Okay, my vote would be transferable to Wesley Clark

[Walt Starr]

Here is why:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=132&topic_id=172951

Read Wife_of_a_Wes_Freak's post praising Dean. This is how DU should be acting. Because of her post, should Dean drop out I will reconsider Wesley Clark and will probably support him. Should Wesley Clark be nominated, he will definitely have my vote come November and will also receive donations from me and I will volunteer to work for his campaign.

That's how people can get the NBDers to give up NBD.

[LuminousX]

1. Wife_of_a_Wes_Freak

Has been a true class act through all of this. You are right, the best way to deal with NBDers is not to harp, but to be genuine, forthright, and above the fray even when everyone around you is deep into it.

Hmm, I just realized I'm 'calling out' another member, but hopefully because it is positive, it will slip by.

[KC21304]

2. Hold on, Hold on Walt.

I'm trying to move my board pieces and keep up with you, but you are going too fast.

[Walt Starr]

4. You should be seeing a chance to make a move here

but I leave that to you.

[DjTj]

12. Catch-22...

I want to say something nice about Dean now, and I know I've done it in the past.

...but now it would feel like I was just sucking up to Walt and it might not sound genuine.

Perhaps I'll have to wait until after NH to actually start a Dean-praising thread, but in the meantime I'll just say what I think, which will sometimes be something nice about Dean.

[Walt Starr]

15. If not you, somebody else

If not now, sometime soon.

I see a turnaround at DU coming, and it's not coming too soon. People saw the Democratic candidates at their cordial best last night, and that is only good for the Democratic Party.

[KC21304]

13. I am right where I started a year and a half ago. And that is

in a pretty good place. I started out with Kerry, with Clark for VP as first choice. I have ALWAYS said ABB, and only even slightly dissed another candidate ONCE.

I got a little carried away when Dean announced he was going to Carter's church and would be attending Sunday School. I said I hoped one of the kids there could tell him that the book of Job was not in the New Testament.

Of course I instantly got told that my mean, nasty remark was what was to be expected of Kerry supporters.

That is the sum total of my endorsing, voting promises, and my one experience with bashing another candidate. Me bad.

[bearfartinthewoods]

28. if i'm hearing you right, positions, character, policy means nothing

you are basing your vote on which candidate's supporters are willing to be nice to say things about dean??

is that it?

[HuckleB]

37. Unfortunately.

In my discussions with Walt, that seems to be the basis of his decision. "So and so candidate and so and so supporter dissed Dean, therefore my vote goes elsewhere."

I am also in the Dean camp, and I've tried to offer the bigger picture to Walt, repeatedly, but emotions seem to run the day with him. Not sure there's ever going to be much change.

[edzontar]

45. Walt is right to praise Wes Freak's wife, and there is a deeper message

Which is, after all of this rancor has been caused by obnoxious and destructive bashing.

Somehow, we are granted the good fortune of being joined by this wonderful person--whom we do not deserve--and who transcends the bullshit and speaks clearly and persuasively to the greater good.

Both Walt and the sainted Wife of that most fortunate Wes Freak should be commended for their efforts at reconciliation.

This is what we should ALL be about.

[funky_bug]

48. I blush

I'm just feelin' the love. Someone wack me with a bat before my head swells...lol

Thanks Ed - anyone who puts a big grin on my face is alright with the hubby too!

[HuckleB]

51. I didn't say there was a problem with that.

In fact, my post deals with another issue entirely. And that is that Walt doesn't really reconcile. He doesn't really look at the bigger picture. He focuses on one wonderful thread began by one wonderful poster. And that allows him to redirect negative energy upon one of the other possible nominees. I assert that Walt has helped to cause much of the negativity here, and has continued it by ignoring the reality that most supporters of most candidates are genuinely honest and good folk out to make the world a better place. Walt doesn't see that yet. I wish he would. I really do. Heck, we both support the same candidate! But I don't think he's there yet.

[KC21304]

52. Bingo , we have a winner.

[WI_DEM]

3. I agree

that is the way it should be.

[in_cog_ni_to]

5. I would do the same for Dean, Walt.

Thank you for making your vote transferable to Clark. He's a good man.
You won't regret it.

6. YeeeehhhaaaahawwwwwwwwW

Dean supporter here, but I'm glad to see you're coming to your senses.

[PatGund]

7. And you've just cited...

....the reasons why I have always taken great pains to not only not attack the other people running, but to complement them when they have done something I approve of - because we're all in this together, and nobody benefits by alienating supporters of other people.

Glad to hear your news!

[xultar]

8. I've been nice to Dean too! Honestly! 4 Real, I have!

It's true I have. You're right though Wife of a Wes Freak is very awesome indeed!

