Official Thread for DEAN supporters and well-wishers ONLY

[Skinner]

This is the official thread for Dean supporters and well-wishers to discuss Dean's Iowa performance, free of disruption.

If you are not a Dean supporter or a well-wisher, please do not post in this thread. The purpose of this thread is for disruption-free discussion among Dean supporters. Any negative posts by opponents will be delted by the moderators. We will open up separate threads where supporters of the other candidates can interact without disruption from opponents.

[mdmc]

1. Alright

I'm a Dean supporter that thinks Edwards and Kerry both did great tonight. Hell, its about beating Bush,,, right?

[Walt Starr]

4. Not for me, not any more

Now it's about either the Democratic PArty does the right thing or screw it.

[Name removed]

22. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Sterling]

27. It is really sad how many people think Bush s the problem.

He is just the latest outbreak of a long and deadly illness that is always with us.

[Walt Starr]

31. Precisely, and I'm not going to be an enabler of it any more

screw 'em if they can't see it.

[Name removed]

124. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[TLM]

55. I agree... I won't vote for anybody who took part in the Goreing of Dean

I won't rule out voting for Edwards... since for the most part he's been cool.

But Kerry won't get my vote, nor will gephardt. They joined forces to shut out the grassroots... so they will get no vote from me.

[...Alltogethernow]

73. I'm a Dean woman, it's DEAN or GREEN for me in November

We will prevail

[Name removed]

96. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Snivi Yllom]

147. good for you

I am so pissed at the self imolation of the party and the clear rightward movement.

[Tinoire]

115. Well Walt, YOU are the Democratic Party

& every person in this thread. You just keep on trucking! 3rd place after the opening shot against seasoned veterans with name recognition and the entire establishment behind them is NOTHING to sneeze at.

:toast: and keep your faith!

[trogdor]

149. You wouldn' t support John Edwards if it came down to it?

The guy must be doing something right if he can rise to the occasion like he did.

ANY of the seven remaining candidates would be preferable to four more TERM-LIMITED years of Bush. Remember that. That's why we're here. We're Dean people, but we're also part of a larger team.

[Walt Starr]

154. Edwards voted for the war, ergo, no vote from me

:shrug:

I thought this was a Dean only thread.

[trogdor]

161. Howard Dean will support Edwards if he wins.

He even said so. Besides, I didn't bring up Edwards, mdmc did. The reason I'd carry JRE's water is because, unlike some people I will not name, he declined to join in on the bashing of his fellow Democrats and still finished close second. That takes class, even if he did vote for the war.

If it came to a choice between a Senate Democrat who voted for the war and George W., the Senate Democrat wins every time. Bottom line: GWB should NOT, under any circumstances, be allowed to have another term.

[Walt Starr]

165. Sorry, can't reward somebody who did the wrong thing

on what is possibly the most major issue surrounding what is right and what is wrong.

If that means another four years of Bush, so be it.

[fabius]

86. I agree. It's about beating Bush.

This is absolutely the strongest Democratic field I have seen in a long time. We have four front runners.

Howard Dean is still the first among equals because we have the best organization IMHO and strongest grassroots. Or if somebody else has a better campaign, I will be simply amazed.

We are covering all 50 states and Kerry and Edwards have put everything into Iowa. Well, it did them some good. But we're very strong.

Speaking for myself, I will vote for any of Dean, Clark, Kerry, or Edwards, (in about that order of preference). It ain't going to be Lieberman, I predict that right now.

I encourage all of you to pledge support for the Democratic nominee. I'm going to re-post a post from Counterspin that I think captures what Howard Dean and all of us have done for this race:

STALKING HORSE: Iowa continues to confound. It may be that Gov. Howard Dean, MD will come in as low as fourth in Iowa.

It may also be that, Gov. Howard Dean, MD has performed a medical miracle: He's performed a successful spine transplant on the Democratic candidates.

Essentially, Dean was a stalking horse for rank and file Democratic party anger at the national party for laying down on the job, and letting Bush get away with (metaphorical) murder.

He's also taken most of the bullets from the media and the Republicans. He's like a great fullback, taking out the middle linebacker to let the all-pro tailback spring through the line, and run to daylight.

http://counterspin.blogspot.com/

Hey, folks, it's very very far from over yet. I've lived through a lot of primaries, since I became somewhat politically aware in 1960 at age six. It's a long, long road.

The beauty is, despite the attempts of the Democratic party establishment to front-load the primary season to anoint their chosen one, the peopel have other ideas. The people actually want to choose their candidate. This'll be a hard-fought race and an exciting one, and we'll get a ton of press coverage, and suck all the oxygen out of Bush*'s vapid maunderings.

At the end of it people may even wonder who the heck Bush is.

We're in this for the long haul folks. 49 states in the Union come after Iowa. Write letters, canvass, contribute. I feel privileged to be part of this campaign.

[ronnykmarshall]

94. That's right!

Gov. Dean showed that passion he has tonight.

We ALL must work hard for our candidates, but at the same time keep the eye on the prize ........ NO 'Mo BUSH!!

Be it Dean, Edwards, Kerry, Clark or Madonna :silly: .... get Bush out in 2004 is the key.

May I say a big welcome to Judy Dean to the trail. Dr, you are fab!!

[sleipnir]

2. What do we do now???

I'm excited still about NH!

But where do we go from here? I want some feedback, though I'll be interested to read Trippi and Dean's responses to the whole Iowa situation in a few hours.

I'm kinda bummed, but then again, I was expected a landslide in our favor, it just went the other way

[LuminousX]

58. We lost. We learn. We re-engage the opposition on the next battleground.

If we are feeling sorry for ourselves, that means we aren't working to get Dean elected.

[Endangered Specie]

3. People, THIS IS NOT OVER yet.

Out of 4200 some delegates (2100 some to win) Iowa is only 45 or so.

Dont lose hope, there is always a chance.

1992 Iowa:
Democrats (results are percentages)
Tom Harkin: 76.4
Uncommitted: 11.9
Paul Tsongas: 4.1
Bill Clinton: 2.8  <----              
Bob Kerrey: 2.4
Jerry Brown: 1.6

YOu have to take the high points with the low points in a presidantal selection race.

[demothinker]

24. Exactly!

Don't give up, Dean supporters. It's still VERY early, and Iowa skews VERY old-not Dean's base by any means.

Have faith, stick by your guy, and fight the good fight. If Dean doesn't win, don't let anyone say it was because his supporters gave up after Iowa.

[lostnfound]

134. PLEASE don't give up. Dean's anti-war stance MATTERS to this DK fan.

And so does his grassroots fundraising. I want a president in the pockets of the American people! With their consent!

In the context of the US' insatiable need for empire, I am most fearful of Washington insiders. And so I've supported Dean along with DK..

When you're feeling down, remember that the victims of the next decade's wars have no voice to vote with here in America. We are it. All they have.

[no name no slogan]

79. PRECISELY what many have been saying!

I recently saw a US map with delegate counts from each state, and IA has one of the lowest numbers in the country. Even Wisconsin and Minnesota have more, and they're still up for grabs right now.

This race is far from over, and rest assured Dean is in this thing until the convention!

ONWARD!

[UrbScotty]

163. Amen. Let me add...

Of the Iowa caucuses from 1972-2000, how many winners became the nominee?

1972: I don't know who won Iowa, but it wasn't McGovern
1976: Carter won Iowa, the nomination, and the White House
1980: Carter, who had the advantage of incumbency, won Iowa and the nomination
1984: Again,I don't know who won Iowa, but it wasn't Mondale
1988: Gephardt won Iowa, but not the nomination
1992: Harkin won Iowa, while Clonton got 2.8%
1996: Clinton was unopposed
2000: Gore won Iowa,m the nomination, and the popular vote

[UrbScotty]

168. Shameless kick! (nt)

[NewHampster]

5. Reality Check

Iowa doesn't matter.

