Reply #32: The Scripture Comment Was Stupid

[DrFunkenstein]

One of the little techinical things that Clinton did well was his ability to speak in Southern Baptist cadences popular with the black clergy, which is different than reciting scripture. Black style is very fluid, and the way you say something is often more important than what is said. Clinton could "signify" in ways Dean (or any except Sharpton) cannot. Edwards, though, does have a beautiful cadence to his voice.

As far as empathy, you can be the biggest New England patrician, and still come off as empathetic. Although Kennedy was at first resistant to civil rights, he came across as very empathetic and eventually became a beloved figure in the black community.

I don't think that Dean necessarily has to pander, but he has connected yet. But if he can come across the way he did with rednecks - that they need healthcare, too - I think he can still make it.