U Go Guhrrrrrrrrrrl!

Thanks for recognizing that all Clark supporters aren't bad. That means more to me than anyone here would ever know. Why? Because I've tried to be fair to all of the candidates and their supporters.

[funky_bug]

9. Kind, Kind Sir

You don't realize how much your post has meant to me. There are simply no words, except to say, "thank you" for the highest of compliments.

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

10. I'll be voting for any anti-war candidate. Clark qualifies.

I have my questions about Clark, primarily his support for the SOA, but so far he'll get my vote in November if he's nominated.

Can't say the same for Kerry or Edwards.

[IndianaGreen]

50. Kerry is out, Clark is in!

Looks like Clark is now the target of the media because he wouldn't decry Moore's assertion that Bush was AWOL.

We all know Bush was AWOL.

Why didn't Kerry support Clark? Perhaps because Kerry is behind some of the attacks against Clark.

[Lefta Dissenter]

11. Code Blue, Code Blue, STAT to Wisconsin...

I need my heart re-started!

WOW, Walt, thanks for those words. We know, of course, that you'll continue to bust your butt for your candidate, as well you should. But damn it, we HAVE to get bush out of the White House, so I hope that every supporter of every candidate will keep that ultimate goal in mind.

We all want the best president that our country can offer - and while our opinions will differ on who, specifically, that might be - I'm sure we will ALL agree that that person is NOT bush!

:toast:

[Tom Rinaldo]

14. Much appreciated Walt

You have many good reasons to be backing Dean. I appreciate that your vote is transferrable to Clark if it comes to it. Mine is transferrable from Clark also, as well as my my organizing efforts, on behalf of Dean, if he is the nominee.

[Maddy McCall]

16. That's good Walt.

While we at the Dean camp appreciate your gesture, the main thing I want you to do is vote Democratic.

[Justice]

17. I am Impressed Beyond Measure

I would support Dean if he is the nominee.

What your post tells me is ---

If you can step back and make this decision now -- in this moment before the NH primary --

I also believe that all democrats are going to come together behind the nominee in order to defeat Bush.

I am extraordinary hopeful.

Thank you.

[janx]

18. My vote has always been transferable to Wes Clark!

For what it's worth...

But I agree that Wife of a Wes Freak wrote a beautiful post about Dean. It has encouraged me to post here again.

[Name removed]

19. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[funky_bug]

25. Define childish

Is it having genuine words soften the heart, or taking offense (and being offensive) because someone does something you don't like?

[AP]

20. Save your ticket stub. You might have to transfer to one more bus before

we get to out destination.

[Walt Starr]

21. So far, I'll stay in the station for any others

but we'll see how their supporters act on DU.

edited to add: Your graphic inspired me to do some reading on the John Edwards web site. I can think of a pretty good comparison: John Fitzgerald Kennedy

[reprehensor]

22. I applaud your decision.

ABB, baby, ABB.

[FrankBooth]

23. Walt

Great Post. I am a Clark supporter who has been really, really impressed with Dean this week.

[TacticalPeek]

24. Blatant rationality and overt pariotism.

Yeeehaaaaa!

My vote's always transferable to the strongest opponent of the usurpers. Out with Shrub!

[Ficus]

26. everyone's candidate gets picked on

but I'm glad to see at least one candidate meets your approval besides Dr. Dean.

Personally I could care less if the NBDers votes aren't transferable. Nor Kucinich's folks, or Clarks folks, or whomever else holds that position.

If you don't like your candidate taking heat, you do not have a realistic view of politics anyways so, don't vote, or start supporting a 3rd party candidate that will get ignored.

[FreeperSlayer]

27. Kudos to Walt!

ABB!

BUSH OUT!

[Bonobo]

29. Thanks, I wish you had done it earlier and spared me some gray hairs.(n/t)

[Demo Gog]

30. That's damn good of you, Walt

Howard, Wes, and John Edwards are fine candidates, and fine people.

[Name removed]

31. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[funky_bug]

33. See post above "Define Childish"

This reminds me of something Bush the Lesser said a few months ago...

"If you're not for us, you're against us."

Bush the Lesser's comments alientated us from the rest of the world. It behooves those who are angered by another's right to vote or not to vote for whomever they choose, to consider the weight of those words, and more importantly, the consequences of that attitude.

[TorchTheWitch]

41. i'm going to assume you're responding to me

It's difficult to tell because there are two removed posts here, one of which was mine, but I'm thinking this is a response to mine since I never used the word "childish" in my post.

I have no idea how anything I said could possibly remind you of Bush's "for us or against us" crud as nothing I said indicated that, nor did I give any indication that I had any problem with anyone voting or not voting however they please, and in fact, specifically said anyone can vote or not vote as they please.

