Ughh! so far, I have not heard one thing that I like. He's plugging the "reduce dependence on foreign oil" garbage, which violates what I call Oil Econ 101: http://www.techcentralstation.co...ID=1051- 012003A
Arnold Kling | Email | Homepage | 01.21.03 - 7:15 pm | #

One person's "ughh" is another person's "Yes!!!"

The speech is indeed fantastic, and if you have a free 20 minutes, please give it a look. He touches on foreign policy, Iraq, Kyoto, civil unions, and yes, fuel standards. He certainly is winning the straight talk award these days, which is what the Democrats need so desperately.
Swarty | Email | Homepage | 01.21.03 - 8:50 pm | #

I thought it was great. I'm so psyched now! And why do people say he's not cute enough? I think he's plenty cute. AK, the guy who wrote your article is kind of patronizing, and I don't really believe his argument.

Gephardt looks really old and soft by comparison, doesn't he?
anandla | Email | Homepage | 01.21.03 - 9:57 pm | #

why is Kerry talking about going to the moon? Not that I wouldn't support him, but he's gotta do better with his speeches.
anandla | Email | Homepage | 01.21.03 - 10:05 pm | #

Interesting that there is an insurgency of folks on this blog whose sole purpose is to offer negative commentary on Dean's candidacy. Good sign for him!

It seems to me this site is designed for those intrigued by Dean's candidacy. Debating the issues is certainly worthwhile, but simply offering monosyllabic responses (like the one above: "ugh!") is not enough to derail this candidacy.

If you don't like him then get going supporting someone else. Criticizing on a support site won't deter any of us who are genuinely interested in an alternative. Do you think you're changing anyone's mind, AK? You're just fueling the fire!

Good luck!
Christopher | Email | Homepage | 01.21.03 - 10:33 pm | #

anandla: John F. Kerry is talking about going to the moon because he is trying to appear similar to another famous politician who shared his initials.
Charles Donefer | Email | Homepage | 01.21.03 - 11:18 pm | #

I just saw Dean's speech. This is the most thougtful speech I've heard in a long time. It sort of reminds me Bill Clinton's campaign speeches in 1992.
Vijay Ramachandran | Email | Homepage | 01.22.03 - 1:35 am | #

Even if you disagree with Dean's politics (reasonable expectation for someone who is a conservative Republican), you have to admit that Dean at least is principled in his positions- unlike the crass opportunistic muddle presented by the others.

Glenn has often asked - where are the real Democrats? - and here is one. This should be cause even for conservatives to celebrate since it means a potential for real debate, real discusion, real thought.

Principled opposition benefits both parties, due to competition and evolution of ideas.
Aziz | Email | Homepage | 01.22.03 - 5:46 am | #

What I liked about this speech, and all the others that Dean has given, is that he's not poll or consultant driven with his ideas or passion. When he speaks it's obvious that he truly believes in what he's saying and advocating, and it's been a very long time since a Presidential candidate did that. I've already sent him money, and I'm working very hard to get him name recognition here in Maryland.
CB | Email | Homepage | 01.22.03 - 5:53 am | #

I am a 7th generation native Vermonter. Gov Dean is a transplant. When our former Gov died in 1991, Dean as Lt Gov was sworn in and he has been re-elected every 2 years since then. In our 200+years of statehood, we have had only one other Gov serve as long as he has. I declare him to be a True Vermonter. His actions and his words both speak very straightforward and distinctly. He will be the next president of this great country of ours!!!
Jeane | Email | Homepage | 01.22.03 - 9:07 am | #

I loved his speach! Every word held
my attention! Every idea made me
cheer!
I live in anticipation of election time.
Is it 2004 yet???
The past two years have been the darkest I have ever known, it surely
is time for a ray of light!
Lucinda
Lucinda | Email | Homepage | 01.22.03 - 9:52 am | #

lucinda, i'm with you 100% on this one!
it's so encouraging to behold a candidate who's willing to fight for us - the people - and not corporate interests.
yes, the past two years have been very dark, and the next two are probably going to be even worse, but if we can elect someone who's willing to truly lead based on sound policy instead of rogue ideology, then we might have a fighting chance after all.
run, howard, run!
anna | Email | Homepage | 01.22.03 - 11:46 am | #

CB - I'm in Maryland too working hard for Dean, making contributions, contacting all county central committee members I can. We need to hook up. Contact me at mchmgeorge@aol.com

Matt G.
Matt George | Email | Homepage | 01.22.03 - 12:45 pm | #

hey for all you folks who are trying to organise locally, don't forget to visit dean2004.meetup.com! you might find that there are already people registered within your respective districts.

let's make 2004 a true peoples' campaign!
anna | Email | Homepage | 01.22.03 - 12:52 pm | #

What I think people are responding to (at least I am) is that Dean seems willing and able to really go after Bush. Not being in Congress like the others (Sharpton excepted), he's able to distance himself better. He called for repeal of the tax cuts from the get-go, he came out against an Iraq invasion, etc. There are political risks in those positions, and the Dems need somebody with some spine. Dean certainly is showing that his spine is just fine, thank you.

And another thing, if Bill Frist is insisting on the press referring to him as "Dr." Frist, shouldn't they afford Dean the same courtesy??
Swarty | Email | Homepage | 01.22.03 - 7:56 pm | #

Fantastic speech all around, with the fireworks really going off when Dean attacks Bush. That rising voice is the reason Dean is the only Democrat who will be able to clobber Dubya. He has the ability to convey such moral indignation-- it's fantastic.

That said, a bit weak on national security, or at least the rhetoric of it. "Multilateralism" should be replaced with... what? I dunno. Something more appealing. And while I recognize he was speaking off the cuff, he should always choose "long-range" over "far-sighted" when referring to strategic foreign policy.

Remember, though, to give Dean some money. Buy a bumper sticker and give him some cash, because if this guy wins the nomination he'll roll over Rove and send Bush packing.
Mathew | Email | Homepage | 01.22.03 - 10:44 pm | #

Did I mention how important it is to give Dean some money now, right this minute? Because if people see he's getting money, they'll give him more money. So the money we give now is kind of like super-money that's worth more than regular money. Don't procrastinate-- do it now while you're thinking about it.
anandla | Email | Homepage | 01.22.03 - 11:17 pm | #

Absolutely right on the need to give Dean money NOW. Whether it's 10.00 or 1000.00, every little bit helps.
CB | Email | Homepage | 01.23.03 - 4:45 am | #

Dean should use the word, "neo-wilsonian" in describing his policy:

http://unmedia.blogspot.com/ 2002...e.html#85526555


Aziz Poonawalla | Email | Homepage | 01.23.03 - 10:08 am | #

AMAZING! I have now seen this speech 3 x's b/c I am playing it for everyone who will watch!

His stances are clear, logical and you have no doubt that he is passionate about each and every one.

He is the only candidate from the current Dem pool that I would consider voting for in the election.
Scott | Email | Homepage | 01.23.03 - 1:48 pm | #

I think whoever is the Democrat candidate for the presidential election 2004 should be well supported and has to win.

If this speech represents what reality will become, then we can expect a better future and life for everyone in America, so we have to vote(first of all) and then vote for the Democrat.
Aneliya | Email | Homepage | 01.23.03 - 11:22 pm | #

Its Dean or Green for me!
Chris | Email | Homepage | 01.24.03 - 5:33 pm | #

Wow, Dean is for instant runoff voting? I was sold before, but now I'm REALLY sold.
Luke Francl | Email | Homepage | 01.25.03 - 10:44 pm | #