Memo of Great Caution to All the Joyful Democratic Opponents of Gov. Dean

[David Zephyr]

Bill Mahr, in humor, made the insightful comment Saturday night that with the Iowa race tightening up so, that Fox News was in a state of confusion as to which of the four Democrats to smear.

The outrageous assault on Howard Dean by CNN, Newsweek, Fox, NBC and the collective Corporate Media should be a sobering warning to the supporters of Wesley Clark, John Kerry and John Edwards. Should Dean further falter and one of these other fine fellows become the anointed "front runner", do not be so foolish as to expect any different treatment from the Media toward your candidate.

Howard Dean's simple one sentence statement about the caucus system four years ago --- which did not even mention Iowa by name --- was made a continuous national headline day after day and quickly morphed into "Dean insulting Iowans" and "another gaffe a day".

From Sean Hannity to Rush Limbaugh, the word came down to always use the word "anger" when referring to Dean. In fact, Fox News could be found using the word "anger" or "angry" up to four times in a 30 second "news" spot about Dean where his very name was mentioned only once.

Dean's truthful and bold and courageous statement that America was "not safer" with the capture of Saddam Hussein ---proven to be correct the following day with the government's heightened terror alert --- was made by the media to be nothing less than a wacky assertion by a mad man.

Dear friends and supporters of other Democratic candidates, do not take solace in these attacks on Howard Dean for soon the establishment which owns your news organs will be targeting your candidate with equal fury and ridicule in order to re-elect the greatest advocate of corporate supremacy over the people in our nation's short history.

Enjoy Dean's disfavor with the "press" at your own collective peril. You will be next.

The GOP and the Corporate Media are so comfortable in their collusion in destroying any Democrat now that it has become a sacred national tradition.

In 1988, Ronald Reagan collaborated with the Corporate Media in quipping that Michael Dukakis was a mental cripple (the irony of his "joking" today is near poetic, isn't it?).

1992 saw the Corporate Media carrying all the water the GOP could pull up from their plentiful well of lies, distortion and innuendos as they assaulted each Democratic candidate who temporarily rose to the head of the pack in the Primaries. We, as loyal consumers, were "informed" that Paul Tsongas was a cancer-filled time-bomb, that Jerry Brown was a dope fiend (one of ABC News' more shameful moments), and that Bill Clinton had used troopers in Arkansas to solicit sex for him while he was Governor.

Remember Whitewater? Remember Filegate? Remember Travelgate? Remember how Hillary had Vince Foster murdered?

Remember how Al Gore bragged that he "invented the internet"?

Remember how Max Cleland would not support our "Homeland Security"?

Remember how the self-made millionaire and nuclear engineer and admiral, Jimmy Carter, became "a good man, but an inept manager"?

And so now, this very moral man, Dr. Howard Dean --- who with his wife chose medicine as his early career and who later delivered healthcare to every child in his state --- is being portrayed as an "angry" man.

But here is my promise to all of you: When your candidate's "turn" comes around, I will stand with you against the lies and slander. You can count on it.

And one last word to Governor Dean: Thank you for standing up without fear against a war built on lies and fearmongering, against corporate corruption and for fighting for the defenseless. I am grateful to you. And believe me, Dr. Dean, I am far more angry about what the corporate crooks have done with our nation than they will ever paint you to be.

[Jerseycoa]

1. Thanks

I think we all do expect to be next, though. It comes with the territory.

[leyton]

2. Jimmy Carter an admiral?

Whoa. Did not know that.

Sorry, carry on :)

[stopthegop]

6. might want to check that one...

doesn't sound right...

[mac56]

12. Lieutenant Senior Grade.

Not an Admiral.

