Wavering Dean supporters - Please buck up!

[mandyky]

The past week has been hard for Dean supporters. I've had my moments of doubt, but as I examined the alternatives, I've realized nothing really has changed except that the media is no longer calling Dean the frontrunner and gone way overboard on attacking Dean.

As for the frontrunners, any other Dean supporters think any of what they are saying sounds familiar? I've watched and taped all the debates and it is odd how the further down the road this process goes, the more the other candidates are sounding like Gov. Dean. But we don't hear any of that because the media only covers the horserace and the gaffes. Yes, Howard Dean has made gaffes or things that he had to explain better. I am still disappointed Dean apologized over the Confederate flag comment, but I realize some people took offense and that some symbols just make people blind, deaf and dumb about what's behind it. But at least Howard Dean has apologized or tried to explain things. We'll never hear that from George W Bush. That administration works in secrecy and never admit mistakes because they are too arrogant.

Here' the things that haven't changed -

Dean is still the only governor running. Governor Dean is one of only 2 candidates running a total grassroots campaign. No special interests. Governor Dean is the only fiscal conservative running. I saw 2 ads by Joe Lieberban calling for more tax cuts. All this money going out is going directly out of the Social Secuirty money. We are running a huge deficit which will be paid back by our children and grandchildren, as well as possibly bankrupt Social Security and Medicare once the Baby Boomers start retiring. Governor Dean even in his clumsy moment about the Confederate flag knows we have to reach to and try to unite this country. The past 3 years being a Democrat under this administration has been painful and maddening, we need not to make things so painful for folks who are moderate Republicans. Not just out of goodwill, but out of self interest. We have to defuse people like Sean Hannity and Rush Limbaugh, not feed their ire. Dean stance on balanced budgets and guns would go a long way towards defusing some of this stuff. Dean still refuses to say whatever it takes to get elected. We can not have tax cuts and fund the things that this current administration has underfunded or is trying to privatize.

Dean supporters - we call Howard Dean People-Powered Howard so when we waver we take some of his power away. If you have any fight left, don't let the media define our candidate. Do something positive. Addresses are up for South Carolina undecided voters. There is a Meet-Up, drag a few friends along. Join the Dean Rapid Response effort. Encourage and give comfort to fellow Dean supporters - here on DU and wherever you find them.

Think, Remember, and never give up!!! Feel free to add more reasons we supported Dean to begin with.

[slinkerwink]

1. good post!

[wtmusic]

4. Hey SW

I was just thinking, 'I haven't seen slinkerwink weigh in since 'the scream'. Your sig pic is too funny. :-)

Yep, time to get back to issues.

[slinkerwink]

5. YEEEEEEARRRRRGHHHHHH!!!!!!

;-)

[slinkerwink]

2. kick for a good post!

:kick:

[Zinnola]

27. SW the more I see of the scream

I just start laughing. I think the media backfired big time on this one, and will be to Dean's favor.

YEEAAHHHHHGR!!!!

[patricia92243]

3. Dean has not "gaffed" - media saying it does not make it true.

[nomaco-10]

6. My support for Howard is unwaivering..

I always have and will continue to support him. I posted months ago, buckle up and put on your seat belt, it's gonna be one hell of a ride all the way to the White House. I firmly believe that Howard Dean is by far the best candidate and a real alternative to the politics as usual candidates running. He does not disappoint! Very nice post, btw.

[Guaranteed]

7. Kick...that's great!

And he's making a comeback...it's all about that second wind...

[liberalnurse]

8. I never even blinked.......

He is the only one......we knew this months ago......we also know it now......O8)

[DeepModem Mom]

9. Dean rocks! He led the way for all the candidates --

don't give up on him when he's out there fighting!

[Raya]

10. Agee. Primaries just beginning. Still think Iowa show Dean weak but

could still pull out the nomination.

[lastknowngood]

11. Vote for your man no matter what

Dean has not lost faith in you so don't betray him.

[DianeK]

12. i support dean all the way..

in my opinion he is the only candidate running that can beat bush and the rally in iowa is such a non-story. there is a good article that you may want to check out:
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2004/01/23/opinion/meyer/main595508.shtml



"But the press corps' decision that the Scream was serious is a bit more disturbing. One of the many character flaws common to the species 'reporter' -- one that I have in spades -- is an exaggerated pleasure in the fall of the mighty. There is some of that happening with Dean right now. I don't get too worked up about the media "making" or "creating" stories; there is no way for that not to happen in modern government and politics. But this time I do think Dean is getting a very bad rap.

From what I have heard, the reporters in the room when Dean allegedly wigged out didn't think there was anything odd about it. It seemed appropriate and unremarkable. He was talking to some 3,000 volunteers, many young, who had worked devotedly for his campaign. He wanted to keep them pumped and he did what politicians and coaches do at pep rallies.

I've looked at the tape many times and that's how it plays for me. Sure, if he had done it during a State of the Union speech or an appearance before the Council on Foreign Relations, it would have been crazy. But this was a rally. So spare me."

i think it's time to realize that this is just a blip on the political radar screen...no flat lines in sight for this candidate

[Polemonium]

13. Not to worry

We've redoubled our efforts here, although I'm not sure how many more hand written letter the hands will take.

