Name one thing Dean brings Dems that Clark doesn't.

[gulliver]

Let's be specific and avoid mere innuendo. There have been many threads on what Clark brings that Dean doesn't (national security credentials, honored military service, southern appeal).

I want to know what Dean puts on the Dem ticket in the general election that Clark doesn't. Someone help me do the math here. Someone make some form of convincing argument that:

1) Dean is better than Clark on Democratic issues
2) Dean has what it takes to beat Bush

[leftofthedial]

1. Dean supporters

n/t

[Renew Deal]

2. lol

:yourock:

[gulliver]

4. You are begging the question.

The question is whether Dean supporters can offer reasons that Dean is better.

[leftofthedial]

10. you're missing part of my point

there is little substantive difference between them.

the differences are style and personality for the most part.

[Jack_Dawson]

5. Out of a country of 280 million?

[slinkerwink]

3. 529,000 Dean supporters

an estimation of $20 million in the last fiscal quarter, and an amazing fiscal and health record in Vermont. Dean's also created jobs in Vermont.

[xultar]

32. Not an absolute postive or uplift to the table some times...n/t

[SeveneightyWhoa]

6. Seriously, I've always asked myself this question as well.

Just what does Dean offer that Clark doesn't? They seem very similiar on almost all the issues (and I'd almost go as far as to say that Clark is even more liberal than Dean is).

[Sterling]

14. Dean is and has been a Democrat

Clark still has a lot to prove. I like him and hope he goes on to play a role in making our country great again. It just is not time for him to run for Prez IMO.

[SeveneightyWhoa]

25. Its not time for him to run for President? What the hell?

What, should he wait until he's 70?

[5thGenDemocrat]

27. Sterling

I think that's way overrated.
Even arguing that Clark, per se, isn't a Democrat (at least not one of long-standing...after all, he was a military man and they are supposed to stay out of politics while active duty), I'd rather have a candidate who not only appeals to me -- the fifth-generation Democrat, but also to Republicans of good intention. We've all heard the stories here about the wavering Republicans out there. I sincerely doubt that Dean will appeal to them like Clark will. And I'm not such a purist as to spurn those votes next November.
We are Americans before we are Repubs or Dems. And, though Dean may or may not be more appealing to certain hard-core Democrats, that won't be enough when the general election rolls around.
You know, my father was a Republican and he didn't have horns. Most Republicans don't (though Andy the Right Wing Republican DOES have a couple nubs). I want their votes next year, too.
So, to keep this on topic -- I'd say Dean brings indisputable Democratic credentials more than Clark does. Whether or not that's a virtue once we're past the primaries is a matter for debate.
John
Best personal regards, S. I hope you can send along some new AJ recordings for our FUNDAY X party next June 19. I'd love to meet you if you could possibly make it.

[Pastiche423]

52. "We are Americans before we are Repubs or Dems"

What are you saying? It's alright to elect a repug?

Dang, this board has begun to lean so far right, we're almost on a new server.

[IranianDemocrat]

60. He's not a republican.

That's a lie.

[5thGenDemocrat]

93. Even if he were a Republican, he sure ain't pResident Dopey

I want the best man for the job. I personally think that man is Wesley Clark and that's who I'm voting for. Deal with it.
John
I'm not really answering you, ID -- I'm answering (52)"Ignored" directly above you.

[xultar]

33. Is a centrist really a democrat? Dean is pretending, he is very moderate

Dean will take off the halloween costume of the "liberal left" and move center after he gets the nomination.

He has to or he will lose in a landslide. The country is @ war they will not elect an anti-war president.

[Donna Zen]

66. Clark is more liberal

He also can, when elected, effect more changes than other Democrats. First, just with his style which includes a rock solid ability to never use labels. This is very important, because it keeps the dialogue open and allows one to set the terms.

Secondly, he actually is brilliant. And finally, he can gain support from the repub. side of the aisle.

One more: While some talk about the new Dem. party, what they are really doing is solidifying the base. While a solid base is good, it is not enough. The party has been shrinking, and needs to be expanded as well.

[Pastiche423]

71. Please give examples

of how clark was a liberal, prior to his joining the primary.

[KittyWampus]

81. While Base Commander Clark Worked Successfully To Improve:

Race relations (wrote amicus brief re: AA)
Education (testified before Congress)
Spousal Abuse
Morale problems
Health Issues

[boxster]

97. Pastiche423 - I'm curious as to your response.

Are the issues cryingshame posted liberal enough for you?

