Why I support Doctor and former Governor Howard Dean.

[Meldread]

I don't often post on these forums; in fact I don't post on DU all that often. However, I do read it almost daily. I have done my best to remain above the fray, to remain separate from the constant bickering and fighting -- the cock waving fights -- the "mine is bigger and better than yours" arguments. I think most of the candidates that are put before us are an improvement over George W. Bush. I will support who is nominated. However, until that time comes my support will lay with Doctor Dean.

I first pledged my support early on before most Americans even knew who Howard Dean was. Before we went into Iraq. I first heard of him because of his signing of civil unions, and how he did it on an Election year. How he did it even when it wasn't popular. This of course, was all in the shadow of our great 2002 loss, giving the Republicans control over all the branches of Government. I knew we needed a man with a back bone, a man who wasn't afraid to stand up for what he believes in. He's proved himself to me again when he made a stand against the illegal and unjustified war with Iraq. Even as many of the other candidates supported it. I bet the whispers of him being "crazy" started then.

Then something I don't think anyone really expected to happen. Howard Dean spoke and people listened. People rallied to his side, because they believed in him. Because they saw him for what he is: a man of the people. His campaign was based on the people. It was created by the people.

The constitution of the United States begins like this: "We the people of the United States..." Like our constitution, created by the people for the people, Howard Dean was created by the people for the people. His campaign would be nothing without us -- we are its heart, its soul, its vitality -- we are the people of America. We are the true patriots, the true heroes, even as the Bush regime labels us traitors.

Yes, they thought he was crazy. They labeled him a novelty candidate. They said he had no hope of winning. Then the people answered and they rallied. They labored and worked for Howard Dean. Thus the revolution began, and the talking heads and pundits stared wide-eyed and open mouthed as Howard Dean surged to the top. The other candidates dimmed in comparison as Howard Dean was the obvious star out shining any of them by far. So they adopted some of his ideas. Where as some voted for the war in Iraq, where as they supported it only months before they were suddenly against it. Of course, it was safe by then it was fairly obvious that no Weapons of Mass Destruction would be found. I don't like safe politics. We see what safe politics gets us: our young men and women and innocent Iraqi's are dying needlessly for a war that could have been prevented. A war that wasn't prevented because the Democrats lacked the spine, the courage, that Howard Dean so obviously and openly displays.

Oh, i'll agree with you in a heart beat. Courage is a double edged sword. Standing up for what you believe in is dangerous when it isn't popular. However, at the end of the day I can look on and know that I made the right choice. I can close my eyes at night and sleep with a smile on my face knowing that, even if I lose, I stood up for what was right, for justice -- I stood up for the American Dream.

They call Howard Dean angry. You know what? What true-blooded American isn't? I can name a few off the top of my head. They're the ones who are smiling and congratulating George W. Bush. They are the ones who sold out our country because of fear or profit. They are the ones who are responsible for the deaths of hundreds of Americans and thousands of innocent Iraqi's. I am a Democrat. I am an American. I am not Republican Lite. I am not a traitor. I say this with pride and conviction. I hold a set of beliefs, a set of morals and virtues. Howard Dean is the closest candidate that represents them. I don't agree with him on everything -- I wish he would take a stronger stand on gun control laws, I wish he would support gay marriage, and Universal Health Care. However, where we don't agree he's already met me half way. It is a start, a beginning, and the road to a better America will start with but a single step -- a step away from George W. Bush and those who support him, a step away from a fascist Right Wing America.

We are in the midst of a revolution. That revolution can be largely credited to Howard Dean's run for President. We are starting to see more Americans than ever -- especially young people -- take an active interest in politics. Even if he wins the nomination and doesn't win the general election together we have changed the face of American politics forever. Our battles are *NOT* in vein. There is always hope for a better tomorrow, and all it takes is a little determination, courage, and a strong leader. I believe that leader is Howard Dean. He is reshaping our party. He is reshaping our political system. He is reshaping America.

In Iowa voters were asked what mattered most to them, domestic issues or security issues. The overwhelming majority said domestic issues. Howard Dean has a proven record on domestic issues. He will shape the debate. Now, I like John Kerry -- he's a wonderful man -- but I do not think his "Bring it on" approach to National Security is going to help him. What will he tell the people in the debates -- how will he separate himself from Bush? After all he did vote in favor of letting Bush go to war in Iraq -- and thus he'd end up back at square one. You never, ever, let the enemy shape the debate. You always want to fight on your home turf and as most anyone will tell you Domestic Issues are the Democrats home turf. Howard Dean can deliver; he just needs your support.

As I have said before I stood with Howard Dean very early on. I see a few here and there jumping ship. I personally am here for the long haul. Yes, we may have lost a battle. Our ship may have sprung a leak. However, the ship ain't sunk yet and the war ain't over! I for one say that this war has just begun, and as a supporter of Howard Dean I say I have not yet begun to fight!

