Dean sealed the deal for me last night!

[a_random_joel]

I have been holding out on making a "formal" decision for a long, long time. But, last night Dean was EN FUEGO! Watched him on C-Span at a town hall meeting in New Hampshire(where else?) He said eveything I wanted to hear, exhibiting humor, candidness, sincerity and even that beloved political tidbit called self-deprecation. Most of all, he made a hell of a lot of sense - and he didn't even discuss Iraq all that much.

To be honest, there was always something I couldn't quite put my finger on about Dean, that made me a little hesitant. Perhaps that's why I had reserved my decision for so long. But again, last night any doubt or hesitation was dismissed.

I have much respect for Wesley Clark, and will have no qualms if he becomes the nominee, and I mean that in more than an ABB sentiment. I seriously hopes Dean picks him for VP, because I think that will be a killer ticket.

Kerry, who was my initial leaner - so long ago, it seems - is just digging himself a deeper hole. Attacking the other candidates does not work - Kerry SHOULD be savvy enough to know this by now. It is one thing to attack Bush; there are clear differences in policy, behavior and technique - as well as a higly divided electorate. But attacking a fellow Dem, where you are not nearly as far apart on the issues, and you are vying for the votes of generally similar ideological folks, this does not play out well. And clearly Mr. Kerry is seeing this in action. Too late Mr. Kerry. The sad truth is, in his desperation, he will probably lash out that much fiercer. The downward spiral is painful to watch of a man who not too long ago seemed to have such an eloquent and wise disposition.

Thank you, Dr. Dean. You have given me a little hope today. I know the media will very shortly turn from talking about the "little engine that could" to bashing you with everything they've got. The one thing that makes me respect you perhaps even more than Mr. Gore, is it looks like you are willing to roll up your sleeves and go down swinging. Godspeed!

As always, if Dean turns out NOT to be the nominee, I will support the eventual nominee no matter what. ABB. Sing after me.

I would vote for a gound sloth before I vote for a bush.

[Racenut20]

1. Is that a Cub or a Reds hat?

[a_random_joel]

2. That would be the beloved Chicago Bears.

But I do like the Cubbies!

[rucky]

3. Townhall forum is the best test

and any candidate who does well in one can do well in the general.

[eissa]

4. The attacks on Dean

This was actually brought up on HardBall last night. I believe it was O'Donnell who said that part of the reason that * leaped in the polls was not only the capture of Saddam, but the fact that the democratic candidates chose to attack Dean rather than *. That helped * to a great extent. Yet another example of our ineptitude....

[HFishbine]

5. Anybody with an open mind

would benefit from watching that town hall meeting:

rtsp://video.c-span.org/project/c04/c04121803_dean.rm

[Gringo]

6. Kerry says "F%#* You!"

For abandoning him! ;-)

[a_random_joel]

8. LOL!

F**kin A!

[montanacowboy]

7. Dr. Dean

was at his best - and yes, a Dean/Clark ticket will mop up the floor with those toilet tongues */unkie dickless

[SharonAnn]

9. Hey thanks! I'm watching it now since i didn't get to see it

last night.

I appreciate you putting the link on here for us.

[slinkerwink]

10. welcome to the Dean campaign!

:hi:

[a_random_joel]

14. Glad to be aboard!

Thanks!

[Egnever]

11. It was a good town hall.

He usually does very well in those types of settings. He is best when standing in front of people answering questions.

I think you have made a wonderfull choice and I agree with you A dean/clark Ticket would be a steam roller. Lately I have liked a lot of what I have seen from clark and I would Vote for him hapily at this point were he to get the nod. Always though it is Dean that I nod my head at when I listen to him speak. His positions on so many things just make sense.

Glad you made the choice theres lots to do before november. Get involved theres plenty of ways to help take this country back.

[BuelahWitch]

23. "He is best when standing in front of people answering questions."

Unlike *!!!! :bounce: He avoids questions whenever possible because, "Ah'm the President, see?!"

[killbotfactory]

12. Can you imagine Bush talking about education in that situation?

"Uh... um... Learning our children is good! Uh... we must raise the pie higher... uh... ummm... uh... I support good education!"

[caledesi]

13. That town hall meeting was wonderful. The way Dean clearnly

laid out his plans for education, health care etc. He sounded like Clinton. Clear, comprehensive and I UNDERSTOOD it!

[CMT]

15. Dean should televise as many town hall meetings as possible

because I think he is at his best just one on one with voters.

[dajabr]

16. "Are you going to do something about this?"

"Or, are you just going to complain about it?"

Dean challanged the audience using the phrase he used to challange himself to run for President.

:toast:

"I am determined to beat George Bush..."

[deutsey]

17. I was very impressed as well!

And welcome aboard!

[Dudley_DUright]

18. Me too

I was already a Dean supporter, but this town hall meeting was the best performance I have seen him give. He was very responsive to the questions with critiques of the current occupant of the White House and with specific policies that he would adopt. All in all a very impressive town hall meeting. I cannot imagine chimpy doing something similar.

[maxanne]

19. cool beans

a_random_joel!

I was there last night. It was certainly exciting to be there, though I couldn't even get in the room - it was SRO. I've had the pleasure of both hearing Dr. Dean and meeting him a few times, so I figured someone who hadn't ought to get my seat.

I did watch it when I got home. Strange to see my small town friends and neighbors asking the questions. We looked good - we asked good questions - and Dean was dynamic as hell. He was on top of his game last night - smart, funny, and right on. A number of undecideds in the audience left, having decided. Some converts were made. Everyone left feeling good, feeling energized - whether they're Dean supporters or not.

I loved the way he handled the garrulous old veteran.

[Sugarbleus]

20. I totally agree Joel...

I caught Dean today and yesterday on TV. His message all of a sudden jumped out at me. He's got my vote for nominee.

Count me in Deanies. :D

[frustrated_lefty]

21. Welcome aboard, friend. :)

He catches you at unexpected moments. It's good to have you aboard. :)

[dajabr]

22. Glad to have ya! (nt)