Reply #134: i used this logic

[TexasPatriot]

to try to stop both the Dean and Clark people from declaring the race over a couple weeks ago - by saying that 2/3 of the people didnt support EITHER candidate. BUT - that said, once Gore endorsed, it's very clear that Dean is a real honest to god front runner - and he should be treated as the most popular candidate at this point in the race.

That doesnt mean he'll win... or that his ability to engage dems wont hit a wall when he has to go to the supporters of all those candidates that have engaged in all the back and forth bitchslapping.

When the poll percentages had 5 candidates all within the MoE, all the 'we're on top' stuff was silly. It's not silly anymore. If people want to stop Dean, the best way is to make a better case for their own candidate.

People who dont like Dean need to be able to express themselves within our democratic caucus without being inflammatory or being considered as such. There are serious issues with all the candidates that need to be explored - and we're not at the 'get on the bandwagon' stage yet. Dean still has a very low percentage of popularity considering his front runner status - but that statement needs to be moderated.