The CMB endorsement of Gov. Dean: your thoughts?

[Padraig18]

I see it as unabashedly positive, because as the only woman and one of two minorities in the race, it is significant.

[no name no slogan]

1. It's good for Dean

I think it will help him in both the long run and short run. I'm not sure if it will do much good in Iowa, as CMB didn't have too much support.

IMHO, it's a good match: CMB and Dean are very similar on the issues, and most of her supporters probably had Dean for their #2 or #3 anyway. I would not be suprised to see her in a high administration position if Dean wins the nomination and election.

[Padraig18]

4. She and Howard are also friends, in real life.

I'm not surprised, frankly, because they are very fond of each other, as I think most people watching them when they're together can discren.

:)

[kerry-is-my-prez]

17. They have a BIG flirtation going on. Think Carol has a "crush."

I think Howard can be rather charming when he wants to be...

[Hep]

19. You aren't being serious, right?

I hope to God that you aren't suggesting what I think you're suggesting. It was just a lighthearted comment, a little joke, right?

[Padraig18]

23. I think it was.

:)

[kerry-is-my-prez]

It's a harmless little thing. Kinda cute.

I'm not suggesting that they're having a "thing" or anything. It's more of a friend thing...

[no name no slogan]

41. You're right

I'm only a few degrees separated from CMB myself. My best friend from college's best friend from high school's mother is friends with CMB (can you follow that? :P). I really admire CMB and hope she gets a good spot in the Dean administration (if there is one-- I'm not giving up hope yet!!!:D) She'd be a very good Secretary of State, IMHO.

[mmonk]

2. Good for Dean

especially after Sharpton's comments in the debates.

[edzontar]

3. I think this is wonderful news.

I am also pleased the purported rise of Kerry in the ast few days.

Maybe we can have a genuine, old-time New England DEMOCRATIC battle for the final nomination.

It might be a great thing to watch.

[Hep]

5. Also,

She has been one of the few who did not attack other candidates throughout her campaign. She brings a positive note and a great smile to Dean's camp!

Whether or not it means anything in terms of voters, CMB is a top-notch individual.

[eileen from OH]

6. I think it's good

although I understand that she carries baggage in Ill, she's beautifully eloquent and I know a lot of people (including most people here) who have been impressed with her at the debates.

eileen from OH

[Cheswick2.0]

51. the only baggage she carries from Ohio was pinned on by Rove

She has been cleared of all charges of wrong doing. I would like to see democrats stop spreading that particular smear.

[CMT]

7. I think it is great

She has been a plus in this campaign.

[TLM]

8. I think Sharpton drove her to it...

Sharptons shots at Dean pissed her off. You could really tell she was not happy with Al.


Now this is great for Dean and CMB. Combined with his win in DC, it will secure his support with minorities and women. Folks who might have been reconsidering Dean because they bought into the attacks from sharpton and the BS story about one of Dean security team abusing his wife... will see this and know that Dean is the guy. CMB would not endorse Dean if that crap was true.

And the Carter event this weekend should help a lot too.


Although I must say I am glad to see Kerry moving up a bit, because I want Kerry to knock Clark back into third. Clark would be the worst thing to happen to this party in 30 years. I do not like Kerry, but he would be so much better than Clark.

[Darth_Ole]

12. Yeah, Sharpton's comments were a factor.

All through this campaign I've heard her say in debates constantly, "I agree with Howard" or "Howard is right."

I could tell she really did like Dean when she went off on Edwards, however. "I know Howard likes to defend himself, but you've voted with Bush 53% of the time. And for you to call Howard a hypocrite is shameful." And she was still yelling at him when they cut her mike.

This should help Dean big time.

[Rowdyboy]

9. Absolutely positive

Its a great boost to the Dean campaign. Had she not been beat in 1998, Ms Braun would probably in the top 3 right now and would be a lock for vp.

Congrats

[Padraig18]

11. Thanks!

'98 was a combination self-inflicted wound and Rovian campaign tactics here in IL. I wish Carol had won, but she's still an awesome person and I would expect to see her in a very visible position in a Dean administration.:)

[DoveTurnedHawk]

10. Positive, But Not That Significant, IMO

I think just about any endorsement is positive. But I don't think CMB's endorsement will end up being all that significant, unless NOW swings on board Dean's campaign as a direct result. She just didn't have the following or the numbers, unfortunately.