Only George W. won and went all the way.

Clinton skipped it, lost NH and won

Reagan lost iowa won NH

etc

[Gman]

18. Remember that up until this year, Iowa came after New Hampshire

New Hampshire has been traditionally the first. This will be the first time NH was affected by "momentum". However, for the Dean supporters, Iowa is a totally different animal from the rest. Many of the key upcoming states do not involve getting people to a meeting, but people to the polls. Dean is no where near out of it.

[GalleryGod]

49. Sorry,Dead Wrong!

Jimmy Carter won Iowa in 1976.

It's still a CAUCUS and New Hamphire is the first PRIMARY.

[NewHampster]

63. Carter came in second to Un-Decided

Bush W is the only one to win Iowa and Pres.

Clinton Skipped Iowa lost NH
Reagan Lost Iowa won NH
George 1 won Iowa in 80 lost NH to Ronny

[BigDaddyLove]

91. I seem to remember that Bush lost Iowa to McCain......

Oops.......dead wrong; sorry.

:hi:

[joefree1]

110. Whew, we dodged that bullet!

>>Since 1972, only two winners of the Iowa caucuses have gone on to claim the White House – Jimmy Carter in 1976 and George W. Bush in 2000<<
http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/politic...1n14caucus.html

So congratulation Deany Boppers. Better to have not won Iowa

Images from Dean Rocks the House of Blues, Hollywood
From wtmusic http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=104&topic_id=919849
From Joefree1 http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=104&topic_id=921300

[AntiCoup2K4]

166. Carter is the only President to win Iowa in the last 32 years.

Junior doesn't count - he wasn't elected.

[progressivebydesign]

159. True!

When I read the list of people Bush was up against.. OMG what a non-competitive field he had! I'm not worried.

[Hoppin_Mad]

6. Iowa=Zip ! Dean will now get 'underdog support' - on to victory in NH ! -n

[HereSince1628]

7. Thanks to all those who caucused for Dean and also those

who gave their effort to the Iowa caucus. Great job!

[WilliamPitt]

8. The race is wide open, and Dean has muscle in New Hampshire

Reports of his demise are ludicrously overstated. Keep your chins up.

[sendero]

69. Thank you....

... for offering good thoughts - I know Dean is not your man.

I agree, this is unsettling for Dean supporters, when the polls only a couple weeks ago were so solid.

But, while it would be foolish to disregard this result, it would be equally foolish to overstate it. Iowa is not much of a predictor of national politics.

I for one am looking forward to getting the nomination behind us so we can focus on the real prize :)

[hlthe2b]

77. it "ain't" over til the fat lady sings, and she hasn't even warmed up....

Dean's got a rollercoaster ride yet to come. Stay with him and work to make the Democratic party what you want it to become. I challenge you! (While I have favorites, I remain uncommitted and willing to support the best Democratic candidate and most definitely, the eventual nominee. I'd be proud to work with all my Dean supporting colleagues if it should be him. Best wishes).

[Name removed]

Deleted message

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[kaitykaity]

13. deleted.

[Name removed]

9. Deleted message

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[WilliamPitt]

19. deleted

[Paragon]

33. Gee, ours is the only thread to have posts deleted.

Who'da thunk it? :eyes:

[Endangered Specie]

38. Indeed, makes one think........

HHHhhhmmmmmmmmmmmm.....

[joefree1]

111. LOL

Well said.

[drfemoe]

123. you noticed too?

Well stop looking for them, and you won't see them!!! :coverseyes:
................

To all my fellow freaky Dean-Beats . . We are taking this march Downtown >>
WE Can Do This. And Keep Doing It ... for as long as it takes.

I am constantly amazed at the absolute beauty, talent and heart I find in my
fellow Dean partners in crime - Mutiny !!!

We have tasted the sparkling spring of rich, pure Democracy.
Our senses confirm this is the nourishment we seek, that which we must have.

From open wounds, we still bleed, and our blood is not defeated.
On shaky legs, we still stand, and the ground is solid before us.
With open arms, we hold our dreams, and our hearts are filled with possibilities.
Voices that would be silenced, are lifted, and we encourage one and all.
We hear the beat of a distant drum, drawing nearer, and we move into a form,
a reflection of our diversity, of experience, colors, ages,
and we step forward to meet our purpose - Victory and Peace !!!

[GalleryGod]

128. Bless Your Sincerity,Sir!

Best of luck.O8)

[Paragon]

10. The one and only reasonable thread tonight, thanks.

Well, except for mine, of course. ;)

[welshTerrier2]

32. hello deanies ...

i'm a kucinich or kerry undecided ...

i compliment Dean and his supporters for standing up against bush when it was not fashionable, and not politically safe, to do so ... and i also compliment Dean for attracting so many new voters to his campaign ... let's hope they stay with the ticket whether Dean becomes the nominee or not ...

we're all on the same team here even if some of us support different candidates ... and those who oppose Dean and those who support him would do well to remember that ...

i expect tonight's results will mark the end of much of the intra-party sniping ... this will benefit Dean, it will benefit the other candidates and it will benefit the party ... we don't need to tear each other down to lift ourselves up ... perhaps with the flamethrowers left behind in Iowa, Dean will have a better opportunity to make his views known ...

keep fighting the good fight ...

[NashVegas]

11. Waaaaaaaaaaaaah

Okay. I'm over it.

[cspiguy]

132. if he loses NH, then I'll drink the kool-aid

n/t

[IndianaGreen]

12. I am drinking a cold brew right now

tomorrow is another day. I will point out that Iowa is more rural than Indiana, and not representative of upcoming contests.

Clinton lost Iowa in 1992.

On to New Hampshire!

[Guaranteed]

66. I was already pretty drunk

I went ahead and bitched out my mother and girlfriend, who have been less than supportive of Dean.

Yeah, I know. I shouldn't have done that.

I'm really pissed. I don't like the direction these "Democrats" are taking us in. But, I don't know. Maybe I should just forget about politics for good.

[pasadenaboy]

14. I think we need to learn something from this

Dean has a problem.

He is not good with the "vision" thing. He is good at problem solving. He is good at truth telling, he is good at pointing out what's wrong, but he needs an overarching theme message, that is indeed hopeful and inspiring.

He needs to contrast the selfishness and division of the Bush administration with his view that we all as Americans are in this together. he needs to use his anti-war, pro appropriate taxations, pro smart social programs into a theme of helping all americans get a hand up and achieve all they can.

He really needs to put something like this together, or he is going to stall.

[mandyky]

15. Let's talk about what we can do

Iowa is a caucus, and it was interesting to watch the process. What do we suggest to the Dean campaign now? Are there changes that need making? On Hardball they were bringing up family/personal stories, Dean stressing too much about the movement, and other such stuff.

Is any of this valid stuff? Howard Dean is much more than anti-Iraq -
How do we help him get the message out?

Suggestions?

[Polemonium]

47. We've done something amazing

and I think we need to build on it. How many people do you know? How many of them are Dean supporters? Ultimately it is up to us to get the word out. We need to stop letting other Democrats frame the debate, and come out with a positive message. Dean has been attacked with out mercy, lets see what happens to the new front runners when the magnifying glass heads their way. I still think we can win this thing, but only if we positively represent the changes that this campaign represents. Government by the people again is a powerful idea. Let's keep up the good fight, and lead by example. We will be defined by our response to this.

[Sly Kal]

16. Dean is just fine

Don't worry about this one state. I am happy with either Clark or Dean and I won't under any circumstances vote for Edwards, Kerry or Lieberman. So you all hang in there and don't worry. Think about who has won and lost the nomination as a winner out of Iowa. Carter is the only one who won Ia and he placed 2nd to undecided.

