Early endorsements are a mistake

[ramapo]

Dean has run an amazing campaign. I donated early and was impressed with his message.

But I've been troubled by the many endorsements for Dean, all before a vote has been counted. I'm not convinced that Dean will make the best candidate against Bush.

It seems to me that the voters should be heard from before the candidate is annoited. Perhaps Dean will live up to the current expectations and win handidly. If not, and lets say Clark is a serious contender, I think the endorsements hurt the Democratic Party and will weaken any other potential nominee.

Not sure who I'd vote for if I had the chance today. Unfortunately I live in NJ so the show will probably be long over before our primary in June.

[Hep]

1. Huh?

You seem to imply that people should get endorsements AFTER votes are cast, and I wonder if you know what endorsements are for.

[bryant69]

2. Understand

But the other side of it is that Early Endorsements are more honest and more valuable. Once the primaries start, how the candidates do will affect what endorsements they pick up. If, say, Lieberman won both NH and Iowa and then Jeneane Garafalo endorsed him, would that nomination have as much value as it would if she had endorsed him before he won those two contests?

Oh, and I purposely used an absurd example, just so you know.

Bryant
Check it out --> http://politicalcomment.blogspot.com

[ewagner]

3. I share your concern

about the early endorsements.

I also think those endorsements raise the expectation levels to a very high, perhaps unrealistic level.

I said back in August that the primaries are a crucible in which each of the candidates will be tested. Endorsements at this stage of the game, only make the test more critical. I'm still amusing myself watching how each of the candidates responds to the glare of public scrutiny. Only the strongest will survive.

(btw, at this point I am not foolish enough to predict who will actually survive.)

[CWebster]

4. Think of it this way

Since the media is out to manufacture consensus against our strongest contenders, we need all the votes of confidence we can get.

[Jerseycoa]

5. Everybody has them

Every candidate has early endorsements. The only objection was the the national leader Gore endorsement, because it was manipulative and dishonorable in the eyes of some, including me. But generally endorsements are given before the voting for the purpose of influencing the vote. That's why they exist.

[Democrats unite]

6. Once again Gore has proven why he was the VP instead of...

President in the 90's.

[CWebster]

8. Tsk tsk

Which is why Clark and his troops labor to create the illusion of a Clinton endorsement.

How transparent can you get? You think we were all born yesterday?

[Democrats unite]

10. This isn't about illusion, it's about reality...

Gore did, Clinton Hasn't. Who was the President? Nuff said.

By the way, if you want to talk about illusion...

[KittyWampus]

16. My Only Issue With The Gore Endorsement

He implied we should all line up and support Dean before any votes have been cast.

Yes, I know he didn't literally say that... but Gore knew what he was saying and how it would be construed. He m ay not be a political adept but he is very well seasoned.

Gore's Endorsement ended up making soemthing of a hypocrite out of him.

He lost the vote in 2000 because not all the votes were counted.
He comes out suggesting we should line up behind Dean before any votes were cast at all.

If Gore had simply said he thought Dean was the best candidate for reasons x, y and z... I'd have NO PROBLEM.

[dansolo]

17. Gore is not a national leader

The DLC has tried everything they can to marginalize Gore. At this point, I wouldn't consider him a national leader, though I respect his opinion far more than most of our "leaders".

[xultar]

7. At first, I was really down Cuz Clark wasn't getting any endorsements...

then it hit me like a ton of bricks...

Clark who isn't seen as a grassroots guy was actually taking his campaign to the people.

Yes, Dean talked to the leaders of the unions, the senators, associations etc. Clark has been talking to the people in small groups. Small groups are a good forum for him, he likes to get personal, look you in the eye, shake the hand. (I'M NOT SAYING THAT DEAN DIDN'T DO THIS ALSO)

People who were paying attention felt like they already knew Dean's whole story so Clark was just an afterthought. But, when they actually got a chance to meet, hear, or read his message they were bowled over.

Operating under the radar was such a strategic coup! Clark didn't have the money to operate above the radar. It allowed Clark to make mistakes and recover.

You ever notice that when you are getting ready to write a BIG check and you stop, back up a min and take a few seconds just to rethink before you spend the money. Well that is the situation now. The primaries are upon us. People who were so SURE about that BIG check are backing up and rethinking before signing.

So what does this mean. That nothing is for sure and nothing is sealed in stone. I like Kerry, I like DK, Gep & HD. Whenever someone posts something negative about Clark. Before I shoot off a reply, I stop and think, well are they right? What does Clark say about this? How do I feel about this? What are my personal beliefs. If I think Clark made a mistake I'll say "I agree n/t."

Back on point...
Early endorsements ARE a risky propostion for any candidate because people will become so entrenched they can't see beyond their initial commitment and don't allow enough wiggle room if things change. In addition, they (the endorser and endorsee) risk being labled a flip-floper.
For instance, Dean labled himself as a Washingtion outsider. That's kewl, but all of the Washington Insiders are endorsing him. What does that say? Now, is he inside or outside?

[Melodybe]

11. I like Clark too, but Dean has done nothing but talk to the people

[Todd Smyth]

14. Bradley is not an insider

Endorsements help to fight back the media distortions.

I would love to see Clark in charge of the Pentagon but he was a life long Republican 4 months ago, his tax plan is a fairytale (that I love but would never pass a Rep or Dem Congress) He's a great guy but untested in the Political arena yet. Karl Rove would cut him up like Sushi.

Dean and the core of his support is withstanding the storm of distortion.

Flip Flop or Distortion? - The Assault on Howard Dean
http://www.independent-media.tv/item.cfm?fmedia_id=4839&fcategory_desc=Under%20Reported

[Atlant]

9. It's less than two weeks to the Iowa Caucuses and...

It's less than two weeks to the Iowa Caucuses and three weeks
to the NH Primary.

It's not "early".

Atlant

[bowens43]

12. What good is an endorsement AFTER the primaries?

[beachdreamin]

13. Endorsements

The early endorsements for Dean maybe coming back to haunt Dean, people are taking a harder look at the candidates and having "Buyer Remorse" about Dean.

The fact is, Wes Clark is doing the hard work, going out and talking to the PEOPLE who actually vote. Clark's message is resonating and his vision and clarity are showing that HE is the Real candidate that Democrats can be proud of and the one candidate who can beat Bush in Nov.

The Prize is beating Bush and the failed policy of his Administration. General Clark is talking directly to the people about what matters the most to Middle Class Americans who have struggled under the 3 years from the Bush Administration.

Clark's Family Tax Reform Plan is exactly what will help millions of Americans and help families get the economy running back to full steam.

Being a lifelong Democrat who served his country, paid his taxes, put kids thru college and believed in the ideals of America, I for one will be proud to have Wes Clark lead America back to the respect in the world again after Bush has destroyed our image world wide.

[RetroLounge]

15. Especially if they are not for one's candidate

eom

[Atlant]

18. Funny how that works, no? :-) (NT)