Contrary to popular belief, Clark did actually do something in his 30+ years in the military other than fight wars.

[dansolo]

113. Clark will not get the support of Republicans

I think that it is far too premature to think that Clark will gain support from the Republicans. Clark's appeal to Republican voters will not translate into cooperation with the Republicans in Congress. They don't give a shit about Clark's resume, considering how little respect they really have for the soldiers.

[killbotfactory]

7. Dean has extensive domestic policy experience

His record is one of balancing budgets, raising minimum wage, guaranteeing health care for nearly every child in his state and many people of poverty (minimum wage workers), balanced business and environmental needs admirably, used a cheap community based program to cut child abuse dramatically, has experience reforming the health insurance industry for the better and he cut taxes a few times.

He also has a huge, well-funded, and well-organized campaign machine that will appear in every state of the nation.

Now consider Clarks foreign policy experience and you'll realize why so many of us want a Dean/Clark ticket.

[quaker bill]

19. I would say that pretty well outlines the difference

Well said. It is the extensive private/public sector (non-military) resume that he brings to the table. He actually has far more extensive political experience dealing with the unruly public, that is not required to obey orders, cannot be suppressed by military force (on a regular basis), and questions the wisdom of the commander daily.

[killbotfactory]

35. Interesting, isn't it?

I mean, how so many Clark supporters can't seem to think of anything? It's like they haven't done any research, or something.

[mzmolly]

64. So true, it brings back memories of an article I read via The Nation

recently. :shrug:

[KittyWampus]

85. Excuse Me! I Just Logged On And Posted Above

Clark is a Former Special Assistant to the Director of Office of Management and Budget.

He oversaw the education of many tens of thousands of children in Europe

He oversaw the welfare and morale of troops in various locations


The ONLY thing Dean has on his "list" really is that he learned how to be just another politician.

[xultar]

38. Extensive domestic policy with a state of 600k, Please sections

in the Military have budgets bigger than Vermont and the same issues
Education
healthcare
jobs
etc so that doesn't necessarily mean anything.

[Scott Lee]

55. POOP.

tired meme.

[xultar]

39. Based on your argument, the Mayor of Atlanta can be president

there are more people in Atlanta than Vermont.

[killbotfactory]

43. So?

Did the mayor of Atlanta have as much success running his city as Dean did running his state?

Was the mayor of atlanta head of the National Governers association? The democratic governers association?

[xultar]

47. A General in the Military has a budget bigger than that of the state of

VT,
Generals also have the same concerns, healthcare, jobs, schools, roads, power, housing, daycare...

But when Generals manage they manage both STATESIDE...across states and Internationally. Does dean have any experience dealing with healthcare, jobs, schools, roads, power, housing, daycare across states...except when it comes to moving nuclear waste to TX?

[killbotfactory]

53. Did Clark get healthcare passed for everyone's children under his command?

Did Clark impliment programs that cut child abuse among those under his command?

Did Clark ever have a battle with the right wing over gay civil rights?

Did Clark protect land from development?

Did Clark promote good environmental policy that reduced greenhouse gasses and cut emissions to standards harsher than the Kyoto protocol under those in his command?

[Donna Zen]

78. Yes

Did Clark impliment programs that cut child abuse among those under his command?

Yes, he worked to institute both programs to curb child abuse and sposal abuse.

Did Clark ever have a battle with the right wing over gay civil rights?

Yes, Clark while in uniform, testified when Kerry was fighting for gay rights in the military. I believe he was the only military member to do so.

Did Clark protect land from development? (Dean has a few skeletons in his environmental closet so be careful)

Yes, Clark worked with environmentalists while commanding Fort Hood to successfully fight to save the Loggerheaded turtle.

Did Clark promote good environmental policy that reduced greenhouse gasses and cut emissions to standards harsher than the Kyoto protocol under those in his command?

Since leaving the military, Clark has worked with many emerging technologies, including heading up a company developing hydrogen engines. Clark's grasp of science is fairly good, since physics was his first major. He only switched because he discovered foreign policy.

For the more label driven, it would be best to expand your definition of liberal. Clark's masters in philosophy has lead him to a much more ideal version of democracy, and thus, a more complex understanding of the meaning of liberalism. In some areas, especially the social, you will see an underlying strain of socialism buttressed by a firm belief in a meritocracy. Clark is more liberal than many people at DU.