[MODemocrat]

29. Thanks for the boost Sly Kal

I'm a Howard Dean and General Clark supporter, so this lifted my spirits.
:hug: :thumbsup:

[yellowdog]

17. Dean is my man and was not viable in my precinct tonight.

BUT, I am not crying in my beer. We have a lot of time and a lot of primaries and caucuses to go yet. Dean can still do his magic. But after all the smoke clears, I will, repeat, will be supporting who ever comes out on top. I can not deal with another 4 years of Bush.

[Kazak]

20. Like Dean, but...

ABB all the way! Plan to vote for Dean in my states primary. Long way to go.

[CabalBuster]

21. I am hopeful, we just got started

Is New Hampshire more liberal than Iowa? Will N.H. voters go with a pro-war candidate? It will be interesting to see whether they would prefer Clark or Dean over Kerry.

[ClintonTyree]

101. I was wondering that as well.............

If you noticed the coverage of the Iowa caucus, the makeup of the people in attendance seemed overwhelmingly in a much older age group. I saw very few young people in attendance. Maybe I was just watching at the wrong times, but that's the way it seemed to me.
The ederly are not going to vote for a candidate that is too upsetting to the apple cart. They'll vote for established,. mainstream, middle of the road candidates.
I believe New Hampshire will be a different story. People there won't be so enamored by the status quo. They'll want a candidate that will transform the party and the direction that it's heading.
I saw Iowa as middle America, family values, yadayadayada. Iowans aren't known for their cutting edge ideology.
New Hampshire will be the real test, in my opinion.
Do NOT give up hope here folks, it's just beginning.

[liberalmuse]

23. No, it is NOT over.

I'm not giving up and I know most of Dean's supporters aren't going to give up over one caucus. We have a few more to go. This must be very difficult for Dean and those who've been out in the cold for days rallying up support. This is a test, and we either learn and move on, stronger and much humbler, or our hopes and dreams dwindle until they die, and what we've been working for in the past several months shouldn't die so easily.

I suppose my biggest disappointment/fear is that Iowa is reflective of NH and other states and people are going to go with the safe candidate, and if that's the case, we are screwed. I can't believe this will be the case--there are too many angry and disillusioned people out there disgusted with Bush and his warmongering and pandering to corporate interests. Let's not give up yet. We've had a lot of setbacks and disappointments (us raging liberals) in the past 3 years, and by damned, we've got good reason to keep the faith, and keep fighting. Yes, this sucks, and it hurts, but we're a long ways from this being over yet.

[Guaranteed]

64. What I'm so disappointed about is that people see the "safe"

candidate as being the candidate that is most like George Bush. They...just...don't...get it.

[not systems]

25. I'm hoping the target is...

off his back for awhile.

Regroup and onward.

Dean 2004!!!

[LizW]

26. Well, I'll be honest

here in this protected thread among fellow Dean supporters.

I'm disappointed, but more than that I'm worried. I fear that this means nothing has changed, we didn't make a difference, it's back to same old, same old.

I'm worried about the poor showing by the labor and anti-war candidates. I feel for Gephart's supporters. I'm concerned that the press really can pick our nominee. And if they can pick our nominee, they will also pick our president, and it will be Bush. The thought makes me physically ill.

But I'm not giving up. Being a southerner, I'm focusing my letter writing on South Carolina. My money is already committed, automatic monthly deduction. Governor Dean hits the tarmac in New Hampshire at 2:00 tomorrow morning, and that shows me that the campaign is moving onward. So will I.

[demothinker]

37. Don't be too worried

Remember, this is the heartland, and New Englanders typically don't play well there. Kerry is an aberration due to his connection with the older voters. I think if expectations weren't so high due to the earlier efforts by his supporters, we'd be talking about how good Dean's showing was here.

It's only Dean's early "coronation" that makes this such a disappointment. He needs a strong showing in New Hampshire now, his backyard, but I honestly don't think Iowa means that much to him. It's a much bigger boost for Kerry, IMO, than a setback for Dean.

[CabalBuster]

46. I am upset at Gephardt, Sharpton and Kucinich

They all tried to hurt Dean bad aided by a too eager corporate media; Gephardt hurt him with his negative and inaccurate ads, Sharpton by using racial profiling and Kucinich with his 11th hour directive to back Edwards in order to dilute Dean's vote. I sent an email to Kucinich about this, a few months back he was my first choice.

So I am relieved that those three will be leaving the race soon and the candidates will campaign on the merits. Gov Dean is a fighter and we must double-up our efforts to get his message across. This is a fight for the heart and soul of America (and the Democratic party) and we cannot give up after the first round.

Prepare for the comeback Kid.

[edzontar]

54. That is how the pukes and Dem establishment want you to feel

Powerless.

Maybe then you can settle for something less than the truth, less than waht this country deserves and needs.

Then you can line up to vote for one the handpicked--to lose--Dem-Lite candidates.

After all, even Kucinich has now been revealed as a cyncial sell-out...the ultimate betrayal, perhaps, in this season of discontent.

I am not giving up, but it is pretty clear to me that Democracy in this coutnry is in its death throes.

[Individualist]

67. I refuse to give up

as well; however, I'm bitterly disappointed by what happened tonight. It has been reported that two-thirds of the caucus members are anti-war. They certainly have a strange way of showing it if that's the case.

[liberalpragmatist]

28. Don't Get Discouraged

I'm a Kerry fan, so, obviously, I'm very happy. But all you Dean supporters, you're guy can easily live to see another day. This is very similar to Reagan - billed as frontrunner for months, then lost Iowa badly to Bush, Sr. He came back to win in NH.

You're guy still has a great chance. The race is pretty wide open, and Dean will have to retool some, but he's a very, very tough campaigner, he has tons of money and grassroots energy, and he is in a strong position to do better if he and his supporters can take advantage of what he has.

Remember, the pundits that are saying Dean's dead are the same ones who said that my guy was dead as late as 2 weeks ago. These are the same pundits that never predicted Dean would take off. The thing is really very fluid, and you have a national organization.

Best wishes to ya, and may the best man win.

Then, let's show Bush the door.

[Name removed]

30. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[lovedems]

34. I hope the SOTU tomorrow can re-energize everyone

who is feeling down. It isn't over yet and we need to keep our eye on the prize, getting the idiot back to Texas where he belongs.

[David Zephyr]

35. Cheer Up, Fellow Dean Supporters.

The Primary schedule, the mulitiple state Primaries all play to Dean's great 50-state advantages.

And considering how our candidate was nearly beaten to shit by the news media for the last two weeks, Dean performed very well.

On to New Hampshire!

:toast:

[NoPasaran]

36. Let's look at a few positive things

Gephardt is toast.
We finished third, not fourth.
We still have strong organizations in the 49 states still in play.
Tomorrow night Chimpy's SOTU is going to bury this story anyway.
Our message of taking back our country is as valid tonight as it was this morning.

[On the Road]

39. Thanks for the Thread, Skinner

What I saw happenning tonight was very distressing to me, not just because Dean lost, but because of the way it happenned.

Over the last week, the accumulation of negative comments on Dean seemed to reach some kind of threshold. The message was "Dean is an angry, irresponsible person and will lose to Bush if nominated." It's a big lie, but it was repeated often enough. Up until a week ago, it seemed that voters were impervious, but something happened that cost Dean his teflon.

The thing that I regret most is the message -- whatever you do, don't be angry, or you're a bad person and an unelectable candidate. If the nominee accepts that false premise, a repeat of the 2002 election is much more likely.

[Ugnmoose]

40. A Dean Post Mortem

First, don't assume as goes Iowa so goes the nomination. Many have finished third and gone on to win.

