Official Thread for GEPHARDT supporters and well-wishers ONLY

[Skinner]

This is the official thread for Gephardt supporters and well-wishers to discuss Gephardt's Iowa performance, free of disruption.

If you are not a Gephardt supporter or a well-wisher, please do not post in this thread. The purpose of this thread is for disruption-free discussion among Gephardt supporters. Any negative posts by opponents will be delted by the moderators. We will open up separate threads where supporters of the other candidates can interact without disruption from opponents.

[dnbmathguy]

1. Well... now what?

It's a week till the New Hampshire primary. All of the plans I had had are now shot. All the work that I've done for six months has now gone down the drain, two days before my birthday.

So... I'm deciding if I can, or should, support another candidate.

[beawr]

5. Please do, and also help make him Speaker of the House

n/t

[LTR]

19. Your efforts were not wasted

Gephardt was a candidate that had a different kind of message. He has always been a big supporter of the working class, and a big supporter of unions.

He and his supporters did a great thing - they brought many people back into the process and energized them.

I just hope they're not too pissed off at the other candidates.

Your work was not in vain. Trust me.

[Bundbuster]

43. Please be proud, hold your head up, and re-assess.

Despite tonight's outcome, we should all have the utmost respect and admiration for Dick Gephardt. His dedication to the "common man" and vision for an equitable America will not end tonight, and I hope and trust that he will maintain a position of influence in the Democratic administration of 2005.

I urge you to re-assess the race and find a candidate whom you can enthusiastically support. At the end of the day, there is no great ideological divide between any of the Dem. front-runners, and only unimaginable hell should the ultimate winner not oust the Junta due to Democratic apathy. Eye on the prize my friends.

[aldian159]

44. You've done well

Gephardt is a great man and you should feel honored to select and help a man of such high caliber.

If you want to support another candidate, that's your perogative. Otherwise, you could just lay low for a bit.

Gep for secretary of Labor or Commerce isn't a bad idea when we capture the White house, unless he wants to stay in the HOR and lead us again.

[sandsn00]

58. RG's future

It's a widely held belief that this was Dick's last hurrah. I, a strong supporter has to hope not. Gerhardt's faith in the working class must not be lost in the Age of NAFTA and GATT. We Democrats must stick to the liberal ideal of Jefferson and tell the multi-nationals that their gadgets can only be sold to a populous that is paid a living wage. Folks, it's disposable income, that separates us from third world status.
Health and Human Services could be a fit as well for Gerhardt in our future Administration. Keep your eye on the prize Demo's, Geo II must go!

[Lefty48197]

2. Thanks for all the good work over the years Dick

Every bit of your efforts has been appreciated by me and millions more. :toast:
CNN just confirmed you are dropping out. Keep up the fight.

[eyesroll]

3. Thanks for your years of service to our country, Rep. Gephardt

I wish you luck in your post-campaign endeavors. Be well.

[beawr]

4. Gep is a "Great Man"

An historically important legislator and a man that has had more impact than 99.9% of the politicians out there. This is a man with nothing to be ashamed of. Most pols only wish they had the impact, while retaining the class, that he HAS and will still have. My dream is that we can see him and Pelosi where we now see such vermin as DeLay and Hastert.

[Dookus]

6. Condolences to Gephardt and his supporters....

he's an extrmely decent guy, and I'm sorry to see him drop out.

[Hoppin_Mad]

7. A Great Democrat - A Great American - Thanks Senator Gebhardt ! -nt-

[Lady President]

8. Thank you

I'm sorry that tonight wasn't as positive as hoped, but thank you for your years of hard work to better our country.

To Gephardt's supporters, you should be proud to have helped such a fine gentleman and try to remember how much you've done to promote the Democratic Party.

[mot78]

9. Sorry to see you go, Gep

Along with Dean, you helped bring up important issues in this campaign, and your's was trade. You also helped give * a name he RIGHTLY deserves (Miserable Failure). Hope you continue to fight in the House, or the Senate if you choose.

