Reply #80: Notwithstanding Dean's early strength, I can't think of any set of circum-

[1932]

stances which realistically would have resulted in a nomination of any other candidate.

The media tried to destroy Kerry in October 2003 and he came back strongly from that, which I think is very good evidence that he was what voters were looking for to take on Bush.

Whether voters were right about what was needed to beat Bush is another matter. However, I think one thing is certain: Kerry was the candidate in 2004 who matched most closely what most Democrats (informed and uninformed) wanted in a candidate.