My thoughts on Howard Dean

[Jon_da_brockman]

I want to start with a disclaimer. (I wouldn't bother, usually, but you never know nowadays)

I am white, not Christian, though from a Christian family. I am not racist. I say this only because I have a feeling that I will be accused as such.

That being said, I will explain my reasons for believing that Mr. Dean's bluntness as of late will harm the Democratic party.
Most common argument I have heard is that "The Repukes do it, so why can't we?" Well, call me old fashioned, but I believe that all people should have a certain amount of respect for their fellow man (and woman, but lets not squabble over semantics.) And I believe that where politics are right now undermined that respect. All politics consist of is attacking the opposition, leaving people forced to choose between the lesser of two evils. Shouldn't you choose the best party or candidate, not the least worse? The Democratic party, until recently, in my opinion, had avoided the worst of the mudslinging. Doing it now is yet another step in the wrong direction. And hey, if I am living in a fantasy land where this will never happen, then who cares who is in office? Not I.

Another reason is that, when it comes to bluntness, negative campaigning, and spin, the Republicans are BETTER at it. Not something to be proud of, in my opinion, but they are. It is alot easier for them to attack us over comments like Mr Dean's than it is for us to defend them. Surely you all must realize this.

That being said, I think that any Democratic leader who publicly attacks Dean is wrong as well. If they do not agree with his tactics, it is a matter that should be dealt with privately. Infighting will not help. One must know the difference between "publicly attacking" and stating that his opinion is not yours. A good party has room for varied views.

Well, thats my feelings. Feel free to tell me exactly why I am wrong...

[democrat_patriot]

1. Because he said nothing wrong.

He stated the facts. Sorry the RW and some of our own are afraid of that.

Seems like every politician feels the need to run there comments through a filter of research/focus groups to determine what % might get offended.

Screw it. The republicans are hypocritical thieves. They are distracting us.

Go Dr. Dean, keep the publicity coming.

[yurbud]

2. Dean didn't even call them racist, just implied insularity

I am not in favor of Rush Limbaugh et all type ad hominem attacks,but that's not the same thing as pointing out truths that make people uncomfortable.


Hillbilly Hitler art:



Blog:

[Carolab]

3. Dean was not being racist or disparaging, only truthful.

The Pew Research Center studies themselves back him up.

He was just saying that Republicans are MOSTLY white and Christian (in fact most are male, as well...) His INTENT was to make it clear that the Democratic party DIFFERS from the Republican party in that in is INCLUSIVE--meaning, in ADDITION to a sizeable white Christian membership, we ALSO INCLUDE vast numbers of other races, religions and national origins among our ranks.

[noahmijo]

4. Personally i think it's about time we heard some hard lining

come out of our side.

It was even written in their platform for 2004 that they were going to further an agenda that was based on faith (Read our Christian way or the highway you commie bastard) so Dean's doing nothing more than pointing out what's already there but just in plain English so that the couch potato American who is more concerned with who Trump is gonna fire might pay just a second of attention to what's happening on his own soil.

Secondly, the reason they win the ONLY reason they win is because of their willingness to be nasty because of their willingness to bully, and I for one thing it is time to start fighting back only WITH THE TRUTH I by no means advocate that we lie or cheat like they do, but rather than drip dropping the facts on them with an eye dropper I say we splash em nice and cold like athletes do on their coach after winning a big game.

I say keep it up Dean, only next time let's grab something with a little more substance like how Shitstain and his Crime Family are stealing our tax dollars to enrich the very terrorists he so claims that we're fighting against.

[ClintonTyree]

5. You're entitled to your opinion....

and the people who believe he's just what we need are entitled to theirs. Only time will tell who is correct. In the interim, I think we should all stand behind him until he's proved that this is not the correct stance to take. There is no place for devision within the ranks at this particular time.

[Pharaoh]

6. here here!

:dem: :dem: :dem: :dem: :dem:

[cleveramerican]

7. its an indicator

Unfortunately for us its just the sort of off-the cuff, so very far from circumspect, comment that he has become known for. Dean's most rabid opponents are just waiting for this sort of, not-ready-for-prime time, spend the next three days explaining what he REALLY meant,type of comments. The reason it was bad is it plays right into the hands of those that would love to see him be made to look foolish. Its the kind of rookie mistake he's got to stop making or else he won't be leading the party very long at all.