The double standard for dem. candidates

[UGABrother]

First off, I apologize if this has already been brought up elsewhere.

We all know how once Dean was labeled 'too angry', people saw evidence of his supposed instability everywhere. Imagine the feeding frenzy if he had said this:

http://abcnews.go.com/sections/politics/TheNote/TheNote.html
(scroll down to the Kerry section. You can also find an except in the War Room section at salon.com).

This hasn't received much attention and rightly so. It's just not that big a deal, and understandable that he felt annoyed by the hovering press.

But if there's anyone out there who still doubts that Dean is being held to a higher "gaffe" standard, this should lay those doubts to rest.

[mistertrickster]

1. Dude, could you post the relevent section? I'm trying to take a

drink from a fire hydrant at that site.

[UGABrother]

2. It's on there

but about halfway down the huge page. Here's what I was talking about:

From ABC News Kerry campaign reporter Ed O'Keefe:

LACONIA, NH, Jan 22-- 400 people filled the Elks Lodge with an overflow crowd. Kerry, who arrived nearly a half hour late for his first and only event of the day, abbreviated his stump to a twelve minute presentation, then took forty-four minutes worth of audience questions. After the event, as is quickly becoming custom, a media swarm engulfed the candidate, eventually forcing Kerry to Wade step-by-step into a throng of immovable reporters, cameras, and stills.

Having finally broken through the crush of media, Kerry stormed onto the "Real Deal Express", ripped off his Timberland Barn Coat, and tossed it into the gray and red striped seat by his side.

"Don't they get it?," Kerry bellowed to no one in particular. "I can't have this," he continued, referring to the media horde now watching his every move.

David Wade, traveling press secretary, entered the bus and immediately faced the Senator's wrath. Thrashing his arms, Kerry asked several times, "Where are my boots?"

Once located, the previously nervous Kerry seemed a bit more serene. Surrogates continue to flank the state, while the candidate grows less willing to take any risks or chances given the current volatility of the Democratic field. Former Senator Max Cleland, is in the state Friday for a veterans' event with James Rassmann, the special forces soldier who was saved by Kerry in Vietnam. Teresa Heinz Kerry returns to New Hampshire to campaign through this weekend for her husband. And, naturally, the Kerry campaign will be dependent upon its most influential surrogate so far: big Mo(mentum).

[shance]

3. Exactly: Dean yells and 500 American troops are dead.

Which one is more important and more worthy of attack??

You decide.

[oasis]

4. Where's Kerry's gaffes about Osama? Saddam?Old testament?

[UGABrother]

6. I agree that Kerry is not gaffe prone

and I'm not trying to tear him down. I'm just pointing out that once people have been primed to expect something from a candidate, they'll see it even if it's not really there. Dean never lost his temper in public as far as I'm aware, and most of his "gaffes" were pretty innocuous in context (I thought). The elevated terror alert and continuing casualties following Saddam's capture showed that he was right about the country not being safer. I haven't seen the full context of the others so I won't judge them.

[Namvet04]

5. I was strong for Dean but the speech change it for me

I heard no comments but sat in shock as all around me did. He still could come back from it.

My problem was Edwards came on and his speech was so presidential and I said even repubs would have a hard time griping about what he said. Yet all the griping on here and how many heard Edwards. If you can listen to it, do it. I see now why he is rising fast.

NH picks. Kerry or Maybe Dean. 2nd. Dean or Edwards. 4th and 5th Joe or Clark.

Don't get upset, dean and NH could pull some surprises.

I would love to get it down to 3 professionals like Dean, Edwards and Kerry.