I'm more comfortable with Dean post-Hardball....

[Robb]

I'm being perfectly honest here. Dean on Hardball was the first time I felt any attachment to the man. I was always for his policies, but not so much as to exclude other Democratic candidates. And, to be frank, I always felt he came off as something of a crank -- angry, yes, and with a righteous indignation that was appealing, but a crank nonetheless. And I thought that would hurt him in the general election, and so I felt a little queasy about him getting the nomination.

But his appearance tonight sold me on voting for him if he gets the nod -- not that he didn't always have my vote in that situation, because I'm solidly in the ABB camp -- but now, I think, if he gets it, I'll be able to vote more for the man, if you follow. His directness came off tonight as just that, and he seemed human, intelligent, quick, and bold.

Not just a crank. :) So call me a post-nomination convert, at least.

[Jerseycoa]

1. He was more compelling tonight (eom)

[Closer]

2. Yeh, he was GREAT tonight!

For once, he wasn't being PELTED with rocks!

[Langis]

3. I watch part of it at home for lunch

From what I was able to see, he impressed me.

[phirili]

4. Very weak performance. Grade F-

[Closer]

5. The only

thing that's weak is your pathetic attempts at discrediting him.

[Andromeda]

10. About as weak as your performance is I imagine...

:grr:

[Scott Lee]

But you get an A+ on lockstep, regimented Dean hate. well done.

[realFedUp]

25. Not being open to grading fairly

is more telling of you than of Dean's answers.

[RetroLounge]

41. I would bet you didn't even watch it.

Grade: absent

[slinkerwink]

64. or just followed the thread here on DU

[pinto]

6. Same here

off the cuff...Dean was honest, forthright, and human - I think the last was his most constant media flaw, a common for MD's...Loved how he addressed the issue with his temper: Vermonters re-elected him four times. Had cogent foriegn policy responses, a well spoken idealism about personal values and a direct response to the Admin's policies.

Also showed a sense of humor and was able to say "I apologize" for not meeting Harvard kids before the debate and offered to come back. Think he did well.

[pruner]

7. correction:

Vermonters reelected Dean to 5 full terms as Governor.

he served for a total of 11 years.

[chimpymustgo]

13. No Dean fan here, but I'd give him a B, B-.

By far, the best I've ever seen him perform on TV. He has clearly adopted a new persona. Dropped the angry outsider, now he's trying to be the affable, self-effacing front-runner.

Whatever works.

I still don't see middle America warming up to Howard Dean. Or the Democratic Party, for that matter.

But we shall see, right? Wesley Clark on next week!

[Andromeda]

24. Chimpymustgo, that's the nicest thing...

I've ever heard you say about Dean!

Sorta.

[pansypoo53219]

28. this middle american

is rootin hard for him. but then i ain't normal.

[pinto]

29. Yep, we'll see.

I'm actually looking forward to this primary season. Think Dems are being underestimated and this almost mystical Admin's ability to win a general election in Middle America overestimated. I respect Clark and look forward to his piece with Hardball.

[newyawker99]

18. Hi pinto!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[Arugula Latte]

52. Welcome to DU, Pinto!

:hi: Does your name have anything to do with Animal House? (Belushi gives the pledge the name "Pinto.": "Why Pinto?" "Why the hell not?!")

[cthrumatrix]

8. freepers have to be worried...he puts alot of issues in your face and

doesn't back down...people want alternatives to this clown we have in office

[AmericanDem]

9. What were you watching?

This guy was completely clueless on anything dealing with World Affairs.

Ummmm, wake up call, We are a country at war and will be for some time.

[Closer]

11. Ok,

great post.

Now go back to your Clarkette hole :eyes:

[realFedUp]

15. He had answers for every question asked

I didn't hear or see that he was clueless about
any questions on world affairs, not that Matthews
asked that many. Most of us who read and keep up
with the news have opinions on foreign affairs...
he seems to have his also. He's getting advised
by former state department officials also.

As with any governor who becomes the primary candidate, he will receive information through intelligence agencies. He's
more intelligent and able to form decisions than GW Bush
or do you disagree with that?

[AmericanDem]

43. LOL

getting advise from former state department officals is all he said on world affairs. Get It? Are you voting for president in this next election Or a guy that needs many people to come with him to show him what is what on world affairs, war, and fighting terror?

WOW,

[HFishbine]

60. You heard what you wanted to hear

He also spoke of his personal travels and the need for good judgement. So that's what Dean has when it comes to foreign policy: personal life experiences that have taken him around the world, decision making experience and an educated mind. That still trumps Shrub's "two-war" resume.

[sendero]

61. A 12 year old...

... could do better than the moron in there now, so excuse me if that isn't the top priority of the world.

Fact is, we'll be in perpetual war as long as we want to be, and that will be as long as the American public puts up with it.