[killbotfactory]

84. Cool. Good for Clark.

He'll make the perfect Dean VP.

I don't care about political labels much.

[frustrated_lefty]

83. Pardon me for asking a stupid question,

but when has the military EVER stayed within budget?

[Art_from_Ark]

8. Dean: actual experience as an elected civilian leader

and long-time card-carrying member of the Democratic Party.

[xultar]

31. Dean is a centrist, and is slightly to the left of Clark..

Card Carrying Democrat is only subjective since most states don't require you to indicate party.

In addition Dean is very centrist...Slinkerwink admited it so he's not really a "democrat"

Dig

[KittyWampus]

88. Absolutely WRONG- Dean Is To The RIGHT Of Clark

on the political compass.

And whilst Governor he was even further to the right.

[xultar]

40. BTW getting elected by civilians isn't all that difficult, think GWB

[Art_from_Ark]

48. Which civilians are you referring to?

Gore got half a million more votes from the American population as a whole.

[Democrats unite]

9. I can't think of anything but one thing...

And If I post it, it will start a flame war, so I will keep it yo myself.

[LuminousX]

11. Work as Governor, Work for the Party

A workable health care plan and the know-how to implement it
Experience working with a legislature
A motivational spirit
A sense of style and methodology I feel comfortable with.

[Donna Zen]

111. Worked for the party?

Would that include Dean's medicare position which was in opposition to the party's, or his affirmative action stance? Or does that negate any cockroaches that might be representing some Democratic voters?

[mzmolly]

12. It's somewhat difficult because Clark stole Deans positions on the issues

almost verbatim...however Dean has experience Governing and experience with domestic issues. Dean was right about the war, regardless of the 'foreign policy' experience others claim to have.

Here's some of what Dean brings to the table that Clark doesn't.

"Luckily for Dean, that harsh criticism was countered by the DLC's hero and champion, former President Bill Clinton, who told the AP's Will Lester in an interview that Dean's accomplishments as governor contradict the image he has in the presidential race.

Clinton said Dean is described as very liberal in the presidential race, “but look at what he did as governor of Vermont.”

The former president touted Dean's Vermont successes with health care and his national health care plan as “New Democrat” positions, a reference to the label the DLC likes to put on moderate positions like those Clinton pushed as president.

Dean also drew support from Vermont's two U.S. senators, Patrick Leahy and James Jeffords, both of whom focused on Dean's record as governor.

“Since when did it become extreme and elitist to balance the budget, extend health care coverage, offer equal educational opportunity and protect our environment?” asked Jeffords.

“Governor Dean's 12-year record in the Statehouse was not liberal, conservative or elitist,” said Leahy. “He inherited a deficit, balanced the budget, pinched pennies, provided health care to all Vermont's children, protected the environment and created jobs.” ~ Rutland Herald - May 2003

http://www.deanforamerica.com/site/Search?query=accomplishments&inc=10&x=17&y=6

Clark has waged wars. Sorry, but I've had enough of that for a while.

[xultar]

41. Puhleez, so Dean will sue like FAUX sued AL Franken for Fair and Balanced

[mzmolly]

61. Dean hasn't made this claim. It is an observation by myself.

Tell me what position(s) they differ on?

[MIMStigator]

13. Better skiing skills?

:hi:

[Pastiche423]

15. Dean

Has balanced a budget
Has governed a civilian polpulace
Has brought healthcare to children
Has won a civilian election 5+ times
Has not killed any innocent men, women and children
Has had a strong stance on many, many issues a lot longer than a month

To name a few.

Edited to add: He has been a DEMOCRAT for over three decades!

[Kosmos Mariner]

54. Yawn..............zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.....

:boring:


Your venom never ceases to amaze me. :puke:

<snip>
Has balanced a budget
My county is bigger than VT, big deal.

Has governed a civilian polpulace
So has Saddam Hussein, were you going to add anything?

Has brought healthcare to children
I'll give Dean credit for this, but don't forget, Clark has years
of experience being responsible for his troops and their families health and well being

Has won a civilian election 5+ times
again, being in office does not mean you accomplished anything

Has not killed any innocent men, women and children
Please, drop the over the top war crimes shit, it really doesn't reflect well on you

Has had a strong stance on many, many issues a lot longer than a month
come on, that is pretty weak

To name a few.