Carry on -

[David Zephyr]

25. Thank You for the Correction.

That's what I get for relying on my failing memory. :hi:

[PAMod]

31. He was attache to an Admiral, Hyman Rickover

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

34. Yep..instrumental in the design of the nuclear sub IIRC

[joefree1]

3. Remember Clinton in 1992?

>>Ominous Polls:
A look at the Gallup polls over the past few months show why Democrats are becoming increasingly nervous about putting Clinton at the head of their ticket.
In a head-to-head match up on March 20, Bush led by only 52-43 percent and Clinton was indeed within striking range. But as the weekly disclosures took their toll during the ensuing primaries, Clinton's margin fell to 54-38 percent on March 29 and then fell further to 54-34 by the beginning of April.
Edit ...
"The negatives are forming on Bill Clinton like a political stalactite, drop by drop," said veteran Democratic consultant David Sawyer. "Each drip leaves a residue that builds on his negative image."
Edit ...
Quayle campaign committee, "We're following the Napoleonic maxim: Never interfere with the enemy when they are in the process of destroying themselves."<<
http://www.worldandi.com/public/1992/june/cr6.cfm

"If you have no enemies, it is a sign fortune has forgot you."
- Thomas Fuller (1608 - 1661)

We Deanies will be enjoying the relative peace of the next couple of weeks.

On Edit: Bloody great post Mr.Zephyr!

[HFishbine]

10. And remember

The shit that was hitting Clinton's fan was the Gennifer Flowers crapolla.

[joefree1]

11. Plus Whitewater, etc.

There was a ton of it.

[Wetzelbill]

4. lots and lots of well said testimony

Good post.

[oasis]

5. Kerry has a lot more political savvy than Dean. And a lot less baggage.

[joefree1]

8. You wish

LOL, just wait. I like Kerry and he's my second choice but really! I'd buy a flack jacket right away. Oh look it's already started.

Clark, Kerry Camps Squabble Over Campaign Brochure
http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=politicsNews&storyID=4152696

Clark challenges Kerry ’ s , others ’ openness
http://www.nashuatelegraph.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20040120/NEWS08/40120015

Clark aiming to pull rank on Kerry in New Hampshire
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/news/archive/2004/01/19/politics2340EST0706.DTL

Analysis: Kerry, Clark head for N.H. clash
http://www.upi.com/view.cfm?StoryID=20040120-111627-7397r

[oasis]

39. Dean's recent tirade and his disrespect for the elderly gentleman. Also

his ambiguity on the guilt of Osama. Dean's statement after the capture of Saddam. The flap over the Conferderate flag, Dean's faux religious zeal.

This is what I call baggage.

[David Zephyr]

40. Dean's "Tirade" (Just Listen to Yourself) Was to a Republican Disruptor

The man, a "lifelong Republican" has now bragged about going after Dean at a Democratic event.

"Tirade". Very good, Oasis, very good.

[oasis]

44. Your explanation of events may be satifactory for me, but the image is

being played again and again by the media. If Dean is the nominee, there will be Rove attacks ads exploiting the "angry" perception of Dr. Dean. Sadly, the public will not ask for an explanation for his behavior.

[David Zephyr]

45. You've Made the Point of This Thread Perfectly.

Which is sad, for shortly there will be a carefuly designed and unflattering "image" of John Kerry, John Edwards or Wesley Clark --- should one prevail --- that will be dutifuly manufactured and "played again and again by the media," as you say in reference to Dean.

And, perhaps saddest of all, this image will be repeated by even posters here at the DU to all of our shame.

[oasis]

65. No Democrat will be spared. The least vulnerable candidate has the best

chance of winning the general election. Not everyone is so inspired by Dean that they are willing to risk four more years of Bush.

I will unconditionally vote for Dean if he's our guy. On that we can agree.

[okieinpain]

74. there will be attacks on whomever is the nom. I listen only to

NPR in the car, and they are refering to the dems as "the squabbling dems". every freakin time they mention dems it's "the squabbling dems". they lies and attacks are going to come, I can see it now kerry didn't rescue a fellow soldier, he put his crew at risk, can you trust him to run the country.

