Carol Mosley-Braun is declaring her candidacy

[Cheswick2.0]

She perfectly represents my views. The two positions she has that I hold most important are national single payer health care and renewable energy sources.

Where are the other candidates on these issues? I am talking about single payer health care, not a mish mash of private insurance companies patched together to give us more of the same mess we already have.

Why should I support anyone but her in the primary? I can't figure out a single reason why I would.

Some Kucinich and some Dean supporters will vote Nader if their candidates don't win.

Now we are supposed to be all thrilled at the aspect of welcoming home the reagan democrats who will only vote for Clark.

I am sick of being asked to cater to either group. If Carol doesn't win I'm not going anywhere. I will vote for the democratic candidate. But for now, Carol is the one who best represents me.

[eyesroll]

1. Dennis K. is also in favor of single-payer

and quite a few of the other candidates support renewable energy.

Still, no quibbles with CMB. She's not my first choice, but I'd vote for her in a heartbeat if she won the nomination. I'm glad she's adding to the dialogue.

[WhoCountsTheVotes]

4. Moseley-Braun/Kucinich

Wouldn't I love to vote for that ticket?

[cosmicdot]

19. that is a good team

[CMT]

2. you shouldn't

if she perfectly fits your views and you like her a great deal then work for and vote for CMB--I think she is a fine candidate. I think she might make a fine VP candidate if she doesn't get the nomination itself. If not, she almost certainly should be in the next democratic administration in a cabinet post.

[GainesT1958]

3. Maybe she figures...

Doing so now will help HER to take over the "front-runner status" in the polls for a week!

Looking foward to the debate on Thursday...hopefully Dub's nose-thumbing (by his audience at HIM) UN speech will give 'em lots of red meat to chew on! Plus, this is Gen. Clark's first chance to strut his stuff.

[Cheswick2.0]

6. she spoke from Howard university

She talked about why it was wrong for congress to turn over it's powers to the present for the war with Iraq. She has said nothing yet that I can disagree with. She is straigtforward and isn't affraid to commit to a position.
I am very comfortable with her as a candidate.

[theHandpuppet]

51. I like what I've heard!

I could see myself supporting her before many of the other contenders, that's for sure.

[jenk]

5. oh come on already Carol, TIME TO DROP OUT!

Carol can do what she wants, but jeez louise, she's registering .0001 in the polls!

I saw this on a CNN headline and thought "oh good, the field is finally starting to trim down", then I realized she's declaring her candidacy??? Does she have a chance? no!!!!

[Cheswick2.0]

8. Al Gore still beats all the candidates in the polls

Are you going to work on drafting him? If polls are all that matter, then that should be what you are working for. If not, look in the mirror and view a hypocrite.

[salin]

15. What is the problem?

In the "trim down the field" crowd the biggest rationale is: too much money is needed to be raised, and that these candidates thin the amount of available money.

Moseley Braun is running on almost no money. So she doesn't harm the crowd in this way.

Why the heck should she get out of the race, if she is running on principles (I doubt she thinks she can win) and to get the debate to keep focusing on issues that have an impact upon struggling families? Why is this a bad thing?

I really don't get it. On the LBN thread on this - folks weigh in to ridicule and bash (okay only a couple). Why? Is she a threat to anyone? No. So why the nastiness?

[cosmicdot]

22. ... and, let the power makers and money dealers trump the people?

I say ... carry on CMB .......

I only wish you had won re-election so that you could have been in the Senate on January 6, 2001, when the Electoral College met, and the CBC needed a Senator to co-sponser their objection to the miscarriage of justice forwarded by the Republicans, Big Media, Corporate America, the Felonious 5, and the complicit DLC'ers who saw Al Gore's exit as their '04 opening ... the coronation may have gone on; however, the process would have been closer to what our constitution calls for ...


the establishment wants us to repeat their mantra over and over so it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy:

he/she can't win

[catzies]

26. Sorry, not enough of a reason for me.

My support is firmly with Carol Moseley-Braun. Come what may after the convention, I will support my party's nominee. Until then, CMB is MY candidate. Proudly.