Edited to add: He has been a DEMOCRAT for over three decades!
zzzzzzzzzzzzzz..snore...zzzz...I could care less about the party, your beliefs and actions are what matters


:dem:

[ulysses]

16. momentum, grassroots involvement,

street cred on health care, the interest (if not the undying love) of the left...

[Melinda]

17. 1. Civilian perspective

This is not to disparage General Clark in any way, shape or form, but rather to answer your topic line question. I am not going to participate in the 2nd part, re "my candidate is better than yours" -I respect and admire General Clark and all he brings to the table of our common democratic goals.

As to the second question, I'd invite you to learn for yourself by going to a meetup or studying Dr. Dean's positions on the issues and learn about his campaign at http://www.deanforamerica.com. Just take of this what you will and disregard the rest. :hi:

[gulliver]

23. Issues shmissues.

(I'll play Chris Matthews here...)

All of these plans and programs are just that, plans and programs. They are necessary, but not sufficient. Clark is fully capable of meeting Dean one-for-one on any plans and programs. But when the Democratic presidential candidate is compared side-by-side with Bush in the general election, swing voters are not going to be looking at numbers.

They are going to be looking for signs of greatness, honesty, and likeability -- over and above the issues.

Look at Bush. He went all the way through election 2000 missing a trillion dollars in his plans for Social Security. In the end, the electorate arguably did not compare plans. They bought Bush's "I'll just delegate 'em to the best" approach.

[xultar]

45. Clark is a civilian, being in the military and running a unit is just like

being a govenor. They have to build schools roads, feed people exucate people, have healthcare, have concerned for mothers with children in daycare etc.

I don't see your point.

[Melinda]

75. No, it's not.

I am not talking about the hierarchical administration of a bureaucracy. A military officer's education and "indoctrination" into a warrior and his mindset is its own animal, and it's how General Clark thought and lived for almost 40 years - and he says it's still a shock to him to be out of uniform.

Like I said, General Clark has no real civilian perspective - he was (and still is to many) a highly trained and skilled warrior, and not a civilian.

*ON edit... How do you feel about the job Colin Powell has done as Secretary of State?

[KittyWampus]

106. Being A Governor Isn't Involved In Bureacracy? LOL

You do know that Clark has a masters degree in both Economics and Philosophy?

That he knows the Classics?

Your view of Military people is so freaking superficial... you've seen too many bad movies on television.

How do you think Clark got money to fund Education for his troops and their families?

He had to work the Top Brass and Congress just like a Governor would have to work the Legislature and the voting public.

You do kjnow that he testafied to Congress about money for Education, right?

[mzmolly]

18. Here's more...

http://www.fundforahealthyamerica.com/VermontRecord.asp

http://www.fl4dean.com/about.htm

http://www.deanforamerica.com/site/Search?query=accomplishments&inc=10&x=17&y=6

[corporatewhore]

20. nra crazies

[Emboldened Chimp]

21. Executive experience

working with the legislature to get legislation passed; campaign experience; medical experience (for revamping our healthcare system).

[Mass_Liberal]

22. domestic policy experience

no further text

[NewYorkerfromMass]

24. Complete cluelessness on military matters

the one thing we don't need post 9/11.

[janx]

26. Passion.

.

[kaitykaity]

28. Dean has been an elected politician for 11 years.

Clark has never held political office. (Not that the military
isn't a political entity--it is. I'm talking about working
with a legislature, listening to voters, winning elections,
that sort of thing.)

Also, with Dean there is this "don't mess with me, I'll rip
your throat out" sort of energy that we have long needed in
the Democratic Party. (Clark has some of that too, to be
fair.)

I really wish there were a Dean/Clark avatar, dammit. The
strengths of the two men are so complementary that together
they would be the complete package. The real deal.

[gulliver]

37. Being an elected politician for 11 years is not a positive!

One of the hilarious things about Bush is the way he acts like an outsider and talks about "Washington politics." The ultimate insider, a guy whose family has been in the politics business more than any in recent memory, and he (Bush) feels comfortable putting down politicians.

I actually think insider status is a wash.

[Donna Zen]

89. well, Clark did hold

"Head of State" status, one of the most powerful people on the planet thing. (see Esquire art.)

[kaitykaity]

96. True. I heard him talk about that when he was

on Letterman, too.

But being a commander where when you say jump people
say how high and which direction isn't quite the same
thing as having to work 'with' people to get things
done. No matter how powerful the executive is, it's
still not the same thing.

