Dean's statement on Graham's withdrawal

[pruner]

"I will miss seeing Bob Graham on the campaign trail. Since his entry into the race, I have come to know him as a man of decency and integrity who cares deeply about this country and our position in the world. He was an honorable opponent who treated his fellow aspirants for the Democratic nomination with respect. I am proud to call him my friend.

"Senator Graham now returns full time to the Senate where he will continue his outstanding work on behalf of all Floridians and all Americans. I wish him well and look forward to his wise counsel throughout the remainder of the campaign."

[roguevalley]

1. nice

the way it should be done. including by us. :)

Graham is a class act.

[Cha]

2. Dean had a really nice statement when Al Gore said he wasn't

going to run, too! This just made me think of it and why I liked Dean from the get go!

[cindyw]

3. Good bye Graham. You are an honorable man... go get 'em in the Senate.

I'll add another candidates statement to this thread,

Statement from John Kerry on Bob Graham's Announcement
October 06, 2003

“I am disappointed that Bob Graham has decided to end his campaign for the Presidency.  Bob has been a friend and a colleague for 17 years.  His dedication to public service, his tireless commitment to those he represents and his values and love of family brought an important perspective to this campaign that will be missed. 

As a Governor, he created jobs while protecting Florida’s environment.  In the Senate, he has worked tirelessly to help seniors afford the medicine they need and been a leader on national security issues.  He will continue to be an important voice on national and international issues and I know he has many more contributions to make for our party and for our country.  Teresa and I wish Bob, Adele and his entire family the very best.”

Now go have a beer and relax, you deserve it. :beer:

[burr]

4. He reminds me of Doug Wilder...

another southern Democrat who dropped out of the race before any primaries were held. The real question is did Graham count as a primary candidate or just a trial-run?

[LuminousX]

5. Graham as VP?

Graham was one of my first choices for President. His positions were sound and his history was equally good. Unfortunately he lacked what I call the Alpha Male quality, that quality to inspire people to follow you. So I switched support to the person I really felt had that quality and the positions I supported (Dean).

I would hate to see Graham's experience and skills lost to the next President at such a critical time in history. The fact he is from Florida also plays a key role in the geopolitical scheme of things.

Which top-tier candidates would pair with Graham the best? I'm guessing the Northeastern candidates (Dean, Lieberman and Kerry) would benefit best from Graham as their VP (gives Dean some Southern leverage and intelligence community experience, gives Lieberman and Kerry some anti-war credibility and additional cred regarding the intelligence community).

[stickdog]

6. Now I want to see a statement of Rush's withdrawal.

Does the Doctor have any advice for a huge narcotics crash?

[Mass_Liberal]

7. very graceful

of Dean. Makes me feel warm and tingly.

[Pavlovs DiOgie]

8. In the Threads: Gwen Graham Logan

For those who missed it last night, Senator Bob Graham's daughter, Gwen, posted here on Blog for America in the comment thread beneath Governor Dean's statement on the withdrawal of Senator Graham from the race for the Democratic nomination. She wrote:

Hi. I'm Senator Bob Graham's oldest daughter. I just want to thank all of you for your kind remarks regarding my Dad. It means a lot. Best of luck to your candidate. He is a good man.

www.blogforamerica.com

Grace begets grace.