So yes, call him crazy. People said that in the beginning as well. I know that he is willing to stand up to Bush because he has proven it. He has shaped this nomination process. Standing up to Bush to some might make him insane, but to me that just makes him my hero.

Give 'em hell Howard, and no matter what happens I'll always be in your corner! Yeagggghhh!

[RetroLounge]

1. Thank you!

right on!

It's the ones who are not screaming that worry me!

[Guaranteed]

2. Right on!

That's an awesome post. One of the best ever.

[Rich Hunt]

3. they're all gonna be called 'crazy'

I hope people realize that.

This morning I was listening to conservative talk radio. They had an interview on the phone with some 'insider-type' analyst guy. He said a certain candidate (I won't say who - I don't want to play a role in this) was 'a crazy man'.

They're moving on to other candidates.

[Individualist]

4. Thank you for your post Meldread

That pretty much sums up my feelings about Dean as well; I've also been wholeheartedly for Dean since I first heard about him. :toast:

[Ripley]

5. We'll just see who the comback kid is this time...

Kerry's kissing babies for all his photo-ops, but gee I wonder how many babies the Dr. delivered?

Yeeaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[stuzzy]

7. I'm with you.

I have been a supporter of Dean the whole time also. I liked John McCain in the last election for many of the reasons I like Dean now, even though he was a republican. They are both straight talkers who sometimes say things that get them into trouble.

I don't know where the Kerry momentum is coming from. This is a guy who had to mortage his house to keep his campaign going. He doesn't excite me a bit and has no chance of beating Bush in my opinion.

I hate to say it, but come general election, I cannot in good conscience vote for someone who voted for the war. If that means I "throw away" my vote then so be it. And come 2008, I won't be voting for Hilary, period.

I guess for me It's Dean, Clark , or no one.

[Ripley]

10. Now why would you say that about Hillary?

You spelled her name wrong.

Is it because she is a female? Or is it because she is married to Bill Clinton? What is wrong with her?

[Meldread]

24. I think he stated...

That he wouldn't vote for Hillary because she voted for the war. ;)

[Ripley]

29. Oh, okay, I get it after re-reading it.

I guess the minute I see "Hilary" used in a negative sentence and it is the poster's 6th post...well let's just say I smell troll. I stand corrected, thanks.

[Meldread]

34. No problem -nt-

:)

[FreeperSlayer]

6. I would happily cast my vote for Gov. Dean..

...or ABB!
Bush out!

[copithorne]

11. Lovely post!

Your patriotism and sanity shines through and we'll be working together one way or another in a few months.

Let's go get those Bush bastards.

[edzontar]

8. Like you said!!!!

Go Dean--the only real threat to the ##@@@%%&^** and sell outs who run BOTH parties!!!

[Bozola]

9. Well said.

As I have said before I stood with Howard Dean very early on. I see a few here and there jumping ship. I personally am here for the long haul. Yes, we may have lost a battle. Our ship may have sprung a leak. However, the ship ain't sunk yet and the war ain't over! I for one say that this war has just begun, and as a supporter of Howard Dean I say I have not yet begun to fight!



The recent caucus loss has just made me more determined to take over my caucuses next month...and give even more money to Deano.

[Anwen]

12. Bravo!

That is a great post....you've expressed exactly how I feel. This is only the beginning. People who are writing off Howard Dean are making a BIG mistake.

GO DEAN!!!!

[newsjunkie]

13. It makes me so sad and disappointed in this country

to see what they are doing to this wonderful man. I knew the press was cheap and sleezy but I had no idea they would sieze on something this ridiculous as a reason to disredit and ridicule our BEST hope for beating Bush. They are just proving what whorish morons they are.
I've been a supporter since I first heard of Dr Dean too (over a year ago) and each time I've seen him speak I get even more impressed and convinced he's the right one we need. Yours was a really great statement and I agree with it. Im in for the duration with Dean also,and Im sending him more money tomorrow. I have been thrilled to see we finally have a real fighter who had the courage of his convictions and stand up to Bush and all his dirty money. Yes, Kerry's a nice man but he has many negatives that the Bush Rove machine will use against him too. He doesnt inspire and exite voters like Dean does. He voted for Bushs illegal immoral attack on Iraq. ANY candidate we get, they will do their best to destroy, because thats all they know how to do is sleezy personality character assassinations. Bush can't run on his record,because he's a failure. All they can do is tear their opponant down and blanket the media with attack ads and viscious lies.
It's sad to see lots of Demcrats playing right into the Repubs hands again. They have bought the 'electability' silliness,and are dissing a bulldog willing to fight to the end for all Americans benefit with real credentials and a great record. Instead they want the same old staus quo party machine gang that rolled over and lost everything to Bush already. I just dont see how they can be so clueless and guillable. I am afraid Bush will get 4 more if they dont nominate Dean because most voters will just give up. They will feel like whats the use. I have always supported the DNC and donate every year but this year my cash and Democratic support goes to Dean.