[Terran]

48. All the candidates command some loyalty

That's one reason why the "minor" candidates run--because they can have some influence on the process by doing so. I think it's particularly appropriate that Mosely-Braun runs, as she's the only woman and the only person of color running who's ever been elected to office. She's a reminder to many of us that there *are* other issues out there besides just getting rid of Bush.

Dirk

[Larkspur]

7. This NOW member wants someone who can win and Braun isn't it

I like her, but she hasn't proven to me that she can run a top-tier campaign and win the general election.

This election is about more than issue differences. It's about who has the best chance to oust Bush. Braun lost to Rove's tactics once already and has not shown me that she has learned from that loss and developed a plan to defeat the Bush-Rove machine.

I like Dean because he has a trait that none of the others have -- take a disaster and turn it into a boon. He did that in Vermont and I know he can do it for the nation. Dean's campaign is showing me that he can muster the resources to defeat Bush. Braun will not get out of the bottom tier, even with NOW's endorsement.

[Cheswick2.0]

9. As a Now member , why aren't you supporting her now?

And helping her get out her message? There is time to support Dean later.

Larkspur, I like you, but I find this talk of top and bottom tier candidates obnoxious and snobby.

[Larkspur]

12. Braun has to earn my support just like Dean did

So far she has done nothing to earn it, and I find her remarks that I should support her because she is a female candidate and I'm female to be sexist. It's long past time for vanity female candidacies. The times today require bona fide candidates. Bush is leading us into disaster and Braun hasn't got a clue how to turn it around.

She's a bottom-tier candidate because she has not been able to generate the enthusiasm and money that Dean has.

Dean, who started as a bottom-tier candidate with $157,000 campaign chest compared to Kerry's $2 million, earned his supporters' loyalty. He was not annointed by the Dem Party hierarchy. He earned it by going out to us, listening to us, and developing a plan to help us oust Bush and initiate an Emerging Democratic Majority. He also has a record of turning disaster into a boon. Braun does not.

[Yupster]

10. Why you shouldn't vote for her

Just a guess, but I bet she is no longer in the race the day of the Iowa caucus.

[salin]

21. Why do you guess this?

Sounds a little smug, given that I believe she has vowed to stay in the race regardless of money raised. Appears to be running on the principle of being able to run and be heard. If that is the case, then why would she drop out before Iowa? Those running a low cost campaign are harder to "force out" early. Look at Buchanon and Alan Keyne (sp?)

[Yupster]

53. Just my guess

that's all it is -- a guess.

[roughsatori]

11. She sounds great to me

They are my 2 big issues. Kucinich is for single payer health-care. There are posters here who make the claim that their candidate is for Universal Healthcare--but it is not the truth.

Reimbursing insurance companies or subsidizing premiums for consumers is another program that benefits ONLY those who can already afford health care.

[Cheswick2.0]

13. you are correct

get the insurance companies out of the picture altogether. It won't cost more, if done right it should cost less.

[shrike]

14. Moseley-Braun will never win

All they have to do is drag out her skeletons in Illinois and she is done for.

[Padraig18]

37. Speaking as an Illinoisan...

...I'm afraid you're right.

[salin]

16. I don't get the hostility

that I read. She isn't threatening anyone. She isn't stealing precious campaign resources. She is running on principle and is has been a dignified and impressive voice in the debates. All she does is add a little bit of interest for some viewers who might otherwise tune-out. How is that bad?

Geez folks, sometimes people run to make sure voices and issues are heard. Sometimes the run is for the bigger picture rather than a belief that "I can win".

I don't hear the same snideness or nastiness singling out the other "bottom tier candidates." No offense but it does make me wonder why...

[Larkspur]

20. Braun can run all she wants, its NOW that I'm mad at

As a NOW member, I have a right to disagree with them. Endorsing Braun is a waste of time and energy on NOW's part, and NOW no longer has a right to bitch and complain when top-tier candidates bypass their convention and Prez forums.

If Braun had proved that she is a top-tier candidate before the endorsement, then I wouldn't have a problem with NOW's endorsement, but Braun's campaign was sputtering into oblivion before the endorsement.

Contrast Braun's campaign to Howard Dean's, whose campaign started with $157,000 and without major endorsements, Dean raised $7.6 in the 2nd QTR and is well on his way to duplicating or exceeding that feat. Dean is a champion campaigner. Braun is not and that is why her campaign is in the doldrums. NOW's endorsement will give her campaign a small lift, but she won't last long, especially with Clark in the race.

