Deanies: NOT Star-struck automatons!

[Gringo]

At my Dean meetup last night, I was struck at how willing EVERYONE there was willing to listen to my honest criticism of Dean, whether about the papers issue or the Dixie flag thing. Nobody was upset at criticism of Dean, many called for him to unseal his papers (You think ANYONE would dare citicize Dumbya at one of their fundraisers?)

Also, most of the people there thought highly of most of the other candidates, as I do. They just prefer Dean at this point.

I'm sick and tired of Deanies being characterized as zombies blind to Dean's flaws. The meetup last night confirmed in my mind that that is not the case. They were a great bunch of people and I had a great time. My only concern is that the crowd continues to lack diversity and seems to be more middle and upper-middle class. (Being Miami, there WERE plenty of white hispanics, but no people of color) But that could be because the meetup was in the ritzy nabe of Coral Gables. The meetup in the more diverse part of town is too far for me.

[wryter2000]

1. Thanks, Gringo

I'm glad you had a good time. :hi:

I love Dean, but I had a real problem with the flag issue until he clarified and apologized (and gave Jimmy Carter a phone call!) I know what you mean about diversity of the supporters, but I will tell you that at the Dean rally I attended, there was a young man organizing a Dean Diversity Rally in SF to address just that issue.

In any case, I think he'll make a fine president for all Americans.

[CMT]

2. same thing at mine

when the issue of not taking public money came up at last months meetup, most favored it, but a vocal minority didn't--and got respectful hearings. No Dean supporters are not the robots that some of Dean's detractors like to make us out to be.

[Fleshdancer]

3. sounds like you had a great meetup experience

Thank you by the way for both your honesty at your meetup with Dean supporters and for your kind words here on DU. I too think he should unseal his records and be more cautious when discussing racism. The confederate flag was an uneccessary symbol to bring up for the message he was trying to convey. A great message was lost because of it.

I get frustrated at times here on DU because I didn't choose Dean based on one speech, or just because he was against the war, etc. It took me several weeks of researching all the candidates for me to come to my decision. While I do think his speeches in person are very moving and energizing, I would never consider myself a star-struck automaton (cute phrase by the way).

I can't speak for others, but when it comes to politics, I think with my head, not my heart.

[JNelson6563]

4. Great report!

Our meet-ups certainly have folks with lots of different views. We're all respectful to each other because we want to achieve the same thing and only by working together will we be successful.

Julie

[seaglass]

5. I think that the problem is that supporters of

Dean or any other candidate are unwillingly to acknowledge their candidates weaknesses here. That's why it looks like people are blind to their candidates flaws.

I understand the feeling, when my candidate is getting bashed I tend to get defensive, it's difficult to admit when someone else is right and to contribute to the pile on.

[Hep]

7. It's not true

We're just not willing to take the word of people with an obvious ABD agenda. Make a sensible argument and I'll address it sensibly. Problem is, only 1 out of maybe 50 anti dean posts has ANY merit.

The other problem is, most of the nice Dean criticisms came out last night when AP and I were discussing tax policy. It means you can't really expect any rational or fair posts in criticism of Dean for another week or three.

[Hep]

6. Some people hate us for being energetic and optimistic

What it's about is what's in people's hearts. When you go to a good meetup, and there are some bad ones to be sure, but when you go to a good meetup, you see what's in people's hearts.

When you come here you see it too. It's just not as pretty or appealing.

[Loonman]

8. Then why is anybody who doesn't like Dean...

...a goosestepping Nazi Bush lover who is below the ameoba?

[Hep]

9. Idunno,

why?