[HFishbine]

14. Amen, Brother!

That's the spirit!

[robsul82]

15. YEAGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

:)

Later.

RJS

[cthrumatrix]

16. He is the "people's choice " by the nature of his candidacy...well said.

This threatens people ....this threatens the establishment....people taking the counry back from the crooks...

You are right on..........

[deutsey]

17. Exactly. There's such thing as loyalty

I'll vote for whomever gets the nomination, but Howard Dean's grassroots campaign got me to reconsider leaving the Democratic Party and I'm still dedicated to the grassroots movement underlying Dean's effort. If we fail to get the nomination, so be it.

I ain't no sunshine patriot, and, like thousands of other Dean supporters, I've contributed my money, my time, my energy, and my talents to a campaign that empowers me not only to participate in the electoral process, but to join others in my community in taking the lead in the process locally.

You don't just turn that kind of commitment off like you do a TV set.

[cthrumatrix]

18. this passion is what is needed to bring people in to take out bush

[nomaco-10]

19. Thank you, thank you, thank you....

for an eloquently written post that expresses what most Dean supporters feel and have been trying to say, but were just less successful in articulating it as you.

I'm not giving up on Howard either. Howard committed no crime except to be exuberant and enthusiastic in the eyes of the mass media whore machine that has been trying to bring him down since day one.

Howard Dean has breathed new life into the democratic party and I'm with him all the way. He made many of us feel that with him in the White House, it would not just mean a party change, but a much needed change for the whole party, no more politics as usual, no more bushlite, no more of the status quo that has had a stranglehold on our party for too long. You bet I support Howard and still do, nothing's gonna change that ever.

[Lynda]

20. Thank you, Meldread, for your positive post....

I agree with everything you stated about Gov. Dean. I read DU often and as you can see, never post. Probably because I have CS (cyber-shyness :) Which reminds me of the old saying, "it is better to be silent and thought a fool, than to speak and remove all doubt!"

I learned about Gov. Dean on DU last spring, went to his website to learn more about this unknown governor from a small state. I saw some of his appearances on tv, and I liked what I saw. Last June, when it was announced that he would have a rally following the candidates appearance at the League of Women Conservation Voters at UCLA, my husband and I decided to attend and get a closer look. I remember driving to the event and telling my husband that I was hoping to speak with Gov. Dean afterwards to tell him how I felt about everything since bu$h has occupied the Whitehouse. My husband said, "if you do get a chance to say anything, please don't get angry and shout and get animated like you always do when you talk about bu$h." I said I'd be cool, I promise. We got to the rally early. It was held outside the theater where the candidates were still speaking. Lots of supporters were there, probably many first-timers like us. Talked to the Dean folks at the volunteer table, bought some buttons, bumperstickers. When Gov. Dean appeared, I felt the energy in the crowd. I felt he was speaking to me. He was saying everything I've wanted to hear since Dec. 12, 2000. And for the first time since then, I felt hope and I was inspired.

After the event, my husband managed to work his way through the crowd to shake his hand and thank him for speaking for so many of us and to keep fighting for us. There were so many people around him, I didn't get my chance to talk to him, but we waited until the crowd thinned out, he left and I found one of his campaign coordinators. I told her I really liked Gov. Dean's message of hope and of being proud to be Democrats and standing up for what we believe in. I told her that there were millions of Americans like us, who DO NOT AND WILL NOT EVER accept George Bush as president. We didn't elect him, we don't want him and we haven't had anyone speaking for us. Only a handful of Democrats in Congress have had the courage to speak up. I told her he needs to continue fight for us. We need him out there everyday. We're losing everything great about America and hardly anyone is challenging or questioning bush co. She thanked us for our support and said that she has heard this over and over again from many people about our Democrats not speaking up and challenging bu$h. I became a Howard Dean supporter that night and I've never looked back.

The Iowa speech is what I want from Gov. Dean, energy, spirit, enthusiasm. I'm well aware of the media and it's capabiliy of smearing a candidate. It's happening now. But, I do agree with most folks here that the media will smear any Dem candidate, front-runner or not. I'm hoping Gov. Dean stays on his message with the passion I've seen so far. He's helped me to learn to channel the internal anger I've felt for so long into something positive. No matter what happens in this primary, I'll always be grateful to him for that.