[arewethereyet]

29. a political history

for starters and flawed as it is.

[kaitykaity]

42. for the presidency, the top job, you want somebody with experience

as an elected politician, somebody who knows how
legislatures work, who knows how to light fires and
get things done.

you might not think that's a good thing, but I do.

[kaitykaity]

49. Oops. Oh, gulliver . . . down here.

pshaw. :dumbass me:

[gulliver]

56. Experience is a wash, I think

It is at best a two-edged sword in the general election, in my opinion. Dean is more of a wonk than Clark. I admire that about Dean and it is one area of clear superiority over Clark -- but not in the general election.

Voters will not know the ins and outs of the issues well enough to judge whether Dean's correct analyses are better than Bush's half-truths, blunders, and lies.

Clark is wonkish exactly enough for the general election. He brings fresh insights to policy even as he misses many conventional ones. Dean's superiority there would go unnoticed. Worse, it might make Dean look like a Gore-style know-it-all.

[kaitykaity]

65. Don't get me wrong, I like both men.

I just think for the top job you have to bow to the
man with the experience doing the executive's job.
Clark followed orders from civilian authorities, was
never the ultimate authority himself.

And running a war isn't the same as running a country.

[arewethereyet]

73. so you'll be switching to Dean then ?

but do not mistake Dean for a wonk.

[kaitykaity]

91. I'm already with Dean, except there

is no Dean/Clark avatar. Yet. :evilgrin:

[arewethereyet]

95. okey doke

easy mistake

[RevolutionStartsNow]

30. Governing experience

Especially extensive experience working with both sides of the aisle to hammer out budgets, etc.

Also he brings powerful fundraising ability. Compare Dean's recent bats to Clark's candles. I know Clark is doing 2nd best at fundraising this quarter, but no one touches Dean in this area.

[Walt Starr]

34. Experience at governing.

:D

[mzmolly]

36. Ok, he didn't vote for Reagan and raise $$ for Bush...

Good nough?

[gulliver]

44. Not good enough.

A lot of people voted for Reagan. We want a lot of them to vote for our candidate this time around. A lot of them were Democrats before Reagan. We need them back.

Raising money for Bush? Well, if you appear at some GOP function where money changes hands, I guess you could stretch and say that it was raising money for Bush. But once again, I think Clark's position (that he played it politically neutral as a military man and gave Bush credit when and only when it was due, like once) is a strong answer.

Once again, we are talking general election here. Your two points show why Dean has some Dem primary supporters, but they won't mean anything in the general election, IMO.

[mzmolly]

50. Clark has followed orders, big deal. He has not balanced a budget

created jobs, governed a state. The comparison is simply ridiculous.

[gulliver]

67. In the general election, the hard part ...

... will be to show that either of those things matter. If jobs are on their way up, voters will be turned off by jobs plans. Being the governor of Vermont will make Dean look puny. Bush was governor of Texas! We don't want a clear governor-for-governor comparison, and that's what Dean will get us.

Clark comes in as a four star general, something Bush could not have achieved in his wildest dreams.

We all know that Bush's tenure as Gov. of Texas was bought for him by Ken Lay and his dad's other friends. But that's wonkish Dems in primary mode, not the general election.

[xultar]

46. Dean is more like the NRA where GUNS are concerned that isn't liberal

[mzmolly]

51. Clark and Dean have the same exact position on Gun Control.

As I said, Clark 'mirrors' Dean on the issues. He just doesn't have any experience. People are all a flutter for a man in uniform, that's about it.

[Scott Lee]

58. Being armed and trained in them IS liberal. It IS leftist.

Another losing pink-tutu stance that needs to bite the dust.

[Upfront]

57. Well

So far as I know Dean did not vote for Nixon, or Reagan. My gut felling is I don't trust Clark. I do think he is in to stop Dean, for the big money boys. I stand with the feller that came from nowhere on the strenth of his massage and an average contribution of 87.00

[boxster]

109. Average contribution of $87? Where the heck did you get that?

Dean's average contribution is over $500 - still one of the lowest averages of the candidates, but certainly not $87.

http://www.fundrace.org/avgContrib.html

[Scott Lee]

59. A chance to shake the statist cockroaches out of the system

[John_H]

62. Money Raising

Dean raised tens of millions for himself and other Dem candidates from unions, corporations, and special interests from Emily's List to the NRA.