I think Dean does need to take heed from the exit polling as to why he did so poorly. After all his message seems to be resonating very well around the country. Could it be that the constant media attacks on him took a toll? Possibly, but there may be a greater message here. And that is that the conservative Midwest farm belt might just find his in your face style of politicking a little much. I think this can play in the big cities and on the coasts but it doesn't play well in laid back land. I also think that perhaps many undecideds made up their minds at the last minute and switched to a more known entitiy, John Kerry rather than ride with the new kid.

In any event I don't think this is over for Dean by a long shot. He has a large and very loyal following and the best organizational structure of any of the candidates. Plus he has the funding to back him.

If I were to offer one word of advice to Dr. Dean it would be to direct his attacks only at Bush and not the other candidates. And he needs to do it without any reservation. That means going after him on 9-11; on Cheney Energy Conference; on Wilson/Plame, etc. Bush is vulnerable right now and this needs to be exploited.

Anyway on to New Hampshire and may the best man win!

[_NorCal_D_]

41. Stay strong Dean supporters,

the race is far from over.

[JasonDeter]

42. Dean is on to N.H. and he's gonna be like a pit bull.

This is just getting fun.

[Cuban_Liberal]

43. From an Edwards supporter: Chin up, guys! It's not over by a long shot!

Iowa is ONE state, and you ahve tremendous resources available to your candidate that I WISH were avialble to mine! There's a long road ahead, and you are frankly much better equipped than the rest of us are! Now, pick yourselves up, dust yourselves off, and get on with business! Good luck to you, and may the best man win! Remember--- we're all in this for the same reason--- to beat Shrub in November!

:hug:hi:

[Padraig18]

138. Thank you, Tony!

:hug::loveya:

[JasonDeter]

44. please delete dupe

This is just getting fun.

[hellhathnofury]

45. They beat us up and then stole our message.

Damn them to hell!

Go Dean!

[mvd]

48. It is not over yet

Dean is the only one besides Kucinich and Sharpton who I think would truly shake up Washington and the lobbying. He could resonate in New Hampshire.

[sistersofmercy]

50. It's not over, Dean is going to show well in NH!

Peace

[Snivi Yllom]

157. word!

Dean will be the Come Back Kid in NH!

[MoonAndSun]

51. I posted this in another thread, here are my feelings about tonight.

We all want to see our candidate win, no matter what state it is or if it is a caucus or a primary. Dean did not win today, and as Scarlett O'Hara said when Rhett walked out on her "Tomorrow is another day".

Let's go ahead and be sad for tonight's results, but tomorrow morning we will get up and get ready for the next fight in Hew Hampshire.

Keep the faith!



PS: Congrats to Kerry and Edwards. I will vote for the Dem candidate in November.

[funky_bug]

52. Did you guys watch the caucus?

Puleez... that was insane y'all, and you know it means little in the grand scheme of things!

It is FAR from over, and I think with your base, and the passion you all have for your candidate, that you are very VERY much in the game.

Continue to be of good cheer. Dean is a fighter, and hey, Clinton took third, so it's a very good omen, right?

Peace!

[Leilani]

88. I Agree

Hey Guys,

Dean has done a terric job; he has energized the Dems.

This is now a 4 man race & it's going to go all over the country.

Don't lose hope...you have money & organization, & Iowa is not a predictor of anything, in the long run.

I support Clark, but I admire the Dean campaign.

[edzontar]

53. Glad to see a few of you are still here--so cheer up!

DU can be a depressing place in the best of times for Dean supporters.

Iowa is over--we don;t really know what happened with the Kerry surge--but it seems like the folks went for the "I am more electable" line for some reason....

This makes NH a more interesting race, since it will put clark on the defensive there in a way that he wouldn't have been if eiher Gephardt or Dean had won.

The three-way, or maybe four wat (with JE) race could give Dean the margin of victory here and put us back on top.

So do not despair.

[Cassandra]

56. Well, I'm sad...

but I'm also encouraged by how much talent we have in this race. I started out liking Kerry, switched to Dean (was disappointed by Kerry's campaign style), I'm impressed with Clark (still like Dean, though) and I think Edwards is running a very graceful campaign. So I can find good reasons to vote for any one of those (glad I don't have to say that about Lieberman or Sharpton) and any of them would be a fine President. I look forward to hearing more from them as they test themselves on the stump.
P.S. Kucinich has also run a fine campaign and should keep speaking out.

Now, back to rooting for DEAN!

[markus]

57. That which does not kill us makes us stronger

I'll take a ticket out, but I have to hope that the Dean campaign learned from this.

They need both anger and a positive vision for America, and Dean needs to state primarily on positive message. It can't just be "you have the power". That's not enough. Dean needs to enunciate a vision. If he's just against the war and pro-taxes, we lose. Those are both appropriate stands, but offering to repeal the tax cut without a short-term plan for the middle class was resonsible but bone headed.

Dean didn't turn enough people out. Period. I've seen enough of a "self-organizing campaign" in my own state to know that this approach won't work in the long run, not against disciplined party aparatchiks. You can't just post "please come out and do some work" on the internet and hope for people to show up (which is what's happening in North Dakota). You need a core of people dragging the volunteers.

It's not over yet, but the Dean campaign needs to wake up and smell the coffee.

[kerry-is-my-prez]

135. Dean had a huge number of people in Iowa - don't know if you can blame

the campaign for that....

[kaitykaity]

59. I am completely devastated.

Now I have to listen to the Hannity's of the world
crow and gloat. I just don't know how much more of this
losing I can handle.

I'm looking forward to the Iowa post-mortem, non-media
whore source, of course.

[dansolo]

116. Forget Hannity, did you see Lieberman tonight?

He was positively gleeful. I will be really glad when he is gone from this race.

[RamboLiberal]

121. I think Lieberman will get his wake up call Tuesday

or at least I hope so.

[NewHampster]

60. I'm Going to Welcome Dean to NH at 2AM

Its an hour drive over to Pease but he has to know that we're not giving up on him just because Fox and MSNBC think we should.

Any other Grante Staters gonna join me?


?was that nice enough not to get deleted?

[expatriot]

61. The silver lining here... Missouri is ours.

The silver lining here is Gephardt is out of the race which opens up Missouri for us to get.

Who ever thought of those hunter orange stocking hats was the one that cost Dean IA.

[LeftPeopleFinishFirst]

62. Congratulations Dean supporters.

You did well.

[TLM]

65. Folks let me just say this... this may be a good thing...

Why did Kerry take 1st place?

1. He spent a shitload of his money.

2. Clark, who is drawing from the same pool of votes as Kerry, skiped Iowa.

3. Gephardt fell on his sword and threw his caucus goers to Kerry.

4. Media dog piled on Dean.

What do these things have in common?

They can not be maintained. Moving into NH and SC Kerry can't keep spending money at this rate or he will run out. Also Kerry and Clark will be fighting over the same voters in those states, and there is no switch over option in primary states like in caucus states. Gephardt can only drop out once. THat's not going to be much help to Kerry in non-caucus states.

Kerry's win tonight raises expections, and meeting those will be very hard. Whereas, now Dean has less spotlight and less expections... Dean runs best as the underdog and any win from here on out will play as a comeback.

Kerry very likely will hit a brick wall named Clark in NH and suddenly crash hard going into super tuesday because of it. With the media focus off of Dean, for at least a week or two, and on Kerry... we'll see Kerry taking the heat for a change.

And remember Clinton got 3% in iowa.

[Lorien]

81. Media Dog also likes Kerry best

but will turn on him if he gets the nomination (and you thought Gore got a lot of "wooden" comments and jokes)?

Dean and Clark have the fire and support to win, but that's not what the media, and the establishment, wants. They want someone who won't fire people up at the grassroots level, they want someone who will bring back the Greens, and I'm afraid that's Kerry. Kerry is one of our better candidates, no doubt, but does he have the "Mojo" to win like Dean or Clark? Sadly, it's mojo that inspires most swing voters to go to the polls.