DTH

[Padraig18]

16. The significance:

Even without NOW, it completely neutralizes the race issue, IMO.

[DoveTurnedHawk]

18. I Disagree

Dean already had loads of endorsements from prominent Black and Latino politicians prior to CMB's endorsement. That didn't stop Sharpton's attack from resonating with at least some segment of the population. I don't think it will stop similar attacks, provided the one making them is credible on issues of race.

DTH

[Padraig18]

20. We disagree, then. n/t

[edzontar]

43. You are correct, sir...This checks Sharpton's attack...

And I could not be happier.

I hope she gets a good job in the Dean Admin, along with Kucinich (Dept. of Peace) and Edwards (for VP, please).

[Padraig18]

44. She'll be in.

I'm sure she'll be in the Cabinet.

[Tatiana]

24. I don't see this having much traction with the AA community.

Dean might get a bump among women, however.

It's a positive thing, overall.

[lovedems]

13. I think it is great and I look forward to the day that all democrats are

united behind a nominee, whoever that is. She is an admirable lady who deserves the utmost respect from the democratic party and the all of the voters.

[absyntheNsugar]

14. If Dean wins

CMB would make an excellent cabinet member.

[Adjoran]

15. Yes, positive

I don't know that it brings a lot of supporters, since Moseley-Braun wouldn't be dropping out if she had any traction in the polls. But it is a symbolic victory, and helps to assuage those concerned by Sharpton's criticisms last week.

The CMB campaign might not have made much headway for President, but it certainly has repaired any damage to her reputation from all the allegations that led to her defeat for reelection. In the debates, she was the most even-keeled, calm, intelligent, and polite of all.

She evinced what I would call a "judicial temperment." Maybe she is destined for the federal bench?

[jumptheshadow]

21. She could play a significant role in his campaign

After reading Maureen Dowd's somewhat snarky NY Times exhortation today for Dr. Judith Steinberg to rally behind her husband in the traditional role of supportive wife, I am thinking this:

Dr. Steinberg continues to follow her own career and personal path, tending to her patients with her quiet dedication and commitment,

and,

CMB becomes Howard Dean's campaign "partner," traveling with him to rallies, being there for photo ops, and, in general, softening Dean's bristling image with her warmth. She would be a wonderful asset for him in that role.

Of course, my ultimate hope is that CMB serves in an important role in the Clark-Kerry administration. But that is for another thread.

[Mairead]

22. Good for Dean, not so hot for the nation.

[TLM]

25. What would you think if DK did the same thing?

Of all those running, Dean is the closest to Kucinich in many respects... so if Dk throws his support behind Dean, what would you do?

[JohnKleeb]

27. I dont plan on supporting Dean if Kucinich were to withdraw but

if hes the nominee, I will support him. On Carol, good for you guys, shes a good lady.

[diamondsoul]

53. *ROTFL*

Dean is nowhere NEAR Kucinich on most issues! There are two others currently in the race whose position papers line up more closely with Kucinich than Dean and they are Sharpton and Clark. Clark is currently edging towards 3rd or fourth place on my list of those I can support, and Sharpton knocked himself off my list with the attack on Dean in the last debate.

What it boils down to is if Dean, Gephart, Lieberman or Sharpton are the Nominee, I'll write in Kucinich then officially re-register as either Indy or Green.

[David Zephyr]

26. It Is What It Is: An Endorsement By a Fellow Candidate.

I'm sorry to see CMB drop out of the race, because frankly she made more sense than most of the rest of the pack. Her universal health care proposal (like Kucinich) was the only one worth even debating.

Still, it is a very positive development for Howard Dean and comes at a good time for him.

[mandyky]

28. I think CMB would be a great deputy chief of staff

Think Josh Lyman on West Wing. She would make a great liason with Congress, etc. She could also accompany Dean at social functions Judy Steinberg Dean chooses not to attend.

[mouse7]

33. Too much West Wing... far more "power" in cabinet, UN Amb.

I've made no secret of being interested in seeing CMB as UN Ambassador in the career slot Madeline Albright was placed in by Clinton. After a couple of years as UN Ambassador, CMB could move up to Sec'y of State.