[gulliver]

72. In the general election, Clark would match him.

Non-Dean supporters of Lieberman, Kerry, Edwards, and Gephardt would break out the check books. I will break out my checkbook for Dean if he wins. But neither Clark nor Dean will compare to Bush in terms of money.

It's strange to me how we have come to define success in terms of fundraising. To some extent, that means that the candidate who is more "on the take" has an advantage. That's Bush in this election.

[Hope4]

63. He has not been fired

Dean or any of the others will not face the generals that americans love and respect saying over and over he was fired and do you want a fired gen. for cinc.

Dean has been a dem like all the rest and did not just switch parties.

Dean stood up against the rebel flag but Clark had done nothing about it in his state.

[Northwind]

68. What Dean brings to the Democratic Party

THE WHITE HOUSE

[Upfront]

69. Brains& Guts

[5thGenDemocrat]

101. Brains and guts

Yeah, Clark graduated first in his class from West Point and was a Rhodes Scholar. Dean is a doctor, which requires intelligence as well, so I will be gracious and magnanimous and say they're both smart dudes (though Dean is nobody's Rhodes Scholar).
Guts? Clark earned a Silver Star and Purple Heart as a combat company commander in Vietnam while Dean was getting a lift ticket at Vail.
John
No contest there.

[DemCam]

70. Defeat

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

74. That's easy!

One of the most well organized TRUE grass roots movement, inspired from the bottom up to grace the Democratic party in many years.

The enthusiasm and support that Dean enjoys began nearly a year ago and hs gone UP not down. He was a genius in the manner inwhich he began promoting himself from underdog to top dog with none of it being rigged by superior powers to APPEAR to be a grassroots movement.

I am still not sure that I would vote for him in the primaries, but give credit where credit is due.

Regardless of whether you like him or not, he has left people with a sense that they CAN make a difference in what has been an era of hopelessness.

I would think anyone who feels threatened by his success, would be better to study him and imitate him rather than slam him. I think they do so at their own peril.

[bitchkitty]

76. Dean has "it", that magic

quality that Clinton had. I trust him. I don't trust Clark to be President, if only for the fact that he has no political experience.

[Rose Siding]

77. Dean brings about 10 election wins

and no losses compared to zero.

[gulliver]

86. In Vermont

Dean has been governor of Vermont, Bush governor of Texas. We don't want people comparing Dean's electoral wins or elective offices to Bush's. A Dean candidacy invites that comparison.

DUers know that Bush's Texas governorship was a powerless "prestige sinecure" bought for him by Ken Lay and Bush's daddy's other friends. The public at large does not know that. To them it will look like a Texas governor against a Vermont governor.

[Rose Siding]

112. Of course we want that comparison!

Compare Dean's successful record on balanced budgets, healthcare, VT winning the Healthiest State award 3 years running and his Wellsone award for labor relations with Bush's failed record in TX!

VT is small but how big does a decade long test market need to be to prove policy success?

Check out these stats in

Texas on The Brink

http://www.shapleigh.org/BrinkWeb.pdf

[mikehiggins]

79. I cannot think of one thing that would make Dean more electable than Clark

Of course, I've been accused of being cynical.

I simply cannot see Dean getting enough votes in a mano-a-mano contest with Bush to win the day. I can't see any reason why the average voter would prefer him, in sufficient numbers, to the incumbent President during a time of war.

That's why I support Clark over Dean.

[frustrated_lefty]

80. My list:

1) An unmatched capacity for fund raising, which makes it possible to not only run ads in every state, but also makes it possible for him to raise funds for fellow Democrats in other states who face potential defeat in tight elections (funds exceeding $50,000 on every occasion, and he’s doing this before the primaries!). The first is necessary, you can’t win if people can’t hear what you have to say. The second sends a strong message: the rising of this tide lifts all boats. Gather around, ye faithful, something is definately blowing in the wind.
2) An established record for balancing budgets. He did it in Vermont after inheriting a deficit and maintained balanced budgets over 5 terms in office. This isn’t a trivial issue. No one can deny Bush inherited the first surplus in years and we now stand with the worst deficit in decades, soon to be in the history of our country.
3) Health care for every child. He did it, while maintaining a balanced budget. It can be done, it should be done, it’s criminal that it isn’t. Other candidates may promise to do it, but who else has actually done it?
4) An established record showing the knowledge and wherewithal to create jobs while balancing a budget. The man can balance a budget AND create jobs??? Contrast to the “jobless economic recovery” we are currently experiencing.
5) Cross-demographic grassroots support. ‘nuff said.
6) A history of making promises and keeping them, whether on the campaign or while in office. Clinton commented on it, that quality in Dean. Vermonters (Vermontinians?) are frequently quoted as saying “you may not like what he (Dean) says, but if he says he’s going to do something, it gets done.”
7) Since you asked, specifically with regard to Clark, Dean also brings experience in a publicly elected executive office. One of the things that makes me wary of Clark is his main claim that he brings honest to god “leadership!” to the table. I think military leadership and civilian, political leadership are different. They may be more closely related than people often think, but there are differences and they are important ones. I sometimes (and I mean this honestly) wonder if Clark sees the difference, and that thought makes me hesitant with regard to him, although he is otherwise very personable.
8) He swore the Hippocratic oath, which, among other things, is an oath to heal that which is within your power. This nation is in need of one hell of a lot of healing, imo.

