BAH, Dean not going to challenge Feb 3 primaries

[Gadave]

I just saw on TV that Dean is not going to contest the Feb 3 primaries and is going to hope for Michigan and Washington primaries. Who came up with this strategy?

This is terrible news and will be interpreted as him basically conceding defeat.

I am still undecided, and want more before everyone gives in to Kerry.

[MercutioATC]

1. Actually, with his superdelegate count and need to conserve money

(for the time being) this makes sense. He'll pick up delegates in the Feb 7 states and add to his total without having to spend money for a few delegates on Feb 3.

(yes, I know superdelegates aren't pledged permanently. If they're declared for Dean, though, they'll most likely stick with him unless he's mathematically eliminated)

[Gadave]

2. I hope it works n/m

[MercutioATC]

11. Hehe, me too (crossing fingers)

I believe in Dean, I'm not so sure about voters, though....

[A-Schwarzenegger]

3. link, please

[Gadave]

6. It was on tv

So I don't have a link. I will look for one though.

[A-Schwarzenegger]

9. What station? Local? Network?

[Gadave]

10. Some links monsieur

From MSNBC

"Saying he did not need to win any of the seven states holding contests Tuesday to keep his beleaguered campaign alive, Dean decided not to air ads in any of them, officials said Thursday, a risky strategy that puts him at a distinct disadvantage with high-spending rivals for the Democratic nomination."

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/4087956/

and if you want something from the tabloids...

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,109838,00.html

[aquart]

4. I'm sorry. I don't seem to be properly informed.

Why would Dean contest a primary? Especially ones that haven't been held.

Help me here.

[Gadave]

7. Contest has more than one meaning

In this use I mean compete, try, put effort forward, etc.

He is pulling all adds and saving his money for MI and WA.

[fabius]

5. Probably good news, thinking strategically.

Need to save for the states you really have a good chance in. We'll see if the campaign knows how to regroup now.

[Gadave]

8. Wasn't he ahead in one state

I thought Dean was ahead in one of the states. I guess NH gave Kerry a big boost.

[milkyway]

12. I agree with the Dean strategy. They will tread water next Tuesday, reload

and give themselves a chance to make a strong comeback in states favorable to them with a lot of delegates (Michigan, Wisconsin, Washington). Kerry will not lock up the nomination on Tuesday. South Carolina looks like a four-way split, Clark looks strong in Oklahoma and North Dakota, and Delaware, Arizona, and New Mexico are up for grabs. Kerry will lose a few states, and he will not emerge unscarred. Dean will then be in position to regain major momentum in the states he's chosen to go after.

[Kipepeo]

13. well

I won't ever "give in" to Kerry. My state's primary is March 2nd and I'm voting Dean. I'm also writing letters, talking to people I know, donating to the campaign and going to the next meet up here in the mean time.

Go hit the bat! www.deanforamerica.com

[Gadave]

15. I would hit the bat if I haven't been unemployed for over a year

All my retirement, investments, and savings almost gone now. Thanks W!!! Who needs a house anyway.

[MercutioATC]

18. I'll donate for you. Thanks for the support.

It doesn't matter if you can actually give money, your support and vote are the most valuable things you can give.

:toast:

[Gadave]

19. Thanks! n/m

[MercutioATC]

21. The least I can do. Thank YOU!

[Eloriel]

14. I don't think that's quite accurate

I'm pretty sure he's making appearances in some or all of the states.

[Gadave]

16. Appearances

I just hope appearances work with no TV ad's to back them up. It like have a new car with no gas.

[Sam Lowry]

17. It's risky

But I want to see the fruits of this plan. If you recall, in 1972, McGovern was a dead letter until California, when he beat Hubert Humphrey in a surprise victory. Hope is not lost yet for you Dean fans... Necessarily...

[frustrated_lefty]

20. I would have preferred for him

to make a showing in at least one Feb 3 state. I question the wisdom of this, but it's easy to armchair quarterback. He may do it, I'm donating $50 tomorrow with my paycheck.

[John_H]

22. This party is officially over. It's decision time for Dean supporters.

[MercutioATC]

23. I decide to support Dean, thanks. That's my decision.

[LuminousX]

24. and I decide to support Dean until such time as he no longer needs it.

[Ramsey]

26. My choice is made - it's Dean

I will continue to support Dean until he either wins the nomination or withdraws. At that point I will assess who is left and whether they warrant my support or not.

All the candidates are making choices where to put their energies. All of them are focusing more on the states they have a position of strength in. It's called a campaign strategy. The other candidates are not making appearances in all Feb 3rd states.

I don't see Dean asking for his name to be taken off the ballots in any primary states. And he still has organizations on the ground in the Feb 3rd states.

In fact, LynneSin and I will be canvassing for Dean in Delaware tomorrow. I invite any DU locals to come join us, while we continue to support the candidate of OUR choice.

[markus]

25. He is not buying TV time.

The rest is just spin from the other candidates and the media.

[indigo32]

27. He pulled his ads

thats all, and frankly he could use some better ones anyway.