Anybody see Dean's NH Town Hall Meeting Last Night?

[HFishbine]

I cought it on CSpan last night. It was awe inspiring. The man just keeps getting better and better. You could tell he's "studying" and I like that.

One of the things I liked is that he had a pattern to many of his answers. First, he would begin by framing the moral argument, then he would move on to a policy explaination that supported the correct side of an issue. That is exactly what a leader does, make the human appeal, then follow up with "Here's how we're gonna do it."

Some of the most poignant moments were during Q&A. There was the WWII Japanese prisoner of war who took a very long time to make his point and get to his questions. Dean had the patience of a saint. He respectfully listened. (I could only imagine Shrub interrrupting with, "Yeah. Yeah. Uh-huh. Yeah.") Then he gave the man an honest straight up answer.

There was the man who said God told him Dean was going to be the next president. That's always a good sign.

But the most impressive moment for me, was when a man, probalby about late 30's came up to Dean and choking back tears explained how he nad his wife were recently laid off because ther company wanted to "Cut expenses," he entoned with disgust, and that they have no health insurance. He then said, "You are going to be the next president." The degree of certainty in that man's voice seemed to even take Dean aback. (He of course, politely replied, "Thank you very much.")

Dean will crush Bush, I'm now convinced more than ever. Does anybody else have any observations about yesterday's town hall meeting?

You can view the meeting online: rtsp://video.c-span.org/project/c04/c04121803_dean.rm

[_NorCal_D_]

1. As a Clark supporter, I'll admit that I was impressed.

Dean is a lot more appealing when he is not screeching you have the power! at me. B-)

[HFishbine]

3. Ha!

I have to agree with you there. I could tell when that line was coming up, and I had my fingers crossed thinking, "Please don't screech it over and over again." Thankfully, he didn't.

[KaraokeKarlton]

7. He tones that down in NH

People up in these parts are much more laid back, and he knows that. He uses the same content but changes his tone based on his audience.

[rucky]

8. In defense of that line

the first Dean speech my wife saw was his official announcement in Vermont - the first time he did the "You have the power" line. She stood up and cheered (normally a cynic like hubby). It was a great line at the time & I think it really worked - seemed spontaneous.

Naturally, when you're stumping there's alot of repitition & you try to go for those applause lines (just ask Geppy, the worst offender). It never rang the same way with me after the first time, but most people who listen to Dean ARE listening for the first time.

I'm glad he had the sense to put it to bed for a townhall forum, tho.

[montanacowboy]

2. Yes, it was great

as always Dr. Dean never ceases to inspire me - I just wish that he and Wes Clark would team up right now - that's a winning team that the Bushies can't beat with a stick.

[caledesi]

13. mc - I SO want that ticket. Dean/Clark is unbeatable. eom

I hope if Dean gets the nomination, he and Clark get together.

[PFaithful]

15. Wishful thinking

Clark won't join Dean

[HFishbine]

17. Three words

Watch and learn.

[artr2]

4. I watched last night on streaming video

I was inpressed. He sounds like Bill Clinton to me smart, confident and knows what he is speaking about. Do yourself a favor, watch it. You'll feel a whole lot better.

[BigMcLargehuge]

5. He really has a presence in front of a crowd

I like watching Dean speak.

[maddezmom]

6. yup listened

while decorating a Christmas tree with my daughter. He sounded good and liked his message. :)

[brook]

9. Dean makes me feel hopeful.

One thing I like is that he'll sometimes actually give an answer you don't particularly want to hear - because it involves not getting exactly what you want immediately. He's realistic about issues. He knows it will take time and effort to get back on track. He knows the only magic wand he'll have is the ability to rescind special orders and has promised to do just that.

Also loved hearing him say that no matter who you are, you need health care, education and a job. If everyone had access to all three, imagine how empowered they'd be - how much more inclined and able to be a positive force for the greater good.

[Cheswick2.0]

10. I thought he was very good

I was impressed that he would say he didn't know enough about a certain issue to give a real answer, but that he would learn about it.

[caledesi]

14. That's honesty and integrity for you. I liked that too. eom

[mzmolly]

11. I missed it. DARN.

Thanks for the link, I'll catch it soon.

[caledesi]

12. Saw it, taped it...it was so good the way he laid out his plans

for education etc. We are looking at the next president of the US.

Did you notice how captivated the audience was? And originally a New Englander...these people can see through "fake" smiles and bullshit.

[Hep]

16. I guess the bashers were too busy pooping in their hands

to watch.

[slinkerwink]

18. lol

;-)

[killbotfactory]

19. He always rocks in town hall meetings...

He was great at the Harkin town hall meeting.

[DFLforever]

20. Sorry I missed hearing this - thanks for the good discussion

Dean does shine during Q & A. First of all he listens to the questioner,as well as the question, pretty amazing that, and no doubt essential to the MD.

He also is not afraid to say, No, I don't (fill in blank) or Yes, I do
(fill in blank). You rarely if ever hear that type of direct response from a public official.

[DFLforever]

21. A positive thread for a good man

which is why I'm giving it a kick:kick:

[tedoll78]

22. I drove home today.

From Austin to Kenner, LA (outside of New Orleans).

When I got home, my Dad (usually a very Republican man) was watching C-SPAN. He never watches C-SPAN, but there he was, watching Howard Dean in this town meeting.

He helped me unload the truck and saw my 'Howard Dean for Texas' bumper sticker. When we got back into the house, he pointed at the screen and told me how very impressed he was with the good Doc, and how he'll be voting for him against Bush in the general election.

I was shocked. It was a good start to my vacation at home.

[HFishbine]

23. Amazing!

Thanks for sharing that. I too have a couple of republican friends who, after seeing my bumper sticker, expressed support for Dean. The man is going to bring down the house. Bush is going to do worse than Carter.

[KaraokeKarlton]

26. He was probably flipping by and heard Dean and had to stop and watch

There is something about Dean that when he talks, if someone hears his voice they just have to stop and listen to him. I realized this when my 3 year old daughter was playing with her Barbie dolls on the floor very intently. I had talked to her several times and she didn't even answer me she was so wrapped up in those Barbies. I was watching the Florida Democratic event and she never once so much as looked up at the TV throughout any of it, UNTIL Howard Dean started speaking. She immediately looked up at the TV, set her Barbie down and climbed up beside me on the couch and watched his entire speech. She was mesmerized. She obviously had no idea what he was talking about, but she still had to listen. When Dean was finished speaking she got up and went back to her Barbies. My older kids can't walk into the room when he's on TV without stopping and listening to him, either. I'm not sure why he has this ability to really hold people's attention, but it's definitely a good thing.

[stevebreeze]

24. aweinspiring may be a bit over the top, but it was very good

:kick:
and I say that as a Kucinich supporter.

[HFishbine]

25. Maybe after 3 years of Bush

I'm ravenous for some inspiration. That's not an excuse though for finding Special K's comments to Ted Koppel at the last debate also awe inspiring.