Reply #7: It Backfired On Dean, Though

[iamjoy]

because all though he had lots of grass roots support, his image as a radical liberal meant many ditched him for Kerry, some one seen as more moderate and more electable.

Of course, many of us have played the "what if" game for our nominee. My husband and think that had Edwards been at the top of the ticket it would have made a difference, because few voters are really persuaded by the choice of a VP candidate. A VP candidate cannot help win an election other than by giving a sense of assurance (Dubya picking Cheney in 2000 helped because Dubya was seen as inexperienced, but he had the backing of a powerful, experienced Washington insider. His Dad probably would have won in 1988 even if he'd picked Mickey Mouse - which he darn near did).

Maybe Dean would have won by encouraging more people to vote and by not backing away from the Liberal label. I personally think Dean is too divisive, but at least he wouldn't have stood there smiling while they attacked him.