[salin]

25. I give you a point, but I also add a different perspective.

The point you make that is valid - is that by not endorsing Dean (or whoever becomes the front runner) NOW might be seen as less influential to that campaign. However any front runner, to ignore NOW, is to temper the energies of very needed front line activists to work for the campaign. I don't think, in the long run, NOW will be ignored due to this fact. But it is a good point.

The alternative perspective on NOWS endorsement: Women's issues are largely ignored, having a strong female candidate ensures that the issues will be given voice (by OTHER candidates - because of her presence) and not taken forgranted (as in "who else are they going to vote for). Furthermore, if she shows some lasting power - not in terms of improving tiers - but the ability to run a cheap race and stay in... thus being seen and heard as a candidate through at least part of the primaries... it makes it easier in the future for other women to run at this level. Each time, the level of marginalization decreases. That is important in the long run. Remember, even the very popular Liddy Dole - left the repub primaries LONG before the first primary vote was cast. The more women who hold high offices, the more voters are used to casting votes for women. The longer a woman can stay in the race for the highest office, the longer the next female contender will be able to stay in the next race. Combine these two factors - and they will converge - and somewhere - maybe in my lifetime, we will have a front runner who is a woman.

[gully]

17. This Dean supporter is fully in the ABB camp.

But, don't cater to anyone. Vote your heart in the primary.

[donsu]

18. I like Braun and Kucinich

they have a much larger following then the media would lead you to believe. these two would get my vote.

[Terwilliger]

23. who's that?

Some Kucinich and some Dean supporters will vote Nader if their candidates don't win.

If you're referring to me, no worries...I won't be a Democrat much longer.

There are Deanies who will vote Green? See, that's the sad aspect...they don't even realize Dean isn't that liberal

OnEdit: Good luck to Carol...we could use a woman like her, but her chances are no better than 1 in 100 for the party nomination

[captain_crunch]

24. Oh Please.......

She doesn't stand a chance in hell. Get out Now!!!!!
We need to thin the crowd

[salin]

27. Another example of hostility.

She is taking no money away from other candidates - so why would her "thinning" from the crowd assist any other candidate?

Why the hostility? Why not at the other candidates not running well? Could there be something that is unique to her....

[Terwilliger]

28. could be

but I've seen enough political proselytizing on this board to know that the politicos want the non-participants out of the way so the front-runners can get down to business

[salin]

30. but there is a certain fervor

snideness and hostility... that I don't see aimed at say... Bob Graham nor John Edwards. Both senators so maybe thats it... oh ya, she was a senator too... hmmmmmmm.......

[Terwilliger]

31. I know what you're getting at

and I agree...there's a LOT of that...BOTH "isms" at play

[Larkspur]

42. It's not the money but the time in the debates

The more Democrats debating, the less time each has to say anything meaningfull about complex issues.

If Braun wants to get her message out, start campaigning like a serious Prez contender. Just showing up at debates is not an indicator of a serious Prez contender. My candidate has to have the whole package -- campaign skills and organization, attending debates, fundraising prowess, and inspiring people to vote for him/her.

[catzies]

29. I was going to say welcome to DU, captain_crunch,

But all I can think of in response to your post is

WOMEN ARE NO LONGER A SPECIAL INTEREST GROUP.

WE ARE HALF THE POPULATION. WE DESERVE EQUAL REPRESENTATION.

If we sit around and wait for the men to let us in the game, we'll be on the sidelines FOREVER.

Have a nice day.

[Hell Hath No Fury]

40. So what if she can't win?

I want her, and as many of the other DEM candidates, in this race as long as possible. I like a variety of Democratic ideals presented, I like folks who may be able to drive debate of issues the front-runners may not be willing to touch, I like the "democratic" process.

As a Californian who long suffered having ONE Democratic candidate to vote for once our primary came along, it will be a thrill to have an actual choice come voting time.

[uptohere]

32. good for you, you have a match and are sticking to it

as am I, only with Edwards.

This shows that you have thought it through, researched your options and required consistancy on the part of your choice. Bravo !

