Dean write-ins

[cms424]

I was just reading the "how old are you" thread below and one thing scared me: how many Dean supporters said they would write him in if he was not the nominee.

What I'm wondering is, what do you hope to accomplish by this? Obviously, he will not get enough votes to win, so it is basically a wasted vote that could have been against Bush. Howard Dean himself has said that he would encourage his supporters to rally behind the nominee, should it not be him.

I am a Dean supporter and have been very active in his campaign, but I will not waste my vote. Getting Bush out of office should be the number one priority for anyone who cares about the future of this country.

[patricia92243]

1. I think Kerry is going down the toilet. Dean wil surge ahead again. No...

need to write him in if he's the ONE.

Actually with Kerry gone, Edwards wuld stand a good chance.

[demnan]

2. You are new but you will no doubt notice

how much excessive energy is spent on the what if's and the could-ofs and should-ofs.

Dean is still in the campaign. I believe he is the best choice because his stand on the issues most closely corresponds with mine. I voted for him. If you want to vote for him in your primary state do so. When the nominee is chosen you can make your decision at that point. New York, California and Illinois have not weighed in yet. The primary season isn't over.

[cms424]

6. I'm actually not that new...

I just read more than post. I have every intention of voting for Dean in my primary state (New York). I'm talking about the general election. I just think that people who write in Dean (or anyone else) on principle in the GE are throwing away a vote. Principles are terrific, but I'm more concerned with getting Bush out of office.

You're right about the what-if's though, that's for sure. Look at all of these people getting their underwear in a bundle over an internet rumor.

[pezcore64]

3. well

lets stop assuming this race is over first off...
and second off...
we are nowhere near november, so im sure nobodys plan on how to vote is completely set in stone ;)

[batman]

4. I care enough about the future to take a stand now.

I will be writing in Dr Dean because he is the reason for my not staying home in the first place. I would have abstained had Dean not been in the race.

Dean in 2004 no matter what for me.

[mrgorth]

5. They hope to

wake the party leadership up to what we want in a legitimate opposition party.

[Atlant]

9. Thank you, mrgorth, for correctly stating my view. (NT)

[ShimokitaJer]

7. a suggestion

Nothing seems to get people's dander up here on DU than calling their votes a "wasted vote." If Kerry is the candidate and I don't want to vote for Kerry, then I would consider a vote for him to be a "wasted vote." I would blame the system for forcing me to "waste my vote" on a candidate I do not wish to support, and be forced to make a decision whether or not my vote would help accomplish other goals, such as helping to defeat Bush as you advocate, or attempting to make a point to the Democratic party, as some of those who choose to write in Dean may be. The only wasted vote is a vote not made.

If these people who write Dean in also vote for Democrats in Congressional races, then we want them to come to the polls, regardless of how they vote for president. Don't discourage that.

[Cheswick2.0]

8. i hope not to vote for someone I find to be disgusting

I have never been as disgusted by a candidate as I am by John Kerry. I think he has the lowest character of any candidate except bush. This is the first time in 30 years I have felt this way about a democratic candidate. So sorry if I can't take a loyalty oath this time around.