[Rowdyboy]

10. Gep did a lot of good...Wish he got credit for it..

[lovedems]

11. Geez, I wasn't prepared to feel bad for Gep. He wasn't one of my

top 3 and there were times I was angry at him! I feel so bad for him right now because it marks the end of what has been an extraordinary career. Wow. Thanks Gep!

[mzmolly]

12. Best wishes to Gep and his supporters, He is a solid Democrat

and I look forward to him continuing to serve the party.

[KC21304]

13. Thank you Rep. Gephardt, for all your years of service

to your country. We know you have always had our best interest at heart.

[Kathleen04]

14. Gephardt..

is a good man man. Best wishes to him and whatever opportunities come his way.

[ClarkUeberAlles]

15. If he decides to drop out

I hope he will back Clark. I think his support will definitely be invaluable. I can certainly envision Gephardt as a member of Clark's cabinet.

[blm]

16. Thankyou for carrying those heavy Dem loads for so many years.

You were NEVER Bushlite. Many of us salute you and honor your work.

[Jerseycoa]

17. Gephardt Supporters

You have much to be proud of in this wonderful man you've worked so hard for. My heart goes out to you all tonight.

[sistersofmercy]

18. Thanks Rep. Gephardt for years of outstanding service for the people.

[pasadenaboy]

20. I certainly hope Gep runs for senate from Missouri

we can use some good people like him in the Senate. Just cause he lost the nomination doesn't mean there isn't a place for him to serve the party and the people.

[Lydia Leftcoast]

23. Yes, a Senate run would be good

I suppose that Repiggie who ousted Jean Carnahan is in till 2008, though.

[oasis]

21. Dick fought well and was gracious in defeat. He'll be a fine Labor Sec.

[Syn_Dem]

22. good luck Mr. Gephardt

I was almost represented by the guy too, but I'm in the repub 2nd district..grr. I hope he continues his invaluble service to the party...maybe challenge Talent in a couple years.

[hlthe2b]

24. Gephardt has surely earned his due.....

Thank you Dick for all your efforts for ordinary Americans. We need you in the House and hopefully, you'll realize that your contributions there are invaluable to our future. Best wishes Gephardt supporters. He "did" you proud...

[John_H]

25. Adams, Clay, Lincoln, Rayburn, Ford, O'neil, Gephardt

One of the true giants of the House of Representatives, and maybe the classiest act of them all.

[Dover]

26. ...

...

[jenk]

27. Gephardt is NOT DONE YET!

Still a chance at VP

[jbm]

28. Gephardt is a good man..

and while he wasn't my first choice,I think he would have made an excellent president. I wish him well.

[ronnykmarshall]

29. Thank you Mr. Gephardt!

You're a good man and I'm proud of you. You know that the bottom line is to get Bush out in 2004.

We're gonna win!!!

Democrats UNITE!! Whoever our nominee is, fight for America. Fight to get the Bushies out once and for all!!

[MidwestMomma]

30. I think Gephardt is a good guy and someone we can all be proud of

Probably not any consolation, but I think he would be an excellent VP choice. He is such a knowledgable and diplomatic person. His concession speech was gracious and I really admire him for it. To his supporters, thanks for all your hard work for our Party. Hats off to all of you.

[SW FL Dem]

31. I Saw Gephart at the FL Convention

He was inspiring and I am sad to see him leave the race.

[Lefta Dissenter]

32. I'm sorry - for the whole Gephardt family

It's been great to see the family out campaigning. I was quite teary during his speech - this is what I hate about politics - even the good guys have to lose, because there can only be one winner in the end.

You just couldn't ask for someone to be more committed to the working man than Gephardt. I'm sorry that the votes just didn't show up for him. I certainly would have put him well above several of the other candidates in the race.

My best to all of the Gep supporters.