[Larkspur]

29. I really liked this line of hers

Howard Dean is a Democrat we can all be proud to support.

Way to go Carol!

[Killarney]

30. It's good for Dean.

She is highly-respected.

[oasis]

31. I gotta think she was leaning Dean before the last debate. In the debate

she defended Dean against Sharpton then launched an unfair attack against John Edwards who had been running a positive campaign. Since Edwards was gaining in the Iowa polls, CMB's baseless accusations against him should be called into question.

[Padraig18]

32. What 'unfair attack' against Edwards was that? n/t

[oasis]

35. She accused Edwards of frequently voting w/Bush, but he set her straight.

[Padraig18]

36. He HAS.

He's voted with Bush far more than I'm comfortable with, in a primary candidate. he didn't 'set her straight' at all, IMO; he confirmed what she was saying.

[chimpymustgo]

37. CMB quoted CQ to attack Edwards for voting with *. But she was WRONG!

Edwards had to turn to her and firmly point out that CQ had rated 100 Senators on how often they voted against Bush - and EDWARDS was Number 1.

Number 1. And Carol just looked stupid and strident.

John was then able to return to his positive campaign.

[oasis]

40. Which brings us back to her motives for attacking Edwards.

[Cheswick2.0]

54. nope

She said Edwards voted with chimpy to much on a certain issue, not overall. Edwards did a side step.

[maddezmom]

48. looks like you may have been correct n/t

[phillybri]

34. It's a good thing...

I was surprised she didn't endorse Kerry, though...

[Larkspur]

38. She seemed more attuned to Dean than Kerry

At Iowa's JJ Dinner, she was dancing with Dean, not Kerry and whenever I saw her with Dean she seemed to have a big smile on her face. Dean seemed to make her laugh. Kerry seemed to not notice her.

[RogueTrooper]

39. It is a great endorsment

and my favorite one, to boot. I really like CMB she has a great pinball smile and a beautiful eloquence.

I am not sure what affect she will have on the race but I am glad she is on our team.

[David__77]

42. She was always looking out for the big goal of beating Bush.

I think she entered the race to contribute to defeating Bush in whatever capacity she could fill. I think that endorsing Dean is meant to help solidify his leading position and "wrap up" the primaries early so that other things can be taken care of. Just an idea...

[Uzybone]

45. Not a big positive

but a positive nonetheless. She was running for a cabinet seat anyways and now is the time to throw support behind whom she thinks will be the nominee. Its not significant at all people.

[SadEagle]

46. It's at least good media-wise

It will give Dean a positive media story at this critical timeframe for the primary contest...

[bearfartinthewoods]

47. a kick in view of today's news

boy....were we duped

[Dolphyn]

49. Is she doing it for the money? ($20,000/month)

"Dean campaign aides, responding to press reports, said Carol Moseley Braun, who dropped out of the presidential race on Thursday and threw her support to Dean, would be paid $20,000 a month to campaign on behalf of Dean."

Source:
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/NewsStory.aspx?section=WORLD&oid=42562

The question on my mind is, when did she agree to be on Dean's payroll, and did it influence her statements during recent debates?

[Feanorcurufinwe]

50. Is she an honest politician - Will she STAY bought?

What if Gephardt offers her $25000 instead of the $20000 Dean is paying her -- will she switch her endorsement?

[gulliver]

52. It is unacceptable. The DNC should step in.

We can't have quid pro quos like this. It invites a huge free-for-all next time we have primaries. I have never heard of such a thing. It is corrupt.

Dean's money should not be usable to cover CMBs campaign debts. Giving money to CMB makes her endorsement suspect.... It is just unbelievably awful.

I think maybe Bush has pushed us all into some sort of ethical alternate universe. Bummer.

[Cheswick2.0]

56. it is not unusual

Why should someone with her credentials work for the campaign for free? She is a paid consultant just like a lot of other paid consultants. She is being paid because she is worth the money.

[carolstarkey]

55. He sure is piling up the endorsements.

I'm undecided yet, but Dean intrigues me. His campaign is unlike any other in my memory. Of course, I have never voted before, very new at this so what do I know?