[mzmolly]

21. Give em hell!

:toast:

[Lynda]

22. Thank you, Meldread, for your positive post....

I agree with everything you stated about Gov. Dean. I read DU often and as you can see, never post. Probably because I have CS (cyber-shyness :) Which reminds me of the old saying, "it is better to be silent and thought a fool, than to speak and remove all doubt!"
I learned about Gov. Dean on DU, went to his website to learn more about this unknown governor from a small state. I saw some of his appearances on tv, and I liked what I saw. Last June, when it was announced that he would have a rally following the candidates appearance at the League of Women Conservation Voters at UCLA, my husband and I decided to attend and get a closer look. I remember driving to the event and telling my husband that I was hoping to speak with Gov. Dean afterwards to tell him how I felt about everything since bu$h has occupied the Whitehouse. My husband said, "if you do get a chance to say anything, please don't get angry and shout and get animated like you always do when you talk about bu$h." I said I'd be cool, I promise. We got to the rally early. It was held outside the theater where the candidates were still speaking. Lots of supporters were there, probably many first-timers like us. Talked to the Dean folks at the volunteer table, bought some buttons, bumperstickers. When Gov. Dean appeared, I felt the energy in the crowd. I felt he was speaking to me. He was saying everything I've wanted to hear since Dec. 12, 2000. And for the first time since then, I felt hope and I was inspired. After the event, my husband managed to work his way through the crowd to shake his hand and thank him for speaking for so many of us and to keep fighting for us. There were so many people around him, I didn't get my chance to talk to him, but we waited until the crowd thinned out, he left and I found one of his campaign coordinators. I told her I really liked Gov. Dean's message of hope and of being proud to be Democrats and standing up for what we believe in. I told her that there were millions of Americans like us, who DO NOT AND WILL NOT EVER accept George Bush as president. We didn't elect him, we don't want him and we haven't had anyone speaking for us. Only a handful of Democrats in Congress have had the courage to speak up. I told her he needs to continue fight for us. We need him out there everyday. We're losing everything great about America and hardly anyone is challenging or questioning bush co. She thanked us for our support and said that she has heard this over and over again from many people about our Democrats not speaking up and challenging bu$h. I became a Howard Dean supporter that night and I've never looked back. The Iowa speech is what I want from Gov. Dean, energy, spirit, enthusiasm. I'm well aware of the media and it's capabiliy of smearing a candidate. It's happening now. But, I do agree with most folks here that the media will smear any Dem candidate, front-runner or not. I'm hoping Gov. Dean stays on his message with the passion I've seen so far. He's helped me to learn to channel the internal anger I've felt for so long into something positive. No matter what happens in this primary, I'll always be grateful to him for that.

[Meldread]

23. I'm glad everyone liked it!

I think this is the first thread on this part of the forum which hasn't had a single negative response. Hopefully we are seeing a turn around!

Let's prove to the world that Democrats are the true Uniters and not Dividers. That George W. Bush has done nothing but divide and squander our country since he took office. Let's start on these forums, and between each other -- we cannot unite America if we ourselves are not united. We don't all have to support the same candidate but we all should respect each other and respect the men (and woman before she dropped out to endorse Dean) who put themselves on the line to beat Bush.

One of them has what it takes. Who is it? Who will the people choose? Only time will tell, we each hope our man wins, but if he doesn't our efforts are not in vein. We will beat Bush in November. We will send him kicking and screaming all the way back to his fake Ranch in Texas! We will knock that smirk right off his face!

[Sly Kal]

25. Great post

I am now Dean/Clark. It took me a long time to warm up to the idea, but Dean now has my support.

[quaker bill]

26. Thanks

For the great post

[Polemonium]

27. Excellent post

I'm in this for the long haul as well, and so are the folks that go to our meet-ups. We're invested in this thing, this campaign and this candidate belong to us, we are not going anywhere.

[cthrumatrix]

28. as I just heard on C-Span ....Dean people are calling in and see through

the media attack...and they don't like it

excellent post..thank you

[frogfromthenorth2]

30. You are in (what I now call) DEANIAL....

Let's face it he's toast....

[Meldread]

31. I'm not in "Deanial" as you put it.

The latest Zogby poll is showing Dean's falling trend ending, and him regaining momentum. Soon, as Zogby put it, Dean will once again be within striking distance. Expect Dean to come out in at the very least, an extremely close second, or perhaps even the winner.

I think if the media continues to beat on Dean he will win. It reminds me of the Clinton and Lewinsky scandal. The media pumped it up and blew it out of proportion. Once Clinton apologized no matter how hard the media tried to beat him over the head with it, his support remained steady or grew larger. Americans hate it when the media bullies people.

The only question is: Is there enough time to make a come back? I think Dean can do it.

[slinkerwink]

32. Give 'em hell, Howard!

[cthrumatrix]

33. I'd rather have the people pick our chandidate...than the media