[snoochie]

33. Thanks Gep

For all your work, and for standing up to your own president when you knew what he was doing wasn't in the interest of the people.

Whatever negative things anyone says about him, I'll always admire him for that.

Great effort, Gephardt folks! Take heart in knowing you supported a great representative for the working people of this country.

[kerryistheanswer]

34. Dick Gephardt is a great man

I respect him deeply

[bread_and_roses]

35. For supporting working people

I thank Gephardt and hope that he recieves the honor he is due for that support. And bravo for "miserable failure;" true fighting words.

[fabius]

36. Dick Gephardt is a great American (from a Dean supporter)

I really admire Dick Gephardt. He was my first, first choice until Dean came along. And I'm supporting Howard Dean because I was energized by his campaign.

But I respect Gephardt and have followed his career for years. No one has stood up for the working people of America like Dick Gephardt.

I hope the other Democratic candidates never lose sight of the importance of standing up for American workers, unions, and the common people.

[Demonaut]

37. Gephardt is a true American, would make a great Vice President

I wish he goes at least for VP

[Toucano]

38. Thank you, Dick Gephardt

We need more people like Dick Gephardt in American politics.

Never a hint of scandal.
No personal enrichment through public office.
Always defending the little guy.

The way you handled your daughter's sexuality is a model for all the people of this nation.

Your legacy is the American dream.

[bluestateguy]

39. Thank you Dick

Thank you for your years of service to this country, in the National Guard for 6 years, as a US Representative and as the leader of the House Democrats. Thank you for standing up to Newt Gingrich's Congress in the '90's when they tried to destroy Medicare and the social welfare safety net. Finally, thank you for being a team player, excusing yourself from the race with class and dignity. We know that you'll be there to fight for our nominee this fall.

[Punkingal]

40. Gephardt was such a class act tonight...

I'm posting this as a tribute:

"The credit belongs to those people who are actually in the arena...who know the great enthusiams, the great devotions to a worthy cause; who at best, know the triumph of high achievement; and who, at worst, fail while daring greatly, so that their place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory or defeat."

Theodore Roosevelt

[hope42mro]

41. Gephardt: A Democratic Role Model

Although I am supporting another candidate in this primary, I was moved by Gephardt's speech tonight. It just reminded me that although this primary highlights the differences in our party, one thing remains the same: Democrats are good, honest people, and we should be proud of the honorable leaders in our party. Gephardt won't be president this time around, but I hope he stays in politics for a long time and causes alot of headaches for the Republicans in Congress. He's a good man, an honest man, and a I hope he continues to be a pillar in the Democratic party. Thanks for your leadership Dick, your a class act and an inspiration. -Love- Grace

[flaminbats]

42. Gephardt was the first major candidate to revive debate on health-care.

Kucinich backs single-payer and Edwards the health-care bill of rights. But Kerry, Dean, Clark, and even Lieberman would quickly respond by announcing their own universal health-care alternatives just to remain competitive. This issue may of remained dead, as it was in 2000, if it wasn't for Gephardt's initial proposal.

[Piperay]

45. SORRY to Gephardt and

all his supporters. :-(

[adadem]

46. Dick Gephardt is a good man

and I hold him in high regard...I hope his supporters will try to convince him to run for re-election in the house or for a Senate seat.
We need Dick Gephardt in our government.

[newyawker99]

47. Thank you Rep. Gephardt for your service to this country

as a representative from Missouri. To his supporters here at DU....you supported a great man and you should be proud.

:toast:

[bearfartinthewoods]

48. i just wanted to point out what a class act Geph was last night.

kudos

[Ilsa]

49. A Great Man, A Great Dem! Thank You for all you've done

to promote Democratic prinicples and values.

[MrBenchley]

50. A classy guy

Let us make sure his urgent message about JOBS is not lost....