[Pavlovs DiOgie]

16. Please elaborate

Dean seems to have a firm grasp on the situation in North Korea and Iran, and specifically addressed what he would do as President to disarm them. If you disagree with Dean's assessment, please post an alternative, or at least where you think his flaws were.

[AmericanDem]

44. your kidding right?

i cant wait till the transcript is out.

[RetroLounge]

42. No we are a military at war

The country is out holiday shopping.

no one is much affected by the war except military families, politicians, DU junkies, and pundits.

[AmericanDem]

47. that comment alone...

shows the kind of people that support Dean. WOW

[Eric J in MN]

12. it was nice seeing him in a context in which he wasn't

It was nice seeing him in a context in which he wasn't getting bashed by other candidates and having one minute to respond.

[comradebillyboy]

14. tweety seems to like dean

dean did very well tonight. the only other dem to fare as well on hardball was clark. tweety just loved his ass.

we also see dean moving away from the pacifist lefty image toward a moderate dem sort of mode. smart guy. tough, smart, adaptable......reminds me of bill clinton.

hey you folks at the dlc and dnc......ya aint gonna beat bush wearing a pink tutu (apologies to bartcop), get with the program, you need dean more than he needs you, he actually has popular support and real votes. if he gets the nomination you might try to help, for the sake of the nation, if nothing else.

[poskonig]

17. I feel the same way.

I'm more comfortable with Dean when he just answers the questions and keeps the waffles to a mininum, like he did tonight. It was also nice seeing Dean talk like a human being instead of that slow robo-talk he has been using for the debates.

[vi5]

19. I've had hot and cold feelings about him...

I thought this was a great appearance. Really, one of his best. Made me a little more confident in him as a candidate.

I thought he evaded some of the questions (What would you do to catch Bin Laden) but not so much that it was distracting.

Overall it warmed me up to him a little more again after having been previously disillusioned by him (and more so his supporters).

[Eloriel]

39. Realistically, do you think he has access to the kind of info

he'd need to go get bin Laden?

I don't think he does. I thought that question was specious.

Do YOU have a way to go get bin Laden?

Eloriel

[dansolo]

53. I wished he had mentioned Pakistan

in response to the bin Laden question. Obviously it is a very difficult question for Dean to answer, considering that at the current time he is not privy to the intelligence that we may have. But I can recall hearing plenty of speculation that bin Laden is currently in Pakistan.

[KittyWampus]

20. Dean Back Pedalled On ReRegulation

He cites his advisers when talking about Foreign Policy and compares himself to Junior...

He praises Bush Sr's Foreign Policy...

He whines about reporters harassing him...

He doesn't know if Osama should be tried in the Hague (as long as he's brought to Justice)...

Does he support "Right to Work" and he answers both Yes and No....

Calls Russia the Soviet Union 3 times...

When Chris asks if US has a special role to play in the worldDean says Yes then begins talking about Junior rather than what HIS VISION IS.....

Sorry, Dean gets a C- from me and that is being charitable.

[Closer]

22. Whew

I'm sure he'll be glad to know that cryingshame gives him a passing grade!

Thanks! :eyes:

[vi5]

26. I liked Dean's performance tonight, but I agree with every one of those...

..points that crying shame made. I don't see them as horrible things since as we've learned time and again with this admin, that most people don't pick up on the nuances or care about the details. What Dean did tonight was come across as more affable and charming than he usually does in these interviews. He's hit a stride I think.

But I don't think there's anything wrong with pointing these other things out and hoping the candidate realize that they are errors or flaws and goes about correcting them.

Anything less than that is blind allegiance and I'm uncomfortable with that from any candidate.

[KittyWampus]

30. The Only Thing That Sticks In My Craw Was "ReRegulation" Backtrack

Dean's been putting that in his speeches lately....

Reregulation and Accountability are two different things....

And Dean just said what Clark has been saying.

[Zynx]

34. Re-regulation is not a popular term. Accountability is.

That's why he didn't use that term. He's not stupid you know.

[KittyWampus]

50. ReRegulation & Accountability Are Two Different Things

And Dean has been saying "ReRegulation" in his speeches lately.

And his supporters have been reiterating it while at the same time faulting Clark for pushing for Accountability.

[evil_orange_cat]

51. no he didn't...

He said flat out that he would limit media conglomerates, for instance. "Regulation" is one of those political landmines. The Republicans are good at manipulating language. The Estate Tax became the "Death Tax"... etc...

And I don't get why people are upset about the Soviet thing... he started by saying the Soviet Union supplied Iran (which they did) and just continued to call Russia that. BIG DEAL.

Do you want someone who recites concocted responses? You want an actor like Ron Reagan to give performances?

Well sorry, I want an honest guy who is genuine, not some run of the mill politician.

Go Dean!

[slinkerwink]

66. thanks!

I want an unscripted guy like Dean and so far, he's doing me proud!

