Dean's strategy to win the south...for the nomination

[jeter]

Contrary to popular belief Dean is doing quite well in the southern USA among Democratic voters. He trails in most states, but barely. I think I know a way Dean can win the south:

1) Go after the African American vote. He has already had some success. I expect Jesse Jackson to endorse him soon. Others possibly. I think Dean can be the candidate for African Americans.

2) and most importantly. Release a "short list" for VP candidates. Watch all the southern Democrats change their tune when they learn they are on this list.

Short list for Dean's VP selection (in no specific order):

1) General Wesley Clark, Arkansas.

2) Senator Mary Landrieu, Louisiana.

3) Senator Bob Graham, Florida.

4) Governor Roy Barnes, Georgia.

5) Senator John Edwards, North Carolina.

I think any of these five would want to be the VP nominee. Most will probably come out and support Dean outright hoping to get into better position. Note all the states are southern and have been traditionally winnable southern states. Dean can rightly claim that he isn't giving up on the south. But trying to build a new coalition.

I think it would work.

[tsipple]

1. Dean's Southern Strength

He trails in most states, but barely.

Actually he seems to be leading the polls in most states. But I'm sick of polls, even when my guy is doing well.

If Dean should win the nomination, unfortunately I think Clark did himself a bunch of damage tonight in the debate because of the videotape he just handed the Republicans. Ted Koppel asked, "Can Dean beat Bush? Raise your hands." And only Dean raised his hand.

That was kind of dumb, I think. I was very turned off by that.

[jeter]

2. I think the other Democrats are being seen as sore losers

This is bad I agree. They don't have to stop campaigning and endorse Dean. But jesus, they have been trying to sell this "he can't win" crap for some time with no no results.

Dean does just as well as most of them in the polls. I don't know where they get off thinking that only the Washington candidates can win. If it isn't from DC, it isn't legitimate. That's the attitude they have. It is the same attitude that lost us the 2000 election. The same attitude that lost us the 2002 midterms.

I think it is time for the Democratic Party to nominate someone from outside Washington DC.

[Syrinx]

3. any Dem is gonna have a tough time winning my state, but...

I actually think it is possible, and I'm going to do my part to make it happen!

edit: I reallize you're talking about the primaries, but I'm thinking toward the general election. I'm hoping the good guys pick up some big wins south of mason-dixon.

[mrgorth]

4. Clark isn't running for VP

hasn't that been drilled into your head yet? He's a leader and he can't lead from behind, just ahead, where he belongs...as a leader. So don't mention it again or Clark will kill you with the pinky toe of his left foot. He's dangerous. It doesn't matter that, as someone who works for Dean and sends him money, I'm willing to deal with Dean in a VP slot, esp if it's for Clark. So no more VP talk, until he accepts it. Got it?

[deminflorida]

5. Modify his Middle Class Tax Hike stance and he stands.....

a chance. Other than that, he's DOA in the South. Sharpton sits on the black vote, and Dean won't fair well with southern white democrats and veterans. The Planned Parenthood previous employment and open support of gay marriages won't play well either.