[afraid_of_the_dark]

51. I wouldn't consider myself a Gephardt supporter...

but it is sad to see him go. Regardless if this is a direct result of the nastiness between him and Dean, it's unfortunate that the "candidate for the working man" is gone so soon. I wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors, whatever they may be. :)

[WhoCountsTheVotes]

52. Don't Mourn, Organize!

International Living Wage, Fair Trade, and 25% private sector union membership in 5 years!

[Clark Can WIN]

53. I just wanted to stop by and say thanks and I'm Glad Gep said he wasn't

going anywhere. We really need him. He's the greatest champion the American worker has, and we should all be deeply grateful for his service.

Congratulations on a good fight, you're a good man with great supporters.:grouphug:

[kerry-is-my-prez]

54. I'm kind of sad about this because he's a great Dem and is one of the

few politicians around who has rock solid integrity. He's a class act and gave a very classy concession speech last night. I have to admit I got a few tears in my eyes....

I'd love to see a Clark/Gephardt ticket because he would bring a lot to that ticket. He has the domestic experience, can bring in the Midwestern states, and is a rock-solid Democrat - which would be good for Clark since some question his Dem credentials. He also has the connections in Congress and elsewhere.

[robbedvoter]

55. General Wesley Clark's Statement On Richard Gephardt

For Immediate Release
Date: January 19, 2004
General Wesley Clark's Statement On Richard Gephardt
Manchester - "Congressman Gephardt should be proud of all that he has accomplished for his country. He has dedicated himself to serving the public and he has represented the people of Missouri with distinction.
Congressman Gephardt has run his campaign for President as he has led his life: with honor. He has been a strong, national leader of the Democratic Party and a powerful voice for those Americans who have needed someone to stand up for them.
As Leader of the Democrats in Congress, working Americans knew they had a true friend in Congressman Gephardt and a man that would stand up for them on principal.
Richard Gephardt is a true leader and statesman. It was an honor to be in this race with him and his voice will be missed."

[Adjoran]

56. 27 years of strong public service

27 years as foot soldier, captain, and general of Democrats in the House.

I salute Representative Gephardt and wish him well. He had remained on my short list of candidates until his withdrawl.

We can only hope that Ms. Pelosi can develop Gephardt's knack for bashing the repubs at the microphone, then sitting down to lunch with them and forging compromises to get things done.

He's a great American and a great Democrat, and his contributions will be sorely missed.

[Adjoran]

57. We may hear from him again

As Secretary of Agriculture or Labor.

[BrewCrew]

59. a hero

as a union man, I'm was glad to hear Congresssman Gephardt say that although his campaign has ended, his fight for working people will conitinue. the guy has been a true fighter for labor. i consider him my political hero. it'll be hard to back another candidate. but i must fight on. so now I'm strongly behind the candiacy of john edwards. i will also back whoever wins the nomination wholeheartedly.

bc

[BigBigBear]

60. Class act

Sorry to see him go.

[JohnLocke]

61. You took the words right outta my mouth.

[gottaB]

62. Thank you, Dick Gephardt

Some of us had been saying about the primary "What a fine bunch of Democrats!" That's not so easy to say now.

You will be missed, Dick Gephardt, but not forgotten.

You stood up for working people, and the disadvantaged, and you fought to protect our public institutions from the depredations of right-wing Republicans.

You said health care was a moral issue. You were right.

You said George Bush was a miserable failure and you meant it. You looked your critics in the eye, and you held firm. I will never forget how we all here at DU cheered you for saying that, and all over the net and on the airwaves.

You called Bush on his phony macho rhetoric, and made it easier for all of us to speak plainly about the challenges we face as a nation.

We are fortunate to have you on our side.

Thank You.

[PatGund]

63. Thank you

While he wasn't my first choice for president, I believe Rep. Gephardt had many sound ideas, and I would like to see him back - he'd make an excellent labour secretary.

In any case, a thank you to Rep. Gephardt for his service and his campaign, and best wishes to him and his in his future endevours.