For a supposed DLC shrill Gephardt has a strong liberal record...

[MaverickX]

Gephardt supports civil unions for gay couples, a needle exchange program. He also supports the international minimum wage, fought the passage of NAFTA, GATT, and MFN for China(Dean supports all of this). The only thing Dean has on Gephardt is that Gephardt voted to authorize military force against Iraq. However Dean was never in the position of having to make this choice. Dean isn't a more principled Democrat just because he says he opposed the war on Iraq. Even Pat Buchanan and Bob Novak opposed the war. Dean's record as Governor isn't that liberal so what makes anyone think it'll be so Democratically principled as President? Gephardt on the other hand has gone to battle countless times in Congress and risked being painted a hardcore leftist, even when the Dems were the minority party. He's also done an unbelievable amount for unions and working families here in St. Louis.

[stanwyck]

1. Gephardt and Biden are both "liberal" liberals

Either would be a fine candidate. However, in today's climate, the less you've actually done, the better...less to tear apart. Hence, Arnie is the top contendor in that silly CA circus. There's no substance to rip. Gephardt has a long, impressive record. I wish he and Biden got more credit for their hard work. Thanks for your post.

[Terwilliger]

6. Biden is a fucknut

sorry, but he had a chance to stop the Iraq war in its tracks last year and made sure that the opposition viewpoint was NOT heard

He's up for war crimes himself

[blm]

2. Gephardt and others were unfairly labeled "Bushlite"

back in January. It was a despicable campaign tactic, reminiscent of 2000 when some voters believed there wasn't much difference between Gore and Bush. It was ironic that a centrist would be the one condemning fairly liberal opponents.

[On the Road]

3. Issues and Consistency are Not a Problem with Gephardt

it's a question of his ability to campaign, to inspire, to set strategy, and to fight. I like Dick Gephardt even though he supported the war. I just don't think he's matches up well in an election against Bush.

[jos]

4. Consistency IS Gephardt's biggest problem

He's changed his position on so many issues throughout the years, and has pushed different issues as his "big" issue. While his heart in this right place most of the time, and his lack of consistency is one of the things that has been his undoing.

[Terwilliger]

5. A DLC shrill?

Who called him a DLC "shrill"?

I don't think he shills for the DLC, but I have no doubt he's trying to appeal to them.

[grasswire]

7. I like Dick Gephardt

...and I think he would make a great president.

But I don't know if he would beat Bush. I'm afraid we need a fresh face to beat Bush. Like Wes Clark.

Otherwise I might be supporting Gephardt. He certainly has worked for this moment, and worked his heart out for the American people.

[JVS]

8. He'll beat Bush if nominated

He'll be able to take the big Northern swing states of Michigan and Pennsylvania. I also think that he'll get back W. Virginia and probably take Missouri.