I really hope you're right about Dean running best as an underdog, because I don't think the media will turn on Kerry (until he's the nominee). I know a fair number of McCain repugs that want to vote for Dean, so I still feel he's our best bet.

[robbedvoter]

68. Primaries are just now starting! As I always said - let the games begin!

May the best man win!

[cthrumatrix]

70. I agree this is a 50 state war...and we are with the Dr. there is no need

to change message....he was polling number one in many upcoming states and the tide will turn. Let the media pick on somebody else.

Stick togther and don't take any crap from people.

[xultar]

71. I think Govenor Dean is quite gracious this evening. It is a tough

night. This is an overall positive because only 4 times have winners of IA won the nomination and the GE. So I would take heart that this is a positive thing.

Dean looked great tonight and the fire is still there. Don't let him down by feelimg down. I don't think he'd dig that. The road is way to long from here.

See ya'll in NH!

[many a good man]

72. Eulogy for the Dean campaign

organ music please...

ahem...

oh wait! he's still alive! 49 more states to go!

[Name removed]

75. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[maryallen]

80. Dean deserves a lot of credit ...

For standing up to Bush and the Republicans on Iraq. He was the first candidate to plainly state that the country was headed in the wrong direction.

He has received a bum rap from the media -- outlandish treatment, really. This bit about "where is his wife?" is totally out of line and Dean merits an "Atta-boy!" for not losing his cool.

Hang in there, Deaniacs! He'll fight another day.

[mmonk]

74. Wishing Dean supporters well

and keep your heads up. You've built a good organization and Iowa doesn't necessarily carry any history of influence especially in the primary states.

[Redneck Socialist]

76. Buck up kiddos...

Dean is gonna kick ass! He's got the money, he's got the organization, he's got the enthusiasm and he has the best supporters out there. On to New Hampshire...and the White House.

[LiberalBushFan]

78. Ok, I'm not going to bash Dean anymore!

Time for Dean and Clark supporters to band together and bash Kerry! Until our candidates overtake him, then we can bash each other again!

But f'real tho. Dean supporters cheers up! It's only 1 of 50! That's like nothing! History shows it's nothing! Onward for all of us!

Sorry for all the exclamation marks, I think I use too many in general.

[Ediacara]

104. I agree sort of

Dean I love, but Clark I also love.

If it comes down to Dean vs Clark, it'll be like choosing between one $100 bill or two $50 bills :-)

I don't think that Edwards or Kerry are good candidates that could really win in a general election, although both are honorable men.

I just really want a lot of first and second place finishes for Dean and Clark in the next 49 states, and a lot of third and fourth place finishes for Kerry and Edwards.

And the rapid withdrawal of Lieberman (endorsing Clark), Sharpton (endorsing no one), and Kucinich (endorsing Edwards).

[no name no slogan]

82. Congrats to Dean supporters

Even if tonight is not quite as big a victory as you expected, just remember that what appears to be a setback at first usually turns out to be a blessing in the long run.

I mean, think of it: how many Dean supporters will NOT redouble their efforts in the other contests? How many will STOP volunteering or contributing? If experience is any indication, most of you will hit the pavement tomorrow working harder than you did today-- and your campaign will be that much stronger for it.

So again, congratulations to all of you. You've done a terrific job so far, and I'm sure you'll continue to do well in NH and beyond.

This race is FAR from over. The fat lady ain't singing. Hell, she's not even at the theater yet!

:toast:

[slinkerwink]

83. Us Dean Supporters Have to Work Harder Than Ever

Us Dean Supporters Have to Work Harder Than Ever

So Dean came in third in Iowa....and we have to mount a huge comeback in New Hampshire. I think Dean might lose five or six more points in NH, but with our volunteers going there, and hopefully the Dean campaign will have changed their advertising strategy, because quite frankly, their ads are too "folksy" and it still looks like it's the media that drives the campaigns.

Grassroots power is now just a small part of that, and Dean now has to operate under the radar like Edwards while Kerry and Clark battle it out along with Edwards in New Hampshire.

Let Dean campaign more positively, and on his healthcare/education issues instead of the IWR because it looks like the IWR didn't matter in Iowa after all. We'll have to work ten times harder than we did in Iowa to place first.

[bain_sidhe]

84. Condolences, compadres. Now...

Have a cry, have a beer and get back to work! :-)

Seriously, I'm disappointed too. I was really rooting for Dean in IA because I want the primary to come down to Clark and Dean - the only two (IMHO) who are about *growing* the party, instead of just tinkering at the margins. They have different ideas about *how* to grow the party, but they both know status quo isn't gonna cut it.

So, see you in NH, and I expect y'all to have your game face on!

[rhino47]

85. Deans amazing talent benefits all the Dems

I1m an Edwards supporter but Dean`s abilitys are amazing to me. He`s able to motivate and draw people who would probably not vote to the polls.His strength is not going to let him to be counted out.He has brought so many people into the party and the political process that all candidates owe him that at least.
So good luck Dean and his supporters.See you in NH.

[Anwen]

87. I'm so disappointed.

But I'm only going to allow myself to feel disappointed tonight. Tomorrow I'll wake up refreshed, re-energized and ready to help take Dean's campaign go all the way to the White House!

That which doesn't kill us makes us stronger, right?! This is only the beginning. :-)

[quaker bill]

89. Here is the deal

The margin of victory in Iowa was smaller than the population of my small town in Florida.

We need to keep this in perspective. The third place finish gives no bragging rights, but it is hardly the end.

We can still win this thing. Get to work.

[BurtWorm]

90. Dean people, keep heart.

The record is 0-1, but the season has barely started.

[stevebreeze]

92. I am quite surprised Dean did not do better but it is only one state

I am a Kucinich supporter but I marvel at the organization Dean has put together.(Dean is my second choice) I will not be surprised if this the low point for Dean and he does better down the road. The main thing is to keep out eyes on the prise and support whom ever wins the nomination.
:kick:

[WillyBrandt]

93. From a Clark supporter: this is NOT over

Dean has an amazing organization, and Iowa is a VERY unusual primary state. His numbers and money are excellent, and the field is winnowing.

You have an excellent candidate, and though Clark is my guy, smart bettors would still place cash on Dean winning.

Dean supporters had a very bad night--on many number of levels. But guess what? So have Clark supporters. And Kerry supporters. And, if you think back, so have Dean supporters in the past.

You'll be amazed at how quickly this will be history. Keep on keeping on: the race has barely begun.

[kerry-is-my-prez]

95. Keep your chin up guys. Iowa is only one state. Go to bed-have a good

cry and then wake up tomorrow fighting the good fight. Good luck to you all.

p.s. - sorry for the "mean" comments of my fellow "Clarkies."

[dembabe]

97. Give $$$ to Dean!!!

Come on you guys!! Iowa is just one state. The media has been beating down Dean the past week....what did we REALLY expect?

Dean will do alot better in the east.

Don't sweat it. It's still EARLY. Give money to Dean.

Quit the handwringing.

[fabius]

98. We have accomplished incredible things,

...and it's only beginning.

This campaign is still the most amazing political phenomenon I can remember since RFK. And I do remember RFK. So, let's hang in there and keep working.

There will be a lot of negative campaign tactics, just expect it. We must learn to combat them.

BTW I was extremely proud to read in the NY Times Public Editor that many of you have been lambasting them for their negative coverage. Keep it up! Fight them on the streets. Fight them at the ballot box. Fight them on the blogs. Never surrender!

Ok, but also please vote for the Democratic nominee even if it isn't Howard Dean!

I've been a real leftist Liberal since 1972. This is a great Democratic field, but it's been Howard Dean who has been their leader and inspiration.