[newsjunkie]

48. its what I call media fueled BS

what 'religious zeal'? sheesh
Dean's statement after the capture of Saddam.>>>
You mean the one he was totally CORRECT about?
his ambiguity on the guilt of Osama.>>

Thats not what he said.You bought into the RW version.
You make the gopiggers proud of you and do their dirty work for them by repeating this junk.

[oasis]

61. I'm doing "gopiggers dirty work"? Hello! they get their information from

the same media sources. I don't make this stuff up. The general public doesn't visit DU to find out what you or I believe. What you need to realize is, hits that the "media" put out have to be dealt with. When your man Dean flubs, he hands them negative material on a silver platter. You should take the matter up with his handlers, not me.

For those who insist on keeping their heads buried in the sand I can only comfort them by saying, "Dr. Dean will soon put you out of your misery".

[progressivebydesign]

72. Elderly gentleman?

Please. That guy was old.. not elderly, and his nasty attitude is far from gentlemanly. Wierd to see such sweet concern for a crumudgeonly republican. It's touching.. really.

[Sly Kal]

20. Kerry has more bagage

"Why did he vote for it?" This is only the tip of the iceberg.

[oasis]

36. The "war" vote is not that big of a deal with Democrats who want Bush out.

[Adenoid_Hynkel]

7. exactly

I wonder how quickly the gullible saps who withdrew support from Dean because of his so-called "personality flaws", "temper", and "anger" will bolt Kerry when he becomes a "Massachusetts tax-and-spender who's too liberal" or Edwards when he becomes "naive and inexperienced"

[jpgray]

9. Bingo. Kerry supporters have already endured some of it

He was an aloof and ineffectual campaign reorganizing Brahmin with $200 hair for a LOOOOOONG time. It was very disheartening to those of us who support him to see the media rip into him every time. Now it will begin again in earnest, and if a candidate can't take it, they don't deserve to go on. Now that the race is so tight, it will be interesting to see where the focus is.

[pacifictiger]

17. I'm surprised

that Dean has managed to survive the past month of continual attacks on all fronts as well as he has. The other guys should be thanking him for leading the pack and providing them cover from the corporate media's heavy artillary.

[adadem]

13. Of course they will start

attacking Kerry and vetting him more...that is what the primary/caucus season if for.

All I have to say to them is what Senator Kerry recently said on the same subject:

Bring it on!

[mtop]

14. no safer...

Dean's truthful and bold and courageous statement that America was "not safer" with the capture of Saddam Hussein...

Well, I think this statement made Dean look like a fool so it's no wonder he came in 4th.

[Chico Man]

43. Well we did have "code orange" status during christmas

And that was after the capture.. how was saddam going to hurt us anyhow? Voodoo?

Do you feel safer?

[9119495]

52. Um...he came in third and

what about all those diverted/cancelled flights and elevated terror alerts, 500 U.S. Soldier killed, missing terrorist, missing jetliner? Safer. Now you please back up your claim as to how we are safer for having captured the man.

Also, make the case then that we should go to war against the greater threat of North Korea tomorrow.

[ewagner]

15. I said early on

that each of the candidates has been placed into the crucible of public scrutiny. Only the strong will survive.

Who?

I don't know yet.

[NewYorkerfromMass]

16. More Free Republic rantings (they definitely fear Kerry)

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1061335/posts

[SeveneightyWhoa]

21. They fear Kerry more.

I've seen a lot of fearful/positive comments about Edwards at FreeConservative's forum.

[Snivi Yllom]

38. I bet I could find posts that said the same thing about Dean

But the 3 most annoying words in the english language are "told you so".

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

18. This should be an article on the front page instead of a post

All very excellent points. Something I have said over and over as have others is that all tis snarkiness may be good to "one up" the poster before you...but the long term damage will be very difficult to overcome.

