I could'nt agree more. The polls right now are nothing more than a reflecton of name recognition right now this far out from the primaries. Although name recognition is obviously important, its not critical at this stage. Frankly, with Dean having signed up Rick Ridder and Steve Grossman to his campaign, I think the other "inside the beltway", indistinguishable "Senate Club" candidates are looking over their shoulders at Dean! When was the last time a sitting Senator got elected President anyway? !!!
Matthew George | Email | Homepage | 12.16.02 - 1:08 pm | #

I view Governor Dean as the most realistic candidate that the Demns can raise. He may keep me from turning Green. And he appears to be a 'real' Democrat.
Radphag | Email | Homepage | 12.16.02 - 9:43 pm | #

I don't think the next round of polls will be critical. Dean is the only dem candidate now that can easily be distinguished from the rest. As long as the media gives Dean a chance to speak on the issues he should have a very good chance. A few debates in primary season would be ideal, but until name recognition is more equal between the candidates, I don't think the polls will be a good predictor of things will play out.
B. Ketcham | Email | Homepage | 12.16.02 - 11:51 pm | #

Well, I'll be a monkey's uncle, Aziz. Search Google for "Howard Dean for President" and here you are at number 4.

Gore not running is probably good for the Democratic party and the country. I don't know that he would have had any better a chance at beating Bush than another, fresher Democrat.

As far as the Greens go, I've voted for Nader in two straight Presidential elections -- yes, I actually voted for him in 1996. As the saying goes, "fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me." I think the stakes are way too high to risk electing Bush again.

I personally have heard very little about Dean so far -- since moving to Berkeley, I've learned that Californians are very focused on how important California is -- but, hell, any friend of universal health care is a friend of mine. I hope the grassroots work works!
Jason Gohlke | Email | Homepage | 12.17.02 - 3:01 am | #