[dembabe]

103. There is no one else like Dean!

Dean is unique. He speaks his mind. He has a backbone. He calls it like he sees it. No one else running compares to him. He is our man...the only one that can do the job.

I just love his passion.

Plus, if Al Gore endorsed him then he's "the one" for me.

I can't even think about another candidate right now....sorry.

[Name removed]

99. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[DemonFighterLives]

100. This 3rd place in IA

It means very little in the long run. The Iowans were just caught up with the media bashing Dean. Of course most of the other dems as well. Dean would never draw all that attention if he didn't have to be reckoned with.
Ole Bill Schneider was on CNN babbling about how he thought it was the capture of Saddam that took the wind out of Deans sails. Funny, I didn't notice that it made much of a difference to anyone.
Dean still has a great chance. Nothing against IA, my neighbors, but they like to believe that their choices are the final word, which they are not. :)

[dsc]

102. I have only just begun to fight

I won't pretend I am not shocked and more than a little sad but I will be in Michigan next weekend and I will be in Ohio in Feb and Mar. This coverage Dean has gotten and the names we have been called are no accident. Dean could be off the ballot by March and I would write in his vote before I will give in.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/articles/04/01/19_dean.html

[Tatiana]

105. Good luck to the Dean campaign!

Your spirits will be much improved after the NH primary :)

[AnnitaR]

106. From a Clark supporter...

You guys might not care what a low post count Clark supporter has to say but here goes...

Sorry you guys had a bad night, but keep in mind the last folks who won Iowa DID NOT go on to be President! This race is not over by a long shot. This is one night and one state.

Tomorrow is a new day... on to NH!

[dembabe]

108. Thx. Remember, Clinton lost Iowa, too!!

Dean WILL bounce back....count on it.

[AnnitaR]

112. Yep, exactly my point.

Chimpy lost Iowa too. Even Bob Dole was reminding everyone that he won Iowa when he ran and it didn't put him in the White House.

This thing is far from over for any of us. Well, except for Gep.

[creativelcro]

107. This was good for Dean and for the democrats

The media will leave him alone for a while. And the democrats are re-energized because things seem up in the air.

[candy331]

119. I was disappointed that Dean did not finish 1st or

even 2nd but disappointment quickly turned to anger. I was angry at the Iowans for being lazy, falling for a two bit dog and pony show from Kerry and Edwards. Why in the heck did they think they had record turnout, it sure wasn't the slippery tongued Edwards/Kerry? Sure Edwards and Kerry could say they presented a positive message because Dean was the trailblazer who took the licks, the scratches, went down in the trenches to confront Bush. It was Dean who excited people to action. So Iowans chose to play it safe and go with the usual. Well no risk no gain. Why didn't Iowans ask where was Edwards and Kerry when they were needed to stand up and face Mr. Bush and vote no to the war and no to the patriot act and no to NCLB. For the life of me I can't understand why people vote against their own best interests.

I saw California all over again with Arnold, people falling for his few slick words of rising above negative campaigning. Perhaps it is true people are not ready for a change unless it is done for them, they don't want to think they just want to be held by the hand and told what to do.

I am a Dean supporter and will be one until he goes to the WH or until he says he is out. If Edwards can't win his own senate seat in his own state how is he going to deliver the South.

I was anybody but Bush but that is senseless. Why keep a dying tree standing better to chop it down and plant a new one that will have vitality and strength. If there are no changes in this party but the same old regurgitated mess then the sooner the party dies the better.

I still say the republicans are on self destruct but the Dems are so weak they can't even take advantage of that because they are on auto pilot to destruction themselves.

I realize that Iowa is not everything and we have just begun the fight but if Americans want stand up for change when it is presented to them then we are destined to more of the same. They have to know that only the people can make a change. I think Dean is going to have to tailor his message as talking to babes and guide them step by step as to what they can do with his help. I know people say they are adults and want to be treated as such but when they act as babes then what do you do but treat them as babes.

Thanks for allowing me to rant, got it off my chest, back on my pony let's ride to NH!

Thanks Skinner for providing a place of refuge from the storm.

[shivaji]

109. I don't see Iowa as anywhere near disaster for Dean, In fact,

The only real loser in Iowa is Mr. Gephardt. That is obvious.
This was his neighboring state, and he lost big.

As for the doctor, actually I was surprised to see him near
the lead in Iowa in the first place. I was a precinct captain
of my precinct last year, and I have seen how the system
works. It is MOSTLY PARTY ACTIVISTS running the show. Let's
face it, the party hierarchy does not want Dean to win. In an
OPEN VOTING system as in this caucus, you are under great
pressure to go with the flow with the party bosses.

Kerry won mainly because of party leaders putting the squeeze
on the activists. The caucus is a OPEN VOTING method. If you
are a party activist, you best go with the local bigshots.
Kerry also benefitted from the veterans.

Edwards scored big with his positive campaign, especially
amongst women. Women dislike negative campaigning big time.
And they go for looks, when undecided.

Our Dean volunteers obviously worked hard, and they can make
a differance in regular voters but NOT PARTY ACTIVISTS. In New
Hampshire we have all the advantages going our way. Dean is
well known, a popular neighboring governor, and it will be a
SECRET ballot where no one can pressure anyone.

And lastly, don't forget we have a big advantage in terms of
money to organize campaigns in the numerous upcoming state
primaries, the others don't. The fast timetable is our
advantage. Kerry and especially Edwards do not have enough
time left to collect large amounts of money.

So overall, I am still very upbeat of Dr. Dean's chances.

[Tinoire]

113. Congratulations Dean Supporters!

3rd place is NOTHING to sneeze out and coming out of nowhere at that! The Dean Machine (can I even use that term?) should be glowing with pride at having accomplished so much!

For people outside of Iowa who haven't really heard of Dean, they'll start to take notice now becuase he's the little Governor who came out of nowhere and came in 3rd (I think Clinton came in third in Iowa too). Not shabby at all for grass-roots... This is just the start of the race. You guys have a great shot! Don't let anything discourage you!

:toast:

[tameszu]

129. Let me balance this off by agreeing with Tinoire (for once?)

Howard Dean is right: the ADD media sketches 3rd in IA and ahead of Gep as a big loss, even though the conventional wisdom, horseracing political journalistic poohbahs would have written such a result as beyond the pale of impossibility 8 months ago. You have much reason to celebrate what you've achieved so far: namely, restoring a lot of enthusiasm to the Democratic Party!

[Comadreja]

114. Only Shrubby gets a free pass

A bitch slap can be very bracing. I expect the team leaders will make the necessary change in tactics, if any, ang get on with it. Dean's still the one. I would back (gulp) Kerry if he won, but not with anywhere near the same enthusiasm. The question for me is, do I spend my money now to back Dean, or wait until the actual election to back whoever gets nominated. Kicking Smirko's pansy ass still has top priority for me.

[joefree1]

117. No bloody nose here

Guess we'll have to donate another couple of million to Dean this week.

Bring it on. Thanks to the positive post from others.

As for the negative stuff thrown at Dean or any of the Dem Candidates kiss my asses.

[Cooley Hurd]

118. Jeez... this is just Iowa. It means little to lose this caucus...

The only real result of tonight's contest was that Kerry & Edwards' campaigns were resurrected - it certainly was not a death knell for Dean's.

Get ready to kick ass in NH!

[ecstatic]

120. its been a rough few weeks

As a Dean supporter, the past few weeks have been kind of rough. The attacks levelled against Dean have made me just want to hide under a rock and/or switch candidates in order to escape the constant negativity.

[Crunchy Frog]

122. I just want to say

that Iowa means very little in the grand scheme of things. What this does mean is that we have a real race on rather than a coronation. I think that is for the best.