While Dean is still not my first choice, I would hope he would use the time for some soul searching on exactly HOW he didn't get his OWN message across or those he MAY have excluded to squander such a jump start out the gate. For all the DECENT press he got and the organization he put together with an early start on the ground...combined with the endorsements he got from MANY prominent Dems...he really should have walked away with Iowa last night.

[Sly Kal]

22. Kerry and Gephardt made a deal to stop him

As did Edwards and Kucininch.

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

32. Riiiiiiight

[lurk_no_more]

57. And you came to this conclution how?

dean was already a distant third and was already stopped.


And then there were none!
” JAFO”

[David Zephyr]

46. Thanks, NSMA. And To Your Great Credit, You Have...

been a great admonisher here on the "long term damage".

When the candidates challenge each other on issues and policies and their records, that's a good thing.

But when a candidate is singled out by the GOP/Media for "character" and "image" projections, then our creed here at the DU should be:

All for one and one for all.

Thanks for your kind words.

[KoKo]

49. Kick.

:kick:

[9119495]

53. Center for Media and Politics had Dean at 49% positive coverage

compared with 78% positive for the other Democrats collectively. Not too DECENT of coverage.

[ShaneGR]

19. None of the others said Osama needs a fair trial, or Saddam didn't matter

He creates his own problems, like that speech last night. Dean was 300% more easilly smearable than the rest.

[chocolateeater]

26. It's a pretty sad commentary

that telling the truth is a problem in politics. I guess we shouldn't be surprised when they tend to talk alot and say nothing. That's what the people want.

[ShaneGR]

35. I don't think Osama deserves a fair trial

I think he deserves a public execution. In fact, I'm furious at the Bush Administration for forgetting about him and moving on to Iraq. And the comment on Saddam is just plain old politically stupid. Whether it matters or not is irrelevant, this primary isn't just about who can win the Dem nomination... it's about beating Bush.

[chocolateeater]

41. I don't think he deserves one either, but

if we catch him alive, we will need to show everybody in the world what a slimeball he is. There are still too many people in other countries who think this "man" is a saint, to do otherwise.

[9119495]

54. We won't be safe from terrorists if we martyr their leaders

and that is what Dean was getting at. Martyring Osama will make thousands more terrorists. Try him publically and show the moderate Muslims what a wretch he is and we might be safer once we kill him--with a verdict to do so.

[KoKo]

56. What if Osama isn't Guilty? Did you think of that? How do we Know for

sure. What if someone pegged you to be Osama? What if they said you were guilty and you were executed against "THE LAW?" Is that what you advocate? One doesn't just "Execute" because one feels like it.

Don't you believe in the "Justice System?" In Western Law? What do you believe in...if you don't? Just Murder because someone is accused? What if you are accused? Where are your rights?

[ShaneGR]

62. Might be all those videos where he brags about it in person?

Or all of the audiotapes verified by foreign intelligence sources to be him, bragging about them and calling for more attacks?

Could be just me though. WTF!

[NoPasaran]

42. It's a pretty sad time

When saying someone deserves a trial is a problem. Jeez, we granted that much to the Nazis.

[ShaneGR]

51. Sorry, I'm all about justice and fairness

But neither I, nor the majority of our party, want to be running around demanding Osama gets a fair trial. By the way, just another example of Dean gaffe on his own.

[wabeewoman]

58. "he creates his own problems"

Dean tells the truth which we don't hear from ANY of the others because they are either too scared, too politically correct or don't remember the truth-yes I'm talking about the dems. Dean spoke to many of us when the rest of the dems were believing bush, confused or otherwise quiet.I orginally favored one of them but got so frustrated with him because he had his nose up bush's ass. Dean's only problem is the media and people who read the headlines about him instead of what he really said. I'm holding the hope because he really is the best candidate, most likely to beat bush and usually the person who wins Iowa doesn't win the presidency.