What I DID say that it is utterly inexcusable to use one's vote to hold over the heads of DUers in an attempt to force from them behavior that they wish from DUers... there are rules for behavior, and anyone can freely put anyone else on ignore that disturbs them particularly to the point that it effects who they will or will not vote for. There is absolutely no question whatsoever that this is the case here, and it was admitted openly right here in this thread.

One good thing about voting is that it can be used as a club to force a CANDIDATE to do as voters wish, and if anyone wants to use their vote for that purpose, power to them. However, that is not the case here as can be plainly seen, and it is THAT which I find offensive.

Personally, this thread behooves me to NEVER write a single word of praise for Dean however much I may want to do so for the single reason that I would be FURIOUS if any such post I wrote was USED as a TOOL to encourage or discourage certain behavior here particularly when I find such an agenda offensive. I dislike my words being used as an example for a purpose they were not intended for especially when they are used to further an agenda I highly disapprove of.

*On edit: a thousand pardons if I am, in fact, responding to the wrong post, but as I said, it's difficult to tell which one was mine.

[Name removed]

42. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Ficus]

34. right on

great post. My thoughts as well.

If your vote isn't transferable, fine, take your marbles and go home.

I sometimes say this, but one of the best lines I've heard, was, after watching a group of Iowa Senate Dem Senators members come out of caucus, being flustered about in-fighting, a reporter told them,

"Cheer up. You can't agree on everything. Come on, if you did, you'd all be Greens."

[bain_sidhe]

32. Isn't she a sweetie?

**edited to make clear that "sweetie" refers to "Wife of a Wes Freak"**

I've been loving her posts for a while now. And, I've ALWAYS wanted the contest to come down to Dean and Clark, because that way, we can't lose, IMHO. Either one will grow the party, and that's the real task (also IMHO).

So, in honor of your willingness to re-examine Clark...



(... but I'm still screaming LOUDER for Clark. :D )

[spooky3]

35. Very happy to hear you're willing to consider Edwards too!

Thank you, Walt!

[WilliamPitt]

36. Frankly, the whole discussion should be a no-brainer

Best thread of the year came up yesterday: WWDD? What Would Dean Do?

Dean would vote for the eventual nominee. Period.

No brainer.

[funky_bug]

38. To all those who had such kind words for me

Thank you thank you thank you!!! I so needed a lift today, and you're kind words have really done the job. You guys are the best.

Humbly,
R~

[The Magistrate]

39. You Have Made My Day, Mr. Starr!

"LET'S GO GET THOSE BUSH BASTARDS!"

[Turkw]

40. Does hating the stupid ways the media has been attacking Dean count?

I've posted in the past about the media and Dr. Dean's wife, she seems like a very nice person and is certainly a devoted mother and professional in her field. Why the media can't get the idea that she supports her husband with out having to drop everything and be available for the media's disposal still angers me. She seems to have her priorities in good order, family, profession, politics. I respect that.

I also think that the overplay about the Iowa speech is one of the biggest non-issues that has been artificially made into one. Jeez, you can go after all of the candidates on real issues, inform voters, and allow the candidates a chance to get more information out about what their positions are. Too bad the media is certainly not interested in that.

Dean is a fine Democrat and if he is the nominee I will be proud to vote for him. There is a reason that Dean has such a strong following, he is a valuable member of our community. Debate issues, allow us to vote, that's what I want. Damn the media for thinking they can make and unmake him. Dean's supporters are not supporting him because of the media, and will certainly continue that support in spite of what ever insipid slant they want to portray him. They support him because of his message.

[freetempe]

43. I'd transfer my vote to Clark too

but thats it. An empty-suit, DLCer is the last thing this party needs in 04.

[edzontar]

44. Wife_of_a_Wes_Freak is the finest person on this board.

I adore her, she is a goddess, she is a fine advocate for her candidate, and I shall no longer bash Clark here because anyone who has earned her supprt cannot be a bad candidate, and besides, it might hurt her feelings--and I could never forgive myself.

Really, sincerely, this fine woman represents the TRUE PATH for all of here at DU.

Work for your candidate, respect the others, find solidarity with those working hard for the others, THAT is the only solution.

Dear lady, thank you for shining the light of hope on these forums.

[edzontar]

46. Kicking!!!! Because the future, as Ed Wood reminded us

... is where we will all be spending the rest of our lives!

[BootinUp]

47. Nice to know

Of course my vote is transferrable to Dean as well.

:toast:

[edzontar]

49. Thanks to both of you.

nt

[arewethereyet]

53. you should probably avoid the stock market

you are drawn to those who simply cannot compete