Gephardt people?

[Tweed]

I've noticed that no one is a HUGE Gephardt fan. This is kind of surprising considering the polls. I would expect ONE person at least to support Gephardt. Maybe I've missed something? Maybe we could all give our thoughts on Gephardt. I haven't read too much about him. I kind of like the guy and think he would make a good VP because of his experience with Congress.

[quinnox]

1. They are few and far between on DU

but I have Gep as my second choice. I like him a lot.

[RUMMYisFROSTED]

19. That explains it.

[Capn Sunshine]

2. I understand why Gep is strong

I keep telling our troops " do NOT underestimate this man!"

Personally , I have a tendency to lay 2002 elections results (massive failure) at his door, and this is hard to get over.

However, he's not as harmless as he appears, I'll grant you that.
Also, bear in mind DU is not at all representative of the actual ( aka, "real") world.

[blm]

3. I support Kerry and Kucinich, but whenever Gep gets attacked unfairly

I feel its my duty as a Democrat to point out all the heavy lifting Gep did for decades for Democrats on the left. It was a lie and a cruel campaign gimmick to call him "Bushlite".

[WhoCountsTheVotes]

18. that's right, Gephardt did a LIFETIME of heavy lifting for the left

and it disgusts me to see him trashed by those who should be thanking him for being one of the last, few high ranking Democrats that is 100% to labor. Who else can say that?

[David__77]

4. My thought...

I personally can't help but associate him with a troubled period for the Democratic Party. By nature of the house rules, Democrats have had few tools to fight back, and therefore I think Gephardt is associated with a certain lack of power that is not attractive to many in a presidential candidate.

[Tweed]

5. No one dislikes him, no one likes him?

He is just kind of there and neutral? I know my grandma likes him but that is becasue he is her congressman and he has come to her a door a couple of times.

[dnbmathguy]

6. Here's one

I know of at least one other person... it's sort of disappointing how few of us there are, though.

[Jack_Dawson]

7. Gep's supporters are old people w/o computers

by and large. I personally like Gep about a million times more than Lieberman.

[YellowDawgDemocrat]

9. Gephardt was my no. 1......until yesterday

I like Gephardt a lot. I supported him in '88.

I switched to Dean yesterday. Labor doesn't have a better friend than Gephardt, but he is out of money and has so little chance that I followed the AFL-CIO's nudge and am now actively campaigning for Dean.

[dnbmathguy]

10. I disagree with that sentiment

Labor will come out strong for Gephardt in Iowa, something that isn't necessarily reflected in polls. This will lead him to victory in Iowa. He'll then come to NH, and place better than expected. I was calling people just yesterday, and there are still LOTS of people who are undecided. A win in Iowa will convert them over to Gephardt's side. From there, we can get Michigan and South Carolina on the 3rd, and ride the wave to victory.

And the AFL-CIO hasn't endorsed anyone yet. They probably won't until the general.

As for the web sentiment, check out the blog on the front page of www.dickgephardt2004.com . It's pretty active, if you ask me.

[YellowDawgDemocrat]

11. I admit, the decision tore me apart

I'm a local Union President and attend the AFL-CIO convention every year. I have had numerous discussion with our International about who we were going to get behind. The untold truth is that we all bleed for Gephardt, but Gephardt's chances are very thin and we are lining up behind Dean after South Carolina.

The Wellstone award was given to Dean as a "get ready" message.

[BrewCrew]

16. what's your union?

Dean is an ok sound choice for labor folks. Edwards is also. Anyway. If Gephardt does win Iowa starts to get an influx of money and can be competitive and win in states like SC, ND, OK and MI. I hope you and your union will get behind the guy. Please someone please tell me loyalty is still worth something in friggin politics. If it somehow narrows to Dean, Clark, and Dick. I hope those unions still undecided move Gephardt's way. he freakin deserves it!

[BrewCrew]

8. I love the guy!

He's been a fighter for the working people of this country for year after year. he's also carried a lot of water for the party over the years. I'll never forget his intelligent stance on trade issues. In 1993, he told everyone what NAFTA would lead to and was right. He battled Newt Gingrich tooth and nail as Minority leader. heck even Dick Armey credited Gephardt and his reserved style with bringing Gingrich down. He was the perfect contrast. But what I love about the guy now is that 27 years in Congress hasn't stunted his thinking.

He's actually come up with some very bold policy ideas as a candidate for President. Too bad the media is hung up on horserace journalism to pay attentio. But I think he has a very bold and brave health coverage plan that also pumps money into the economy, the international minimum wage proposal, his goal of getting us off Middle Eastern oil in 10 years, lifetime pensions, and whatnot.

Personally, I think he's strong. I don't post here much because I know usually 5 minutes after saying something positive about Dick someone will flame my post with a mention of the war.

Oh well. I'm voting Gephardt and so are 80% of my union buddies and friends. So don't underestimate him.

BC

[delete_bush]

12. I posted earlier on another thread

that Gephardt would make a good VP choice, especially for Clark as it would give him a connection to Washington.

As all have stated above he's been there for the American worker, older voters and union members trust him, and he could help deliver some of the midwestern and industrial states.

[Insurance_Analyst]

13. Gephardt would be a great VP for Clark

Clark's biggest weakness is that he won't know the ways of Washington when he arrives in January 2005! Gephardt is an honest, hard working, smart guy that can really help him work with the congress!

Of all the candidates besides Clark obviously, Gephardt can deliver the most electoral votes at the bottom of the ticket. He's better than Graham (forget Fla - Jeb's still there), Edwards (N. Carolina probably goes red anyway), Kerry (MA is a lock), or Dean (help in NE not needed).

[JPJones]

14. Gephardt could beat Bush

He seems like a great guy. I think he would win because Rove wouldn't be able to portray him as whacko. Also delivers MO (Missouri, not momentum).

He may surprise in Iowa.

If the money runs out, he would be a great VP.

[corporatewhore]

15. I have a great deal of respect for Gephardts long battle for labor

[WhoCountsTheVotes]

17. I am a HUGE Gephardt fan, simply for fighting Nafta

He's always been a focused, loyal champion of unions, and *always* stood by organized labor when they were attacked. Plus, if we want free trade we MUST have an international living wage too.