[ShaneGR]

63. Truth is fine, COMMON SENSE is another

This is politics, not a church! Either be electable or I won't vote for you. PERIOD. I WILL NOT STAND FOR ANOTHER FOUR YEARS OF BUSH BECAUSE MY NOMINEE KEPT SAYING STUPID THINGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[kaitykaity]

23. One exception. I think the corporate media whores will

coddle the candidate that Rove has determined that
Bush can beat.

If any one of the five is swaddled, then you can bet
that is GOP's chosen one.

[Cleita]

24. You just made me think of a slogan.

Howard Dean, the only candidate angry enough to take back America and make her great again.

[loudnclear]

27. You are so right! And Dean should turn the "anger" thing on the media

Why isn't the media "angry" that they were misled? Why aren't Republicans "angry" that they have an idiot as their standard-bearer?
Why isn't the Congress "angry" that Bush sold them a bill of good?
Why aren't working men and women across this country "angry" about the Bush tax cuts which have emerged within the states as new user fees, tolls, property taxes, and reduced services and deficits as far as the eye can see?
Why aren't more middle class "angry" that their retirement accounts are in danger of bankruptcy and that the corporate scandals that wrecked their life-savings?

You're damn right Dean is "angry" and so am I!

Anger is a gift!

[sandnsea]

28. Communist Vietnam Sympathizer

Between the rocks from the left and the rocks from the right, we've been through it all. We know what we're in for, it's begun.

http://www.newsmax.com/archives/articles/2...20/131219.shtml

[edzontar]

33. Yes--It will be disgusting.

But I doubt you will find it being posted and endorsed endlessly on DU, the way the shit slung against our candidate has been.

[edzontar]

29. Remember all the media bullcrap about Teresa Heinz Kerry?

How the media attacked her as a big-mouth?

As not an appropriate first lady? (sound familiar Dean fans?)

How the media attacked their marriage?

How the Boston Globe attacked Kerry on religion, money, etc?

Can you see the clips with "Teddy Kennedy" that Rove and his goons will put up against him?

Attacks on the "toke" gesture?

They will smear anyone who they could stand betwen them and four more years of gifts from the Pukeboy.

[KoKo]

30. Hey David! Incredible Post! I just got to see Dean's "Controversy" and

WOW! The spin here and in the Media was Incredible! What "goes around, comes around" and glad to see your "peacey thingy!"

I'm going to go into the avatar files and see if I can find something that reminds me of "who I am!"

Good to hear the "Eloquent on DU" givng context to last night in Iowa.

Hey...."Last Night in Iowa." If Neil Simon were still writing plays...wouldn't that be a wonderful title......oh.......for when America had Humor and Style.......:hi:

[Snivi Yllom]

37. 100% Dead on

Kerry is next followed by Clark in terms of getting raped by the media whores.

And it's going to be very very negative and relentless.

[KoKo]

47. AND, if you view Dean's speech you can see how "misguided" many Dems

are in their zeal for ABB! ABB being the cover for DLC...Business as Usual...let's just get the "show on the road" for the average "clueless voter" and get somebody in the WH who isn't the "troublemaker, chaos producer, or "in your face with what we BFEE's are doing" and we can hide out for another four or eight years while we keep them in their cages and we CONQUER the WORLD! We are "behind the scenes manipulating while they think they have a "Liberal" whose in our "employ!"

ROFL.....the Jokes on Us...isn't it. Media control, jobs to "third world's" who become stronger and mightier than the US whose in debt to the "eyeballs."

Oh my....how happy everyone is with this. :eyes:

[LuminousX]

50. You get my vote for best thread of the day

And I will stand right there with you defending our candidate against this garbage, even though our opposition would prefer to see the RW sink Dean.

[David Zephyr]

60. Thanks.

And the Peggy Noonan statement has just arrived where she compares Howard Dean to a wife beater.