There’s more that I love about Dean, but these are the select few things I think he brings to the table that no one else can say “I’ve done this, I’ll do it again.” There is one possible exception, on one point. Kerry has a pretty damned good record for sticking to the goals he’s voiced. In my view, anyway.

Before anyone takes offense, please note I am not saying none of the other candidates can do these things. I suspect several of them could accomplish several of these things, if not most of these things.

The Bush administration has made me very untrusting of campaign promises. Compassionate conservatism. Unity in the face of terrorist threats to our home. Supporting our troops. Economic stimulus. No child left behind. $15 billion for AIDS relief. Integrity in the White House. At the very least, the image of Bush as a bumbling idiot who couldn’t do THAT much damage. I, quite honestly, am sick of words and patriotic images, and I don’t give a damn who talks the talk. I want a leader who has walked the walk and promises to do the same on a broader scale.

[jeter]

82. Umm...here are a few

1) Money.

2) Energy.

3) A constant message.

4) A record as Governor.

5) A larger support base.

Do you want some more?

What does Clark bring? A record in the military. Take away that and what do you have?

[Ksec]

87. Hmm. I would say he has a more grassroots approach

Hes done amazingly well at getting his campaign up and running, his contributions are enviable. I like his fire. Lots of things that I can appreciate about Howard Dean. Hes a great man and I think he would make a really good President.

[Corgigal]

90. An opposite take

as a female who served in the military I'm very leary of all officers. This is not uncommon. Most enlisted , especially females probably feel the same way as I do.

[Kanola]

92. Empowerment

"You have the power" is Dean's mantra but it is very empowering to hear that we can change the Dem party for the better, and improve and change politics in Washington as usual. Why do you think most people don't vote? Because they think their vote does not mean a flippin thng.. Alas, one of the reasons Dean is attracting and enormous grassroots following. I think that is part of Dean's success.

I have not seen that from any other campaigns.

[Fahrenheit911]

94. Donuts..

It looks like he has had his fair share..
I actually hope he does pass them around the DNC though..

sheesh, and he's a doctor?

[mitchum]

98. Goofy whitekids with trust funds?

[realFedUp]

99. Dean - former governor, funds, people, strategy....

Al Gore's endorsement, me :-)

[gate of the sun]

100. a non military backround.

and Dean was never a republican. Right?

[Beaker]

102. a defeat. (ok...ok...serious answers added on edit)

nt
(well...someone had to say it.)

on edit- ok i'll play-

Howard brings a cadre of younger, idealist-type voters.
& A medical background that may give hime a better grasp and more intimate knowledge of the healthcare issue.

[eileen_d]

104. oh, never mind.

EDIT

[Beaker]

105. I addressed that very issue on edit-

I tried to give Howard his props for motivating the youth vote- whether it can counter the Stepford Youth of the other, more evil side- remains to be seen

[frustrated_lefty]

107. I appreciate your trying to find at least

one good thing. What do you think about Dean funneling 50 grand to dem congressmen in contested areas? Honest question.

[Beaker]

110. I wasn't at all aware of it-

If legal, I would imagine that it's a good thing.

[mrgorth]

103. He brings

Howard Dean. I hope you get it eventually.

[Beaker]

108. which is exactly what karl rove wants

I hope you get it eventually.

when Howard said a week or so ago, in response to his medical deferrment: "...I probably could have served", Karl Rove's toes curled up, his knees buckled, and he had to excuse himself to go change his sticky, cum-stained drawers.