather have ten terms of Clark than one more day of Bush.

[Trek234]

5. Unfortunately I don't agree

While no doubt Clark is (supposedly) better than Bush, I would feel very... unmotivated, to say the least, come Nov 04 if it was Clark vs Bush. In fact, I would more than likely vote Green just for the hell of it in that case. Either way we're damned. (again IMO) I just really don't like nor trust Clark.

[ComerPerro]

8. I don't think I can help you, in that case

If you feel that strongly against Clark, then you have a tough decision...

Its too bad you feel that you might have to vote for Dean just to vote against Clark.

But, given my opinion of the candidates, I don't think I can give you the advice you need.

I misunderstood your point.

[Catch22Dem]

3. Why would you be so concerned about Clark

that you would abandon your vote?

[w4rma]

9. Personally, I would be honored to have Gen. Clark as president.

I would be honored to have any of the Democrats running as my president.

[Feanorcurufinwe]

4. Vote for the person you think will be the best President.

[Trek234]

7. So under that logic...

I would be quite possibly consistantly voting Green every election.

My primary goal is Bush out of office in 04 with an at least somewhat decent Dem to replace him.

[Dagaz]

6. Sure it's a party primary

THis isn't the same as voting Green (and basically Bush). The delegates will ultimately vote for a leading Democrat but there will be a message sent by the number of votes different types of candidates get. Does Lieberman get more or less than Kucinich? That will be an internal discussion on how far left or right people want the party to go.

[Pastiche423]

10. Although I am a Dean supporter

and I very much share your concern about clark, I say, go w/the advice given by Ms. Ivins...

In the primary, vote w/your heart

In the general, vote w/your head.

As for me, the candidate is one in the same.

BUT! If by the time your primary comes around, and Dean and clark are too close to call, VOTE FOR DEAN!

Please

[JohnKleeb]

11. If that were the case I would vote for Dean too

You know mine. Yes vote with your heart, I urge everyone to do that. You are aware of my concerns Pastiche about the man.

[rucky]

12. When's Your Primary, Trek?

Maybe you have the luxury of finding out how everybody did in other states? You don't have to decide until your voting day, so don't sweat it.

[Trek234]

13. I believe it is

March 9th, so I will see others first fortunately.

[caledesi]

14. No. Dean has the "mo" AND the $. nt

[election_2004]

15. Trek, it depends...

What state are you in?

[Hogarth]

16. Vote Quimby!

n/t