[lurk_no_more]

55. I hold no illusion it won't come

and come on strong, but I don't see it coming as often.

dean added fuel to the fire by shooting himself in the lip almost on a daily basis for well over a year, and unless dean drops out completely, he'll still be the favored target for the daily renewal of gaffs, the others aren't quite as accommodating of producing sound bites at a rate the media has grown accustomed to getting.

Yes it will come, for some more than others but like dean they will take it in stride and either will surge ahead or fall the way of Gebhardt. That is politics, while I believe my candidate will fare better than the rest and become the nominee, should I be wrong I can live with my parties choice.

"If you can't be with the one you love, love the one your with"


And then there were none!
” JAFO”

[kerry-is-my-prez]

67. We might actually be better off if he stays in because he'll take all the

heat from the media... However, if he takes ALL the media attention away it could be bad. Can't make up my mind about it...

[Ramsey]

59. That is beautiful

My sentiments exactly. You really place the race into the proper perspective, and very eloquently.

ABB!!!

[mzmolly]

64. Thanks for posting, these words ring truer than anything I've read here

in a long time.

And one last word to Governor Dean: Thank you for standing up without fear against a war built on lies and fearmongering, against corporate corruption and for fighting for the defenseless. I am grateful to you. And believe me, Dr. Dean, I am far more angry about what the corporate crooks have done with our nation than they will ever paint you to be. :toast:

[copithorne]

66. Bravo!

The way Dean was/is treated by the media was/is ugly, ugly, ugly. And shame on the partisans of other candidates (and the candidates themselves!) who use the trivial garbage that the media stirred up.

Dr. Dean spoke the truth. In a smoothly running democracy with mature decision makers and a fair media that would be enough.

[dsc]

68. I have tried to warn people about this for a long time

You have done so more eloqently than I did.

[Adjoran]

69. So the media

forced Dean to:

Say that the capture of Saddam doesn't make Americans safer?

Say that Osama bin Laden deserves the presumption of innocence?

Say that the Iowa caucuses are a waste of time?

Scream like a banshee instead of making a dignified concession?



Dean's problems in Iowa, where he had just forged ahead, began with his Saddam remarks. All his problems, and all of the criticism of his rivals, stem from his own statements. Dean has no one to blame but himself.

Had Dean come out last night and said, "It is obvious that Iowans have sent me a message. I engaged in a back-and-forth negative campaign with Dick Gephardt, a man I greatly respect. Like a backyard argument between friends, it went too far. I apologize to Dick, whose 27 years of service to our country and our party have been exemplary, to the voters of Iowa, and to my supporters and volunteers, who have done an incredible job. I let you down. The loss tonight is mine, not yours, and I want to to know that I appreciate your hard work and pledge never to let you down again.

To Iowa: thank you! You have made me a better man, and a better candidate. To err is human, and I am all too human. But life is a continuing process of learning, and I have learned much here.

To Senators Kerry and Edwards, I offer sincere congratulations on a job well done. I look forward to carrying on our ongoing debate in New Hampshire and South Carolina and . . . etc."

With a speech like that, he might have won over supporters. The one he gave may have energized his volunteers, but it turned off everyone else.

[minkyboodle]

70. I agree

The media is going to savage whoever comes out the primaries. Its a sad statement on the status of our mass media. While I'm not a big Dean supporter I did feel bad for him as the attack dogs keyed onto him in the last few weeks (although Dean's treatment of Kucinich did temper that sympathy). I think whoever we run against Bush its a given they will be treated unfairly. We just need to support them and do our best to counteract the negative press. Its gonna be tough but I'm not ready to give up yet.
Scott

[calimary]

71. Such a bodaciously excellent post!

I, too, will remain much angrier about what's been done to this country by the republi-CONS and bush, than even Howard Dean on his angriest day will ever be able to articulate.

[JaneQPublic]

73. Dude, you can write!

Excellent piece, in style and especially in substance. Truly, it's as good as anything I've read lately.

[kentuck]

75. Great post, DZ....

and, oh so true...