Braun: Pumping life into improbable bid

[Tom Yossarian Joad]

http://www.suntimes.com/output/elect/cst-nws-braun26.html

HENNIKER, N.H. -- After taking on the war in Iraq, civil liberties and health care here at New England College, Carol Moseley Braun steps out from behind the podium to deliver what is clearly a favorite line.

''The final reason to vote for me is that I'm the clearest alternative to George Bush,'' she says, turning on her signature smile and opening her arms wide to drive home the point. ''I don't look like him. I don't talk like him. I don't think like him. And I certainly don't act like him.''

The crowd, an eclectic mix of backpack-laden students, health care activists and curious locals, laughs appreciatively. But a sense of restraint pervades the room, too. It's pouring rain outside, and many are just now drying off. And despite this being a presidential candidate, there is little novelty here. Braun is the sixth Democratic contender to pass through the college's Great Hall, jokingly referred to in Henniker (pop. 1,627) as ''the launching pad of presidents.''

In other words, it's a crowd you have to work for. But Braun, a longshot contender, has caught their attention.

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One helluva Democrat.