Reply #15: Things you can do.

[poskonig]

First of all, welcome to Democratic Underground!

Examining the issues is a first with me. While it not necessary to vote for the candidate who is the most "pure" on the issues, if a candidate is frequently wrong on the issues, it makes little sense to vote for them.

Secondly, be honest about what personal characteristics of the candidates you like. Chances are, if you like something about a candidate, a significant amount of others may like it too.

Lastly, look at electability versus the other candidates. This usually is a synonym for organization and cash, but it can also refer to an intuitive apprehension of how the candidate will perform against Bush.

I loosely supported Kerry during 2002, came on board the Dean campaign in March 2003, had doubts about my support during the Confederate flag debate and (re)considered Clark and Kerry, and have settled back with Dean since.

Why do I support Dean? His issues are close to mine -- he tends to be a fiscal moderate who is liberal on social issues who exercises sound judgment on foreign policy matters. I like his blunt, no-bullshit immediate style. In addition to his fundraising and endless supply of volunteers, Dean will make the 2004 election a bloodbath, which I believe will work in our favor and remove some of the Bush mystique once the campaign heats up.