Naturally, I hope my guy wins, but I think that we can be certain that whoever the winner is, he will have been toughened by going through a real fight, and will be ready to face down the Chimp in November.

Keep on fighting for your guy. I have a feeling this race is going to be full of surprises. Even if Dean doesn't get the nomination, he has done an enormous service to this party and the eventual nominee by being willing to say the things that needed to be said when everyone else was too afraid. I think he's helped to give a spinal column transplant to all the candidates, and that's a very good thing.:thumbsup:

[candy331]

125. I am not inspired by even if Dean does

not get the nomination. No Dean, No change.

[Piperay]

126. Stay strong...

don't get discouraged, we all have a long way to go yet.

[mermaid]

127. Okay, Gang...One State Does Not A Primary Make

Not sure how it happened that Dean ended up third. I expected first or, at worst, second. but it makes some sense to me in that Dean was splitting the labor union vote with Gephardt.

I'm pretty sure Gephardt is gonna drop, and his supporters may yet come to Dean, making this more of a three-way horse race.

And then, you have to consider those who did not participate in the caucus..like Clark. How many votes will Clark take from Kerry and Edwards iin N.H. and beyond? not likely many Dean supporters would break and vote for Clark.

This could wind up very much a four-horse race, come to think of it, Dean, Kerry, Edwards, and Clark.

I started out an Edwards supporter, but changed when it looked like Dean had a solid grassroots campaign and a plan to WIN.
I still believe in Dean. And I think we can do it!

Don't get discouraged, guys...it's just one caucus...one state...there's 49 yet to be heard from, and Dean DID win D.C, though that is non-binding.

I suspect N.H. will go Kerry or Dean, respectively, in the one and two spots.
Beyond that lies SC. And I think Edwards may well win that, and Sharpton may make a strong showing there. SC should be interesting, because I actually expect that neither Dean nor Kerry will be in the top three spots there, due to the demographics of ther state.

I suspect Clark will show strong in SC, as will Edwards, and Sharpton.

After SC, then the REAL boogey-woogie starts...and for now, we will do well if we just continue to place well, and get our message out there.

There may well be four viable candidates still on Super Tuesday.

I'd suspect Gephardt, Kucinich, and Lieberman would all drop after the showing in Iowa. Leaving us with four plus Sharpton, who I suspect may drop after SC. I think Sharpton just wants to own a few delegates at the Convention.

At any rate, while I sincerely hope the best for Dean, and remain strong as ever in my support for him, we all must remember that ANY of the candidates on te Dem side would make a finer President than Dubya!

[Woodstock]

130. Dean is well ahead of the pack nationally

"Former Vermont Governor Howard Dean is still the clear first choice of Democrats nationwide, named by 24% as their preferred nominee. Retired General Wesley Clark is at 12%, while Rep. Dick Gephardt is at 11%. Dean's support dipped a bit three weeks ago, after the capture of Saddam Hussein, but it has now returned to its mid-December levels."

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2004/01/17/opinion/polls/main593848.shtml

I don't concur that he's dead because of Iowa. Many candidates who ended up the nominee didn't take Iowa. And I never thought he'd take it in the first place.

The hateful Bruce Reed was gloating on TV, but I never pay attention to the DLC anyway. They are the reason I picked Dean in the first place - I want nothing they are selling.

I didn't see the speech everyone is talking about - not sure if that is the career killer some are saying it is. But with all the brain dead Bush speeches we have at our disposal, if they start trotting out Dean's weaker speeches, we'd have hundreds of Bush's to counter that.

[Michael Harrington]

131. Even though I'm a Democratic lifer...

I'm not afraid to bolt if it's necessary. I voted "No" in '96 (pulled the lever for my Congressman, left the Presidential one unpulled) and for Nader in 2000 (Bush won handily here, so I could vent my spleen at Gore and his "Me, Too" bit), but I'll vote for the eventual nominee, because this is the most important Get That Fool Out Of Office vote since 1984.

Having said that, I have an awfully bad taste in my mouth tonight to see two guys who played Poindexter in the Corner while Dean went out and got something going slide in at the end and take home the prize(s).

[LizW]

133. Okay, I finally saw the speech

at least the part ABC showed on Good Morning America, which I assume was the very worst part.

I didn't think it was so awful. He was encouraging a bunch of supporters who had worked their tails off and had to be feeling disappointed. It was Dean being Dean. I'm sorry so many people were so put off by it, but I just don't think it was that big a deal. I was much more concerned with how absolutely exhausted and horrible he looked in this morning's interview with Charlie Gibson. It was mercifully short, because he looked like he was about to tumble off the chair.

ABC, by the way, spent the whole post-caucus report patting themselves (the press) on the back for shaping the outcome.

[seg4527]

136. Give 'em Hell, Howard.

I was on the phone with my girlfriend when I found out that Dean lost, and I was pretty dejected and disappointed for the rest of the phone call, which lasted until about midnight. Then I came downstairs, put on the TV, saw that Senator Harkin was just about to introduce Howard Dean on C-SPAN, so I watched it, and I am now more energized for Dean than I ever have been. The Howard Dean last night reminded me of the Howard Dean that I fell in love with over a year ago. He was angry, and he was out to give them hell.

[Walt Starr]

137. Well, it's the morning after and something needs to be pointed out

People have told Dean supporters that the anti-Dean stuff about DU was all in their heads. I've been told this personally time after time.

In the candidate only threads, not only is this one the only one with deleted posts. There were six of them.

Yep, there was no organized get Dean effort on DU alright.

:eyes:

[slinkerwink]

139. some people just have a favorite target, y'know? And Dean

was their target for so long. It's hard to break old habits ;-)

[Walt Starr]

140. They won't reast until he pulls out

My hope is he'll pull out the dirty tricks and spring them on all of the other candidates. The other candidates started with the dirty tricks. Payback can be a bitch.

[PAMod]

141. I don't know what's going to happen now...

but we can't let up.

One thing for sure - I (and a lot of professional pundits) apparently don't know anything about presidential politics (so much for the degree), so I am swearing off making any more predictions (for a while, anyway.)

The biggest thing that really hurt Dean was being perceived as the apparent nominee before the voting began. The headline in the Harrisburg Patriot today is that the "favorite", Howard Dean lost Iowa. All the people who warned that he had peaked too soon - now sound prophetic, though I think they were just spouting some wishful thinking. I can't remember any Iowa caucus that "turned on a dime" like '04.

We had better learn what happened, and fast. Some of it will be ugly and painful, but those lessons are usually the most useful in politics.

Let's lick our wounds; our guy has the money and the devoted following to play to the end. What has to happen (in 7 days time) is a rehabilitation of the "underdog" People Powered Howard!

[edzontar]

142. It is the morning after a sad night for the nation

And for DU.

We are not beaten, not by a long shot.


I certainly appreciate, and thank you all, for the kind words here, especially from those who supported othe candidates,

The attack threads here last night were a disgrace, however.

It is my fervent hope that everyone who participated in that shameful display will be chastened by future events.

And now, on to NH.

[Ripley]

143. Hey people...HE CAME IN THIRD!!!!! Not too shabby for a long-shot.

Thankfully I stayed away from this place yesterday...I'm sure it was ugly by the you know who's in the Kerry camp.

Yes, I'm a little shocked and disappointed, but then I remember everyone said Dean was a long-shot. Then he got momentum and what heppened? The big guns in the party came out and blasted him with lies. I'm sure glad Gephardt has to drop out now...I don't give a hoot what his record is...he should be ashamed that his last minute ad against Dean stated a big fat lie, you know the one about Dean saying Medicare is a horrible program? He probably siphoned off some seniors with that crap.

Anyway...Kerry will probably remain the toughest to beat because he has unlimited moola. But that will only be a good thing, Dean can sharpen his responses to the attacks even more!