[Sly Kal]

14. I am smelling a Dean comeback too

But even if he doesn't win in NH is no reason to give up on him. I am finally convinced Dean is the real thing.

[Guaranteed]

15. He's a tough nut to crack, that's for sure.

He's gone through absolute hell in the past week.

[bloom]

16. Actually - all this stuff has me appreciating him even more...

The hoopla made me realize what a loss it would be if he were not a contender.

And I think his wife is wonderful, too, after seeing her in the interview with Diane Sawyer.

[mandyky]

17. Dean supporters should call into Guy James today

Talk about the media stuff, why you support Dean, etc.

[flaminbats]

18. What about wavering undecided voters like me?

:shrug:

[mandyky]

22. Do you like Dean?

If so ask questions - we'll be glad to help you!

[askew]

19. My support isn't wavering.

I am little more depressed with the process and the media, but still a Dean supporter. I have to remember that winning the nomination for Dean may be harder than the election.

[flaminbats]

24. Actually I was asking if I should buckle into my undecided stance?

n/t

[not systems]

33. Nope. Get with Dean.

Go to http://www.deangoesnuts.com/

and download

"We have the Power (Stand up for America) (Faulkner remix)"

under 1/24/04 MIXES and listen to what Dean stands for.

[candy331]

28. Solid as a rock supporter

here, a little anxious but never wavering. I just love the shake up that is happening. Heard callers on C-Span say since the media has decided to crucify Dean they will now be taking another look at him and some said they will now be voting for him. I think the veil is coming off a lot of people"s eyes.

Dean has told us we are the only ones that can take our country back, w/o the support of the millions in this country the media too will have to see that business as usual may be harmful to their wallets.

[joefree1]

20. Not going anywhere

And if Dean looses in the end we'll still win as the internet populist movement will reincarnate itself with each new election.

We're the nightmare for special interest.

[not systems]

36. Exactly. If Dean loses this year...

He or another will emerge for 2008 and we
will get stronger and better organized and
finally take back the Democratic party from
the capitulating wing of the party.

[Fleshdancer]

21. all you have to do is check out DailyKos

www.dailykos.com

the numbers are going back up. We're not dead, that's for damn sure.

[Cooley Hurd]

23. "The-woman-loves-her-Candy" Crowley is backing off...

...of her original assessment of the "Scream Factor." She says it appears that it's not affecting Dean's NH numbers (and she even had the nerve to call it a non-issue, after her tirades about how it showed Dean to be "un-presidential.")

She loves her Candy...

[mandyky]

26. I was pleasantly surprised by CC when

she was on On The Story this morning.

[Zinnola]

25. Strong Dean supporter here

Dean did not make a gaffe with the now infamous "scream" speech. Totally appropriate given the arena he was in.

My support of Dr. Dean has never wavered just grown stronger.

[Walt Starr]

29. Dean has my support until one of twothings happens

1) He has lost the nomination because another candidate wins greater than 50% of the delegates needed to nominate.
2) He drops out.

Until one of those two things happens, I am behind the Good Doctor 110%.

[mbee]

30. The reason Dean has a much bigger fight on his hands if because

of all the pink slips he will hand out when he wins. Recently a DLC Democrat made a comment to me that the Left Wing has taken over the Democratic Party. That comment speaks volumes to me. It isn't the fact that Dean (who by the way is far from a Left Winger as I think he will represent all aspects of the party) can win, but rather that he has a large Left Wing vs. Centrist constituency. This is shameful because, if true, it shows the true colors of what DLC is. The elites want to call all the shots and the left will fall into line with their agenda or else. This bothers me greatly!

[calimary]

32. Walt - I'm with ya. I am still a Dean supporter, until the writing's on

the wall.

I'm determined (already took the pledge here numerous times) to support WHOEVER or WHOMEVER is our nominee. Yes, even Lieberman (although that's looking more and more unlikely by the day - we'll have to see what happens in NH).

We can't be rigid. We have to be fluid. In sparring class, that's what they teach you minute by minute. Don't lock yourself in anywhere. Always be flexible and fluid so you can meet anything your opponent tries to dish out. If it's Dean, I'm DEEEElighted. If it's not to be, I'll go with the leader.

[Walt Starr]

35. I'll only vote for a populist for president

So Kerry, Edwards, and Lieberman are out as they are all three corporatists, IMO.

[NewHampster]

31. He's Back!

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/4048614/

Kerry’s lead is now nine points over three days, however he led only by 26 percent-22 percent over Dean in Friday polling alone, while Edwards and Lieberman each hit 10 percent,” pollster John Zogby said.

“Dean’s showing on Friday may suggest that he has bottomed out and may in fact be starting to increase,” Zogby said. “Another day like this and Dean may be in striking distance again.”

[mandyky]

34. I wrote a few suggestions to HQ on issues

HQ is listening to us. Any of you smart Deaniacs with policy ideas ought to write in. I would post what I sent in but since all this borrowing is being done by other candidates, I'll wait awhile.

[Ripley]

37. I'll switch to another candidate ONLY when Dean himself says

it's quits! He has done nothing this week he should apologize for. Too many limp biscuits running to the safety of STATUS QUO.

YYYYYYYYYYYEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHH!!

:party: