The republicans are winning

[frustrated_lefty]

Before saying anything about our candidates, please let me say I desperately want W out of office.

I am a Dean supporter. But, I think we need a single candidate on the field by March at the latest. We need someone we can unite behind, who will start to hammer on Bush.

What we have now is a mixed bag, where we don't know who will win in Iowa or New Hampshire or the Feb. states.

Every day we spend fighting amongst ourselves benefits Bush.

Please, let's stop that and just get Bush out of office.

[hellhathnofury]

1. I don't worry about it to much and I know the reality.

We'll have a canidate by March 3 at the latest. Nothing we can really do about it.

[Dookus]

2. Just the opposite...

The republicans would be winning if we DIDN'T have a spirited debate about the candidates.

Republicans coronate their candidates, we elect ours.

Everything happening now will all ensure that the eventual nominee is strong, capable and able to fight W.

[XanaDUer]

4. What Dookus said.

eom.

[hellhathnofury]

5. Like the Roman Republic?

Remember Caesar! Et tu Clark?

It's getting a little bit out of hand but I do like our democratic Democratic party. No misnomer there.

[Salviati]

8. Right...

The reason that everybody is staying in so long, that everyone is campaigning so hard, is that they know that the democratic nominee will be the next president of the united states. Bush is toast, and everyone knows it.

[molly]

3. Nope - WE are winning!

the Democratic process will be astute enough to pick a candidate to squish that little evil devil that stole our WH.

[F-5]

6. If the republicans are winning...

then why are they getting so worried all of a sudden?

That's just my observation...

[smiley_glad_hands]

7. Just part of the process--no need to make a blanket statement

like that.

[Adjoran]

9. Oh, please

At this time in 1992, Papabush was winning, too. Our primary contest wasn't finally decided until mid-May, and one losing candidate didn't drop out.

A lot can happen in 10 1/2 months.

There are disadvantages to having a nominee too soon. The volunteers across the country don't get a dry run for get-out-the-vote efforts in the fall. A close contest would keep media attention and voter interest high, as well as campaign workers' energy level.

We've seen in Iowa how voters tend to shift their opinions late in the race. That's because most people aren't political junkies like us. They don't even know who most of the candidates are. They start paying attention in the last 30 days or so, and many don't make up their mind until within two weeks of Election Day.

Don't get all defeatist already. Campaigning in Iowa and NH in January is hell. April and May are beautiful months across most of the country. Enjoy it.