Would that all were as conscientious.

[Fescue4u]

33. I saw they she was making an annoucement, but I assumed she was withdrawin

For some reason I thought that she had already declared her candidacy.

[uptohere]

35. ouch !

actually so did I but I thought the same thing about Edwards. I guess there's a difference between official and not official.

[TheDonkey]

34. Kerry speaks very highly on renewable energy...

that is also an issue I'm very intrested in this election. We need to stop this obsession with oil and free ourselves from it asap. I'm glad Kerry and others like Braun hold this issue so high.

Braun is a fine speaker, and courageous woman. I wish she would run for senate again, and reclaim her seat! We need more progressive minds like that in DC.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

36. Good For You.....

And to all those whose questioning his or her choice give it a break...

CMB's candidacy doesn't diminish your candidates....

[uptohere]

38. Amen, its all about choice

thank God we have it. Consider the other major party... ouch.

[diamondsoul]

39. I'm backing Kucinich, but

I think I'm going to send $50 CMB's way. She needs it, she's earned it, and I want her in the race for as long as she can stick it out. Maybe I can return the favor of a CMB backer who helped out Kucinich this month.

I saw a good part of her announcement and she came across beautifully! Strong, determined and honest, three things I support Kucinich for.

My ONE criticism of Carol is that she has a tendency to come across as too "sweet" is the best descriptor I can come up with. Her fighting edge doesn't show as much as I personally would like to see, or at least that's been my impression from the debates so far. Even so, she adds a great deal to the field and she belongs in this race as much as anyone.

Something else, I absolutely LOVE seeing a strong black woman up there speaking her mind. It's way overdue, imo. Might give to Sharpton for the same reason, he's a strong relatively successful man with amazing talent for speaking, and I tink he works hard to keep everyone honest, as does Carol.

special note- I despise mentioning race at all most of the time. It plays no part in my own decisions- however, I can't ignore the still to prevalent racism in some voting blocs. I'm glad to see two very strong voices for the African American community in this race, and I hope they stay in to the bitter end!

[Tatiana]

41. I like Carol.

She has some great ideas and I even volunteered for her first campaign for Senator. I think her best contribution to this presidential race will be to bring progressional ideas and values into the mainstream.

[gottaB]

43. Right on!

"I am uniquely qualified to do the job of president, and I offer the clearest alternative to this current administration, whose only new idea has been pre-emptive war and a huge new bureaucracy."

From CMB newsroom.

Braun's website has been getting some updates. Check it out. And keep your eyes open for some new policy briefs which she is currently reviewing. In October expect to see more detailed position papers from her.

[diamondsoul]

47. I like Carol, and meant what I said, but please ask her not

to play the conventional game. I'd be heartbroken to see her claiming credit for something she hasn't done. BTW, my $50 is on it's way.

[gottaB]

54. Who me?

I'm not sure what you mean, and anyway I've never had any communications from Carol. I suspect I'm an embarrassment to them, but I suspect that of everybody, so....

Really, you've piqued my curiousity. What are you saying?

[gottaB]

44. Decent story on All Things Considered (NPR)

You can find it on this page. Scroll Down.

[mandyky]

45. I hope CMB stays in til the end

I enjoy her input. And whoever the winner is (nomination) should start talking to her about EPA appointment or something of the sort.

[uptohere]

49. there is no reason that she can't

she is doing little actual campaigning much as with Rev Al or even Kucinich owing to their limited budgets. All she has to so is save her pennies for the debates and other full slate events.

Why not hang around ?

While she likely won't prevail, hanging around keeps her pet issues in the debate and that was really the point to begin with.

[Terwilliger]

46. kick

[Clark Can WIN]

50. Then by all means, vote for her, believe in her, contribute

That's what the primary season is supposed to be about right? Even though we all know her chances are almost infintesimal, crazier things have happened I am sure. Good luck to you and your candidate, but I hope when the primaries are over we all remember who the enemy is, and was all along.

[spooky3]

52. Another reason for her to stay in

(sorry if someone else has already said this and I overlooked it inadvertently)

...is that the more candidates, and the wider the range of positions they represent, the harder it is for the Rethugs to figure out what the target is and attack it.