[HootieMcBoob]

21. yes, excellent job by Dean tonight

I'm supporting Clark at the moment but I would be very comfortable voting for either. We have two excellent candidates here people! Way to go Dean, keep up the good work!

:toast:

[Closer]

23. kick

[alfredo]

27. yeah, I feel better about the man. He seemed to be well versed

in American history, much more than Bush. How can one respect and love the tradition of democracy if you know nothing about it.

[Rose Siding]

31. I'm more comfortable too

He was more poised and direct than in other tv appearances. I had no worries about his policies or his competence but I'm glad to see him developing a more relaxed media persona.

[Egnever]

32. I wish I felt that way about any of the other candidates

It would be nice to have more than one option I am completely comfortable with come election time.

[MODemocrat]

33. Bravo to you Robb

You pretty well speak for the way I feel about Howard Dean. At first, I just wasn't sure, but he's made a believer out of me. :toast: :thumbsup:

[dajabr]

35. Me too... He did great! Just one thing...

I'll be dissapointed if he goes over the limits first in IA or NH. And yes, he ducked that question. :-(

Loved the crowd reaction to his "abortion, god, guns, gays" response. Standing O in my living room!

:toast:

[Robb]

37. That was a great line

I'll still be watching Clark next Monday, but for now I'm breathing a little easier. :)

[Eloriel]

40. I suspect he will probably go over the limits

Gephardt is busy lying about Dean. I would do what I had to to correct that if I were in Dean's shoes. And you would too.

I also heard a pundit not long ago mention that it's not unusual for candidates to go over state spending limits, so look to the others to do it too.

Finally, some of that money Dean has is from me. You better believe I want him to use it instead of tying his hands behind his back.

Eloriel

[dajabr]

46. I hear you, and agree with your points...

Heard that same pundit (a day or two ago?)

[slinkerwink]

63. Dean has to....

I want him to squash Gephardt for all the despicable lies he's been telling about Dean....

[Ksec]

36. I am too

I was surprised by Dean in that he seemed very likeable and well informed. Ive heard a lot of negative stuff by some people on the boards and I wasnt expecting much . I guess that just shows me that my opinion is the one that matters . He did a fine job and he showed he could be a great President. Now Im still a Clark man , but after tonight I would be comfortable if Dean wins the nomination. Either way we Dems are getting a wonderful candidate.

[slinkerwink]

65. thank you for saying that

:toast:

[DrFunkenstein]

38. No Dean Fan, But That's A Pretty Funny Thread Title!

But how comfortable are you with...this!

<>

It's hard to make out what it says, but it looks like "All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy."


Edited for 2nd grade level grammar mistake.

[Ksec]

45. Hes reading to Dubya.

Dubya is sleepy and Dean is reading him a bedtime story. hehe

[HFishbine]

62. Yes

and he's reading to Shrub "Where's Saddam?" It's a riotously funny book about a boy who dresses up in his aviator Halloween costume and sets out to look for Saddam Hussien. The page you are seeing is where Shrub unwittingly seeks advice from Saddam disguised as Tony the pizza man of Passaic, New Jersey. "Tony" is shown telling the boy aviator how to cook intelligence.

[AntiCoup2K4]

48. A President who can hold a book properly, and even read one, will be....

...an improvement over this unelected fraudulent simpleton.

[Eloriel]

49. you realize, of course

that that was taken when he was in Iowa reading to some school children before a summit with Rob Reiner going over Dean's plans for children??

Good of you to add all the info about the photo.

Eloriel

[slinkerwink]

56. Actually, he was really sweet reading to the kids

and even wiped one kid's nose like a father would do.

[fabius]

54. I thought he did well and is improving.

To tell the truth, I haven't thought all of his interview and debate performances stellar. Even though I support him.

I think Dean is doing what he needs to do, that is getting more comfortable in the role of candidate and learning to get his platform out there. You don't have to agree with all of it but he is articulating it better.

On the right-to-work issue Dean is at least keeping consistency with his federalist approach, ie not being heavy-handed with the states. Even though he's against right-to-starve laws.

The foreign policy positions made sense to me. A lot more than Chimpy's foreign policy.

Even Clark said go after Osama with the help of Saudis...? How does that work?

On balance a good performance for Dean.

[slinkerwink]

55. I've always liked Dean from the get-go

I just have a really good feeling whenever I see or hear Gov. Dean speak---he's got a good sense of charisma and a great laugh that draws you in.

[slinkerwink]

57. :kick:

:kick:

[idlisambar]

58. Seen him like this before

For those who have only seen his stump speech and the debates, he is usually pretty impressive in town-hall forums (check out his Tom Harkin presidential forum appearence -- http://deancore.blogspot.com/deanvideo.htm ). This one was not the best though because too much time was spent on silly gotcha issues (Vietnam, opening sealed records, etc.).

[slinkerwink]

59. yep, like the gotcha issues on hardball

*rolls eyes*