Yea Dean...Top Three!! :bounce:

P.S. I heard 3% of Iowa caucases...if that's right...this seems incredibly insignificant as an indicator of how actual election voters think. I know, it is more about a media frenzy to get the names out...but still...3% and they go to every damn county? What a waste.

[deutsey]

144. Don't waste time mourning. Organize!

:hi:

[Malikshah]

145. The media giveth the media taketh away

We should all bear that in mind, no matter who we support.

We should also bear in mind that we are above that, we are beyond that--no matter who we support.

Yes, I'm for Dean and have been since he entered in June 2003. I'm also ABB.

They will make fun of him and laugh at him--but remember the Gandhi quote that's been going around for months now.

I heard him and saw his speech and was galvanized for the continuing competition. In the end--this is the fiery test that will strengthen the metal. We will vanquish the BFEE. *Insert picture of St. George here*

}(

[A-Schwarzenegger]

146. Howard Dean is put the blood & the balls

back in not only the Democratic Party
but the whole political process in the US.

[eissa]

148. My 2 cents

I'm still a Dean supporter and will continue to work hard for him. If we win, great. If not, I think Dean should be given credit for steering the debate in the right direction by focusing on * and his liabilities, speaking out at a time when our democratic "leaders" were silent, and giving voice to those of us in the party who are frustrated with the shift to the center and the hard right policies of this administration.

[Donkeyboy75]

150. Sad, but no big deal

Dean may have the most widespread support of any candidate. This is going to be a long race, and we'll have forgotten about Iowa on Feb. 3.

One thing, though. We shouldn't compare his showing to Clinton's. Clinton barely campaigned in Iowa, while Dean basically went balls out. That being said, Kerry and Clark will fight over the same votes (older, war vets)...and there will be less of them anywhere else except Iowa

[Oreegone]

151. Thank YOU for all your support

I want to first of all say thankyou to all the people here who are supporting other candidates and were kind enough to stop by and give us some Kudos.

Secondly I want to thank all my fellow Deaniacs who realize this is the first game in a very long season. In football terms it would not really be the first game but one of those pre-season warm up games.

We love our country and we do not want to see endless wars, a polluted planet, a world full of substandard living, our military, our elderly and our children cut from our ranks for lack of adequate housing, medical care, proper nutrition.

Fight the good fight, tomorrow is another day and the voter demographics are going to radically change in these upcoming states.

Write letters, have house parties, talk to your family and friends in the upcoming primary states. Wear your Dean garb and buttons when you go out in public, invite people to your local Meetups, and donate.

We have just begun to fight.:kick:

[pnziii]

152. Kerry and Edwards didn't have the guts when it counted

Both Kerry and Edwards voted for going to war. They claim that based on the evidence it was the right thing to do. Funny, I saw what Powell presented to the UN and laughed. I listened to what Cheney said and knew he was lying. I saw past the smoke and mirror, why couldn't Kerry/Edwards.
Both were fooled by Bush about Iraq
When it was time to stand up against Bush when it was most important, THEY DIDN'T!

They both voted for the Patriot Act and then talk about our liberties and how Bush has taken them away.
When it was time to stand up against Bush when it was most important, THEY DIDN'T!

I hear Kerry is more electable because he is a war hero. Being a war here (and they use this term so easily now)does not mean he will make a good President. Bush one had a great war record and got beat by a draft dodging Clinton. Eisenhower was a war hero and was a mediocre president. America had a great performing economy during his terms because Europe and Japan were decimated and couldn't compete. He did nothing to help the Hungarians when they tried to break away from USSR.
FDR did not have a war record, but was a GREAT president.


As for Dean's "anger" again people listen to the talking heads. Truman was a lousy speaker and was made fun of by the press. He was a gruff straight to the point president that didn't mix words. I believe he was one of the greatest men that rose to and surpassed the occasion. In fact when Truman ran against Dewey the media loved Dewey. They couldn't say enough about him. So the gruff, poor stumping Truman took his message directly to the people and road his train across the country to little towns and told the people NOT what they wanted to hear, but what they HAD to hear. Truman got a grass roots movement started and surprised all the media pundits with his victory.

All I can say is look at Kerry's and Edwards voting record and look what Dean has done at the grass roots. I for one came back to vote in this election after being disillusioned by the Democrats in recent years.


https://ssl.capwiz.com/aclu/bio/?id=298&congress=1081&lvl=C
https://ssl.capwiz.com/aclu/bio/?id=439&congress=1081&lvl=C

[candy331]

153. Thanks Pnziii for your post

It is so easy for people to forget history and repeat the same mistakes. I would never vote for Kerry or Edwards because I wholeheartedly agree with you they rode in on the coattail of someone else's already blazed trail. "A friend in need is a friend indeed" Where were they when their country truly needed them, cowering behind Bush. You have told some wonderful truths here and again I say thanks for your post it was very uplifting.

Dean only for me to the end Whitehouse/his house.

[Anwen]

155. Question....

I'm pretty new to politics and this is really the first election I've paid close attention to... and I was wondering what happens next? I know that the next place is New Hampshire, but when do they vote?

[Walt Starr]

156. Next Tuseday is the New Hampshir primary

Then February third will see quite a few.

[Anwen]

160. Thanks

for the info

:-)

[progressivebydesign]

158. A little chuckle for Dean supporters?? From a Dean supporter...

Howard got run over by the pundits,
on his way to caucus Monday eve.
You may say there's no such thing as bias...
but as for me and the Deanies, we believe.

He was being far too honest.
And we begged him, take it slow,
But he said, 'the people have to hear this'!
as he bounded off the bus, into the snow.

When we found him Tuesday morning,
at the scene of the attack
He had Rove's initials on his forehead,
and Democratic arrows in his back.

Howard got run over by the pundits,
on his way to caucus Monday eve.
You may say there's no such thing as bias...
but as for me and the Deanies, we believe.

The pundits mused that this was "bye-bye" Howard,
the Dean supporters weren't taking it too well.
What did not kill Howard made him stronger
He's on to New Hampshire, Howard give 'em hell!

Better watch out for your campaign,
Pundits can turn on you just like that
Unless you want to see November's winner
Golfing in Kennebunkport wearing a cowboy hat!

Oh, Howard got run over by the pundits,
on his way to caucus Monday eve.
You may say there's no such thing as bias...
but as for me and the Deanies, we believe. ;-)

[shanti]

162. i can live with third place

in THIS primary. at least he made the top three. one down and 50 to go, howard!

[Gin]

164. I was disappointed last night...but got an email this morning saying

he was happy to make it to number 3 in Iowa. Since only 2 other winners in Iowa have gone on to the white house..it would have felt good to win or place second....but the race has just started.

Kerry if he gets the nomination will get my vote but no money.

I am a one issue person this time..(the war) The issue of preemption is a dangerous precedent that we have set. The war has cost us lives, money, and good will. The 05 budget will be out soon and more billions will be necessary to prop up the government and troops in Iraq.

Dean has my vote and support.

[askew]

167. I realize I am really late to this thread.

But, DU is seriously ugly for a Dean supporter right now. And while I am trying to stay positive for Dean right now, I just have a horrible feeling that the cards are stacked against him. As a lifelong Democrat, who actively campaigned for Clinton and was excited to vote for Clinton and Gore, I literally cannot and will not vote for any of the other Democrats in this race. I would have voted for CMB, Gephardt, or Graham, but none of these other guys. I just can't do it. And seeing supporters and people who have endorsed Dean jump ship is just even more depressing. Anyone have some positive news to share?

[Logansquare]

169. Yes. Bill Clinton lost Iowa

and he turned it around. If Howard Dean learns from his mistakes, he can turn it around. And, there's no lack of talent in the campaign. The other Dean supporters I've met were GREAT. We need to take our licks (they'll get bored with it after a while) and move forward.